This hostel is the perfect place to stay if you're in Nara. It's located right by the train station and right at the beginning of the main street that has all of the food and shops leading to the main entrance of Nara Park. The hostel itself was everything I was looking for, the rooms were warm and cozy, the beds were soft, it had all the amenities I needed, and was very well kept and clean. In addition, there's a kitchen, a place to do laundry, and a nice common area with some tea provided by Hilo. Having said that, the best part of this Hostel was definitely Hilo himself and his lovely family, they really went above and beyond as hosts and really made me feel like I was at home. As soon I arrived for check-in, I was welcomed and was helped with my bags up to my room, later after getting settled in I came downstairs and Hilo was waiting to provide me with some tourist information and personally drew me a map with some GREAT suggestions of things to do and places to eat around Nara. Hilo has lived in Nara for many years so he knows alot of great places that you probably wouldn't be able to find online, he was a great guide and would often talk to me about my day and give me more suggestions for places to see depending on what I liked to do (for example... I like catching the sunset at the end of the day, so Hilo gave me a great place to watch the sunset and even a place to watch the sunrise). Some other things that he would do that really made me feel at home was: offering me little chocolates and snacks when I came back, he would change out my towel every day for a fresh one, he helped me out with my laundry, would offer to change my bed sheets for fresh ones...and many more things that I couldn't fit in this review.

I stayed for one night. Upon arriving at the establishment, a very friendly gentleman warmly welcomed me. We exchanged pleasantries, and he made an effort to communicate with me in English. He even asked where I was from so he could mark my city with a pin on his large wall map. The reception had a cozy, homey vibe, decorated with dozens of items inspired by Japanese pop culture – very personalized. My room was spacious and very clean, and I definitely had a comfortable night. The toilet, sink, and shower were also clean and properly equipped. Everything was on the same floor. The location was very convenient. I got off my train at Nara Station and walked just a few meters to Hilo Hostel. Likewise, I was able to visit many places in Nara on foot, starting from the hostel’s location. My time in Nara was very pleasant, and I would definitely stay at Hilo Hostel again if I ever return to this wonderful city.

The owners are extremely attentive and helpful. The atmosphere is welcoming and quiet. I slept on the last floor, so for guests carrying a big luggage, I recommend to bring a duffel bag or similar to bring your belongings upstairs. Although the owners did not hesitate for a second to bring my luggage, it was good sense to leave it on the ground floor and bringing only the items to be used (toiletry, pajamas, etc). The shared room has enough space to circulate. If you prefer to sleep in the dark, I recommend you bring the sleeping mask, as the lights remain on until the last guest sleeps. The shower is good , and you will have a nice hot water. The location is very close to the train station and to the Sanjo Dori street.

Words are not enough to thank you ! If you are staying in Nara you must go to Hilo's !!!! We stayed one night there and it truly felt like home. Hilo and his family are so friendly we received the warmest welcome there is. They welcomed us in a private room because they were no more space in the dormitory, the room was so comfy and big we got the chance to rest so nicely. They have a lot of services ! You can eat downstairs in a well equipped kitchen in a cosy space, they also sell kaki for a small price ! They have a washing machine and a dryer (thanks again my clothes were soaked by the rain !!) and you can also leave your bags after check-out to discover the city lightly (all cheap prices !!) The common rooms such as the shower and the toilets were so clean and enjoyable to use ! They also gave us some clean big towels for the shower which were so nice to have ! They gave us recommendations for where to go and advices to see the deers and beautiful temples in the park. Thank you so very much it was a pleasure to meet you !

I enjoyed my stay so much! The Japanese staff were amazing and kind and so helpful! He carried my suitcase up to the 3rd floor when I checked in and insisted on carrying it back down when I checked out. The hostel was so clean and the kitchen was equipped perfectly to cook a nice meal. I really loved staying at this hostel. Thank you to the really kind, amazing staff that made this stay really pleasant. Also a perfect location! Right in the town centre and a 30second walk to the station!

Hilo Hostel is an amazing gem located near the train station. Close to all the tourist sights, easy access from train station. Squeaky cleanhostel, owner and family are very kind and helpful in every way. Reception, kitchen and dorms are exceptionally clean. Staying in Nara you get to avoid day tripper rush and can enjoy the morning and evening quiet of the area. Price to stay is also excellent. One of my favorite places to stay.

It is a multi level hostel so if you are averse to stairs this hostel is not for you. Besides that everything is awesome. Was sorry to leave!

The hostel is quite far away from the main attraction of Nara Park but is very close to Nara Station so it is very easy to take buses or train to anywhere in the city. There is plenty of konbinis around. The 1st floor has a common space to eat and lounge around. There are washing machines and dryers on location. For the price, the room was very big and spacious. The double bed is also very comfortable. Since there is not many rooms on each floor, there is enough showers and toilets for everyone.

The area is lively but not much interesting other than to be as a base for your trips in the surrounding areas.

Got double room for one night, bunk bed in females room for two. Super clean and sufficient facilities. Perfect location that is within walking distance of both JR and Kinte. Staff were friendly and professional, very helpful with everything I may need. Thank you! Really appreciate it. Roommates I stayed with were super polite and quiet, too.

Run into super gross toilet seat one time and I cleaned it myself. But I’d say that’s the problem of sharing with the facility with the others. The staff is not physically possible to do the cleaning once it’s used.

Free hot water compress rental. Friendly staff who try their best to help and offer advice. Quiet hostel. Dorm room is pretty spacious and you can open up your suitcase without blocking others from coming and going.

Towel fee was confusing. Not sure if it was included or not because it was already on my bed. Mattres was 1.5 inches thick. Not too bad once lying down but not comfy to sit on. Lots of rules: restrictions on when you can use the showers, washing machines, hairdryers. First floor bathroom smelled a little funky.

Hiro and his wife were lovely hosts, they didn't speak much English but enabled me to practice some basic Japanese. They tried their best to communicate and gave great suggestions on places to visit and eat. I met some amazing people at this hostel, it was very cozy and hole like. It's also close to both JR and Kintetsu rail stations which is great with a heavy backpack and has convenience shops that open until late nearby.

The bed was quite hard but that has been the same in all hostels I've been in japan.