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ZEN Hostel

2.0 star property
Hostel with free parking, a short walk to Shiga Kogen Ski Area

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View from property
Basic Quadruple Room, Japanese Futon | Free WiFi, bed sheets
Front of property
Reception

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi
  • Parking included

Explore the area

Map
3031 Hirao, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano, Yamanouchi, 3840401
  • Yudanaka Hot Spring
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Shibu
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Jigokudani Monkey Park
    ‪15 min drive‬

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Room options

View all photos for Basic Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

Basic Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Basic Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

  • 22 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Basic Suite, Japanese Futon

Basic Suite, Japanese Futon | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Basic Suite, Japanese Futon

  • 430 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Twin Futon

View all photos for Basic Twin Room, Japanese Futon

Basic Twin Room, Japanese Futon | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Basic Twin Room, Japanese Futon

  • 107 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Twin Futon

View all photos for Basic Quadruple Room, Japanese Futon

Basic Quadruple Room, Japanese Futon | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Basic Quadruple Room, Japanese Futon

  • 215 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Twin Futon

View all photos for Basic Triple Room, Japanese Futon

Basic Triple Room, Japanese Futon | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Basic Triple Room, Japanese Futon

  • 129 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Futon

About the neighborhood

Yamanouchi

Yudanaka Hot Spring is within a 5-minute walk of ZEN Hostel while other popular sites like Shiga Kogen Ski Area are within a 15-minute stroll. This 5-room hostel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi, free self parking, and laundry facilities.
View more Hostels in YamanouchiOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Yudanaka Hot Spring - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Shibu - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Shiga Kogen Ski Area - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Maruike Ski Area - 8 min drive - 5.5 miles
  • Jigokudani Monkey Park - 15 min drive - 3.9 miles

Getting around

  • Yudanaka Station - 4 min walk
  • Iiyama Station - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪関英ドライブイン - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪HAKKO - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪串道楽 - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪福十拉 - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪関谷醸造場 - ‬5 min walk

About this property

ZEN Hostel

Hostel with free parking, a short walk to Shiga Kogen Ski Area
ZEN Hostel features free WiFi in public areas, microwave in a common area, and refrigerator in a common area. Free parking is included with your stay. The front desk has multilingual staff that can answer questions about the accommodations, services, and more. Additional amenities include laundry facilities and a garden.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi. Bathrooms are shared; housekeeping is not available.

Languages

English, Japanese

Similar properties

Public bath

Uotoshi Ryokan

  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 45 reviews
$72 nightly
The price is $81
Aug 7 - Aug 8
All taxes and fees included in total
Uotoshi Ryokan

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite parking

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Separate bedroom

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator

Guest services

  • Multilingual staff
  • No housekeeping service

Outdoors

  • Garden

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Shared bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 3 PM - 10 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards
  • Check-in: 3 PM—-10 PM
  • Check-out: 10 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • As required by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, all international visitors must submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels, etc. ). Also, it's required that lodging proprietors photocopy the passports of all registering guests and keep the photocopy on file.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

ZEN Hostel Yamanouchi
ZEN Yamanouchi
ZEN Hostel Yamanouchi
ZEN Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
ZEN Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Yamanouchi

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at ZEN Hostel?

ZEN Hostel provides free cancellation on certain room rates. For additional details, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What is there to do within easy reach of ZEN Hostel?

This hostel is located in Yamanouchi, just steps from Yudanaka Hot Spring, and within a 10-minute walk of Shiga Kogen Ski Area and Shibu. You'll also find Nishimiya Shrine and Baio-ji Temple less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at ZEN Hostel?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hostel.

Does ZEN Hostel have a casino on the premises?

No, ZEN Hostel doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at ZEN Hostel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hostel.

Does ZEN Hostel have a hot tub?

No, this hostel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does ZEN Hostel have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

No, ZEN Hostel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will ZEN Hostel allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at ZEN Hostel.

Does ZEN Hostel have connecting rooms?

No, this hostel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at ZEN Hostel?

No, there aren't any rooms with balconies at ZEN Hostel.

ZEN Hostel Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 48 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 16 out of 48 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 48 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 48 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 48 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very chill, run by nice people
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020

8/10 Good

Fook Wai

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Lorena

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Enjoyed our stay at Zen hostel. The staff was attentive and helpful in planning activities.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019

8/10 Good

Jon

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Nice on a budget

Cheap, clean, friendly staff, lots of trust, good breakfast
Stayed 1 night in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

luis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great value and attention to details from the hist

It was a great stay! Everything that you could need was provided! Very friendly environment both the staff and the guest! Special Kudos to Maya who manages the hostel very professionally and welcoming. She provided very useful information as well as the gentleman that was also there!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

holly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great place to stay in Yamanouchi!

Zen Hostel is in a neat, old, traditional Japanese building. The lounge overlooks a pretty Japanese garden which can be viewed through the giant windows making it seem like you are outside. The walls throughout the hostel are adorned with nice photos from around the world. The floor in my private room was covered by beautiful tatami mats on which a futon is placed for sleeping. The futon was a little thin for sleeping on my side (boney hips) but was otherwise comfortable. Everything is clean. The heaters provided kept the room as toasty as I needed but the common spaces are pretty cold so bring warm jammies in the winter for the trip to the restroom. I don't consider this a negative for this hostel as I found it is normal for there to be cold common spaces in places in the low budget range (I wouldn't know about the fancy hotels in Japan). The staff were super nice and speak English. The breakfast options were yummy and reasonable at 600 yen. The dinner menu is limited but my curry was good. The location is perfect, just 5 minutes walk to the bus and train station and close to all restaurants. I definitely recommend this place!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019

8/10 Good

Nelson, Kuala Lumpur

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean hotel, but wifi is slow and too far from metro or JR station
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Amazing, non expensive and clean place.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service

Not bad but expensive for what you get

We stayed at a "private" twin room and once our door was opened by someone while we were away, and another time while we were still inside someone came into our room even though it was locked! It was a mistake but I couldn't recommend the private room if you are concerned about someone entering the room. Furthermore my girlfriend didn't think the room was that clean, personally I thought it was average. Service was nice and it's not far from station. However this area doesn't have many stores or restaurants that are open. I chose to come here because my girlfriend lives close by, but hotels in Nagano city are much cheaper and cleaner if you book in advance. Unfortunately my girlfriend was a bit picky and didn't want to travel to Nagano so I ended up paying more money for less. If you have the choice, stay at a hotel in Nagano city or choose this if you want to be close by some specific tourist attraction.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

ANDY, Tokyo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
個室に泊まりましたが、旅館のような部屋に泊まることができくつろげました。 また、近くの有名温泉旅館と提携していて、追加料金で温泉に入れる仕組みがあり、助かりました。
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2018

8/10 Good

adam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Town stay for snow monkey trip

Convenient for snow monkeys and nice nearby onsen. Employees very kind made nice breakfast and drove us to the station

6/10 Okay

ren

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Beware, this is NOT in Shibu Onsen town!

We chose this hostel by mistake. We thought it was in Shibu Onsen since this what we searched for when booking. Our fault!! We were disappointed to learn this place is in neighboring village and can not provide key to the 9 public onsens in Shibu Onsen. The owner didn’t bother explaining where we got it wrong. He pretended he doesn’t know what we are talking about and offered to sell us entry to an Onsen nearby his place where he has a deal. What is the problem helping us understand the situation? This is not the friendliness and hospitality we got accustomed to traveling around Japan. The hostel itself is ok, very basic and abit unhygienic in Japanese standards. It is quite cheap so you get descent value for money.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Friendly English speaking staff, good breakfast, private showers, comfy bedding and good location handy for the snow monkeys.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2017

10/10 Excellent

CC, Sydney

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice Hostel close to the mountains, friendly staff

Out family of 6 stayed in the self contained suite that had our own toilet and bathroom very comfortably.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Modern comfortable

Our party of 5 stayed in a private room with shared bathroom. The traditional tatami room is nice and the staff are great. They serve good choices of breakfast at their lounge area for a fraction on price. Had their fresh fruit smoothies, matcha latte and roll cakes in the afternoon and they are delicious. Totally recommend this place to all travelers.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Modern meets Japanese simplicity

Great value for a private room which was warm and spacious. It was surprisingly quiet considering the paper walls and doors. The common areas seemed new, modern, and clean. The shared bathroom was clean and the shower booths were great, very private. One of very few places without its own onsen or yukatas but you still get some traditional features like the garden off the lounge area and Japanese style rooms with tatami and futons (Japanese floor mattress). The cafe had good prices for drinks but a limited menu. Breakfast was good but expensive. No amenities in the room, not even tissue. You need to rent towels and bring your bedding down to the laundry bins but it was well worth it to save on the cost.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness

Weekend Adventure

It was a wonderful stay. Coming from a warm environment, the cold rooms were a challenge. The heat in the rooms is kerosene. The heater runs for 3 hours and then beeps, and shuts off. So, if you are a light sleeper, this could be a problem. The showers are located on a separate floor-not with the toilets and it is co-ed, with private shower stalls. The shower area was not heated. With an outside temp of 24 F it was quite cool in the showers. Overall we had a delightful adventurous time, but it does take some grit to keep the smile on. The staff were amazing, helpful, funny and kind. Also most importantly...they speak English :).

10/10 Excellent

Yin Ping

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Helpful and budget

We almost couldn't go there when the local train has stopped because of heavy snow. I called them and got a pick up from them as a service, I saw people taking taxi into the town and it must cost a fortune. So they are willing to help on contingency. The paid access to a nearby hotel's onsen is quite good, in a good timing we were in public bath with nobody else. If you go to nearby ski resort(Ryoo for my case), ask for coupon as the discount is really good compare to the original walk in price.

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Freezing but nice staffs

•Freezing almost everywhere •Hot water stopped in the middle of shower •Coffee was terrible... we ordered 2 and the 2nd one was like brown hot water. We didn't mind if they were free but actually paid ¥350 each •The staffs are nice and friendly

10/10 Excellent

NANCY, US

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent stay-close to Snow Monkeys

The Zen hostel is very close to the Yudanka train station and takes no more than 5 minutes to get to. The hostel is very well laid out and decorated. Our room was clean and provided just what we needed- - place to sleep. The facilities ( bathroom and showers)are very clean. The buikding itself is very historical- but has been updated to be quite modern. Each room has its own heaters. Food served here is quite delicious. The owner was kind enough to give us a lift up to the snow monkeys- which is a huge plus. Just make sure you know your way back down or can catch a taxi cab. Enjoyed our stay very much and would most certainly return!!!

10/10 Excellent

Hon Nam

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Super friendly host.

It is a very new hostel. Bright, comfortable, modern. Owner has tastefully decorated the hostel. He speaks good English, friendly and helpful. Price is very reasonable. Best hostel that I have stayed so far.

8/10 Good

YUKAKO

Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

DAISUKE

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019

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