I glumly posted some time ago about giving up on Youth Hostel accommodation. I felt more and more uncomfortable as a single 50+ traveler, appearing as if my T-shirt slogan was “Uncle Tony the chaperone”. Small rooms, too many hip young things, too much talk of sustainable tourism. And I am not in to cooking my own food on holiday, or living on cups of noodles.
where did I leave my shoes? K’s House Hiroshima
With 3 more trips under my belt to Japan, I think I was a bit harsh on myself. This is what I posted last time – uninspiring.
But I and my fellow travelers have since experienced great comfortable and social youth hostels that welcome old folks like us. Sure, squeezing 3 big Australian boys into a room about the size of a phone box can be a slight challenge. And sleeping upright is supposed to be good for you.
K’s House Ito Onsen
But this is well made up for by being able to sit in the common areas sharing stories with fellow weary travelers, chowing down on sushi bought from the basement food hall of the nearest department store, and sipping on those all too convenient vending machine beers.
Have have to say a few good words about the K’s House group of hostels, having now stayed at Kuramae (Tokyo), Ito, Kyoto and Hiroshima. Well located, extremely popular, friendly staff. And as you can see, the hostel at Ito Onsen is something special, and only 2 hours from Tokyo.
Having a ball in Japan 
Hey Tony, I’m 31 and even I feel like I’m too old in some of the places I’ve backpacked around in SE Asia! I found Japanese accommodation to be spotless, comfortable and most of all, even the ‘youth’ hostels were not the typical thing we know as youth hostels in other parts of the world.
LikeLike
What a lovely place!
It’s been a while I posted on your blog. So sorry for my absence!
I wanted to let you know my blog had changed url to http://nynyonline.co.uk and if you plan to follow it still, click the follow button on the bottom right π I have two articles for you to look at when you have the time.
LikeLike
That hostel looks so nice and clean! It looks more like a ryokan than what I imagine when I think of a hostel. Great idea because hotels can get quite expensive in Japan!
LikeLike
Our high Australian dollar has made travel to Japan cheaper in recent times.
The Japan ‘business hotel’ is roughly $A70. A similar type of hotel here in Australia would cost $130 a night.
One reason why Australians travel overseas a lot!
LikeLike
Oh wow! And here I was thinking that Japan was expensive… I’ll have to wait a bit to travel to Australia! π
LikeLike
funny! I feel a bit the same sometimes and I’m not even in my 50s.. I miss the old Uno House where people used to talk and go to all night karaoke, now people have their heads in their iphone and don’t talk or talk to friends at home which makes me wonder why they’re even traveling. I tried Khaosan Kyoto the location was perfect but sharing a room with 2 21 y old Australian blokes who left the AC on 17Β° (I’m in Celsius) all day long even when they were out was hard.
LikeLike
“Why they are even traveling” Same thought from me. Especially when the whinge is “nothing is in English”
doh
LikeLike
HAHA with French people it’s more about food “where are toasts and coffee?” when there is a full Chinese buffet.
LikeLike
LOL… “those vending machine beers”! How I miss those. I helped myself quite often…and I was 18. π
LikeLike
I was tempted to include a picture of the pile of Asahi cans on the common room table. But I did not want to be a poor example to my kids!
LikeLike
What a thoughtful adult you are, sir! LOL. BTW, Kirin, dude. π
LikeLike