Its too far from the city and transportation at evening is limited

It was very traditional and great value

Stayed in August 2025

As it's old house, no aircon/heating.

Good location, parking available, kitchen and utensils available. Clean shower and toilet, curtains around bunk beds. Old traditional house that's been converted which us very interesting to experience.

Stayed in July 2025

A bit far the main city.

Host was very helpful, even spoke in hindi :) Helped suggest places to cover near by.

Stayed in July 2025

A great experience with the 110 years old house and nice backyard, the swing too. If you want to explore the birds forest, what fall, or the Geo park, it’s perfect to stay at Koya.

Stayed in June 2025

It is somewhat far from the center, but if you know what the last busses are in the area it should definitely not be a problem.

Beautiful house, very kind host and nice area. Got some nice recommendations and the host does his best to make you feel at home, safe and be able to do what you’re looking for. The house is very traditional styled, had beautiful light coming in in the morning.

Stayed in May 2025

Nothing. Maybe additional curtain for the bed in mixed dorm would make it even better but it wasn't really an issue for me.

It is located in very "Karuizawa" kind of nice area with woods, bird singing and Onsen. They offer dinner/breakfast option if you wish or you can also walk 10-15mins to Hoshino area where you can find several places to eat / shop / Onsen (open for public with fee). The property itself was traditional style yet it was kept neat and cozy. I could see that the owner cares the details about the property as well as our comfortable stay.

Stayed in April 2025

Really welcoming home and host. Nice location to directly go for a hike in the morning.

Stayed in November 2024

That I couldn’t stay longer…

I really like the area where the house is located, which is in the middle of the woods, with an amazing sunlight exposition, a nice back yard, and a very typical internal design. Everything inside of the hostel is very well organized and clean, and the hoster, as well as the staff, are all extremely kind and helpful. It is also a good place to meet nice people from all the world, so all that made me feel at home, and I truly loved and cherish all the experiences I did there. 🙏

Stayed in November 2024

Nothing it was fantastic

The owner was extremely helpful and even offered me a lift towards my next destination. It is slightly out of the way but perfect for visiting the local onsen. Extremely comfortable room.

Stayed in October 2024

Nothing, really..

I had the most fun time here!

Stayed in September 2024

a very lovely place! will go again and stay longer：）

Stayed in August 2024

NA

Amazing location in a secluded woodland area on the outskirts of Karuizawa. The property is 110 years old and built in traditional Japanese style so a beautiful place to stay.

Stayed in August 2024

There should be an air cleaning machine in the living place.

The food is very delicious and the wine there is tasting nice at the same time. The host can speak english fluently so that you can talk with him and other tourists happily in the night.

Stayed in August 2024

This place is perfect for a few days getaway in the mountains! Really lovely hosts (Yusuke and his wife) and beautifully done up building. Yusuke gave great itinerary suggestions and safety and transport tips, and hosted an epic bonfire for the guests too. Nice communal feel, well maintained and clean facilities. On-site restaurant as well with delicious food makes it easy to sort out dinner plans! Arigatō gozaimasu!

Stayed in August 2024

Nothing

I got the best recommendations and a lovely conversation with the owner of the house! I also enjoyed talking with some guests. Everyone is friendly, the vibes are nice, and the house itself is very cute. It's surrounded by nature and big windows to enjoy it, the house is also 110 years old and very comfortable to sit in the morning.

Stayed in June 2024

The best place in Karuizawa. Yusuke-san is such a welcoming and caring host. His Guesthouse has a nice garden and located near good onsens. I want to get back there already

Stayed in May 2024

It was very comfortable and the host was very helpful, forthcoming and friendly.

Stayed in May 2024

Everything was great.

Everything was wonderful about Koya Backpackers. 1) Our host Yusuke was very hospitable and welcoming. We enjoyed talking with him in the communal room. He gave us a lot of good information about the surrounding area. 2)The location in a forest near Hoshino is beautiful and very relaxing. Nearby you have three great onsen. We liked the Tonbo no Yu (トンボのゆう) best. On our second day we walked through the Wild Bird Sanctuary (野鳥の森). We plan to come back so that we explore the hiking trails. 3) The Koya Backpackers building itself is beautiful and atmospheric. It's a Taisho-period wooden house with beautiful woodwork and windows (see photos below). 4) The breakfast was delicious and nutritious (see photo). It was great value.

Stayed in May 2024

Nothing

I have been to Japan many times but this is the first time we experienced staying in a traditional Japanese house. It was awesome, everything is great from the facilities to the host!

Stayed in October 2023

Nothing.

Everything about this place was great. The owner is so nice, so helpful, very funny and outgoing. We had lovely chats with him! Also he helped us a lot with planning our hikes and our transport. The breakfast and dinner provided were great, very healthy and fresh. The dorm room was super comfortable and cozy. The hostel is surrounded by trees and waking up there is one of the best experiences we had in Japan! Would 100% come back when visiting Japan again!

Stayed in October 2023

The host is wonderful! I highly recommend the place.

Stayed in October 2023

The owner was really nice and gave us a lot of recommendations for upcoming trips in Japan. The room was pretty. The onsen (Hoshino Onsen Tonbo-no-yu) nearby is really nice, would recommend.

Stayed in October 2023

The weather, but that wasn’t an option to change.

I had a little trouble, yet the staff helped and I had a great time.

Stayed in October 2023

It's located far away from the station. Although this can be great if you're looking for a quiet spot, it's also inconvenient if you're looking to go to Shiraito waterfalls and hike the surrounding area as all buses start from the station.

Great place to explore Kariuzawa area. The hostel is cozy and a bus ride away from the train station on the outer bounds of town and surrounded by the forest. Great if you want to be away from all the noise, and wake up surrounded by green. There's a few onsen nearby, very convenient for after a full day of hiking. The staff/owner was incredibly friendly and he spent a good hour helping me create my itinerary for the day, suggesting hikes and times so that I do not miss the last bus back to town. Beds are comfortable and the place is kept clean.

Stayed in September 2023