Wonderful stay in Takayama! The hostel was clean, comfortable, and much nicer than I expected. Our room was spacious and had all the essentials for a great stay. The location was perfect, just a short walk to the morning market and surrounded by plenty of local food spots. I only wish we had more time to spend here, as one or two extra nights would have made it even better.

Stayed in July 2025

Maybe lack of toilets and bigger sink in 1st floor.

There was a festival going on and on the streets in front of the hostel were stands and lots of happening. Bus station was on foot. Our room was spacious with great views.

Stayed in August 2025

I think the vibe could be a bit better. When I walked in the volunteer staff just ignored me and I think it would have been helpful if they directed me to the check-in place and were a bit friendlier.

It was interesting to experience the electronic check-in without an in-person staff member. When I walked in I was greeted by someone on the the screen and they went through the check-in process with me. It's in a great location and the property was a traditional/home or building and the upstairs still has that feel. I like that they were able to do that. Luckily, I was alone in my room and they didn't book anyone with me so that was nice. There was space to sit and just relax in the room. The bathrooms were clean. Toilets were available. They kept the Japanese tradition with the slippers and cleanliness which I appreciate. It was close the market, the historic area, and temples. Great location. Staff was also quite friendly and helpful. I was able to get my luggage transfer arranged for the next city with them.

Stayed in June 2025

Unlike a lot of reviews, the hybrid self/video call check in didn’t bother us, but after that it was hard to know who at the hostel was volunteering/working for them. There were often people around who we assumed to be associated to the hostel but they could have easily been guests too? It would be great if they were wearing a lanyard or something that identified them as being staff that we could ask questions, rather than having to video call back to the central office. Some of the decor was a little run-down, like holes in the door and wall of our room.

Was easy to find and in an excellent location. Was one of the cleanest hostels I’ve stayed in - the showers and toilets were always spotless. We had the single bed and futon room and it was bigger and comfier than expected. They also helped us send our luggage to our next hotel which was great.

Stayed in June 2025

One night, some of the guests were noisy and obnoxious late at night, and because the staff are not actually on-site, there's more pressure on you as a guest. I prefer to have at least one staff on-site at all times. It feels safer and more friendly. Usually people are respectful, but it's a hostel, so you can't be certain. To be fair, the staff were very friendly when we talked to them on the video intercom, but I think it's a big loss to have no one physically present.

For our five person family, this was a great stay. The room had a great view, we had plenty of room for everyone, and the location was exactly what we wanted. The parking right next door was very convenient since we came by car. Staying in a renovated old Japanese house is always cool. And it was nice to have the kitchen available for our own food.

Stayed in June 2025

Check-in was online/through video call. It works, but feels a bit weird. The common room was fine but not very cozy.

The room was incredible. Really authentic with an awesome view. Also clean and comfortable.

Stayed in March 2025

No physical reception, makes that not everyone is keeping to the rules. (not taking off the shoes for example) There was no big towel provided to dry yourself after showed.

Great stay, the room with the bunk bed was actually really comfy. The location is perfectly close to all the attractions. The shower was really nice, and all the amenities were clean. A nice common area with some little snacks for free. And the opportunity to participate in events in the other locations run by Murasaki.

Stayed in May 2025

Room was a bit too small for two people

Location and the room view

Stayed in May 2025

nothing.

The property is very well-maintained and exceptionally clean. The furnishings are of good quality. The house may not be the largest, but it is very well-organized. It’s ideal for four people, but there is also an additional futon available. The living room is beautiful, with a view of a small, landscaped garden. The upper floor is a bit narrow, but perfect for a short stay. The location is also excellent—just a few minutes from the tourist district, yet still peaceful. This was one of the best accommodations during my trip to Japan.

Stayed in April 2025

It was all great!

Excellent location, right in the middle of everything! Great communication with the staff (although the initial communication over video call is a little jarring). Good facilities with tea and coffee and free use of washer/dryer if stay is longer than one day. Very clean and 100% reccommend. Comfy rooms with Tatami.

Stayed in April 2025

It's a quiet neighborhood so everything closes super early. Not that this is the hostel's fault but it was a bit difficult to find somewhere to have dinner after 9pm.

It's a really old building so it has that asian houses vibe. Location was also perfect but only during the day. Super clean, quiet and pleasant. Staff was super helpful.

Stayed in March 2025

There is nothing I don't like.

Located in a walkable area, quiet and clean.

Stayed in March 2025

There were some difficult points of hostel. Like the old type of hostel it calls dadami was so cold that we couldn't endure the cold without heat mat. The gas heat smelled worse that we didn't use that.

The location is incomparable with other, because I want to go morning market at 9am. It was so close that it took just 3mins.

Stayed in February 2025

Incredible location! The property was so warm and cosy too. Would highly recommend.

Stayed in February 2025

The entrance of the hotel might be a little difficult to find.

I enjoyed the view of Miyagawa River from the window of room.

Stayed in November 2024

Accessibility

Stayed in January 2025

sound of ppl in other room, thin wall but its ok i undersood that is sharing hotel.

Location.where is in center not far from morning market.

Stayed in December 2024

Paper walls (as expected in machiya tea house) but also large gaps between the walls so there really is no soundproofing. A loud child was in the room next to us - take earplugs!! But the hostel did warn of this so fair enough.

Nice riverside setting, right near the morning market and main area. 10mins walk from train/bus station. Good value.

Stayed in November 2024

The rooms had a bad smell to them as did the bath towels. Walls are paper thin (as to be expected) and we could hear a gentleman snoring throughout the night next door. We thought it was pretty funny but something to keep in mind.

It was clean and the beds were very comfortable. Great location. Just over 1km to train and bus stop, I think.

Stayed in December 2024

Every room is located on the 2nd floor, and the showers are on the ground floor which makes it a bit uncomfortable. In the room where we stayed,there were no hangers, table, sofa or even shelves so we needed to put everything on the ground.

The location, the toster in the kitchen, discount to onsen, friendly staff

Stayed in November 2024

The male staff member seemed uninterested in his work and more concerned about his work on the laptop. He mentioned he was new, but no sense of hospitality whatsoever.

The location was convenient.

Stayed in October 2024

Our room was smelly and very noisy. Even with earplugs it was impossible to sleep as we heard every movement on the stairs that were next to our door.

Stayed in October 2024

Great staff, friendly fellow travellers, good facilities, clean and good value

Stayed in October 2024

Cleaning of common showers could be improved

Location, Tatami room and futon bed were very comfortable Good heating

Stayed in October 2024