HI - Kusatsu - Kusatsu-kogen YH Hostel

HI - Kusatsu - Kusatsu-kogen YH Hostel seems to be a converted school that was never really finished in terms of painting the bare concrete walls. In the three-story building with hallways and large rooms and a cafeteria-style dining area, you definitely feel as though you're back in elementary school -- especially if there are twenty or thirty students staying at the same time.

The Location

The hostel is located on the outskirts of town conveniently near the ski lifts with a five-minute walk through the forest to the Kusatsu International Snow and Spa Resort and almost surrounded by forest. For people with mobility difficulties, the walk uphill from the town to the YH is a little difficult. Taxi seems to be the only option for getting to the YH or if you have your own car there is a large carpark.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The rooms are the typical tatami mat-style of a large size, fitting numerous futons on the floor. Apart from the bedding there is little else in the room. There are private tatami rooms with a cupboard, sink, table, and TV. Considering the town is famous for its onsens (hot springs) -- most guests will shower at one of the numerous free public onsens or the privately run onsens that have outside baths set in beautiful scenery. The YH offers discounts to a number of these.

Common Spaces

The dining area is cafeteria-style with very basic food and self-service tea and water. There are no facilities to cook for yourself except a toaster oven and hot water. There is a slightly cosier common area with more dining tables and chairs with brochures, magazines, comics, books, and local information -- however, it is mostly in Japanese. There is a large dry room and storage space for winter sports gear also. With the cold concrete and tile interior of the building and the spaciousness of the place it is neither a party atmosphere nor a relaxed one. If there are many children it can be quite noisy. Rules are quite strict with rooms to be vacated from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. even if private.

Summary

Don't expect much from this YH in terms of quality, "Japan" experience, or convenience of location (unless you're planning on skiing/snowboarding everyday).

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review