Thanks for a great weekend! We really enjoyed our accommodations, and Scout is a great cook!
We can't wait to come back again so you can have fun putting up with our shenanigans. ;p
Don't forget about the mints. :)
We can't wait to come back again so you can have fun putting up with our shenanigans. ;p
Don't forget about the mints. :)
In one word an awesome experience .... ,!! The owner Scout is an extremely helpful, caring and informed host. The location is just fantastic - the guest house overlooks a stream(u can hear the gurgle at night quite distinctly and it doesn't disturb your sleep). Though I couldn't swim due to lack of time, theres tube , glasses and some kind of snorkel tube(atleast thats what I think I saw) available for use. Breakfast was again awesome(the pancakes specially). Theres a restaurant nearby which is run by a v old and friendly Jap gentleman, but he has his own opening and closing timings so you must check with Scout if you wish to eat there. Scout offers free pick up and drop to the nearby station, so in all everything taken care of. I didn't get to try Scout's pizza (coz Scout joined me for dinner at the old man's inn) but i guess its left for my next visit to Nikko. thanks Scout.
Hi guys.Thanks for the lovely website. I have a question. My partner and I are going to visit Japan on August 2013 and from the comments on guestbook, I will definetely will be staying at your hotel.
Its been almost a year since we stayed at Zen Hostel. It was right in the middle of a 3 month trip and we planned it as a break away from the typical tourist stuff. We enjoyed our stay so much, the kind hospitality that Scout so ablely provides, the FOOD, the location, the incredible walks. Well done Scout, you raise the bar of what a host should provide and set a new standard of excellence. PS its fun to lurk and see how things are going with you! Cheers
Hi
Have you ever been to a really uniquely built home, where you just keep exploring and discovering nifty new things, and being there makes you feel like a giddy kid or maybe one of the Goonies? That's what Scout's place and the surrounding area is like. There's a shower with giant windows that faces the river, and the privacy rooms are converted train cars! Outside, we climbed on the rocks in the river, and went for a walk along the road, where we followed this other, clearly long-gone road that led straight up the mountain, beyond where it was reduced to giant chunks of pavement with big crags between them. The hostel itself is so quirky and nifty, and Scout is so much fun to spend time with. It was all so much like something out of a book that I will forever associate the words, "Nikko," and, "magic."
As for the accomodating nature of Scout, it rivals no one I have ever met. We had wonderful food and amazing experiences in the company of our very welcoming host. Having worked front desk at the oldest hotel at the Grand Canyon, I must say that I would price the value of this stay at four times what we actually paid. If you're on the fence about whether or not you want to give this place a shot, trust me: you should go for it. You will remember it forever.
As for the accomodating nature of Scout, it rivals no one I have ever met. We had wonderful food and amazing experiences in the company of our very welcoming host. Having worked front desk at the oldest hotel at the Grand Canyon, I must say that I would price the value of this stay at four times what we actually paid. If you're on the fence about whether or not you want to give this place a shot, trust me: you should go for it. You will remember it forever.
Now is the time to visit Nikko World Heritage site. With tourism down generally across Japan, we did not encounter the expected queues anywhere on this trip.
Scout runs an unusual hostel. Originally built as an Onsen (hot springs spa) for Japanese visitors it is now a spacious and airy hostel in a quiet mountain valley.
He collects guests at local stations and delivers you next morning to the major tourist venues.
He has a fund of local knowledge and advice to offer - just ask!
And he cooks a great breakfast..
Scout runs an unusual hostel. Originally built as an Onsen (hot springs spa) for Japanese visitors it is now a spacious and airy hostel in a quiet mountain valley.
He collects guests at local stations and delivers you next morning to the major tourist venues.
He has a fund of local knowledge and advice to offer - just ask!
And he cooks a great breakfast..
The accommodation was clean and rooms spacious. The quiet location by a lovely river. The host was friendly and helpful (and cooked a lovely breakfast).
The lack of other guests due to cancellations after the earthquake/tsunami and fear of Fukushima up north did make it a bit too quiet, but there were no tourists in the entire region while I was there.
This hostel would be excellent in summer when booked out, as the outdoor bar area and river would make for a great atmosphere.
The lack of other guests due to cancellations after the earthquake/tsunami and fear of Fukushima up north did make it a bit too quiet, but there were no tourists in the entire region while I was there.
This hostel would be excellent in summer when booked out, as the outdoor bar area and river would make for a great atmosphere.
Thanks for everything, Scout! Pity we didn’t get to try your pizza but other than that it was every bit as great as the reviews made it out to be! All the best with running the hostel.
Not only Nikko is a paradise of its own, Zen hostel perfects the experience with unsurpassed hospitality and serenity. Zen hostel is located in remote area from the station. Scout, the owner, came to the station to pick us up and even kindly shared his herbal tea in a thermos with us!.
We were set up in a cute little cabin next to the creek, it was a bit cold but the Japanese tatami room was cozy. The hostel was an old bath house converted with characters. At night, we hung out in the lounge with our feet tucked under a very cozy warm Kotatsu futon. The lounge is also equipped with couple of guitars.
Reading in the morning, next to the creek, is so serene that eases all pain and reminds us why we came all the way to Nikko. After enjoying Scout’s delicious breakfast, he drove us through some of the nicest scenery to drop us off a bus stop so we can move on with our day-hike.
The hospitality was unparalleled, Scout made sure we felt at home. Zen hostel makes you forget your worries. Highly recommended if you want to find a place to get away from the city life and experience Japanese country life.
We were set up in a cute little cabin next to the creek, it was a bit cold but the Japanese tatami room was cozy. The hostel was an old bath house converted with characters. At night, we hung out in the lounge with our feet tucked under a very cozy warm Kotatsu futon. The lounge is also equipped with couple of guitars.
Reading in the morning, next to the creek, is so serene that eases all pain and reminds us why we came all the way to Nikko. After enjoying Scout’s delicious breakfast, he drove us through some of the nicest scenery to drop us off a bus stop so we can move on with our day-hike.
The hospitality was unparalleled, Scout made sure we felt at home. Zen hostel makes you forget your worries. Highly recommended if you want to find a place to get away from the city life and experience Japanese country life.
Very nice stay!
Really a great hostel. The owner is very friendly. It’s a bit far from tourist Nikko, but it’s well organised for transportation with the train and a free shuttle.
This is really a great place to relax after crazy Tokyo: the river, the sky, the trees.
I had a great time there, thanks a lot! I’d come back anytime.
This is really a great place to relax after crazy Tokyo: the river, the sky, the trees.
I had a great time there, thanks a lot! I’d come back anytime.
I’ve stayed at 9 hostels so far in Japan, and Zen Hostel is easily my favourite!!
The hostel itself is massive and really homely. It still echoes of the former ryokan it used to be, with sliding doors, tamati mats and futons. The shower room is stunning as it incorporates natural rock features from the surrounding terrain and has a view over the river. Its location is superbly secluded and right next to the beautiful mountain river.
Perfect for hikers, bikers, walkers, artists, nature lovers and anyone in need of a peaceful break from the bright lights and hustle of Tokyo! Scout runs the hostel and is totally chilled out, friendly and couldn’t be any more helpful.
The homemade breakfasts were great, perfect start to a day in the mountains. I hired a bike from scout and cycled the steep ascent to Chezunji lake, explored the waterfalls and surrounding areas then made the descent back down avoiding the wild monkeys that were dotted along the road, waiting to cross! I then cycled to the world heritage site and back to the hostel via the wooded mountain roads.
A thoroughly enjoyable day followed by an equally awesome pizza, homemade by scout. The section of river behind the hostel is beautifully calm, shallow and crystal clear - perfect for pool parties! I would love to go back in the summer and take one of the inflatable rubber rings out! Bliss.
The hostel itself is massive and really homely. It still echoes of the former ryokan it used to be, with sliding doors, tamati mats and futons. The shower room is stunning as it incorporates natural rock features from the surrounding terrain and has a view over the river. Its location is superbly secluded and right next to the beautiful mountain river.
Perfect for hikers, bikers, walkers, artists, nature lovers and anyone in need of a peaceful break from the bright lights and hustle of Tokyo! Scout runs the hostel and is totally chilled out, friendly and couldn’t be any more helpful.
The homemade breakfasts were great, perfect start to a day in the mountains. I hired a bike from scout and cycled the steep ascent to Chezunji lake, explored the waterfalls and surrounding areas then made the descent back down avoiding the wild monkeys that were dotted along the road, waiting to cross! I then cycled to the world heritage site and back to the hostel via the wooded mountain roads.
A thoroughly enjoyable day followed by an equally awesome pizza, homemade by scout. The section of river behind the hostel is beautifully calm, shallow and crystal clear - perfect for pool parties! I would love to go back in the summer and take one of the inflatable rubber rings out! Bliss.
Thanks to Scout for the wonderful surprise of Urami waterfall…. Its indeed the best view and it is still up in my head… fabulous sight =)
Scout, the owner of the place, is really helpful to explain about the surrounding and great places to go to.
Scout, the owner of the place, is really helpful to explain about the surrounding and great places to go to.
Zen is a great base to discover what the Nikko Japan area is really about.
If you’re coming to Nikko to escape the city and reacquaint yourself with nature, then Zen hostel is the perfect place to stay. It’s situated on the bank of a gorgeous river, away from the usual tourist areas.
The owner, Scout, is amazingly helpful as well as an amazing cook and really makes you feel at home.
I would recommend this place to anyone visiting Nikko looking to chill out and explore in the gorgeous surrounding countryside.
Thanks Scout!
If you’re coming to Nikko to escape the city and reacquaint yourself with nature, then Zen hostel is the perfect place to stay. It’s situated on the bank of a gorgeous river, away from the usual tourist areas.
The owner, Scout, is amazingly helpful as well as an amazing cook and really makes you feel at home.
I would recommend this place to anyone visiting Nikko looking to chill out and explore in the gorgeous surrounding countryside.
Thanks Scout!
The owner of the Hostel is extremely helpful and very friendly. We met some great people here.
He is also a great cook. There are some incredible amenities at this hostel. THe owner cooks you breakfast every morning and even takes you to the sites in his shuttle van when you want to go.
The towels are free and the shower experience is great, it’s in an old hot springs resort.
Also, there is a beautiful river flowing right next to the hostel and if you are feeling brave enough you can jump in.
This is a great hostel for people that enjoy music as well, he’s got guitars and a bunch of great Apple products around and he is very well versed in technology.
The common room was excellent.
We had an excellent stay, thank you Scout!!
He is also a great cook. There are some incredible amenities at this hostel. THe owner cooks you breakfast every morning and even takes you to the sites in his shuttle van when you want to go.
The towels are free and the shower experience is great, it’s in an old hot springs resort.
Also, there is a beautiful river flowing right next to the hostel and if you are feeling brave enough you can jump in.
This is a great hostel for people that enjoy music as well, he’s got guitars and a bunch of great Apple products around and he is very well versed in technology.
The common room was excellent.
We had an excellent stay, thank you Scout!!
The host is an amazing character with such great plans for this hostel.
I would love to come back next year for Halloween to see what kind of kick-ass party he has planned.
The facilities were good, the breakfast was fantastic - fresh fruits, french toast, bacon, yoghurt and juice. Such a nice treat!
I would love to come back next year for Halloween to see what kind of kick-ass party he has planned.
The facilities were good, the breakfast was fantastic - fresh fruits, french toast, bacon, yoghurt and juice. Such a nice treat!
Awesome place. Awesome food. Awesome Scout! Highly recommended.
The pefect location by the river, and even warm enough to still take a quick dip! I stayed here in September to get away from it all and it was awesome! Scout and his family were extremely gracious, and even took a van full of us to this remote waterfall (in the pouring rain!) before heading into town.
Great breakfast (even for the pickiest eater…me!) and dinner too!
I am headed back to Nikko in November and plan to stay here again. I would highly recommend this place right on the river and away from all the hustle and bustle of downtown Nikko.
Great breakfast (even for the pickiest eater…me!) and dinner too!
I am headed back to Nikko in November and plan to stay here again. I would highly recommend this place right on the river and away from all the hustle and bustle of downtown Nikko.
We stayed in six different places while we were in Japan and Zen Hostel was by far the highlight of the trip. Not only was it amazing, but it was cheaper than some of the other options!
Highlights:
- Beautiful location on mountain river inside Nikko National Park. We went to sleep listening blissfully to the sound of the water running through the rapids. I wish I could experience that peace and tranquility every night of my life.
- Amazing breakfast included — the best we had in 16 days in Japan. Scout could open up a restaurant if he decided to. His dinner was equally good and well worth the price.
- Scout rents the best bikes we had the pleasure of riding while on our trip. They aren’t your average commuter bike… these are serious road machines. We headed up the mountain towards Nikko and it was tough going, but the way down was totally worth it. Beautiful scenery and you can really build up some INSANE speed heading downhill; just don’t fall or you’ll end up looking like one of Scout’s omelets ;)
- Morning shuttle takes you to the train station or to the world heritage area. It’s nice to see the temples and shrines but even nicer to head back to Zen Hostel away from all of the crowds and the noise.
- Gracious hosts (Scout and Maya) who would bend over backwards to make your trip as excellent as possible.
Highlights:
- Beautiful location on mountain river inside Nikko National Park. We went to sleep listening blissfully to the sound of the water running through the rapids. I wish I could experience that peace and tranquility every night of my life.
- Amazing breakfast included — the best we had in 16 days in Japan. Scout could open up a restaurant if he decided to. His dinner was equally good and well worth the price.
- Scout rents the best bikes we had the pleasure of riding while on our trip. They aren’t your average commuter bike… these are serious road machines. We headed up the mountain towards Nikko and it was tough going, but the way down was totally worth it. Beautiful scenery and you can really build up some INSANE speed heading downhill; just don’t fall or you’ll end up looking like one of Scout’s omelets ;)
- Morning shuttle takes you to the train station or to the world heritage area. It’s nice to see the temples and shrines but even nicer to head back to Zen Hostel away from all of the crowds and the noise.
- Gracious hosts (Scout and Maya) who would bend over backwards to make your trip as excellent as possible.