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.
Eeey scout,
How are you doing in Nikko Japan? Is the space station already done, or are you still busy with it ? I wanna say this for the second time your place is the best !! i can’t stop thinking about the river and your pizza with extra pepper !!!! haha
I hope that i can make it in 2012 again to go to japan and also to Nikko.
so i will see you in 2012 again !!
How are you doing in Nikko Japan? Is the space station already done, or are you still busy with it ? I wanna say this for the second time your place is the best !! i can’t stop thinking about the river and your pizza with extra pepper !!!! haha
I hope that i can make it in 2012 again to go to japan and also to Nikko.
so i will see you in 2012 again !!
The breakfast was amazing - best blueberry pancakes I have ever tasted.
I felt very welcomed by Scout at the hostel, he went out of his way to give good advice about what to see/where to go.
I would definitely consider coming back & recommending this as a place to stay.
I felt very welcomed by Scout at the hostel, he went out of his way to give good advice about what to see/where to go.
I would definitely consider coming back & recommending this as a place to stay.
great!
This hotel is so untypical it is difficult to give a fair evaluation using the headings supplied. The location is superb, the meals and sleeping accommodation very satisfactory.
The prospective guests should know this is a drastically unusual setting: between wooded slopes and a mountain river of breathtaking beauty, the hostel makes use of an old onsen (hotbath) straggling buildings. Rustic and comfortable,isolated but rich of human relationship, this is probably not for city folks unable to enjoy nature without city frills, or intent on “doing” all the sites in a hurry.
The young american owner is warmhearted, a good cook, totally devoted to making life pleasant and easy for his guests. His readiness to drive them to the nearby train station or into the touristic center of Nikko are without reproach. He deserves to have guests capable of appreciating the rare experience he can offer.
The prospective guests should know this is a drastically unusual setting: between wooded slopes and a mountain river of breathtaking beauty, the hostel makes use of an old onsen (hotbath) straggling buildings. Rustic and comfortable,isolated but rich of human relationship, this is probably not for city folks unable to enjoy nature without city frills, or intent on “doing” all the sites in a hurry.
The young american owner is warmhearted, a good cook, totally devoted to making life pleasant and easy for his guests. His readiness to drive them to the nearby train station or into the touristic center of Nikko are without reproach. He deserves to have guests capable of appreciating the rare experience he can offer.
We stayed in one of the private annex rooms with an amazing river view, sadly only for 2 nights. The sound of the water at night was very relaxing and even the futons were incredibly comfortable! We went for swims in the evening and in the morning in the refreshing clear water of the river, how often does one get to do that?
We chose the Zen hostel online because it sounded great - and it turned out to be even better!
But even more credit should go to Scout. He has spared absolutely no effort in making our, and everyone else’s stay as comfortable as possible. He runs everything smoothly from the shuttle service to the kitchen and I will tell you now: this man can cook!! Both dinners and breakfasts were amazing - from blueberry pancakes to omelettes and bacon, pizza and noodles - all highly recommended. :)
Scout, my hat of to you and a big hug for making our stay warm and welcoming :)
We chose the Zen hostel online because it sounded great - and it turned out to be even better!
But even more credit should go to Scout. He has spared absolutely no effort in making our, and everyone else’s stay as comfortable as possible. He runs everything smoothly from the shuttle service to the kitchen and I will tell you now: this man can cook!! Both dinners and breakfasts were amazing - from blueberry pancakes to omelettes and bacon, pizza and noodles - all highly recommended. :)
Scout, my hat of to you and a big hug for making our stay warm and welcoming :)
Is like being in a friend’s house, so far from what you expect from a hostel, but you can be sure that you will enjoy your stay there.
Thanks a lot to Scout for your kind attention and awesome breakfast. The river is so cool to swim!!!
Thanks a lot to Scout for your kind attention and awesome breakfast. The river is so cool to swim!!!