Hilo Hostel is truly one of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed at, thanks to the amazing hospitality of the people there. I met wonderful travelers, which made my trip even more memorable. The staff recommended the most breathtaking spots to see cherry blossoms—definitely the most beautiful views I experienced during my entire trip.

Stayed in April 2025

Futon a bit hard

Good location at 4 min of Nara Station. Very friendly staff !!

Stayed in April 2025

The place was very warmful and welcoming, clean and complete in terms of facilities and stuff. Moreover the staff member was very kind and available. The building was very quiet and well isolated at night despite of the proximity with a high frequented road. Other guests were also quiet and respectful.

Stayed in March 2025

Great little hostel in a fantastic location - just off the Main Street so 10 min walk to Nara deer park plus restaurants/shops. Room was very comfy and shared facilities were very clean. Friendliest owners who offer great information and help with anything you need. Fantastic value for money in the area! Highly recommend if staying in Nara. 10/10

Stayed in March 2025

I stayed for one night. Upon arriving at the establishment, a very friendly gentleman warmly welcomed me. We exchanged pleasantries, and he made an effort to communicate with me in English. He even asked where I was from so he could mark my city with a pin on his large wall map. The reception had a cozy, homey vibe, decorated with dozens of items inspired by Japanese pop culture – very personalized. My room was spacious and very clean, and I definitely had a comfortable night. The toilet, sink, and shower were also clean and properly equipped. Everything was on the same floor. The location was very convenient. I got off my train at Nara Station and walked just a few meters to Hilo Hostel. Likewise, I was able to visit many places in Nara on foot, starting from the hostel’s location. My time in Nara was very pleasant, and I would definitely stay at Hilo Hostel again if I ever return to this wonderful city.

Stayed in January 2025

-

Very friendly owner, everything satisfactory. Enough space in the room

Stayed in March 2025

Only one toilet/shower per gender and floor it may be not much but wasn't a problem for me

Everything was perfect especially the staff and the cleaning

Stayed in March 2025

I had a fantastic stay at Hilo Hostel! The host was amazing, he helped me with my luggage and was incredibly attentive to my comfort. As a solo female traveler, I felt extremely safe throughout my stay. The location was perfect, just a short walk from Nara Park and other attractions. I highly recommend this hostel for anyone visiting Nara!

Stayed in March 2025

Very kind and caring host. Felt right at home.

Stayed in February 2025

This hostel is the perfect place to stay if you're in Nara. It's located right by the train station and right at the beginning of the main street that has all of the food and shops leading to the main entrance of Nara Park. The hostel itself was everything I was looking for, the rooms were warm and cozy, the beds were soft, it had all the amenities I needed, and was very well kept and clean. In addition, there's a kitchen, a place to do laundry, and a nice common area with some tea provided by Hilo. Having said that, the best part of this Hostel was definitely Hilo himself and his lovely family, they really went above and beyond as hosts and really made me feel like I was at home. As soon I arrived for check-in, I was welcomed and was helped with my bags up to my room, later after getting settled in I came downstairs and Hilo was waiting to provide me with some tourist information and personally drew me a map with some GREAT suggestions of things to do and places to eat around Nara. Hilo has lived in Nara for many years so he knows alot of great places that you probably wouldn't be able to find online, he was a great guide and would often talk to me about my day and give me more suggestions for places to see depending on what I liked to do (for example... I like catching the sunset at the end of the day, so Hilo gave me a great place to watch the sunset and even a place to watch the sunrise). Some other things that he would do that really made me feel at home was: offering me little chocolates and snacks when I came back, he would change out my towel every day for a fresh one, he helped me out with my laundry, would offer to change my bed sheets for fresh ones...and many more things that I couldn't fit in this review.

Stayed in February 2025

Nothing

That was very nice! I stayed one night here, and really happy with my choice. Everything so clean, shower was wonderful. The owner helpful and friendly. He was showing me good restaurant to had dinner. He gave me chocolates for my birthday. I really appreciated it. Thank you!

Stayed in January 2025

None

Clean, tidy and the room is spacious for private room

Stayed in January 2025

Very clean, friendly and welcoming staff were a highlight of Nara for us. Some travellers to chat with in the well furnished kitchen and common room downstairs. Right next to Nara train station. Nice walk to Nara park from the property past many restaurants and stores. Glad I stayed in here in Nara rather than doing a day trip.

Stayed in January 2025

Great fans of one piece! Location very close to deer park and Nara Museum!

Stayed in November 2024

Easy check in after hours / remotely check in

Stayed in January 2025

The owners are extremely attentive and helpful. The atmosphere is welcoming and quiet. I slept on the last floor, so for guests carrying a big luggage, I recommend to bring a duffel bag or similar to bring your belongings upstairs. Although the owners did not hesitate for a second to bring my luggage, it was good sense to leave it on the ground floor and bringing only the items to be used (toiletry, pajamas, etc). The shared room has enough space to circulate. If you prefer to sleep in the dark, I recommend you bring the sleeping mask, as the lights remain on until the last guest sleeps. The shower is good , and you will have a nice hot water. The location is very close to the train station and to the Sanjo Dori street.

Stayed in December 2024

The room I booked (twin) was spacious, the downstairs was nice and relaxing and I felt comfortable to sit there and read, talk eat etc.

Stayed in December 2024

Towel fee was confusing. Not sure if it was included or not because it was already on my bed. Mattres was 1.5 inches thick. Not too bad once lying down but not comfy to sit on. Lots of rules: restrictions on when you can use the showers, washing machines, hairdryers. First floor bathroom smelled a little funky.

Free hot water compress rental. Friendly staff who try their best to help and offer advice. Quiet hostel. Dorm room is pretty spacious and you can open up your suitcase without blocking others from coming and going.

Stayed in December 2024

Location,price,nice host

Stayed in December 2024

Location, nice host, clean

Stayed in December 2024

It's the best hostel I've stayed in 3 weeks in Japan. Mostly because of the kind attentive and very helpful owner Hilo who I'm so grateful for many acts of kindness he showed me. Also, it's perfectly located, has a lovely homily atmosphere , very comfy beds, kitchen where you can cook, spotless clean and nice in every way. Highly recommend!

Stayed in November 2024

The hostel owner and their family were super nice. The owner would hand out little chocolates to people that stayed and always had a warm welcome when coming back from a long day. They would recommend good places to eat and ask how your day was. Felt like having a second family 😂

Stayed in November 2024

Nothing

Convenient to transport, fabulous hosts, traditional style decor and clean shared amenities.

Stayed in November 2024

I had to leave

The showers and bathrooms were separated men/female on each floor. The rooms were massive and spacious and the staff were even better. So close to evrything it’s so good and clean and cosy for the price

Stayed in October 2024