Reviews of Zen Hostel

25 October 2011 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: I really loved how friendly the owner is. He will make sure that you enjoy your entire trip in Nikko.

Disliked: There wasn't anything that I disliked.

26 April 2011

Liked: the included breakfast was delicious. the shuttle service is super

Disliked: the property is still under renovation. The heating (which is nescessary at the end of april) is not up to standard.

07 April 2011 Ron would recommend this property

Liked: The quiet location by a lovely river. The accommodation was clean and rooms spacious. The host was friendly and helpful (and cooked a lovely breakfast).

Disliked: The lack of other guests due to cancellations after the earthquake/tsunami 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.

21 November 2010 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: The staff was very friendly and helpful, the breakfast was delicious and the athmosphere was family.

Disliked: Nothing.

07 November 2010 charlie would recommend this property

Liked: 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 and Maya run the hostel and are 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.

Disliked: charlie left no negative feedback.

24 October 2010 Dan would recommend this property

Liked: 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!

Disliked: Dan left no negative feedback.

14 October 2010 Customer would recommend this property

Liked: 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. -Josh and Bev

Disliked: Nothing to dislike.

03 September 2010 Alicia would recommend this property

Liked: I definitely recommend staying at Zen Hostel - a beautiful location in the mountainside with a crystal clear creek for swimming, luscious forests to explore, and a great restaurant a few minutes walk away. Also a shuttle ride away from Nikko World Heritage area. We stayed for a week and were sad to leave. The owner, Scout, was incredibly helpful and really went out of his way to make our stay super relaxing and enjoyable. We had such a great time! Incredible breakfasts too - 5 stars!

Disliked: Alicia left no negative feedback.