The staff is helpful and friendly. Thank you, Yuki! She gave me advice to rent a bike in order to travel in Niigata city. With her suggestion, I only paid 500 JPY to rent a bike for 6 hours. It was a bit late when I arrive the hostel, yet I got to eat at a nice restaurant recommended by Yuki! The interior design is super cute with Ghibli characters over every corners!!! The hostel is rennovated from a very old house yet decent and full of japanese style. I stayed in the female dormitory. Different from other dormitory I have been to, it was surprised that I had a private space to rest. It was more than just a bunk bed. I picked the bed near the window where there were only 2 with windows. There is a japanese window made by paper and a modern window. So you don’t have to worry about the safety issue and aesthetics. Though my bed was on the upper level which is around 7-feet above the floor, it did not bother me much but be really careful when u climb the ladder. If you bring a big baggage to here. There might be a problem as you have to climb a narrow and steep stairs. Neighbourhood nearby is adorable. Though I did not spend much time hanging around on the shopping street of Furumachi, I am sure you will discover something cute and warm-hearted gifts. There is a 7-11, 3-min walk from the hostel!

Stayed in March 2024

Absolutely wonderful guesthouse with Ghibli stuff everywhere

Stayed in April 2024

Little cold

Everything. cozy mood

Stayed in March 2024

Somehow I couldn't feel the heater infiltrate my room, so it was a bit cold. But fortunately, the bed comforter made my body warm.

The theme is wonderful. The staff is very nice. Very comfy at a reasonable price.

Stayed in February 2024

It was really comfortable and communal and the dorms were nice and private :)

Stayed in January 2024

The dorm space is a little small, so hard to move around in

Very cute guesthouse with a ghibli theme throughout - there's plenty to look at on the walls and around the place that you wouldn't spot straight away. Kuku was a very friendly dog and it was lovely to spend some time with him. There are toiletries in the bathrooms, a hairdryer and extra blankets available. I was only there overnight for something specific, but from what I saw, the guesthouse is surrounded by vintage shops and it feels like a pretty cool neighbourhood. Shiyakusho-mae bus stop is 5 minutes away.

Stayed in December 2023

The real boss Koko is sooooo cute, The staff and owner and Kuku are nice and friendly,

Stayed in September 2023

For tall western people please be aware that the blankets are a bit shorter so your feet might get cold.

We loved the place of the hostel, located in the shopping street. The futons were very comfortable! Also, Kuku (the dog) was a very welcoming host. The owners were also very nice and welcoming!

Stayed in November 2023

The Studio Ghibli Theme!

Stayed in November 2023

There was a steep flight of stairs up to the property, and some sleeping quarters were in a loft with a ladder. Not a big problem for many people but it could be a challenge if you’re older or not in great shape.

It was a really charming guesthouse with an anime theme. Shared bath facilities were very nice and kitchen area was available for making tea and coffee or light meals. And the guesthouse dog KuKu was as cute as could be.

Stayed in October 2023

Let me start off by saying: this place is beautiful. It's got the sliding japanese doors, futons, lots of Ghibli stuff. It's in a cool, quiet neighbourhood, in close proximity to a shrine. The owner made me feel welcome & at home straight away which as an anxious solo traveler I can appreciate twice as much. The facilities are clean, the house smells of wood, there's a cute dog. The futon was so comfy I overslept. Simply one of the best stays I had in a long time.

Stayed in September 2023

No curtain in the room but you have thin blanket in the private room so you can improvise a curtain with that 😅 also the walls are really thin so if you're a light sleeper don't forget your ear plug :)

The guesthouse is really cosy, clean and location is perfect. If you like Ghibli movies then you'll be happy there. The private room is cute 🥰

Stayed in August 2023

Sadly, the Ghibli room suffers from annoying noise from time to time due the AC pump located just outside. It makes the room tremble sometimes. Also a constant drip from the same AC unit.

Kuku is a super cute little boy that will come to greet you, just in case you're hiding some super yummy treat. Staff is very kind and helpful. To the staff woman I saw at the bus station: I made it to the bus! Also, thanks for the recommendations. The Ghibli room was very immersive, and the hostel itself has a lovely feeling.

Stayed in August 2023

Only bad point was the room was too "bright", so as soon as the sun rises (very early in Japan) it wakes you up.

Very friendly atmosphere, well located, clean and everything available for making us feel at home.

Stayed in August 2023

Because the dormitory offers private bed (which is amazing)it's really hard to have fresh air to sleep.

It's beautiful ! And the Totoro theme inside is adding a nice touch to it. It's perfectly located to visit around, I am really surprised it was that cheap !

Stayed in August 2023

Shower toiletries were a little confusing.

Not only were the rooms SO COOL, but there is a very sweet cutie patootie pup that greets you! 1000% recommend the 2 person Ghibli themed room if you can get it!

Stayed in June 2023

Wifi was a bit weak but not a big problem.

The dormitory units are divided by Japanese style sliding doors and literally, it was a single room each with 1.8m tall. Such a lovely Japanese style interior was so beatiful! The GH is right in the middle of the shopping street.

Stayed in June 2023

Nothing

I canceled 1 day in spite of 2 nights and 3 days originally for my reason but the staff paid me back the 1-night stay. I'm so happy about his kindness. I really recommend it here.

Stayed in May 2023

Cosy spot! Lots of character and charm.

Stayed in May 2023

really authentic and great location

Stayed in May 2023

It was quite difficult to find as the website says Kuku Guesthouse but everything outside the accommodation was in Japanese. And yes I know Japan speaks Japanese I just mean that I thought the name would be in romanji rather than in kanji as it can be read by non Japanese.

I loved the Ghibli theme! Kuku was the best part of the stay I wish I could have taken him with me :) everything was clean and the kitchen had a fair amount of kitchen space and utilities in comparison to most Japanese accommodation. it was a nice Japanese style bunk bed (more like a mezzanine). The washing machine was a big plus, at 100¥ that was a good price. there’s was free tea and coffee which is nice

Stayed in April 2023

Nothing

The atmosphere

Stayed in April 2023

Location (very near from commercial places and Hakusan Park), ambiance (gave that quite traditional home-y place and the Ghibli vibes!), more private than the usual shared-room places

Stayed in April 2023

The Ghibli aesthetic of the guest house was very pretty and cool. The dorm area had a lot of space to store my bags, and the bed was comfortable. The guest house is only a few minutes walk away from a big seven eleven, so it is practical and easy to buy necessities. The surrounding area was very nice, with a pretty park nearby. Furthermore, there were a lot of lights in the street, so I felt completely safe walking around there, even in the dark. The owners and workers at the guest house were very friendly, and they spoke good English. I would recommend staying here :)

Stayed in March 2023