Far from airport/main station.

Guest house staff was awesome amazing dude who was very helpful and gave great recommendations, additionally the mixed dorm had a cute distinct Japanese vibe to it.

Stayed in September 2025

Quirky ghibli decor, friendly staff, and a relaxed atmosphere

Stayed in June 2025

The hostel feels like home and the rooms are pretty and comfortable, with a lot of space and privacy. Staff super top!

Stayed in August 2025

The fans in the shower room were dusty so I couldn’t use them when it was really hot but other than that everything else was good!

The interior design was wonderful with all the Ghibli themed items and stickers on the walls throughout the facility!

Stayed in July 2025

I didn't contact them prior to the day of visit, so this could have been avoided, but there is absolutely zero staff until 4pm, meaning you can't leave your luggage prior to checkin since the entrance is locked with a code that you aren't provided prior to arrival. Cafe ukihoshi across the street will store it for 200yen until they close, but it's not exactly ideal.

Cute ghibli theming, has a bar. Strong aircon in the private room. Located in furumachi which puts it in a central location between the river, hakusan shrine, the sekiyahama beach and much more. Associated kuku proteinbar is a must-visit and the mama-san there is wonderful.

Stayed in July 2025

The smelling in the lobby is quite difficult to suffer

Friendly atmosphere.

Stayed in July 2025

n/a

I think this is the ultimate value hostel. It's clean, it has nice decor, nice rooms, clean functioning facilities, and nice staff + fellow travelers. I genuinely have nothing to pick on. If you go to Niigata, do yourself a favour and book Kuku's guesthouse.

Stayed in May 2025

There is bike parking on the opposite side of the street so perfect for a rest day. The staff were fantastic too!!

Stayed in May 2025

the door was kinda hard to open sometimes

this was by far the best guesthouse ive stayed at in all of Japan! the rooms are super clean and the common space was super cozy where you could have some good conversations with other people and the hosts.

Stayed in May 2025

what a lovely hostel with a beautiful mix of traditional architecture and modern ghibli style decor. the girls working there were soo nice and cute

Stayed in April 2025

Blanket is a bit short, but it's okay

Staff amazing,decoration ghibli incredible even better than the picture,good location,price low. Definitely worth it

Stayed in April 2025

The location is a bit far from the main station but you have a lot of shops cafes and konbinis around you so I think it’s fine!

The staff is the sweetest I have ever seen. It’s ver cozy and comfy and completely ghibli themed. Love it!

Stayed in April 2025

Décoration and staff are Amazing !

Stayed in April 2025

Staff were absolutely fantastic and the atmosphere was great with the other guests. Everyone was like a friend. It was probably the best guesthouse I have stayed in while in Japan. I will return some time

Stayed in April 2025

Really beautiful and amazing staff, thank you for the great evening. Only tiny thing to improve if you are tall, the bed sheets are too short.

Stayed in March 2025

Bit far from public transport spots

Great little space. Lovely staff everyone was super nice! I would love to stay again.

Stayed in March 2025

I met so many incredible people at Guest House KuKu. The staff were so fun to hang out with late into the night and the location was great for exploring Niigata. I would love to stay again if I ever come back to Japan!

Stayed in December 2024

I loved the cozy and friendly atmosphere. It was traditional Japanese with a lot of cute art and decorations. Very warm and welcoming.

Stayed in January 2025

To reach the capsules in the top, the ladders are a bit steep especially if you have a backpack or bag with you. I almost fell down every time I had to go down.

The decor was great, the location in the middle of the shopping district of the city is awesome with lots of restaurants and stores around, facilities were all there, the bed were comfy and the capsules felt more like mini rooms than true capsules.

Stayed in January 2025

I really have nothing to complain. Even if I tried to think hard, there was no problem at all with the establishment.

The location is central. Also the staff was excellent and so very friendly and helpful. The establishment has a few rules, but I think the rules are perfect for establishing a comfortable environment for all guest.

Stayed in December 2024

There was a couple with a baby who cried long after the lights off and because walls were thin, it was a bit annoying experience.

There was a kitchen that I can prepare my meal, which was great. Pity they didn't have a toaster. Location was all right. Very much into old Niigata arcade I used to know. Very charming idea to convert a shop to a guest house.

Stayed in November 2024

Nothing

Right on Furamachi street to go shopping. The train station was a 30 minute walk away. Hakusan park was close by. The place had a warm cozy feeling and is well kept foe being over 100 years old. Kate is an amazing hostess and is delightful to talk to.

Stayed in November 2024

Just a little noisy, as in all Japanese guesthouses. Walls are paper thin.

Lovely friendly vibe. Dorm rooms gives individuals plenty of individual space.

Stayed in November 2024

It was nice and cozy, people at the reception are nice. I think it is great place for it's price.

Stayed in October 2024