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Exterior view, ZEN Hostel in Nagano
Triple - Room plan, ZEN Hostel in Nagano
Lobby, ZEN Hostel in Nagano
Lobby, ZEN Hostel in Nagano
Fitness center, ZEN Hostel in Nagano
Fitness center, ZEN Hostel in Nagano
Entrance, ZEN Hostel in Nagano

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8.8

Excellent

117 reviews

117 reviews

Housekeeping9
Shops1
View1
See map
See map

8.9

Excellent

Location rating score

Excellent location
Popular neighborhood
Parking
FREE
Popular landmarks
Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum Higashiyama Kaii Gallery 22.0 km
Zenko-ji Temple 22.3 km
Midori Nagano 23.2 km
Matsushiro 27.8 km
Sanada Treasure Museum 27.8 km
Togakushi Shrine Chusha 29.6 km
Togakushi Shrine Kuzuryusha 31.8 km
Obasute tanada (Terraced rice fields) 38.8 km
Nearby landmarks
Yudanaka Train Station 280 m
Roadside station Kitashinshu-Yamanouchi 1.2 km
Kamijo 1.3 km
Engi 1.6 km
Shibu Onsen Information Center 1.6 km
Otozan Onsenji Temple 1.8 km
Yomase 2.5 km
Japan Clay Dolls Museum 3.2 km
Ippongi Park 4.0 km
Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (The world of Snow Monkey) 4.1 km

ZEN Hostel

3031 Hirao, Yamanouchi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano, Yudanaka, Nagano, Japan, 381-0401 - See map

The car parking and the Wi-Fi are always free, so you can stay in touch and come and go as you please. Conveniently situated in the Yudanaka part of Nagano, this property puts you close to attractions and interesting dining options. Don't leave before paying a visit to the famous Zenko-ji Temple.

Highlights

Hygiene Plus

Located in heart of Nagano

310 meters to public transportation

Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!

Air conditioning

Facilities

Car park

Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!

Luggage storage

Contactless check-in/out

Laundry service

Safety deposit boxes

Wi-Fi in public areas

Family room

Your dates are popular among travelersUsers are booking a place in Nagano every 6 minutes on Agoda.com
Value for money8.9
Location rating8.9
Nearest airportMatsumoto Airport (MMJ)
Distance to airport77.7 km

Rooms available at ZEN Hostel

Quad Non-Smoking
...
  • Room size: 37 m²/398 ft²
  • Street view
  • 4 futons
Enter dates to see prices
Triple
...
  • Room size: 24 m²/258 ft²
  • Street view
  • 3 futons
Enter dates to see prices
Suite - Non-Smoking
...
  • Room size: 40 m²/431 ft²
  • Street view
  • 6 futons
Enter dates to see prices
Twin Room Non-Smoking
...
  • Room size: 18 m²/194 ft²
  • Street view
  • 2 futons
Enter dates to see prices
Basic Suite
...
  • Room size: 40 m²/431 ft²
  • Shower
Enter dates to see prices
Triple Room
...
  • Room size: 12 m²/129 ft²
  • Shower
Enter dates to see prices
Basic Twin Room, Japanese Futon
...
  • Room size: 10 m²/108 ft²
  • Shower
  • 2 single beds
Enter dates to see prices
Mixed Dormitory Non-Smoking
...
  • Room size: 42 m²/452 ft²
  • Shower
  • 1 single bed
Enter dates to see prices
Japanese-Style Standard Room with Shared Shower and Toilet
...
  • Room size: 37 m²/398 ft²
  • Shower
Enter dates to see prices
Basic Quadruple Room
...
  • Room size: 20 m²/215 ft²
  • Shower
Enter dates to see prices

Frequently asked questions

Does ZEN Hostel offer laundry services?

Yes! ZEN Hostel offers laundry service at your convenience for whenever you need your favorite outfits clean and fresh all throughout your trip. Please contact the property for more information.

How many floors does ZEN Hostel have?

ZEN Hostel has a total of 3 floors.

How many rooms does ZEN Hostel have?

ZEN Hostel has a total of 12 rooms.

What was the average room rate for ZEN Hostel been in the past month?

The average room rate for ZEN Hostel in the past month is 9371.87 JPY, compared to city's average of 16361.18 JPY.

What is the verified guest review consensus about ZEN Hostel's view?

80.0% of our past visitor critiques have given an optimistic review and responses about this property's view. You can look up on more detailed customer reviews, and comments for ZEN Hostel down in the review section.

What is the average rating that verified Solo travelers' have given to ZEN Hostel?

Past solo travelers that have stayed at this property have given ZEN Hostel an average rating of 8.9. You can look up more detailed customer reviews and comments by filtering for a specific type of verified travelers down in the review section.

What is the average rating that verified Group travelers have given to ZEN Hostel?

Verified group travelers that have stayed at this property have given ZEN Hostel an average rating of 8.8. You can find more in depth customer evaluations and feedback by filtering for a specific type of verified travelers down in the review section.

What do local travelers think about ZEN Hostel?

Verified local visitors that have stayed at this property have given ZEN Hostel an average rating of 9.4. You can look up on more descriptive customer testimonials, and remarks for this property down in the review section.

What time is check-in and check-out at ZEN Hostel?

Check-in is from 03:00 PM, and check-out is until 10:00 AM. You may ask for early check-in or late check-out during booking, subject to availability. Customers checking in or out before or after the designated hours may be charged an additional fee.

What is the closest airport to ZEN Hostel?

The closest airport to ZEN Hostel is Toyama Airport, 110.0 km away.

See map

Explore the neighborhood

What people love about ZEN Hostel

  • 9.2

    Exceptional
    Cleanliness

    "Its so clean and near from Yudanaka station."

    THERESIA

    |

    February 8, 2020

  • 9.2

    Exceptional
    Cleanliness

    "The hostel is really clean and the location (5-10min to the station) is also convenient."

    Basil

    |

    February 7, 2020

  • 8.8

    Excellent
    Location

    "Location is great!"

    Carol

    |

    May 1, 2023

Property ranking|Compared to 569 Nagano properties
See all rankings
Value for money score
8.9/10
Cleanliness score
8.8/10
Room size
30 sqm.
Service score
9.1/10
Better than
95
%
of Nagano properties
Better than
93
%
of Nagano properties
Bigger than
93
%
of Nagano properties
Better than
92
%
of Nagano properties
Overall rating:

8.8

Excellent
117 reviews
Cleanliness
8.9
Facilities
8.0
Location
8.9
Read all reviews >
More about ZEN Hostel

More about ZEN Hostel

ZEN Hostel

Find yourself in a truly relaxing place and fulfill yourself with all that Nagano has, with a refreshing stay at ZEN Hostel.
Enjoy all that ZEN Hostel has to offer! Free internet access provided within the hostel keeps you connected throughout your stay. For guests arriving by car, parking is provided free of charge. Always get the assistance you need with front desk services including luggage storage and safety deposit boxes.
Cold evenings are even better than warm ones, when you can cozy up at the hostel's fireplace. For longer stays or whenever you need it, the laundry service keeps your favorite travel outfits clean and available. For health reasons, smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the hostel. For guests who would like to smoke, the designated smoking areas are available.
All guestrooms at ZEN Hostel provide guests with a range of amenities to ensure a restful night. Enjoy your stay even more at the hostel, knowing that some selected rooms include linen service and air conditioning.


Dining and things to do

Fill your days with the array of activities and facilities offered at ZEN Hostel. Have fun with your fellow guests and indulge in winter's best snow activities, knowing that ski slopes can easily be accessed. Challenge your travel group members or other guests to competitive fun, with the hostel's hiking trails. Family time on relaxed evenings is easy with the hostel's shared lounge and TV area.


Reasons to stay here

Find rooms here that are cheaper than 95% of all other options in the city.
Find incredible value for money here, which is ranked better than 95% of the city's accommodation.
Guests who stayed here found it to be neat and tidy, scoring it above 93% of other accommodations in the city.

Show less

Amenities and facilities

Excellent
Facilities

8

Most talked about facilities

Housekeeping

5 mentions

Food & Dining

1 mention

Breakfast

1 mention

Languages spoken
  • English
  • Japanese
Internet access
  • Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
  • Internet
  • Wi-Fi in public areas
Things to do, ways to relax
  • Garden
  • Hiking
  • Skiing
Cleanliness and safety
  • Body thermometer
  • Cashless payment service
  • Daily disinfection in all rooms
  • Daily disinfection in common areas
  • Doctor/nurse on call
  • Face coverings on staff
  • First aid kit
  • Guest rooms seal after sanitization
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Physical distancing of at least 1 meter
  • Protective screens in common areas
  • Rooms sanitized between stays
  • Safe dining setup
  • Staff trained in safety protocol
  • Temperature check for guests and staff
Services and conveniences
  • Contactless check-in/out
  • Elevator
  • Fireplace
  • Invoice provided
  • Laundry service
  • Luggage storage
  • Safety deposit boxes
  • Smoke-free property
  • Smoking area
For the kids
  • Family room
Access
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Pets allowed
Getting around
  • Car park [free of charge]
  • Car park [nearby]
  • Car park [on-site]
Available in all rooms
  • Air conditioning
  • Carbon monoxide detector
  • Clothes rack
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Free bottled water
  • Heating
  • Internet access – wireless
  • Linens
  • Non-smoking
  • Shared bathroom
  • Tatami flooring
  • Wi-Fi [free]

Location

3031 Hirao, Yamanouchi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano, Yudanaka, Nagano, Japan, 381-0401
Excellent
Location

8.9

Airports
  • Matsumoto Airport (MMJ)
    77.7 km
  • Toyama Airport (TOY)
    110.1 km
Public transportation
  • Yudanaka Train Station
    280 m
  • Kamijo
    1.3 km
Hospital or clinic
  • Hokushin General Hospital
    4.6 km
Cash withdrawal
  • ATM
    180 m

What's nearby

Popular landmarks
  • Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum Higashiyama Kaii Gallery
    22.0 km
  • Zenko-ji Temple
    22.3 km
  • Midori Nagano
    23.2 km
  • Matsushiro
    27.8 km
  • Sanada Treasure Museum
    27.8 km
  • Togakushi Shrine Chusha
    29.6 km
  • Togakushi Shrine Kuzuryusha
    31.8 km
  • Obasute tanada (Terraced rice fields)
    38.8 km
Nearby landmarks
  • Yudanaka Train Station
    280 m
  • Roadside station Kitashinshu-Yamanouchi
    1.2 km
  • Kamijo
    1.3 km
  • Engi
    1.6 km
  • Shibu Onsen Information Center
    1.6 km
  • Otozan Onsenji Temple
    1.8 km
  • Yomase
    2.5 km
  • Japan Clay Dolls Museum
    3.2 km
  • Ippongi Park
    4.0 km
  • Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (The world of Snow Monkey)
    4.1 km
Distances shown are straight-line distances on the map. Actual travel distances may vary.

Property policies

Children and extra beds

Extra beds are dependent on the room you choose. Please check the individual room capacity for more details.

All children are welcome.

Others
  • Check-in later than 10:00 PM will cost additional charges of JPY 1,000 per 30 minutes.
    Please pay the additional charges directly at the property. For details please contact the property directly.
  • As you have confirmed, the hotel is a simple accommodation.
    Although it is located in a hot spring town, it is only available in the shower room.
    In addition, the restroom is shared-bathroom.

    Please take your shoes off in your room and raised seating area.
    There are no slippers.

    Since the hotel is a 250-year-old wooden building as a simple accommodation facility, the walls are very thin, so please be careful about noise after 10:00 PM.

    There is a parking lot behind the hotel for the first 12 cars.
    Since the parking lot is limited, up to 1 slot can be used for each room reservation.
    If the parking is full, we will guide you to a parking lot in a different location.

    The check-in time of the hotel is from 03:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
    If you arrive after 10:00 PM, a fee of 1000 yen will be charged every 30 minutes.
    Please let us know your arrival time by the day before your stay.
    We will come to the check-in reception desk at that time.
  • When booking more than 5 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Some helpful facts

Check-in/Check-out
  • Check-in from15:00
  • Check-in until22:00
  • Check-out from07:00
  • Check-out until10:00
Getting around
  • Travel time to airport (minutes)90
Extras
  • Daily Internet/Wi-Fi fee0 JPY
The property
  • Non-smoking rooms/floorsno
  • Number of floors3
  • Number of restaurants0
  • Number of rooms 12
  • Room voltage100
  • Most recent renovation2016
Parking
  • Daily parking fee0 JPY

Reviews of ZEN Hostel from real guests

Provided by verified guests of Agoda
8.8
/
10
Cleanliness8.9
Facilities8.0
Location8.9
Service9.1
Value for money8.9
High score for Nagano
Rating
9+ Exceptional (37)
8-9 Excellent (10)
7-8 Very Good (8)
6-7 Good (4)
<6 Below Expectation (6)
Time of the year
Mar - May (15)
Jun - Aug (2)
Sep - Nov (12)
Dec - Feb (36)

Show reviews that mention 

Showing 65 verified guest comments
1234
9.2
Exceptional
Basil from Japan
Solo traveler
Stayed 2 nights in February 2020

good location, nice people”

The people at the hostel are very helpful when it comes to finding out, where to go for skiing etc. The hostel is really clean and the location (5-10min to the station) is also convenient. In addition, they have a café/bar in the hostel, which makes for lively evenings.

Reviewed February 07, 2020

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9.2
Exceptional
THERESIA from Indonesia
Family with teens
Twin Room Non-Smoking
Stayed 1 night in January 2020

Traditional satisfy”

we are there like 4pm, and i think the guest is only us.. because so quite even when we come back at night. i like the room very clean even though a lil bit spooky because it's so quite and the carpet in the stairs to third floor to old. Its so clean and near from Yudanaka station.

Reviewed February 08, 2020

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6.8
Good
Kathy from Japan
Couple
Twin Room Non-Smoking
Stayed 1 night in March 2021

Cheap and low key”

The location is a little far from the main strip of shibu onsen but if you dont mind a little walk its okay. When booking i recommend emailing them or calling because the pictures arent completely accurate and they have some japanese style rooms and western style rooms. Its a huge place and they only have one area for showers and specific areas for the bathroom as well. The staff is really friendly and when i wasnt into the japanese room (because my bf tweaked his neck so the futon wasnt gonna do it for him) because the picture when we booked was of the western style room he accommodated us and moved us into that room happily, no different charge or anything. If you dont have any particular expectations and just need a place to stay, its chill

Reviewed March 27, 2021

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7.6
Very good
Cedric from Canada
Group
Triple
Stayed 4 nights in February 2020

Very good”

Cold during winter. It be 4 degrees in the common area and 10 in your room on cold winter nights!

Reviewed February 16, 2020

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6.4
Good
teck from Singapore
Solo traveler
Stayed 1 night in February 2020

Good”

will not choose the hostel again as the pillow is miserably small and thin, and difficulty with sleeping due to bed frame making loud squeaky noise while turning around.

Reviewed February 24, 2020

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9.2
Exceptional
Wai from Malaysia
Family with young children
Japanese-Style Quadruple Room
Stayed 2 nights in November 2017

Hostel with a Zen feel”

Doesn't seems to look like a hostel stay but more like Ryokan. Zen Hostel located near Yudanaka Station and there are many eateries around. Room was spacious, clean and comfortable. Love the interior of the hostel. Modern with good zen feel. Staff are friendly.

Reviewed December 29, 2017

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10.0
Exceptional
Ami from Sweden
Business traveler
Triple
Stayed 1 night in April 2018

Accessible and friendly ryokan”

English speaking staff who is very helpful, and wish to let everybody enjoy ryokan style hotel without knowing the etiquette. This means you do not have to remove your shoes. But I actually missed removing them and running around in slippers as in most ryokans. But I also appreciate the welcoming athmosphere. Zen Hostel is very convenient for talking walks, going to the Snow Monkey Park, and going to onsen. Zen Hostel had a agreement with a very beautiful onsen very closeby. We paid only 800 yen and could enjoy the most beautiful bath we have ever seen. We would love to return.

Reviewed May 04, 2018

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10.0
Exceptional
Rosalie from South Korea
Solo traveler
Stayed 2 nights in January 2017

Amazing Stay”

I loved ZEN Hostel. Really a beautiful property in a great location. Lots of privacy in the bunks with heavy curtains, but also plenty of really cozy common space for meeting new people. The only issue was it being absolutely freezing, but then again it was winter so of course it would be cold. The bedding was plenty warm though :) Just be sure to remember to rent a towel if you need to, as the bathrooms were very chilly in winter weather.

Reviewed April 17, 2017

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9.6
Exceptional
Xiao from Singapore
Couple
Stayed 1 night in February 2019

Excellent place for budget travellers”

Zen is a extremely well-built hostel. It is located at just a few minutes walk from Yudakana station. What impressed me the most is each shower room has separate wet and dry zone. There’s a curtain, a bedside lamp and power plug for each bed in the dormitory. It also has a big and cosy common area for guest to hang out. Definitely a excellent option for budget travellers.

Reviewed February 11, 2019

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9.6
Exceptional
Linda from Japan
Couple
Twin Room Non-Smoking
Stayed 1 night in April 2018

Friendly, convenient with good facilities.”

I really liked this hostel. It has traditional tatami rooms for sleeping and ours was spacious and comfortable. There is a lovely fire to sit around in the bar area, as well as a pretty Japanese garden to look over from the living/TV room. This place is very well priced and close to the station, I'd definitely recommend it if you want good value for money. We would have liked power points in our room, but there are plenty of power points in the bar area to use. As with a lot of hostels in Japan, there are stairs you'll need to use, so if you have sore knees or heavy luggage or whatever, then you may be concerned, but if you're like most people and don't care about that, this place is great.

Reviewed April 25, 2018

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8.0
Excellent
Ming from Singapore
Couple
Twin Room Non-Smoking
Stayed 2 nights in January 2019

Poor hot water facilities”

Location: perfect just less than 5 mins walk from yudanaka station Facilities: sad... hot water not consistent, will change to cold water suddenly.... freezes! If you need hot water for shower, please go to the nearby onsen (800yen per pax - personally I recommend biyo onsen - is more atas) instead! Secondly, no lift in the hostel. The room is okay for the cost.

Reviewed January 08, 2019

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8.0
Excellent
michael from Indonesia
Solo traveler
Stayed 1 night in February 2018

Great location to catch train early in the morning”

The hostel is located at heart of Yudanaka onsen. 3 mins walk to station and public bath. Surrounded by local eateries and shops. Basic room amenities with nice lounge

Reviewed February 28, 2018

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8.8
Excellent
Dinna from Indonesia
Family with teens
Suite - Non-Smoking
Stayed 1 night in December 2017

Nice stay”

The hostel is clean, near the train station. The staff is helpfull, nice. But one of heater in our room was lowbatt very early in the morning (at 5am) and so difficult to find the staff at that time. But overall we enjoy to stay in this hostel

Reviewed January 15, 2018

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9.6
Exceptional
lynette from Singapore
Group
Triple
Stayed 1 night in October 2017

Exceptional”

An afforable Ryokan with very friendly and approachable hosts (who speaks English fluently). The location of the ryokan is in walkable distance to the JR station (2mins), and around the area. Parking is also available at the vicinity for free. Bath towel and tooth brushes are not provided for free. ( please bring your own if you do not wish to buy/rent from them) The room is also relatively spacious for 3. However, the futons are slightly worn out and thin which makes it slightly uncomfortable to sleep in. But for its price, we will not complain as much. Checking in and out is also easy and hassle-free. Breakfast is also provided at a fee and its delicious. Will definitely recommend this place to all if you're looking for an interesting and affordable experience!

Reviewed November 06, 2017

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7.2
Very good
Amanda from Sweden
Group
Suite - Non-Smoking
Stayed 8 nights in January 2019

Nice Japanese style, however very cold”

We were a group of six people staying for one week in a room. The staff and room itself was lovely, but there’s a few downsides to consider. The room was heated with kerosene that you have to put on yourself, which makes the room freezing cold overnight (since they turn themselves off after 3 hours). Same thing when you get back home after a day of skiing. The kerosene also leaves quite an odor. However, this way of heating is quite common in Japan, but just something to keep in mind if you’re staying in winter. Also, it’s a hostel - which means that nobody looks after/cleanes the room even if you’re staying for a full week. For the amount we payed I did expect a bit more cleaning and better heating system. The restaurant, lounge and staff was lovely though! Make sure to try the onsen next door, you can buy tickets from the hostel counter for €6.5, which also is a bit overcharged, other places we’ve stayed at in the same prize category includes it or charges about half of that.

Reviewed February 13, 2019

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10.0
Exceptional
Luis from United States
Solo traveler
Single Bed in 16-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
Stayed 1 night in April 2019

Friendly place of great value!”

Maya who runs the hostel is very professional and informative ! The hostel is spotless and central to everything!

Reviewed April 06, 2019

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9.6
Exceptional
James from South Korea
Solo traveler
Stayed 1 night in March 2018

Pretty hostel in a great location”

Lovely vibe, lots of wood and decorations, only a couple minutes walk from the train station. Easy to get to the monkey park (via the train cum bus station), and you can go to a nearby onsen in an expensive hotel for a small fee (at the time of writing it's 800JPY). I went in March and it was a bit chilly... Make sure you turn the room heater on before you go to sleep or you may get very cold! But bed was comfy and the staff were friendly.

Reviewed March 13, 2018

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8.8
Excellent
Ilham
Couple
Twin Room Non-Smoking
Stayed 1 night in December 2019

Good value for money”

All was great, cheap price with decent location and helpful staff (Masa-san the only staff we met). The room was decent, but it still feels cold inside (only AC as the heater). The way to the shower room was cold. Some slipper would be nice if provided.

Reviewed December 09, 2019

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10.0
Exceptional
Michal from United Kingdom
Group
Stayed 1 night in November 2016

Excllent Stay! ”

Even though it was just a brief stay, we all really enjoyed this fantastic place. It's very specious, the private rooms with futons were finished perfectly and were comfortable to sleep on. We have made the use of near by Onsen, as recommended by the hotel as well as the breakfast - everything was as promised and the staff were all very hospitable and could not have offered better service - many thanks to all.

Reviewed December 01, 2016

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9.2
Exceptional
Michael from United States
Couple
Quad Non-Smoking
Stayed 1 night in December 2018

Exceptional”

Charming hostel with great staff. Made us feel very at home and included us in their traditional New Years celebration!

Reviewed January 03, 2019

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