Thank you Hippopotamus Hostel

Good Hostel with Very Nice Host”

Well, it's just a short one day stay for my visit to Kiso valley, as matsumoto is has more options in term of staying than other nearby small station near the valley. I chose the mixed dorm and shared with another Japanese guy there for work. It's pleasant experience. The hostel is quite cold, when they don't open the heater, so be mindful of that, but it's quite common for home stay to be like that. You might not enjoy the experience for shower and toilet, as it's quite cold. but for me, it's okay, as I am getting used to it, like I said, it's common. Hostel is clean, the host has very good English, and she has to waited for me till 10pm for the check-in. She doesn't stay in the hostel. I am very grateful for that. hostel is extremely close to the castle. so it's easier to visit. Overall, it's pleasant experience. Try to experience the coldness in Japan while you choose to travel in Winter season, whether you like it or not, it's part of the deal, so try to enjoy it.

Traditional house vibe”

Nice experience. Matsumoto castle can be seen from the window. Though I'm not used to the cold, even with heaters. The heaters keep you warm it just probably feels weird (to me) to be blasted by warm air.

Cheapest price”

-Cheapest -Near matsumoto castle, just across the road -Staff is friendly and can speak english -Although its too old and not comfortable but I think valuable price espacially if you want just only stay at night.

Clean, Friendly staff and afforable”

Very close to Matsumoto-jo and there are lots of brochures/suggestions from staff on where to go in the city. Day trips from Matsumoto are also quite nice.

An average hostel near the castle.”

I liked the congenial atmosphere and the friendly staff. The facilities are ok and free use of the washing machine (no dryer) is a bonus. I had trouble finding the hostel - it's about 15 minutes walk from the station - and the sign outside said Thank You Hippo, not Matsumoto no Yado. The staff told me it had changed hands.

Staff makes it worthy”

Nice stay, including a staff friend japanese birthday celebration which all the guests enjoyed a lot. Its not a hostel but a small house where you will enjoy a true japanese stay. Location cant be better: just in front of the castle.

great place”

Sooo close to the castle that you can go for some pictures at sunrise after going back to sleep or at night for an after dinner stroll but mind you the lights of the castle get turned off at 10pm ... so better take your pictures before ;) ... in general I liked the Japanese style accommodation ... could have used a more comfy.place to sit and chat though ;) ... and it was a bit weird to wake up and look into a strangers face ( meaning two Tatami mattresses in the female dorm is fine but three ... well that leaves about 5cm between the mattresses ... tooo close for my liking nevertheless I had a great time here and stayed longer than expected ;)

A great hostel only a few minutes walk to the castle! ”

I recommend! The location is great (15mins walk to the station and 3mins to the castle), the rooms are clean, the common area comfy with many things to use. There are also free bikes which are great to bike around the city! The staff was super nice, he recommended hikes close by and even other cool things in Japan for my trip :)

Nice place and near by Matsumoto Castle”

This guesthouse is very close to Matsumo Castle, you can see the castle from window in the guesthouse. The owner is a man who is gentle and kind.

A wonderful hostel with Good Location/Style/Love”

Great Location with Super Friendly Staff. Highly recommended to all visitors. One of the travelers had a sickness and the staff was being super helpful visiting the hospital with the traveler.

Castle view in the room”

I truly can't ask for any better location. Mastumoto castle is right out of the window, near to the station and easy to find with a big banner in front of the house.

Avoid in winter”

The location is great. Staff not as friendly now as compared to when I visited last year. Cheapskate hostel; have to pay for coffee/tea (100¥!) and heater automatically set to turn off after half an hour. It was freezing; i left in the middle of the night to go to another hotel because it was so cold i couldnt sleeep! I went in november; i guess it will be a great place to stay in summer.

Just a block away from the great Matsumoto Castle”

I'll definitely come back when I have a chance.

Coldest place in Matsumoto in winter”

Don't understand why the staff was so cold, more than cool, much colder than frozen room in the room. Even they knew I was in front of the gate, they didn't move an inch to open it for me, instead just stayed in the cozy warm room 3 doors away. She was just a mother in the households than a host of the accommodation. One step inside the room, it was frozen. I worried if I might be dead to freeze in there. She just showed me a small fan heater etc. Din't give me any direction of facilities or amentieis etc. It might be because I am Japanese, not American with a big smile, Europena or Asian with humble smiles etc. Would never never visit there again in this life while I am Japanese.

Great Location with valued accomodation”

Great location, friendly staff and very close to the Castle

great atmosphere”

cozy traditional Japanese house. the bed was absolutely comfortable.

NO AIRCON, BAD MANNER！”

I went there in summer. Agoda stated there was air conditioned, but it is NOT! No air-con in the hot summer, and only one fan in the lobby, but not in the room 16 ppl mixed dorm with no fan inside. Which is definitely hell. The Staff's manner is very bad, he is not going to give any help or try to move the fan into the room. He just keep playing music loudly in the lobby. When I check in, he kept playing his music loudly and made me hard to listen to his voice. Last but not least, more than one sniper nets in the toilet. Awful!

Good”

Good

Small house”

Alright place. Just expensive like most of Japan

only one baht room in 1st floor.. and no bahtroom / toilet at 2nd floor.. Good location..”