Backpackers Fuji — Hotel in Narita

I guess I can't rate my taxi driver, but he got lost and ended up calling twice to get directions. My taxi fare was more than the night at Backpackers Fuji! This was after giving the taxi driver thorough directions (in Japanese) from the Backpackers Fuji website. After my day in Narita, I've decided that those directions were very good-so I'm confused as to why we drove in circles. Anyhow, taxi gripes aside... When the taxi made it close to the facility, Mr. Taka (I think...) came out to flag us down. Thank goodness for that. The sleeping arrangements were comfortable but simple and the facility was immaculate. The bathrooms are small (the sink is built into the tank of the toilet!) and the toilet is separate from the shower. There weren't many people the night I stayed, so use of the facilities wasn't a problem. The common areas were well stocked and comfortable. I appreciated the free Wi-Fi and use of the computer. I was given a map of the city in the morning and it was very helpful. I was able to ask questions and Mr. Taka was helpful. Conclusions in the end: I would stay here again if it's more than one night, but for one night I'd go to a hotel which provided transportation to/from the airport. (if you're comfortable taking the train and hauling your luggage a few blocks, it's a fine place for one night's sleep). I wish they accepted PayPal or credit cards, though I only found one store in Narita that accepted credit cards. Also of note, in Narita, finding an ATM is quite a challenge. The Mormon missionaries directed me to the 7-11 (telling me that's the only place in the city that'll take American debit cards), though mine didn't work there. Moral of the story: carry...

WARNING! This was the absolute worst experience in my 3 weeks in Japan. The day before my reservation, someone from the hostel emails me claiming that I set my check in time at 12:00 and that their business hours start at 15:00. I want to be very clear on the fact that I never set a time for check in and just leave it as “I don’t know yet”. Despite my certainty, I thought to myself maybe I made a mistake and replied apologizing for the misunderstanding. He then replied and asks “so what time will you be checking in?” I replied that I don’t know yet but it will be within business hours. The next day I arrive at 15:15 only to find the place closed and locked. I stood in pouring rain with all of my luggage. Called and emailed several times with no response.

Again I gave them the benefit of the doubt and went to hang out somewhere else to give them some time. Came back at 16:30 and doors were still locked and no one was answering phone/email.

I hiked around Narita soaked going hotel to hotel only to find most were booked. It wasn’t until 17:00 (now) that I was able to find accommodation.

Because of this establishment, I have international calling charges (still didn’t reach anyone), my shoes luggage and clothes are soaked, I hiked for 2 hours with a heavy backpack and I am absolutely exhausted. All of this the day before my flight.

Do...

I had the most horrible experience with the owner. I arrived at the hostel at 23, but informed him before per email. So no problem. From there on, everything went bad... He informed me that he closes the door at midnight and every sound and light is forbidden in the dorm and in the common area. I needed to work and wanted to go to a isakaya, so is asked him if there is a chance. He reacted very rude and said no. So I had to go to sleep, like a 5 year old. Beds smelled bad and were way to warm. Next day it went worse. I asked him, if there is a chance to leave my luggage. He said no, so I accepted I told him, that i will pick up my girlfriend and get my luggage afterwards, around 11-12. He said, ok but meant differently. He texted me at then 10 o'clock that he put my luggage out on the street and told me I am selfish not to follow the rules. I asked him, if he could please leave my luggage. He responded, he dont care if my luggage gets stollen. So I ran back and found my luggage on the street and the doors locked. He is a unreasonable and rude men and I advise everyone not to stay here. A...