J-Hoppers Kumano Yunomine — Hotel in Tanabe

It was our first time staying in a hostel as we usually avoid this type of accomodation, but it was our best option (location and budget) whilst doing the Kumano Kodo trail. Staying in Yunomine was the best as it is a great starting point for walks, visit Hongu Taisha, the town itself is stunning and it is also a good transport point for an otherwise complicated area where you can easily sacrifice a lovely location in exchange for easier transport access. The hostel itself is a stunning building, so well kept and taken care of. We had a private room in the top floor, as for any type of room there: we had no private bathroom but it didn't matter at all. The room was gorgeous, this might be a silly remark but I felt like I was staying in one of the archetypical rooms I have seen (and loved) in many animes :-) So humble and cosy. The shared facilities were all spotless, never had or saw an issue with the toilets, kitchen or the onsen. It was quiet which is not what we expected from staying in a hostel . You don't feel like you have to be social if you don't want to (which was our image of what hostels are).

The onsens are such a highlight for such an inexpensive accomodation. We only used the outdoor one and it was incredibly nice, clean and it was amazing that you are able to use it privately. We ordered the vegan bento boxes they provide for their guests and also bought from their little in-house konbini a couple of life saving flapjacks. Also you can help yourself to rice and pickles in the evening and morning. Although we didn't use them all, it had many more details and side services that again, for the price of the night, makes staying here of great, great value. You just felt very well taken cared of there but in a very humble way! We felt like we stayed in a familiar and welcoming enviroment. Can't...

J-Hoppers was the most inexpensive place we stayed while hiking the Kumano Kodo. The majority of the clientele is younger and hiking the trail as well. This is great for building comradery with fellow hikers. My favorite part of the stay at J-Hoppers is the communal dining room where you can meet other hikers while fixing dinner. We had purchased a lunch from our previous accommodation and ate our lunch for dinner. ||||The hostel is clean. The private room was large enough and the shared sink and toilet stalls are plentiful. The hosts are very busy while other hikers are checking in and don't really go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. You are more or less on your own. They do provide a brief introduction to the facility but getting additional information may be difficult. ||||The hostel does have a nice selection of food and beverage that they sell. The onsens are nice although they were not as clean as others along the trail. There were some floatees in the water which made us feel a little uncomfortable. The hostel does not provide towels so you have to rent one or bring your own. ||||The price we paid for the room wasn't that much cheaper than other accommodations which provided much more hospitality. The place was okay but there may be better options if you are looking for a private room with more...

Great Hostel! Exceeded my expectations. We stayed as a group of 3 and had a private room. The Tatami room was really nice, the futon was comfortable, high standard just like a Ryokan. The host was exceptionally friendly and also spoke English very well. The whole place was very clean and had a excellent facilities.

The kitchen is very well equipped and has anything you need. Be aware that there is no real convenient store or restaurant in this town. You probably have to cook your own meal. Either come prepared with some pre-made meal or you can buy some instant food such as ramen and Curry-packs in the hostel. They offer rice and porridge for everyone on a donation system though. Which is great.

The highlight was the 3 private Onsen everyone could use free of charge. Two indoor baths and one outside bath. Very clean with well working showers stations and complimentary shampoo and bodywash. Don't get irritated buy the small white particles swimming in the water. It's a sign for the highest grade of Onsen water, created by the precious minerals of the hotspring.

Highly recommended and would...