Hostels in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan

Aso Base is more than the usual backpackers hostel. I think it's like a boutique guesthouse. We spent an enjoyable 4 nights there. The owners are friendly and helpful. The facilities are spotless. The communal area downstairs has a well equipped kitchen and comfortable area for meals, reading etc. On the cold days we were there a log fire was made to warm us up! The bedrooms are comfortable and the communal showers/toilets are kept very clean. Adequate so never any waiting for a place. We also appreciated the discount tickets to the nearby Onsen. This is a great place at good value to stay in Aso.

Despite our language barrier, the owner loves conversing with people, which is why he decided to open his guesthouse. He even recommended a little path that shows a great sunrise. I was greeted with some deers hopping in the distance at 6.30am. Truly magical and breathtaking. This is THE place for solo travellers. There’s a saying that it’s the people that makes the trip enjoyable and this place is proof. He charges for accommodation cheaply but offers beyond the cost, within his means happily. He loves anime like Attack on Titan and has watched Laputa 21 times. His hobbies include biking, hiking and has hiked Mt Kuju several times, Mt Aso too. He travelled to Vietnam Cambodia and Thailand solo trip too, and wants to do it again 3 years later. As my first time doing solo travelling, I couldn't be luckier than this to have met this wonderful host. I would say so far, my time spent in Kurokawa Onsen and together with the host is my whole trip’s highlight. I felt very safe and comfortable in this living space and truly enjoyed the nature surrounding it as well. I love the location of the guesthouse because I love walking and hiking. The main area of Kurokawa Onsen is quite a walk itself, so walking to the guesthouse was just extra leisure for me. Just make sure to follow google maps and the various sign boards he’s put up along the way! He offers a ride back and forth at 8.10am and 5pm to the main area anyway and to the supermarket if needed, very generous of him! Make sure to not be shy and chit-chat a lot with him! It was so much fun. The room was very cozy and with the 6 beds arranged, an extra 100 yen per night for the heater is totally reasonable to me! it felt like I was back to school and enjoyed the cleanliness and casualness of everything. Damn, this place has great interior design too. The lights have motion sensors, pretty cool! He also has his own little beautiful hot spring which you should pay extra if you want to bathe at night. Personally did not find the need after bathing at the town haha. Thank you for the comfort of home and lovely company!! I hope many people who enjoy company and nature stay here!! Highly recommended for at least 2 nights! The onsens are all very good and beautiful. I want to come again.

Really lovely place with great service despite our very late reservation. The sauna deserves an extra mention, even by Finnish standards!

This is a great place to stay if you want to be in a peaceful and quiet location. It is in the village with not much disturbances. The owner is very helpful and try to answer your questions about bus and train services in the area. You can find some local restaurants nearby using your Google map. The restaurants are close around 3 to 4 pm most days. The closing hours for the restaurants are not accurate. This is a small town; if they don’t have costumers after a certain hours in the evening, they will be closed. Be mindful about that and come prepared with snacks and food!