Skip to main content

ZEN Hostel

2.0 star property
Hostel within walking distance of Yudanaka Hot Spring

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for ZEN Hostel

View from property - ZEN Hostel (Yamanouchi)
Reception - ZEN Hostel (Yamanouchi)
Front of property - ZEN Hostel (Yamanouchi)
Basic Quadruple Room, Japanese Futon | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets - ZEN Hostel (Yamanouchi)
View from property - ZEN Hostel (Yamanouchi)
Nestled close to Yudanaka Hot Spring, ZEN Hostel offers a serene escape with laundry facilities and free in-room WiFi. Unwind in the garden and take advantage of multilingual staff who are always happy to help.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry facilities

Main amenities (7)

  • Air conditioning
  • Garden
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Refrigerator in a common area
  • Self-serve laundry
  • Multilingual staff
  • Limited hour front desk

Feel at home (4)

  • Separate bedroom
  • Garden
  • Laundry facilities
  • Free self parking

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

View all photos for Basic Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

Basic Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Basic Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Separate bedroom
  • 2 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Basic Twin Room, Japanese Futon

Basic Twin Room, Japanese Futon | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Basic Twin Room, Japanese Futon

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Separate bedroom
  • 10 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Twin Futon

View all photos for Basic Triple Room, Japanese Futon

Basic Triple Room, Japanese Futon | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Basic Triple Room, Japanese Futon

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Separate bedroom
  • 12 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Futon

View all photos for Basic Quadruple Room, Japanese Futon

Basic Quadruple Room, Japanese Futon | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Basic Quadruple Room, Japanese Futon

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Separate bedroom
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Twin Futon

View all photos for Basic Suite, Japanese Futon

Basic Suite, Japanese Futon | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Basic Suite, Japanese Futon

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Separate bedroom
  • 40 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Twin Futon

Similar properties

Restaurant
Shiga Grand Hotel
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
7.6 out of 10, Good, 5 reviews
The price is $246
$271 total
Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026
Shiga Grand Hotel
Mod logo
Sign in to view eligible discounts and perks. More rewards for more adventures!
Sign inSign up, it's free

About the neighborhood

Map
3031 Hirao, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano, Yamanouchi, 3840401

What's nearby

  • Nishimiya Shrine - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Yudanaka Hot Spring - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Shibu - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Heiwakannon - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Shiga Kogen Ski Area - 10 min walk - 0.9 km

Getting around

  • Haneda Airport (HND) - 112.2 miles/180.6 km
  • Narita Intl. Airport (NRT) - 128.5 miles/206.9 km
  • Yudanaka Station - 4 min walk
  • Iiyama Station - 16 min drive
  • Zenkojishita Station - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪味処 みかさ - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪道の駅の食堂 - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪HAKKO BEER STAND - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪やまブイブイ - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪中華料理 栄楽 - ‬5 min walk

About this property

ZEN Hostel

When you stay at ZEN Hostel, you'll be in a great location, within just a 10-minute walk of Yudanaka Hot Spring and Shiga Kogen Ski Area. Free perks include WiFi and self parking. Also, Shibu and Jigokudani Monkey Park are within a short drive.

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 5 rooms
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM
    • Minimum check-in age: 18
    • Check-out time is 10 AM
    • Contactless check-out available
DONE

Special check-in instructions

    • The front desk is open daily from 3 PM - 10 PM
    • Front desk staffed during limited hours
    • This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
    • Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE

Children

    • No cribs (infant beds)
DONE

Pets

    • Pets not allowed
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • Free onsite self parking
    • Onsite parking limited
DONE

Other information

    • Designated smoking areas

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator

What to do

  • Skiing nearby

Services

  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Laundry facilities
  • Multilingual staff

Facilities

  • Garden

Room amenities

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning and heating

Sleep well

  • Bed sheets provided

Freshen up

  • Shared bathroom
  • Shower only
  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Free WiFi

Fees & policies

Policies

The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare requires all international visitors to submit their passport number and nationality when registering at any lodging facility (inns, hotels, motels, etc. ). Additionally, lodging proprietors are required to photocopy passports for all registering guests and keep the photocopy on file.
This property accepts credit cards.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express

Also known as

ZEN Hostel Yamanouchi
ZEN Yamanouchi
ZEN Hostel Yamanouchi
ZEN Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
ZEN Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Yamanouchi

Frequently asked questions

Does ZEN Hostel offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, ZEN Hostel does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Are pets allowed at ZEN Hostel?

Sorry, pets aren't allowed.

Is parking offered on site at ZEN Hostel?

Yes, there's free self parking. Parking spots may be limited.

What are the check-in and check-out times at ZEN Hostel?

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 10 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM. Contactless check-out is available.

What is there to do at ZEN Hostel and nearby?

Have fun with nearby winter activities like skiing. ZEN Hostel also has a garden.

What's the area around ZEN Hostel like?

ZEN Hostel is a short 4-minute walk from Yudanaka Station and 9 minutes' walk from Shiga Kogen Ski Area.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Reviews

ZEN Hostel Reviews

8.6

Excellent

8.6

Cleanliness

9.0

Location

8.8

Staff & service

10

Eco-friendliness

8.2

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

Super friendly host.

It is a very new hostel. Bright, comfortable, modern. Owner has tastefully decorated the hostel. He speaks good English, friendly and helpful. Price is very reasonable. Best hostel that I have stayed so far.

10/10 Exceptional

Very chill, run by nice people
1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Enjoyed our stay at Zen hostel. The staff was attentive and helpful in planning activities.
Lorena, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

Le personnel est très accueillant, l’hotel Est très calme et d’une parfaite propreté. Notre chambre était très spacieuse, avec un petit balcon charmant.
1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Nice on a budget

Cheap, clean, friendly staff, lots of trust, good breakfast
Jon, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Great value and attention to details from the hist

It was a great stay! Everything that you could need was provided! Very friendly environment both the staff and the guest! Special Kudos to Maya who manages the hostel very professionally and welcoming. She provided very useful information as well as the gentleman that was also there!
luis, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

スタッフは良い。チェックインの際、ペーパーに基づいて説明があるので利用に安心できる。ドミトリーの消灯は22時。シャワー個室に脱衣かごがあればより便利と思う。湯田中駅から約5分で近い。駅に近い所にコンビニエンスストアがある。
Suma, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

スタッフは良い。チェックインの際、利用についての説明をペーパーに基づいてしてくれるので安心。ドミトリーは22時消灯。個室シャワーに脱衣かごがあれば便利と思う。
Suma, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Great place to stay in Yamanouchi!

Zen Hostel is in a neat, old, traditional Japanese building. The lounge overlooks a pretty Japanese garden which can be viewed through the giant windows making it seem like you are outside. The walls throughout the hostel are adorned with nice photos from around the world. The floor in my private room was covered by beautiful tatami mats on which a futon is placed for sleeping. The futon was a little thin for sleeping on my side (boney hips) but was otherwise comfortable. Everything is clean. The heaters provided kept the room as toasty as I needed but the common spaces are pretty cold so bring warm jammies in the winter for the trip to the restroom. I don't consider this a negative for this hostel as I found it is normal for there to be cold common spaces in places in the low budget range (I wouldn't know about the fancy hotels in Japan). The staff were super nice and speak English. The breakfast options were yummy and reasonable at 600 yen. The dinner menu is limited but my curry was good. The location is perfect, just 5 minutes walk to the bus and train station and close to all restaurants. I definitely recommend this place!
holly, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

Clean hotel, but wifi is slow and too far from metro or JR station
Nelson, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

ゆっくり寛げます

ラウンジにある薪ストーブが最高です 歩いて3分ほどの場所にある、よろずやのお風呂に割引で入れるのも素晴らしいです。 スタッフの方はみなさんフレンドリーですし、朝食もおいしかったです
1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing, non expensive and clean place.
Kevin, 2-night trip

6/10 Good

Not bad but expensive for what you get

We stayed at a "private" twin room and once our door was opened by someone while we were away, and another time while we were still inside someone came into our room even though it was locked! It was a mistake but I couldn't recommend the private room if you are concerned about someone entering the room. Furthermore my girlfriend didn't think the room was that clean, personally I thought it was average. Service was nice and it's not far from station. However this area doesn't have many stores or restaurants that are open. I chose to come here because my girlfriend lives close by, but hotels in Nagano city are much cheaper and cleaner if you book in advance. Unfortunately my girlfriend was a bit picky and didn't want to travel to Nagano so I ended up paying more money for less. If you have the choice, stay at a hotel in Nagano city or choose this if you want to be close by some specific tourist attraction.
2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

個室に泊まりましたが、旅館のような部屋に泊まることができくつろげました。 また、近くの有名温泉旅館と提携していて、追加料金で温泉に入れる仕組みがあり、助かりました。
ANDY, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

良かった。

居心地が良かったです。特に気を使うこともなく、特別にサービスを求めず、滞在重視な方にはおすすめだと思います。朝食が美味しかったです。スタッフも親切です。わが家に帰ってきたようなくつろぎを感じました。
2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Proche de la gare Yudanaka + Super deal Yorozuya

Très bon séjour: le bâtiment est ancien, avec un cachet certain. Espaces bar et lounge au rez-de-chaussée. Staff sympa et serviable. Dans les chambres, les banquettes sont en configuration auberge à l'européenne - c-à-d dos-à-dos plutôt que côte-à-côte, avec des rideaux sur le côté. Je suppose qu'installer des capsules aurait dénaturé le bâtiment. Elles sont confortables, pas de souci. Il n'y a que 4 douches dans la salle de bain (il y a peut-être d'autres sdb?), donc il y aurait un risque d'embouteillage - SAUF QUE: l’hôtel a un super deal avec le Yorozuya à proximité: il est possible d'accéder à leurs bains intérieur (on se croirait dans un temple en bois) et extérieur pour 800 yens, de 22 à 00h. De quoi profiter d'une super expérience d'onsen, et d’être sûr de ne pas faire la queue à la douche le lendemain, si l’hôtel est plein. L’hôtel n'est pas loin de la gare Yudanaka - super pratique! Le quartier est moins pittoresque que Shibu Onsen, mais en fonction des lieux que vous comptez voir il est potentiellement mieux situé (plus central) et en tout cas mieux desservi (gare Yudanaka). Pour le Monkey Park, il est assez loin dans les deux cas et il vaut mieux s'y rendre en bus (je m'y suis rendu en vélo: ~10min de Yudanaka Onsen à Shibu Onsen; puis 30min ou plus vers le Monkey Park par le chemin forestier [mais il est vallonné et fatiguant]).
Daniel, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Town stay for snow monkey trip

Convenient for snow monkeys and nice nearby onsen. Employees very kind made nice breakfast and drove us to the station

6/10 Good

Beware, this is NOT in Shibu Onsen town!

We chose this hostel by mistake. We thought it was in Shibu Onsen since this what we searched for when booking. Our fault!! We were disappointed to learn this place is in neighboring village and can not provide key to the 9 public onsens in Shibu Onsen. The owner didn’t bother explaining where we got it wrong. He pretended he doesn’t know what we are talking about and offered to sell us entry to an Onsen nearby his place where he has a deal. What is the problem helping us understand the situation? This is not the friendliness and hospitality we got accustomed to traveling around Japan. The hostel itself is ok, very basic and abit unhygienic in Japanese standards. It is quite cheap so you get descent value for money.
ren, 1-night trip

4/10 Fair

個室を利用しました

【悪い点】 ・寒い日ではあったが、とにかく部屋が寒く、エアコンををフルで動かしても温まらない（部屋の広さに対応しているエアコンではないと思われる） ・ガスストーブも置いてあるのに、物理的に使えない（使えなくしているのか故障しているのか不明で使えない旨の説明等一切無し） ・部屋内に洗面器と水道が付いているのに使えない旨の表示（理由不明） ・広い室内にコンセントが一箇所のみ。古いコンセントで口の間隔が狭くMacのアダプタを挿したら他の機器が使えなかった。 ・お茶や湯沸かしポット等一切無し。ティッシュも置いてない。 ・室内にコタツのような机はあるが、座椅子が無い（座布団はあり） ・共同トイレはとても華奢な造りで、プライベートの確保が完全ではない ・館内に温泉設備が無い（シャワーはあり）のはまだしも、館外の温泉設備へのアクセス情報が無い ・１階がBAR兼レストランになっているが、メニューが置いてない（言えば渡してもらえる）ので何が食べられるか分からない 【良かった点】 ・到着予定が大幅に過ぎてしまったが対応していただけた ・Wi-Fiが使える
TAKASHI, 4-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Friendly English speaking staff, good breakfast, private showers, comfy bedding and good location handy for the snow monkeys.
2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

So good stay

Nice and clean hotel close to the station. It was so comfortable stay. So it has nice cafe and bar, we could get good time in morning.
B.W.Rider, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

とても綺麗なゲストハウス

とても綺麗なゲストハウスでした。近くの萬屋という旅館のお風呂に入れるのも良かったです。純木造伽藍建築で、平成15年に国の登録有形文化財に指定された素敵なお風呂でした。
1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Nice Hostel close to the mountains, friendly staff

Out family of 6 stayed in the self contained suite that had our own toilet and bathroom very comfortably.
CC, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Bra plats, en plats att återvända till.

Älskade mottagandet och servicen. Man fick god hjälp med allt man behövde få veta. Värden hade en bra engelska vilket hjälpte. Onsenbesök i närheten går att ordna för 800 japanska yen, ta med egen handduk, allt annat finns på plats på onsen badet. God mat på Zen hostel, speciellt frukosten och den japanska omeletten. Bor gärna där igen i framtiden.
Jörgen, 2-night trip

6/10 Good

便利な場所

親切なフロントの方でしたし、お部屋も十分なほど広く、快適でした。 湯田中温泉駅まで徒歩圏内ですし、駅前にコンビニもあり、宿の周りに飲食店もあり便利です。宿にはシャワーブースのみですが、シャンプーやボディーソープもあり、駅前に激安の天然温泉、少し歩けば有形文化財桃山風呂のよろずやがあります。 渋温泉も近いです。 古い建物だからなのか、上の階に子供連れのかたがいるとものすごく響きますし、虫も多く、ネズミの声が何度も聞こえました。