1166 Backpackers

The staff were exceptional and very friendly and helpful!

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The hostel is in a very good location. Super close to the Zenkoji temple. The train station is about a 20 min walk from the hostel. It is very cozy. A nice hangout area to catch up with other travellers, a small kitchen, a work space and the room that we were staying in was small but there was enough space to store our luggage so it was not in the way. I'm guessing the building used to be a residential home but was remodeled to a hostel which is probably why there is only one shower. But that was never an issue while we were staying there. There was never a queue. And now the best part. The staff was absolutely amazing! We were greeted with tea and a little sweet treat, she showed us all the amenities in the hostel and gave us all the information and recommendations for Nagano and other areas that we needed and asked for. Even gave me a little note saying 'I am vegan/vegetrerian' in japanese and what I can and can not eat that I could show at a restaurant! Everyone we met from the staff members were incredibly friendly. We never had such a personal check in before and that just made our stay even better! We would definitely go back to stay there and can recommend staying at 1166backpackers.

no hostel in my japan trip can compare to the warmth of the staff at 1166. they were so kind, generous and went above and beyond to help lowly travellers like myself. staying in this hostel was one of the highlights of my trip. thank you so much!

that i didn’t stay longer

Although a bit further from the main station (20 mins walk), it was still in a prime location for exploring Nagano. The train station that takes you to the monkey forest is only a 10 min walk and the main temple less than a 15 min walk away. Staff inside the hostel were extremely welcoming; as soon as I entered I was offered a hot drink and was given a booklet in English which explained the rules of the property, the free wifi and also the local attractions and things to do in and around the city. Once I had read the booklet, the staff member gave me some of her own recommendations for restaurants and bars in the local area and was willing to answer any other questions I had - she also insisted on carrying my two heavy bags upstairs to my room for me despite me trying to say this wasn’t necessary. The dormitory room was basic but practical with adequate space to store your belongings, I chose the bottom bunk which had way more headroom than other similar beds I’d stayed in and also featured a privacy curtain and small shelf to store belongings which was useful. There was also a nightlight. The common area was spacious with a big communal table and kitchen area. I found it to be a good environment to meet other travellers and the staff seem genuinely interested in talking to you about your trip. Toilets and shower were also clean with toiletries and a small towel provided, with laundry facilities also available for a small fee. Before I went on a day trip to the nearby monkey forest, the staff talked me through which train ticket I needed to buy and how to use the ticket machines at the station which I found incredibly helpful and made my travel to the forest significantly less stressful. Overall the value for money for the property was very good, with helpful, friendly staff and a good base to see the best of what Nagano offers. Highly recommend to anyone travelling in the area!