The hype
A super clean, welcoming hostel with a fantastic owner and a great location near the sea turtle museum.
Ichi The Hostel
$25-75 / night
Book this if You're a backpacker, Shikoku pilgrim, or budget traveler looking for a highly social, DIY-renovated traditional Japanese house with a lively attached pub.
Why People Love It
- Attached pub with craft beer and local fruit cocktails
- Outdoor wooden deck with river and mountain views
- Immaculate shared kitchen and facilities
Quick Take: It's a beautifully renovated traditional home with a great social vibe, but the paper-thin walls mean you'll hear your neighbors breathing.
Reviewed by @tripsplot: I stayed at Ichi The Hostel during my Shikoku 88 pilgrimage and it was the perfect haven. The shared kitchen saved me money, and the lounge was great for meeting fellow walkers. If you need a cozy, authentic place to rest your feet, this is it!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The peaceful ocean sounds are lovely, but the thin walls allow noise from other guests to travel easily.
- You want to meet other travelers and locals at the bar
- You are walking the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage
- You appreciate DIY-renovated traditional architecture
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.5
- Housekeeping: Immaculate daily upkeep; reviewers consistently praise the spotless condition of the dorms and common areas.
- Bathroom hygiene: Shared but sparkling clean, with well-maintained shower rooms and sinks.
- Maintenance: Excellent. The DIY renovation is sturdy, modern, and thoughtfully constructed.
- Linens & towels: Clean and fresh, though remember you have to rent bath towels for ¥100.
- Odors & scents: Fresh and airy, benefiting from the coastal breeze and strict cleanliness standards.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Other guests in adjacent rooms
- Socializing in the shared lounge and pub
- Creaky wooden floors
Before you book
Good to know
- Parking is available but costs ¥300/day and has a strict 3-car maximum
- The hostel is a 10-minute walk from JR Hiwasa Station
- Free washing detergent is provided for the coin laundry
What to pack
- Earplugs and an eye mask to combat the thin walls and dorm lighting
- Your own bath towel to save the ¥100 rental fee
Room Genie
Best picks
- Private Double or Triple rooms for more space and privacy
- Rooms with direct access to the outdoor wooden deck
Rooms to avoid
- Dorm beds located near the shared lounge or bathrooms if you sleep light
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hello, I am a light sleeper. Could you please assign me a bed or room as far away from the shared lounge and bathrooms as possible?”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there parking available?
Yes, but it's limited to 3 cars and costs ¥300 per day. You must reserve a spot in advance.
Are the bathrooms private?
No, all rooms share communal bathrooms and shower facilities, though reviewers consistently note they are kept exceptionally clean.
Is there food on-site?
There is an attached pub serving craft beer and cocktails, and a fully equipped shared kitchen to cook your own meals.
Do they provide towels?
Bath towels and face towels are not included in the room rate, but you can rent them for ¥100.
How far is it from the train station?
It's about a 10-minute walk from JR Hiwasa Station.
Is it a good stop for the Shikoku Pilgrimage?
Yes, it's perfectly located just a 5-minute walk from Temple 23 (Yakuo-ji).
Insider Tips
- ✨
Grab a local seasonal fruit cocktail at the attached Ichi Pub—it's a great place to mingle with locals.
- ✨
Take advantage of the free bicycle rentals to explore the nearby coastline and Ozuna Beach.
- ✨
Hang out on the 2nd-floor wooden deck for direct views of the river and mountains.
5 things to know before you go
💡The entire interior was gutted and rebuilt by hand by the owners over 4 months.
💡You can rent a BBQ set for ¥500 per person and grill on the outdoor deck.
💡They offer free locally produced rice and store-bought pasta in the shared kitchen.
💡There's a Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and even a ukulele available in the lounge.
💡The hostel occasionally hosts DJs and lively events in the attached bar area.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Ichi The Hostel is located and what's nearby.