2025/02/23 [Sun]
Hi everyone, it’s been a while! Jorge here with another delightful tale from the hostel.
Busy Week at the Hostel
We’ve had quite a busy week, welcoming many interesting guests who have chosen to stay with us for an extended period. Some of them are returning guests who have enjoyed their previous stays so much that they decided to come back again. How cool is that?
My Travels in Shikoku
During my travels, I’ve discovered some fantastic spots, particularly a few onsens in Shikoku. I used to visit Kochi often, as it was a straightforward drive from my house to the city center. There was only one road to get there, so I never got lost. On the way to the city center, there was an onsen my friends and I loved to stay at, especially when we planned to go surfing or enjoy a night out in the city. The onsen was affordable, had a cozy atmosphere, and offered great beer and a variety of Japanese sake. It was a perfect place for us.
Hostels in Tokyo and Beyond
I haven’t had a similar experience with a hostel before, except for one in Tokyo that I frequent because it’s cheap and conveniently located near my favorite drinking spots. The staff is friendly, and the manager even remembers my name, ensuring I get a lower bunk whenever I make a reservation. It’s nice to feel like a valued repeat customer. However, I usually return to the hostel only to sleep, so I don’t often interact with other guests. When I stay at other hostels around Japan, they aren’t usually crowded, and I rarely run into other guests, probably because I tend to visit off-the-beaten-path locations. I find the countryside particularly charming and believe our repeat guests have discovered that same charm with our hostel.
Life in Gunma
Compared to the places I’ve lived before, this area isn’t quite the countryside, but it’s not too far from the city center. With a car or a train ride, you can reach the city within 20 minutes, which is much faster than the two-hour journey I was used to. Despite the challenges, I found it charming and have stayed in similar areas for a long time. This place is more convenient in many ways, and as people discover its charm, I’m sure more will move here. Our guests seem to appreciate what Gunma has to offer, from hobbies to other perks.
Exploring Takasaki
Feeling adventurous, I decided to explore the city center and took some of our guests to Takasaki for a night out. They’re all much younger than me and strong drinkers, so I had to pace myself, but they were respectful and didn’t push me to drink too much. We had a great time, and I managed to network with other English speakers. It was an excellent night out, and the guests enjoyed themselves and made new friends. In the future, I might invite more long-term guests to join me for a taste of what Takasaki has to offer if they haven’t ventured out on their own.
