Unbelievable Miyajima Hostel: Omotenashi Awaits!
Unbelievable Miyajima Hostel: Omotenashi Awaits! - A Review That's Got My Socks Knocked Off (And Maybe Yours Too)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from Unbelievable Miyajima Hostel: Omotenashi Awaits! and I'm still trying to unpack all the feels. Forget your perfectly polished travel blogs – this is gonna be messy, real, and hopefully, helpful. If you're looking for a Miyajima Island getaway, prepare to get your mind blown (and maybe snag a few souvenirs, because the gift shop? Well, we'll get there…).
First Impressions: Finding the Hidden Gem (and My Inner Zen)
Seriously, the name Unbelievable isn't just for show. The location? Spot on. Close enough to the ferry for easy access, but tucked away enough that you feel like you've stumbled into a secret garden. The building itself? Clean, bright, welcoming. Forget the sterile, chain-hotel vibes. This place oozes charm. And honestly? That first breath of fresh island air, mixed with the subtle scent of, I dunno, happiness, that's what sold me.
Accessibility: Smooth Sailing (For the Most Part)
Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I always keep an eye out for accessibility. And Unbelievable Miyajima Hostel seems to be doing a decent job. From what I saw, the public areas were pretty easy to navigate. Elevator? Check. Facilities for disabled guests? Seems so. (Though, full disclosure, I didn't scrutinize every nook and cranny – maybe pop them an email to check if you need specifics! They're usually pretty responsive). The whole vibe felt considerate. I'm guessing this is a must-have for those seeking a wheelchair accessible hotel.
Safety and Cleanliness: Clean Freak Approved! (and Pandemic Prepared)
Okay, let's get real. Cleanliness is HUGE right now. And OMFG, this place gets an A+ for cleanliness! Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Absolutely. They might as well have been wearing hazmat suits (kidding… mostly). Rooms sanitized between stays? Yep. Hand sanitizer stations EVERYWHERE. I felt safer there than I do in my own home, honestly! It's a massive relief knowing they're taking things seriously. And that peace of mind? Priceless.
The Room: Cozy, Comfortable, and With Actually Good Wi-Fi!
My room? Seriously, I was not expecting this. Forget the cramped hostel dorms of your youth. I had a non-smoking room, with a private bathroom, a comfortable bed, and…wait for it… free Wi-Fi that actually worked! (This is a huge win, folks! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! AND, Internet [LAN] as well! They’ve got all the bases covered on this front). Air conditioning? Oh yeah. Blackout curtains? Absolutely essential for those ahem late-night adventures. Seriously, the room was a haven. And the little touches, like the complimentary tea and free bottled water? Chef’s kiss! The window that opens was a godsend. And let's be honest, the slippers and bathrobes are just a nice touch. This is no ordinary hostel!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Foodie Heaven (and My Stomach’s New Best Friend)
Okay, listen up food lovers, because Unbelievable Miyajima Hostel knocks it out of the park. The restaurants are fantastic. They offer a buffet in restaurant along with Asian cuisine in restaurant, including Asian breakfast. But the best part: the breakfast. I’m not even a breakfast person. But their breakfast was so good: I actually had seconds! The coffee was strong, the pastries were flaky perfection, and the fresh fruit was bursting with flavor. It was a perfect way to start each day. They also have a snack bar AND a coffee shop so you’ll never be hungry! And they had a poolside bar, which, although I didn't partake, looked AMAZING.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
This is where Unbelievable Miyajima Hostel truly shines. The concierge was incredibly helpful with everything. The daily housekeeping was immaculate. They offer laundry service. They even had a convenience store for those midnight snack cravings. The luggage storage was super convenient. They even have a currency exchange! The service was top-notch. They genuinely wanted to make your stay as amazing as possible.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Island Life at Its Finest (and My Stress Level: Zero)
Miyajima is a haven for relaxation, and the hostel complements that vibe perfectly. They have a terrace. I spent a lot of time just chillin' on their terrace, soaking up the vibes. Did I mention there's a pool? A swimming pool [outdoor] at that! They also even boast a spa/sauna. After exploring the island, there’s nothing better than unwind in the sauna or take a dip in the pool. And the peaceful atmosphere encourages ways to relax.
The "Unbelievable" Moment: The Sunset and the Shrine
Okay, I have to share this moment. Picture this: after a day of exploring the iconic Torii Gate (SO worth it!), I found myself on the hostel’s terrace, watching the sunset paint the sky in shades of orange and purple. The air was crisp, the water shimmered, and in the distance, the gate stood proud and majestic. Holding a bottle of water and a little snack from the snack bar, it truly felt like a movie scene. It was one of those moments when you just stop, breathe deep, and realize: this is what life is all about. And Unbelievable Miyajima Hostel provided the perfect backdrop.
The "Meh" Zone (Because Even Paradise Has a Few Bumps)
Okay, let's be real. No place is perfect. While the staff are helpful, sometimes communication can be a little challenging if you don't speak Japanese. (But Google Translate is your friend, right?!) And while the wifi was great, it did occasionally drop out in the far corners of the exterior corridor. But honestly? These are minor quibbles.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun
While I didn't travel with kids. But I did see they had family/child friendly policies and babysitting service.
The Down-and-Dirty, Honest Verdict:
Unbelievable Miyajima Hostel: Omotenashi Awaits! isn't just a place to crash. It's an experience. It's a place where you can unwind, reconnect with yourself, and soak up the magic of Miyajima Island. The staff, the cleanliness, the location, the food…it all adds up to something truly special.
My Recommendation:
RUN, don't walk, and book your stay NOW! Seriously, don't delay. This place is a hidden gem, and the word's getting out.
Here's the Deal: A Compelling Offer for YOU!
Tired of the same old boring vacations? Craving an escape?
Book your stay at Unbelievable Miyajima Hostel: Omotenashi Awaits! and experience the magic of Miyajima Island. Here's what awaits you:
- Unforgettable Sunset Views: Wake up to a view that will take your breath away.
- Impeccable Cleanliness: Rest easy knowing every corner is spotless.
- Delicious Dining: Savor authentic Japanese cuisine and mouthwatering buffet breakfast.
- Ultimate Relaxation: Unwind in the outdoor pool or sweat out the stress in the spa.
- Seamless Convenience: Enjoy free Wi-Fi, helpful concierge service, and everything you need for a comfortable stay.
- And the best part? They genuinely care about making your stay a dream come true!
Book now through our website and get a complimentary welcome drink, VIP treatment
Don't miss out on the adventure of a lifetime!
This is one heck of a hostel. If you don't go, you're MISSING OUT.
China's Badminton Haven: Unbeatable Hotel Deals!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're heading to Miyajima Island, Japan, and my brain is already a delightful, chaotic mess. This is less a polished travel itinerary and more a diary of impending delightful chaos, peppered with the usual travel anxieties. I'm staying at Omotenashi Hostel Miyajima – sounds fancy, doesn't it? We'll see how long that fancy-ness lasts once I've wrestled with the futon and lost the battle against the vending machine.
Day 1: Arrival (and the Great Ferry Panic of 2024)
- Morning (or What Passed for Morning After a Red-Eye):
- Touchdown in Hiroshima Airport. Jet lag? Oh, honey, jet lag is my middle name. After a grueling flight from, ahem, New York, I stumbled out, feeling (and probably looking) like a gremlin.
- Observation: The Japanese are impossibly polite. Like, I nearly tripped over my own feet and someone bowed to me to apologize. I think I need to up my game.
- Train to Miyajimaguchi station. Directions? I'm pretty sure I looked like a lost puppy with a crumpled map. Google Maps saved me, bless its digital little heart.
- Anxiety Alert: The ferry to Miyajima Island. Apparently, it's a thing. And a thing that requires me to, you know, function in a crowd. My social battery is already at 2%.
- Afternoon (or The Ferry Fiasco):
- The Ferry: Okay, deep breaths. Right. Ferry. Crowds. Deer. (Deer! I forgot about the deer!) The ferry ride was… beautiful. Seriously! The views! The sea! And then…
- The Great Deer Snack Debacle: I'd heard about the deer. Friendly, hungry deer. I also heard they love to steal things. So, I, being the genius that I am, packed a bag of… cookies in a brightly colored plastic bag. Predictable, right? Well, cue a deer, practically lunging at me, ripping the bag out of my clutches, and devouring my afternoon snack. I’m still not sure if I was more mortified, or impressed by its audacity.
- Arrival at Omotenashi Hostel: Check-in was surprisingly smooth! The staff were lovely, even though I probably looked like I'd been through a war (thanks, deer!). My room? Cozy. Too cozy, perhaps. I'm pretty sure I can touch all four walls while standing in the middle. But clean. And, blessedly, free of cookie-crazed deer.
- Evening:
- Dinner Mishap: Found a ramen place. Ordered in my best (read: shaky) Japanese. Got… something. It was edible. I think. I’m still not entirely sure what I ate, but I lived.
- The Night Walk & Torii Gate Glow: Absolutely stunning. The floating Torii Gate (The iconic red gate in the water) at sunset? Magical. I even shed an actual tear. (Don't judge. Jet lag, okay?) The photo op? Obvious and necessary. The light, the water, the… complete and utter peace… until a gaggle of tourists decided to take the exact same photo, causing a small-scale photo-taking war. But still, worth it.
- Bedtime: Futon wrestling match commenced. I lost. But hey, at least I can still brush my teeth and not fall asleep.
Day 2: Shrine Sightseeing & the Great Ascent (and the Exhaustion)
- Morning:
- Shrine exploration: Hats off to the Itsukushima Shrine. It was seriously otherworldly. The architecture, the history… the sheer beauty of it all! I almost forgot I was wearing socks with holes.
- Observation: I'm starting to understand the appeal of Zen gardens. I'm just not sure I have the patience to create one. I'd probably end up with a pile of rocks and a lot of frustration.
- Challenge: Finding a vending machine that sells something other than green tea. Apparently, Japan is obsessed with green tea. I’m starting to feel like a walking chlorophyll factory.
- Afternoon:
- The Ascent of Mount Misen: This was a terrible idea.
- The Great Ascent (and Exhaustion): Right, so Mount Misen. I thought, "Oh, a gentle hike. Fresh air! Beautiful views!" LIES. ALL LIES. It turned into a vertical death march. Seriously, I saw hikers with actual hiking poles. I, on the other hand, was clinging to any handrail I could find, panting like a dog, and questioning all my life choices.
- The View: (Once I, eventually, finally made it to the top) Spectacular. Worth it. Kinda. Seriously, the panoramic view of the island and the sea was jaw-dropping. I felt like I could see everything. And then I promptly needed to sit down for an hour.
- Quirky Observation: There are these little statues on the mountain. I have no idea why they're there, but they look like they're having a serious conversation with each other. I like to think they're judging my choice of footwear (definitely should have brought hiking boots)
- Evening:
- Dinner: Craving carbs. Found a tempura place. Fried everything! Delicious. And probably enough calories to fuel another ascent (should any masochism decide to hit me).
- Back to the Hostel: Crashed. Utterly and completely. I think I may have accidentally fallen asleep still wearing my shoes. Don't judge.
Day 3: Farewell Miyajima (and the Anticipation of the Next Adventure)
- Morning:
- Breakfast: The hostel had a charming, tiny breakfast area with toast and jam. Simple, but perfect.
- Deer Farewell: Said goodbye to the deer. They seemed to be plotting something… I'm keeping a close eye on my luggage.
- Afternoon:
- Departure: Ferry back to the mainland. Sigh. Already missing the island.
- Reflections: Miyajima Island. Messy. Beautiful. Exhausting. Worth it. (But the memories… priceless!)
Final Thoughts (and Ramblings):
This itinerary is more of a guideline than a rigid schedule. I guarantee things will go wrong. I might get lost. I might eat something questionable. I will probably fall asleep on the train. But that's part of the fun, right? Because this is not just about the places I see, it's about the things I learn, the laughs I share, and the (sometimes painful) experiences along the way.
Next stop… well, I’m not quite sure yet. But I can’t wait!
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Unbelievable Miyajima Hostel: Omotenashi Awaits! (Or Does It?) – A Mostly Honest FAQ
Okay, so "Omotenashi"… does it *actually* await? I've seen the ads. Is it all just buzzwords?
Alright, buckle up. Omotenashi… it *tries*. Let me tell you, the staff, bless their hearts, *work* at it. They're ridiculously polite. Like, bowing-until-their-heads-almost-hit-the-floor polite. But, and this is a big but, sometimes it feels… manufactured? Like, you can almost see them going, "Right, act 1: incredibly courteous. Act 2: offer tea. Act 3: hope they don't ask *too* many questions."
I remember one time, I was trying to figure out the train schedule to Hiroshima. The poor guy behind the desk – bless him, he was probably barely out of high school – was *struggling*. He kept pulling out these massive, confusing maps. We were both sweating. Eventually, another guest, a grumpy-looking Aussie, just pointed at the departure time and said, "Just get on that one, mate." *That* was actually helpful. So, Omotenashi-ish, maybe? But authentic? Mmm, jury's still out.
The dorm rooms – are they, y'know, *actually* clean? I'm a bit germaphobe, and I'm picturing a scene from a horror movie.
Clean… ish. Okay, look, it's a hostel. Expectations are… *adjusted*. They do a commendable job. I *think* they changed the sheets. Probably. I certainly *hoped* they did because the pillow situation was concerning. It felt like I was sleeping on a slightly less-than-clean cloud. And the walls themselves… well, let's just say they've seen some things. You know, the usual scrapes and marks from a million backpackers flinging themselves around.
But the bathrooms? They're doing their best. They have those awesome Japanese toilets with all the buttons - a real highlight. Just… don't look *too* closely at the grout. And bring your own flip-flops. Always, always bring your own flip-flops in a hostel shower. Trust me.
Is the location good? I want to be near the Itsukushima Shrine and that famous floating torii gate.
Location? Gold star. Seriously. It's *amazing*. You can practically *see* the torii gate from the hostel. It's like, a five-minute walk? Maybe less. And the ferry terminal is super close. You're right in the heart of all the action.
I woke up one morning and just wandered out to the beach to watch the sunrise over the gate. Phenomenal. Absolutely worth the slightly questionable pillow situation. So, yeah, location? Nailed it. That’s the one thing they really, really have going for them. Don't underestimate the convenience of waking up and being practically *at* the shrine. Because, trust me, after a day of hiking and temple-hopping, a short walk back is a *blessing*.
What's the vibe of the hostel? Is it a party hostel? Quiet? Somewhere in between?
Definitely not a party hostel. Thank goodness. More like… a slightly awkward, international get-together. There's a common room, and they *try* to encourage mingling. They have a sign-up sheet for group dinners (more of that Omotenashi at work). But the reality is, everyone's mostly glued to their phones, or whispering to each other in hushed tones.
I remember one night, there was this attempted "cultural exchange" thing. Some poor volunteer was trying to teach people origami. It was a disaster. No one understood the instructions, everyone's paper cranes looked like crumpled garbage, and everyone was secretly checking their Instagram. It was all very… polite and subdued. So, expect quiet-ish. Friendly, maybe. Memorable, definitely. But not a rager.
The food! What about the food situation? Breakfast included? Restaurants nearby?
Breakfast is… interesting. They offer toast and jam. And instant coffee. It’s functional. It fills a hole. Don’t expect Michelin-star cuisine.
But the good news is that Miyajima is a *foodie paradise*. There are tons of restaurants nearby, mostly specializing in oysters (it's famous for them). I had the best grilled oysters of my life! Like, heavenly. And you absolutely *must* try the momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes) – they’re delicious. Honestly, the food scene is a major highlight. So, breakfast, meh. Everything else? Yum!
I'm worried about the deer. Are they going to steal my stuff? Do they bite?
Oh, the deer. The deer. They're everywhere. They're basically the official mascots of Miyajima. And yes, they *will* try to steal your stuff. They are relentless. I saw one deer *yank a map right out of a guy's hand and try to eat it*. It was pure chaos.
I learned my lesson quickly. Never leave anything unattended. Hold onto your food *tightly*. And be prepared to fend them off with a stern look or a well-timed "shoo!" They're cute, sure, but they are also little furry bandits. And they'll chew on anything. My hat? Gone. My sandwich? Gone. My sense of peace? Occasionally, gone. But hey, it’s part of the charm, right? (Deep breath). Just… be vigilant!
Would you stay here again, despite all the… imperfections?
Okay, this is the big one. Honestly? Yes.
Look, it's a hostel. It's not perfect. There are quirks. There are slightly dodgy pillows. The Omotenashi might feel a little forced sometimes. But the location is killer. The people are generally nice. The deer are… well, they’re deer. And Miyajima itself is just magical. I mean, that torii gate… it’s breathtaking. I'd put up with a lot for that view. And after a day of temple-hopping and oyster-eating, a (mostly) clean bed is a welcome sight. So yeah, I'd go back. Just… with my own pillowcase this time. And a *very* firm grip on my snacks.
