Cet hostel est situé un peu loin du centre mais c’est un vrai havre de paix qui vaut le détour. Il y a quelques navettes qui vous permettent d’y arriver plus facilement et de profiter des randonnées aux alentours. Sur place, vous dormez au calme, près d’une rivière où l’on peut se baigner. L’espace extérieur est top avec un sublime mobilier en bois. Petit coup de cœur pour les douches qui ont un charme fou. Scout, l’hôte est très accueillant, est de bons conseils et fait de bon petit dej’. Une adresse à noter !
Words fail me for the paradise Scout has created here. Honestly Earth Hostel is something truly special and you would be mad not to venture from all corners of the globe just to stay here. I had to draggg myself away I didn’t want to leave!!
Scout is a true traveller, generous in spirit and time and an exceptional host. Runs amazing shuffle services to Nikko that make it so easy to access his slice of heaven tucked away in nature. His food is hearty, home made and delicious - to have that home made yogurt and French toast again 🤤🤤
You want to explore Nikko and surrounds but then you also want some days just to reenergise at the hostel by the river and meandering to the next village on the bikes available. And then at night sip beer under the stars, sing karaoke with fellow travellers and feel like you’re the only people on the planet.
Wow an essay already but it’s because Earth Hostel and Scout deserve it - and do yourself a favour and book via the website.
In summary - get your butt here asap.
Jul. 2025
Honestly, I can not recommend this hostel enough!
* book through the home page for a better deal! * 🌟
When I left Japan for the first time I knew that if I came back I would for sure come to this hostel again, and so I did.
Have spent here 6 wonderful nights and if I hadn't booked ahead I would stay here for longer.
Even though this place is far from the Nikko stations, the free shuttles make it super easy to explore nikko and enjoy the more quiet and peaceful side of Nikko <3
I highly recommend ordering the breakfasts!
Scout (the awesome host) is an amazing cook and makes everything from scratch! Super delicious and a great way to start the day!
The river was the best way to enjoy the hot summer days of japan 🌾
Scout, thank you for making this part of our trip so wonderful 💕
Nov. 2023
I absolutely loved my stay at this hostel! One of my favoriete places that I've been in Japan 🍁
The location is just so peaceful and beautiful, perfect if you want to relax and have a good time with the other guests.
Scout, the hostel owner, was very kind to us. He is very friendly and knows a lot about Nikko and will happily help you with everything you want to know about the area, and will make you delicious meals for a reasonable price 😋
There are free shuttles from the hostel to the nikko stations at the morning, and back to the hostel at the evening that are very useful.
The place is quite far from any supermarket/restaurants so you do have to take that into consideration.
I have to be frank, the place is a bit old so if you're looking for a high standard hotel and you are afraid of some spiderwebs, a few bugs and a bit of dust - it might not be the place for you.
Nevertheless, I would absolutely come back if I'll have the chance ❤️
Yes! It's a great nature vibe after the chaos of Tokyo. Nikko has shrines and Edowonderland ( so fun) and epic hikes to waterfalls and through meadows. The hostel is in Nature. You fall sleep listening to the river. Play in the clean river water, read, drink beer or just chill. Met some fun, great, interesting travelers. And the owner Scout has a great vibe.
The greatest hostel you will ever stay at in Japan PERIOD! Read the website and book direct. Group rooms with other guests are cheaper than what hostel world says! I met so many fun people and for backpackers like myself who are just passing through, this place is perfect. Stay, swim in the river, and relax with your temporary family.
Place is heaven on Earth. Truly magical. You think this is far from town? Dont worry. Scout will pick you up at the local train stations. And he will take you into town for adventures. I've stayed in over 100 hostels in the last 7 years. This is the best hostel I've ever stayed at. Scout is easily the best host too. He made us homemade yogurt, and homemade-bread-french-toast for breakfast. His food is sooo incredible. Multiple rides in and out of town. You have a river 50 meters away! It's the best mountain river dip one can ask for. Wifi excellent on entire property. Rooms are good, beds good, tons of restrooms, giant shower. Full kitchen available. This place has it all. We had a night where we sang karaoke with all the hostelmates, because Scout has a sound system too. I could go on and on and on. You have to experience this friggin place.
I booked a room there and wanted to use the free shuttle service. At 8, I sent an email, that bounced back to me 3 times, and that the "address was not found". I then sent a message on Instagram, SMS and tried to call, but I had no answer. I also asked the tourist center of Nikko for help, they tried their best, but nothing.
So I decided that I'll book another hotel to be sure to have somewhere to sleep and so that I can enjoy my afternoon in Nikko.
And then at 3:45pm for a pickup at 4:30pm, the hostel answered to me. I was confused, because why couldn't they answer to me earlier. So obviously, I didn't go to the hostel because they haven't answered me at all for 8h.
But then to my surprise, they still made me pay for one night. According to them, they answered to my SMS with a thumbs up that I have never received, so under they cancellation policy the first night is owed.
So I am quite angry and disappointed, thus my rating.
It's a shame because the place looks fun and easy going, but they are really unprofessional : the website is from another century, no written answer nor acknowledgement to SMS, Instagram, phone calls or email, no WhatsApp setup, not caring enough to manage their email address. Very disappointing because I'm sure that a single answer to any of my messages would have solved everything. It's a shame.
I loved the hostel! I stayed there for three nights and I mean, the location is super nice! Also, scout offers pickup and drop offs which I think is sooo cool
Scout is an amazing host. He provides free shuttle to the hostel and options to get breakfast and dinner. I absolutely reccomand this place ! The vibe was really nice
I stayed for 3 Nights and really enjoyed my time here. Scout the owner is very nice and helpful. The location is beautiful with the river and scout offers several shuttles per day to get back and forth to the town. Food is also very good. I can advise you to book threw the website everything is well explained on the website.
Das für uns schlechteste Hostel auf unserer fünfmonatigen Reise. Ich habe mich während der kompletten Reise nicht so unwohl gefühlt wie hier vor Ort. Der Besitzer macht „lustige“ Witze über seine Gäste. Das Hostel befindet sich in keinem guten Zustand. Es bedarf viel Renovation, Zeit und Liebe. Einzig die weiteren Gäste waren sehr nett und wir hatten tolle Gespräche, dennoch kann ich die Unterkunft nicht weiterempfehlen.
Earth Hostel offers scenery you'd be willing to hike for hours to see, while you eat breakfast, shower, swim in the river or read a book. The wifi is to a good standard in case you want to work. Meals are delicious and very reasonable, if you dont want to cook yourself, I especially liked the variety of dishes available for breakfast. Living areas are social, clean and a lot of fun. Scout is more than accomodating, with a regular shuttle between the riverhouse and the tourist area, from where you can partake in some of the nicest hiking I've found anywhere. I wouldnt stay anywhere else as a backpacker.
Spent three nights here and absolutely loved it. The location on the river is just beautiful! Not a party hostel but easy to meet the other guests and make new friends. We all ate dinner together at the heated table and played cards afterwards. Breakfast was served outside. It’s definitely far from town but the owner drops off and picks up every day and totally worth it!
My only negatives are that the dorm beds are really low so if you’re on the bottom bunk you can’t sit up. Also the room adjacent to the common room needs blackout curtains. The light shines through and people forget to turn off the lights before going to bed and it was really bright and difficult to fall sleep.
The location of this hostel is amazing, right next to a river in a beautiful forest. It is also super sociable; we met more people here in four days than in the rest of our four week Japan trip combined. Scout is really welcoming and knowledgeable about activities you can try in the area. Would recommend booking direct through the website rather than through a third party.
After a week and a half in Tokyo, my 13-year-old son and I came to rest in the river, it's the wisest decision I've made.
The location is perfect - between green mountains and flowing river water with clear pools for swimming.
Scout's place is built in a way that you can really enjoy nature, he never stopped pampering you with delicious and nutritious food, shuttle services to the city, good advice and a very big heart.
We took the private unit from which the view is dreamy.
In short, a paradise for those who love nature and peace.
Scout- Thank you very much for this special time 🙏🏼❤️
earth hostel was a highlight of the trip to japan. scout was very accommodating, offering pickups and drop-offs each day, and yummy meals for an affordable price. the blueberry pancakes were a delight. scout gave us many laughs and great recommendations of nikkō. the hostel is relaxing and comfortable. the nearby river offered us refreshing swims each morning. i miss this place and hope to return one day.
Verified Company
