I have been to Fukuoka for 4 times and stayed in a dorm room for 2 of the trips. One of the places was AZA FUKUOKA SEMINAR HOUSE. The place was lovely as it is an actual home modified into a budget hostel. And women-only only hostel. So it felt secure, warm, and homey.
Unfortunately I did not take picture of the house. But I did manage to snapped the inside situation. From the entrance we can find drawer to keep our shoes, and there are house slippers available for the guests. House rules were posted on the wall. So they basically did not allow us to eat in the room, instead we should eat at the provided dining room (which can also be the living room too).
Next to the entrance, there is a small pantry. It has microwave, water dispenser, fridge and etc. We can use them all, provided we wash everything after use.
I booked a bed in a standard 8-bed female room, just few days before my departure. It costed me 2,200 yen/night. Not bad for an impromptu booking. The room was not small, but it’s quite packed with beds (of course). Each bed has a small light, a plug extension, blanket, hanger for clothes, and pillow. In the room, there is humidifier, fan, room heater, drawers to put our luggage and stuffs. Bathroom and toilet are just next to our room.
I was hoping that no one else would come so I could occupy the whole room by myself. Yet, more people were coming and suddenly the room was full. So, yeah. But I could still do my prayers, alhamdulillah.
I am pretty much satisfied with this hostel. Only one major weakness that I found quite annoying. The place was hard to find! After I booked the room, the hotel actually sent me an email telling me the important information including their address. As I was having a meeting near Hakata station, I decided to took a bus to reach the place. Following the hostel’s instruction. This is what they said:
From JR Hakata Station:
The most reasonable and convenient way to come to our house is taking a bus. The bus fare is only JPY100.
Get on a bus at �Hakataekimae A� bus stop and get off at �Watanabedori Icchome Juhachiginko mae�. You can take any bus except for those going to Canal City. After getting off the bus, walk back to the big intersection you just passed by and turn right. On your right side, you will find a SevenEleven with a sign. Turn right at the corner with the sign board. You will find Aza Fukuoka Seminar House on your right after walking for 1 or 2 minutes.
So I was in the big intersection but I couldn’t find the seven eleven. Nearly cried because it was almost dinner time when I was at the middle of a strange place. It was only my third week in Japan, and I hadn’t gotten my simcard. So no internet for me unless I entered seven eleven. So yeah after an hour finally I found the hostel.
Not sure if next time I will be back to this hostel, as I want to explore other hostel. Also I’d like it if my hostel will be on the side of big road or at least some places that are easy to find. LOL.