Guest House Pongyi

The staff, Masaki and Nina, are soooo amazing! They get to know their visitors. They teach calligraphy and origami as a free bonus activity. They even threw a party for a couple on their honeymoon! Nina baked a cake, and other guests chipped in with snacks as well.

The atmosphere at the hostel was great! I came in late from the Komatsu airport and it exceeded the check in hours, the staff were very communicative and waited for my late arrival. Same with the luggage checkout - they came in on the day off to accommodate my luggage storage request. The location is near the JR station and walkable to all major scenery spots in kanazawa! Highly recommend it for someone who is looking for a local, bonding experience.

What I liked: This guest house is really special, as breakfast or dinner is not included but can be organized by all the guests. The atmosphere is really about gathering guests and creating social links, making them feel at home, and it is reinforced by an activity did every night on my stay. The hostel was clean, the facilities are simple but effective, you have all you need actually or nearby. It is located near a restaurant district (from crossing a road to 5 mins maximum), so if you want to go outside and get a dinner with other guests, this is the perfect location to go from. If you are traveling alone, I really recommand it; as a couple, you can book a private room for two people. You will meet many other people and sure get to interact with them even if you are reserved (it's my case), and in my opinion, that's the point of a guest house.

What I didn't like? I would have said natto, but to my great surprise, the natto spaghetti was insanely good.

I don't think I can praise this lovely Guesthouse enough! Let me try though: Welcoming: This is one of the Guesthouses where I have authentically felt at home. I was welcomed by Nina, and she offered me some tea and offered me some explanations regarding how to get everywhere in Kanazawa. They provided maps and plenty of information in fluent English (and with photos!) Location: It was really close to the station, so it was very easily reached on foot (consider this if you are carrying bulky suitcases as I did). I know that areas such as Higashichaya are more touristy, but at Pongyi you will have a quiet night, and plenty of shopping and restaurant options nearby. You can get to pretty much any place easily. The furthest location was the Kanazawa Castle, I believe, and I think it was a very enjoyable thirty-minute walk. Also, to enter the Guesthouse you could cross the river you see in the pictures. I found it rather magical. Decoration: Exquisite! There is a room with traditional Japanese decoration and the rest of the house was comfortable and welcoming. According to Nina, the guesthouse used to be a kimono storage facility, so just imagine sleeping in a place with such history behind its doors! Facilities: There are two bathrooms (and showers) to share. I considered it enough for the number of guests. Beds were comfortable, and there was enough space to store suitcases (I had my carry-on near my bed, and my larger suitcase just a few steps away). You can also use the kitchen or the fridge, although (as I mentioned before), there are plenty of options to eat nearby. Everything was spotless and organized. Bravo, Pongyi! Hosts: And last, but not least, Masaki and Nina were God-sent angels. They are kind, friendly and warmhearted people. They made my stay in the city even more enjoyable, and I hope that I have the chance to meet them again soon. I will really miss them!!

Are you kidding me? EVERYTHING WAS GREAT!!

Everything. Nina and the owner were so nice and spoke very good english. The place was clean, comfortable and 10 minutes away from the train station.