earth hostel ~ the riverhouse

Nikko · Japan

earth hostel ~ the riverhouse

HostelPunk Score
87% GOOD
Medium confidence 69 reviews

Tags

Drip perks

🚲 Bicycle Hire

Facilities

🏊 Swimming Pool 🍳 Kitchen 👕 Laundry 🅿️ Parking 🅿️ Free Parking 🌅 Outdoor Terrace 🍳 Breakfast
Other facilities (21)
Bicycle Parking Adaptors Internet Access Wi-Fi Towels For Hire Linen Included Air Conditioning Reading Light Hair Dryers Towels Not Included Security Lockers Safe Deposit Box Hot Showers Common Room Lounge Room Free City Maps Free WiFi Free Internet Access Meals Available Tea & Coffee Making Facilities Panoramic Views

Prices

Dorms $33 / night
Privates $73 / night

HW prices from today

Recent reviews

Netherlands MALE 18-24 May 2, 2026 Atm 80%

The Bedrooms are not my thing , Bugs everywhere and the beds were really old and not stable, The shuttle service was great tho and the location next to the river is cool with the perfect and I mean perfect hang out area outside with a great view, the showers and toilets just need some renewing as you can really tell, A great volunteer named Rob is always down to help and is a very social guy. The host (Scout) is also very polite so definitely can’t complain about the people who work there

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Canada FEMALE 18-24 Nov 22, 2025 Atm 40%

It doesn’t matter what I write for a review. Scout the owner will take it down anyway.

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USA MALE 25-30 Nov 21, 2025 Atm 40%

Scout is a really cool dude but it seems that overbuffs the review of this place. Bugs all over. It was freezing in the common areas and the beds were very mediocre. Bathrooms really need and update and smell terrible. I’m a chill person but this was at least double the price it should be.

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England ALLFEMALEGROUP 18-24 Nov 15, 2025 Atm 100%

We absolutely loved our stay here! Scout is incredibly helpful and lovely! The scenery is beautiful and peaceful. Great food as well if you decide to have breakfast and dinner at the hostel. Really well priced for everything you get! We really recommend a morning dip in the river too or going out by the river at night to see the stars!

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Germany MALE 31-40 Nov 10, 2025 Atm 100%

super nice hostel in the nature. Very comfi beds. good organized with pic ups and drop offs. enjoyed my staying. 🤗

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USA FEMALE 31-40 Nov 7, 2025 Atm 100%

Home away from home along a beautiful river! *cold plunge if you’re brave* location about 25ish minutes from the Center. Host provides FREE shuttle pick up and drop off daily so it is easy to get to buses/trains to explore hikes and temples. You can order meals which make eating convenient and a delicious breakfast before you start your long exploration days was my fav. Comfy beds with a lot of blankets and duvet. Social yet relaxing vibes met great people and loved my experience! 4 nights

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USA MALE 25-30 Oct 30, 2025 Atm 100%

Great stay, the blueberry pancakes and eggs are out of this world. I preferred the breakfast to dinner tbh. Scout is a great host - a bit of an acquired taste, but once you come around to his personality he really opens up. The building itself is so unique and surprised me in the best way. Only downside, is that it is a bit of a commute from Nikko, but there are pickup times of 4:30, 6:30, and 9:30 which allow you to plan around that time.

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Netherlands MALE 25-30 Oct 24, 2025 Atm 100%

The host makes this stay worth it alone. Great atmospheric hostel which is arranged to make encounters with other people as social as possible. The host himself is really attentive and does a lot to make sure your stay is comfortable. He also drives you between Nikko station and the hostel. Would definitely come again.

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USA MALE Oct 19, 2025 Atm 100%

One of those hostels where travelers book a couple nights and end up staying a week. So glad I found this place! Thank you Scout and Sonia for making it home!

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England MALE 25-30 Oct 19, 2025 Atm 100%

lovely wholesome hostel

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USA MALE 25-30 Oct 6, 2025 Atm 100%

Great clean hostel. It’s very nature forward and has great access to the main part of Nikko via the shuttle service back and forth. Awesome chill vibes you want in any hostel. also the river is cool.

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England MALE Aug 27, 2025 Atm 100%

I have traveled the world and this is the best in every way: very helpful staff who cook delicious meals in an outstanding location for relaxation. Nikko temples are also outstanding- astonishing architecture set amid towering pines and ancient cedars.

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England MALE 18-24 Aug 22, 2025 Atm 100%

Amazing hostel, awesome staff, insane location, and delicious breakfast. Would recommend for anyone feeling like being a bit more adventurous and having a morning swim in the river.

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Finland FEMALE 25-30 Aug 12, 2025 Atm 100%

propaply the best hostel i have been to. it was so unique and the owner was very accomodating. if i ever go back to japan, i'll have to visit nikko just to go there again :)

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Finland MALE 25-30 Aug 9, 2025 Atm 100%

Amazing location with an amazing host who arranges transportation from and to the city and cooks great food. I was tempted to skip visiting the city and instead stay at the hostel to simply absorb the atmosphere and swim in the river.

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France FEMALE 31-40 Jul 30, 2025 Atm 100%

Cet hostel est situé 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 et fait de bon petit dej’. Une adress...

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England FEMALE 25-30 Jul 16, 2025 Atm 100%

Really cool hostel on the edge of a beautiful river surrounded by trees. It’s about a 20 min drive from town but there’s a free shuttle service to take u in and out for the day ! It’s worth it to be in such a peaceful place. Big hostel and lush outside area with decks and a disco ball for the right occasion Super yummy food as well- for vegen/veggie/meat eater. Highly recommend :)

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England MALE 18-24 Jul 15, 2025 Atm 80%

Great hostel for exploring Nikko national park. The host Scout is really lovely and accommodating, helped plan hikes, plus an excellent chef. Perfect riverside hostel getaway in all weather!! Shuttle/lift service super convenient for getting in and out - don’t be put off by the map location! Would highly recommend

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England FEMALE 25-30 Jul 13, 2025 Atm 60%

Nice hostel in a beautiful setting, was a nice place to recoup and reset as it’s incredibly quiet. However the hostel owner has a weird bugbear against people who book through the website and charges more for meals than those who book direct. Other than that he was super helpful with lifts into town as it’s a 30 min drive.

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Australia MALE 18-24 Jul 4, 2025 Atm 100%

Amazing place to stay! The food is fantastic and it’s super easy to meet people. The location is just incredible. The perfect place to stay to either relax or visit the national park.

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