I had a fantastic stay at Hostel Knot.
I rarely felt as much at home on my trip as I did here in this hostel, even though I only stayed for two nights.
I think the main reason for this was the beautiful kitchen, which is particularly valuable for someone like me who does not want to go out for dinner every night on my long trip around Japan.
Also, the hosts were super welcoming, and even wrote a card on the day of my departure.
As for Shuzenji Onsen, what I loved most was its peaceful, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere.
It gave me the chance to experience the authentic, slower pace of Japan, something that can be harder to come by in larger, more touristy cities. I highly recommend taking a walk outside the town towards the nearby farms.

The farmers I encountered were so kind and open, starting conversations and sharing their insights. It truly felt like a slice of real Japanese life, and it was an experience I’ll remember.