Very near Fukuyama Station so great for daytrips to nearby places like Hiroshima, Okayama, Onomichi, etc. Staff were friendly and welcoming (even though my Japanese is limited, we managed to communicate okay). Loved the room with its big windows and the privacy of the bunks.

They charged 220 yen for a towel rental, which I found a bit steep compared to other hostels. Also, there are no lockers or lockable cupboards to keep your things-- though everyone was very respectful so I didn't feel worried about this, had I wanted to store my things, the train station likely would have been the place to do it.

I read about Omotenashi - Japanese service standard, and I found it in the most unexpected of places, that is, Area Inn Fushimicho Fukuyama Castle Side. Danjo Masatoshi was amazing! I asked him where to buy ice pad wraps for my sprained ankle. He got it for me, for free! I needed to check out early at 630AM before the reception opens at 9AM. Danjo helped me store my heavy luggage at a 24-hour public bath next door so that I don't need to carry it down long flights of stairs the next morning. He was able to think on his feet and solve problems on the spot, which made his customers' stay comfortable and fuss-free. Appreciate the genuine effort in going the extra mile. Rooms are spacious, sleek, and stylish. Bathroom essentials provided. Location was excellent! Right behind Fukuyama train station. Hotel bar is a co-working space where you can meet and interact with locals. One night of stay in Fukuyama to explore Tomonoura turned out to be amazing and memorable thanks to Danjo's help! He may look like a quiet man of few words but he turns out to be very empathetic and helpful!

I love everything!

The location was good, close to the train station and relatively quiet. It was spacious for 2 people and was very clean.

There were two things that we didn’t like. One was not having a shower curtain. Since there were nothing to block between the shower and the rest of the bathroom, we ended up making the entire bathroom floor wet. A shower curtain should solve the problem. The other was not having anything to make hot water in the room. We liked the cafe, but it opened at 9 am. With jet lag, we wanted to make tea and coffee much earlier (3-4 am). It could’ve been helpful if we had a simple electronic pot or a coffee maker in the room.

beautiful loft room, great location, and really kind staff (after I messed up my dates and rocked up a whole day early 🫣 omg! 😰 doh 😣, they kindly sourced me a extra night in a different room, and then even moved my bags for me while I was day tripping to tonomoauri. Ultimately the kindness and compassion is invaluable beyond words, when you are solo traveling, mess up and panic that you’re going to have nowhere to sleep that night). The cafe also does a great breakfast and coffee x

I really enjoyed the shower at the guest house property, and if I had more time I would have enjoyed the cafe as well.

The raised floor to the bathroom is made of sharp black rock and I cut my toe on the edge of it as I stepped up. A beveled edge would be safer. The shower fan filter also needed to be cleaned. Please include one more trash can under the sink as well.

The location is very convenient, super close to the castle, and the dorm is very clean and quiet.

The only thing is that dorms are not in the same building as the reception/lounge bar, you have to cross the street. But not that important !

Great location. Everything was very clean and the pods were very private. The shower was great!

Because there is no wall between the lavatories and the comon area where the beds are, you can't prevent making noise early in the morning.

Retro Japan comes alive in the building…meaning no elevator! And 3 steep levels up! But worth every step, because the room oozed sleek design and presented a very welcoming space. Only thing missing was a kettle… Haruki helped me with my luggage up the stairs. Arigato!

I wanted to say “No Elevator” but that would defeat the whole idea of staying at Area Inn!

Amazing location near the station. The hostel is located in a very special renovated building. Clean and comfortable - I would stay here again. The associated cafe and coworking space was a cool concept.

Check-in location separate from the actual guesthouse was a little bit confusing and inconvenient for luggage storage.

The staffs were really friendly and helpful. The interior design of the female dormitory was really nice and I had enough privacy space throughout my stay.

The only thing was that I brought a rather large luggage (~28-inch) and the staircase was a bit narrow, so I had a hard time carrying my luggage down the stairs.