Published date: August 5, 2024
[Accommodation Experience] DENIM HOSTEL float
Some info has been automatically translated by AI.
Experience of the stay
This time, I came to DENIM HOSTEL float, located in Kojima, Okayama Prefecture, as part of HafH.
The hostel is a concept of a "stayable denim shop" operated by the denim brand "EVERY DENIM."
It was established in 2019 as the final destination after the owner traveled across the country in a camper van.
For access by train, you can go via Kojima Station or Uno Station from Okayama Station.
I took the rapid Marine Liner from Okayama Station, heading via Kojima Station.
Then, from Kojima Station, I took a bus to Oji Mountain Trailhead for about 25 minutes.
After getting off the bus and walking a little west, I could see the hostel's sign.
There are no elevators, and since you have to climb stairs, if your suitcase is heavy, it can be tough to reach the entrance.
I think the hostel staff would help if you call them, so don't hesitate to call if you are struggling.
Upon arriving at the entrance, please ring the bell.
After completing the check-in process in the common area, you will be guided to your room after walking down the hallway a little.
The room I stayed in was the "Denim Japanese Room."
As soon as I entered the room, I gasped at how beautiful it was.
The indigo walls, chairs, and carpet matched the ocean blue, creating a space that felt like a scene from a movie.
If you open the window, you can see the Seto Inland Sea in all its glory.
The deep blue sea looks different from the seas of Okinawa.
The hostel has three faces: a denim shop, a hostel, and a café.
The common area serves as a stylish café and also doubles as the check-in counter.
For dinner on the first day, I had the signature curry dish, which honestly was of very high quality, and I was surprised. It was very delicious.
The bath is reservation-based, and if you tell the staff, they will also fill the tub for you.
It’s quite spacious, so it seems fine even if you go in with family or friends.
Right in front of the hostel is the sea, so you can go out to the beach.
Seeing small islands is a sight unique to Setouchi.
When I went to the beach at sunset, the sunset was incredibly beautiful.
The nature-rich view of the Seto Inland Sea from the room is fantastic.
It’s lovely to visit with someone, but even staying alone would be very healing.
The staff is also very friendly, so feel free to strike up a conversation with them.
It's hard to express unless you actually experience it, but I can assure you that you won't be disappointed if you go.
Experiences during the trip
Just a short walk from the accommodation is the trailhead for Mount Oji.
Mount Oji is a tourist destination designated as a part of Setouchi National Park.
On the morning of the second day of my visit, I decided to climb it.
When I asked the staff at the hostel, they said it would take about 30 to 40 minutes to walk up.
As I planned to climb slowly, I suddenly encountered a steep staircase.
The sign indicated that there are 1,260 steps to the ninth level.
After climbing about 300 steps, I started to feel tired.
After about 40 minutes, I finally reached the summit to witness the breathtaking view of the Seto Inland Sea!
The sea view here is different from what I saw from the hostel.
Next to the observation deck is the famous ruins of the Oji Arcadia Resort Hotel, known among ruin enthusiasts.
It is said that this hotel was built during the bubble economy at a cost of about 5 billion yen but was abandoned without ever being used due to the bubble collapse.
You can't help but wonder if something like that could happen.
For lunch on the second day, I visited "Ishiharu Udon," which is located a 17-minute walk from the hostel.
It is famous for its delicious food, so I decided to walk there from the hostel.
The udon is chewy and filling. I was stuffed.
On the way back to the hostel, a staff member happened to pass by in a car and kindly gave me a ride back to the hostel.
All of the staff were very friendly, and it seems that some guests even go out for lunch or dinner with the staff.
On the third day, I was recommended by a staff member to go to Naoshima.
There are very few buses from Oji Mountain Trail Station to Uno Station, and if you miss one, you have to give up.
After arriving at Uno Station, you walk for about 10 minutes to Uno Port.
Then, you take a ferry for about 20 minutes, successfully arriving at Naoshima.
Upon arriving in Naoshima, I rented an electric-assist bicycle from a rental shop and set off.
Naoshima is not a large island, so riding around is easy with an electric assist.
I spent a day visiting the "House Project" and the "Benesse House Museum," recommended by the hostel staff.