In the living room is a wall handmade by the staff, which contains Sapporo nanseki (soft stone)
| FEATURE ARTICLES | Walking in Downtown Sapporo "Sosei Higashi" In the living room is a wall handmade by the staff, which contains Sapporo nanseki (soft stone)
If you head east from Nijo Market and then south just before Hokkai Temple, and you'll find Guesthouse Yuyu with its distinctive woody exterior.
The 40-year-old apartment has been rebuilt around its pillars and exterior walls.
The interior provides a sense of warmth.
Many overseas tourists stay at the guesthouse, which opened in the Sosei Higashi district in August 2016. The guesthouse is run by three people in their twenties, including the manager Kimura Takashi. "Sosei Higashi is a concentration of unique establishments and individuals and is a place where different senses of value mix. I sensed a district brimming with potential, where even young people could achieve something," says Kimura.
Sensing the importance of commitment to the community, the three are heavily involved in local events, including participation in the local festival. That is because when a traveller arrives in a town, the first interaction with the people of that town is usually at the place they are staying. "The role of an accommodation facility is that of the entrance to the town," adds Kimura. This accommodation facility that's taking root in the Sosei Higashi district is also helping travelers to deepen ties with Sapporo.
The staff can speak English.
Introducing neighboring bars and restaurants in a bid to encourage guests to explore the area's establishments.
Yuyu's concept is to provide a place where visitors can relax and enjoy their trip at their own pace, and particularly a place where female travelers can feel good on their travels. For that purpose, a female-only shower room is available.
A takoyaki party with tourists from Thailand.
The curtains that divide the beds are printed with images of Hokkaido animals.
"It's not as if we have everything, but if you stay here you will experience the advantages of a guesthouse being not just a place to stay overnight," says Kimura.
I felt that a guesthouse is a special place where you can get to know the town from the perspective of both a traveler and a resident.
(From L to R) Kimura Takashi, Kawashima Shun and Shibata Ryohei of Staylink, which established the guesthouse. All three started the business immediately after graduating from university.
Guesthouse Yuyu 
3-13 Minami 3-jo Higashi 4-chome Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
Tel:011-522-7660
Fees (per person per night)
Dormitory (shared room with bunk beds) from 2,600 yen
Private room (Japanese-/western-style for two or more guests) from 3,500 yen
Check in 16:00–22:00
Check out 11:00
Website
