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  5. Reviews of Benton Guesthouse, Private Nostalgic Showa-era House, former "Akiya"

Reviews of Benton Guesthouse, Private Nostalgic Showa-era House, former "Akiya"

794-1402 Ehime, Imabari, 2290 Kamiura-cho Inokuchi, Japan

#9 of 12 hotels in Imabari

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 12 hotel reviews

9.7

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.7

  • Comfort

    9.5

  • Location

    9.4

  • Facilities

    9.4

  • Staff

    10.0

  • Value for money

    9.5

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Showing 1 - 12

  • Reviewed: August 13, 2025

    10
    Comfortable stay with old style charm
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Home
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I don’t think I’ve ever stayed in a more charming property than the Benton Guesthouse. It’s traditional styled rooms are well appointed and there’s plenty accommodate a long term stay. It’s also close to the Shiminami Kaido bicycling route, if that is in your plans. There are several restaurants within 15 minute walk. The one we went to was a lovely family run place with excellent homestyle cooking. I loved staying here and look forward to coming back.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: June 4, 2025

    10
    Atmospheric traditional house in a peaceful location with excellent hosts
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Home
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing, it was exactly as described and shown in the photos - perfect!

    Our stay at Benton Guesthouse was brief but great. We stayed a night in the middle of the Shimanami Kaido cycle and enjoyed having such a spacious and special place to break the trip. There’s plenty of room, both a western bed and tatami options, retro touches throughout and a lovely outlook onto the host’s productive garden. I made a small mistake when booking and Dani was understanding and generous in her response. Dinner options nearby are limited so Dani’s advice and assistance in helping us plan our stay was welcome and appreciated. Would love to return someday and enjoy the peace and quiet of this lovely house.

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: May 24, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Three-Bedroom Home
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing, it was great!

    Beautiful old house that truly is very nostalgic if you love everything Japan. The hosts are great in helping with restaurant reservations at great places. Tip: there is a great onsen/public bath close by!

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: May 15, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Home
    • Stayed 1 night

    Nothing. It met and exceeded all of our expectations.

    Great place, well looked after and with all the things we needed. Warm, friendly welcome from the host.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: April 21, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Three-Bedroom Home
    • Stayed 1 night

    It was a really lovely and unique experience. The hosts have taken great pains to renovate and decorate a house to recreate the feel of an 80s Japanese home, down to the working famicom. We were very well received, and had a great time.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: November 12, 2024

    10
    Beautiful authentic Japanese house with lovely hosts - highly recommend to stay here!
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Three-Bedroom Home
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    An authentic home restored beautifully by Dani and Evan! The touches of original furniture and vintage furnishings really set this house apart from anywhere else I have stayed in Japan. Dani and Evan were so welcoming and gave us great recommendations for local activities and restaurants. A perfect stop half way along the Shimanami Kaido Cycle Route. Thank you so much for your hospitality!

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: August 21, 2025

    10
    I highly recommend this property to anyone looking to experience staying in a traditional countryside home!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Three-Bedroom Home
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    None!

    The house is filled with vintage charm and is incredibly comfortable and accessible, even for those who are not familiar with staying in an old kominka. The hosts have thoughtfully provided helpful tips in both English and Japanese, which are posted throughout the house. Since the hosts also live on the island, they have a deep knowledge of the history of both the house and the island itself. Learning about the house's history made our stay even more special. It is evident that the hosts took great care in renovating the house while preserving its traditional charm.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: June 20, 2025

    10
    We loved the Benton Guesthouse! It's a great place to stop during the Shimanami Kaido.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Three-Bedroom Home
    • Stayed 1 night

    The location was great. We were very tired from cycling the Shimanami Kaido and Dani came to meet us to give us dinner recommendations and show us around the property. We loved everything about the guesthouse and wish we could have stayed longer!

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: August 12, 2025

    10
    Lovely stay at the country side of Japan and the owners are so nice and very helpful!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Three-Bedroom Home
    • Stayed 1 night

    There are no comments available for this review

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: May 26, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Three-Bedroom Home
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    There are no comments available for this review

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: January 11, 2025

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Three-Bedroom Home
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    There are no comments available for this review

    Stayed in January 2025

Showing 1 - 12

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