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  5. Reviews of 喜庵 KIAN the guest house by the castle

Reviews of 喜庵 KIAN the guest house by the castle 2 stars

690-0887 Shimane, Matsue, Tonomachi 258-1, Japan

#1 of 11 B&Bs and Inns in Matsue

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 35 hotel reviews

9.6

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.9

  • Comfort

    9.7

  • Location

    9.6

  • Facilities

    9.5

  • Staff

    10.0

  • Value for money

    9.7

  • Free WiFi

    8.1

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 2 June 2025

    10
    We'll go back to Kian on our next visit to Matsue
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Family Room
    • Stayed 4 nights

    This is a lovely guesthouse run by a highly dedicated owner. We knew Matsue from previous visits but the owner, Emi, opened up several new pleasures for us. For example, she arranged a visit to a soy factory-it's at least 150 years old-and also treated us to tea. The house is within easy walking distance to the town center and there is a very good bus service. The bakery across the street is a gem, combining innovative breads, whiskey and an excellent music collection. We had fabulous sushi at a restaurant close to the laundromat. The kitchen space is perfect for breakfast. We'd love to go back to Matsue and hope to stay at Kian again.

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 25 May 2025

    10
    just great
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Japanese-Style Standard Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Emi was a great host and we enjoyed our stay very much. The place is in a quiet side street next to the castle area so very convenient (and easy to reach by bus from the station). We came early and Emi made sure that everything is already ready for us and welcomed us with a tea ceremony. If we revisit Matsue one day I'm sure we will end up staying here again!

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 25 May 2025

    10
    A rare find in a town that should be one of Japan’s top destinations
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Family Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing.

    The place is comfortable. It’s like a home away from home. The cleanliness of the place is exceptional even the screen door in the shower was very clean, which I found it a hard find in any places at which I ever stayed. The owner gave me a home type of tea ceremony. We are very grateful for that. Thank you, Emi San! The location is very convenient to walk to Matsue Castle, which is also an interesting place to visit.

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 11 May 2025

    10
    Lovely guesthouse with the most amazing host!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Japanese-Style Standard Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Great stay in a lovely guesthouse. Emi, the host, was amazing! She was super friendly and welcomed us with some tea and sweets. She had great tips for stuff to do around Matsue (she recommended this beautiful sunset watching spot!) and was overall a very gracious host. The room was very large and we just had the nicest and most relaxing stay in a long 24-day exploration vacation in Japan.

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 21 March 2025

    10
    Great location in Matsue
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Japanese-Style Standard Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights

    KIAN was a great place to stay with our family while in Matsue. We were fortunate that no one else had booked the other part of the property, so we had a nice stay to ourselves. The kitchen had snacks ready for us, which was very appreciated and helpful. The location is right by the Matsue Castle, and it's a good jumping off point for anything in the city. Our host was very kind and provided wonderful recommendations. She even made a reservation for us to tour a local soy sauce brewery, which was the highlight of our stay. If you are looking for a stay in Matsue in a traditional Japanese home, this is a great choice.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 28 February 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Japanese-Style Standard Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 3 nights

    My friend and I came to Matsue for holiday, and we had a great time staying here! Emi-san was a lovely host and was very attentive to our needs! She gave us many recommendations on what to do in the area that really made our trip!! The location is great as it is near the castle and boat tours. It was snowing when we went, but the Kian was easily accessible through public transport! The room itself was super clean and comfortable. The bathrooms and common areas were also kept very clean. We had a lovely time in Matsue, and enjoyed getting to come back to our cozy room at the end of a long day!

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 4 February 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Standard Family Room
    • Stayed 5 nights

    Everything was great.

    Excellent tatami room in a guesthouse in Matsue. It is close to Matsue Castle and well connected to other areas, including Matsue Station, by bus. There are some great restaurants about 10 minutes’ walk away and a nice bakery close by for breakfast. Emi-san is an exceptional host who is very welcoming and gives great advice to help you enjoy your stay. I would absolutely recommend.

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: 21 October 2024

    10
    Japan differently experienced
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Standard Family Room
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    -

    Emisan is amazing. She provided us with little gems about Matsue what to do, so we filled up all our 4 days we had in Matsue. The room was really nice and we had a little garden as well. The kitchen was nice and clean and you could reach everything by foot. She even has a small tearoom and she invited us to have Matcha tea and sweets.

    Stayed in October 2024

  • Reviewed: 12 October 2024

    10
    I highly recommend and would stay at Kian again.
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Standard Family Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    The location, although not close to the train station, was minutes from the castle and historic district. It was also a short walk to restaurants.The host was very nice and welcoming.

    Stayed in October 2024

  • Reviewed: 24 August 2024

    10
    Amazing guest hous
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Family Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Emi san was an amazing host, she was very welcoming and kind. She provided us with a sweet snack and matcha when we arrived. Our room was perfect with a tatami floor and comfortable futons. We would highly recommend anyone to stay here when visiting Matsue!

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: 17 August 2024

    9.0
    Great host, steps away from the castle, close to the restaurants and all for good value!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Japanese-Style Standard Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night

    The guesthouse was as expected, so I have no complaints.

    The location was excellent, steps away from the Matsue Castle and a short walk from the restaurant and downtown area. Although we took a taxi from Matsue Station, there is also a bus that comes to the end of the street and is very convenient. Our host was excellent, very thoughtful and flexible. She gave us suggestions and recommendations and made us a reservation at a charming soba restaurant.

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: 4 August 2024

    9.0
    Great stay in comfortable place with an amazing host
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Family Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Of course this is subjective. But the kitchen could be a bit cosier. Sound of other guests is generally no problem for me. But certain guest might be bothered. Something to be aware when staying in Japanese guesthouses generally. I still would never change for a hotel.

    I really liked the surrounding in Matsue close to the castle and great restaurants. The communication and tips by Emi our host were amazing and really a big bonus. She cared for us a lot. Check in and check out we’re also flexible. The atmosphere in the rooms was very good and how you expect in an Japanese family house. It was also very clean.

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: 11 May 2024

    9.0
    Perfect stay, reasonable price, highly recommended
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Standard Family Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Not that I could think of.

    The hospitality is wonderful. The room is nice. We also have a common sharing room. The location is next to the castle. The owner speaks English.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 7 May 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Japanese-Style Standard Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The owner was very nice, welcoming, and shared amazing recommendations for off the beaten tracks visits.

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 8 April 2024

    10
    Great value in an excellent location
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Family Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The location was perfect both in terms of where to visit and eating out. Eni was a great host. She was always available for advice and help.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 25 January 2024

    10
    Great place to explore beautiful sites in & around Matsue-thanks to our host & Tourist Info service
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Standard Family Room
    • Stayed 4 nights

    NIl

    Fantastically helpful host. Lovely traditional rooms. Nice kitchen/dinning room to share

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 16 November 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Family Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Everything was immaculate. No complaints at all :)

    The host was super lovely and welcoming. She assisted us greatly, and the room was so comfy and warm! It was like being right at home. The host let us know about other guests checking in late, which was appreciated as this meant we could plan our dinner and showers accordingly. Look forward to hopefully returning to Japan soon and back to this wonderful accommodation and host.

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 29 October 2023

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Japanese-Style Standard Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Very nice house, best owner ever. She will do her best to help you in any possible situation. Highly recommended

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 25 September 2023

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Japanese-Style Standard Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 3 nights

    Perfect location for a visit to Matsue castle. Spacious room, very clean and friendly. Extrem polite and nice Host, who speaks very good english. Domo arigato Emi san.

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: 12 September 2023

    9.0
    We recommend for a stay in Matsue
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Standard Family Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Dear Emi, thank you once again! Thank you for the bigger room, thank you for the fruits and biscuits, thank you for letting us to leave our car next to the house while visiting the castle. We were the first to visit the castle:) Room is as described, kitchen can be used, parking is available, we could sleep very well on our futon beds. What else do you need? :)

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 8 May 2023

    9.0
    One of the nicest traditional Japanese places I’ve ever stayed!
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Standard Family Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We just needed to have two chairs in our room and it would have been perfect! :) Also, not Emi’s fault, there was a couple that did not understand the concept of shared bathrooms and they spent 60 to 90 minutes a night there. :(

    Everything was terrifically maintained and incredibly clean. Emi was fabulous to work with. Perfect location near the castle and lots of restaurants.

    Stayed in May 2023

  • Reviewed: 28 April 2023

    10
    Emi-san, excellent host, made our stay unforgettable
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Family Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It was well placed for sightseeing, easily reachable from the Matsue Station by bus. There are a lot of good restaurants within walking distance. Emi-san the owner, lives nearby and comes by every morning to give us the ideas for sightseeing and restaurants. Her English is excellent and she was really willing to help us enjoy the stay. She really made our stay in Matsue more pleasant.

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: 22 March 2023

    10
    Highly recommended
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Japanese-Style Standard Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Everything was just fine

    Veryfriendly host, spoke English very well. The atmosphere in the house is fantastic.

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 25 November 2022

    9.0
    pleasent
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Standard Family Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    did not provide Kimono

    very fruiendly

    Stayed in November 2022

Showing 1 – 25

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