Guesthouse IMARI Honjin - Hostel

The little gym was a great extra for me. The neighborhood was quiet, the location convenient, and the price good. I had a wonderful stay, helped along by an owner who was kind and welcoming.

It was an okay place to stay for two nights, and gave me time to explore the village of the secret kilns. I’d wanted to rent a bike, but 5000¥ for a day seemed a bit much. The air conditioner only comes on later in the day, so hanging around the hostel before evening wasn’t really an option. At night, it was set to 27C, which made sleeping a little uncomfortable. Next time I’ll spend a bit more for somewhere nicer.

The mixed dorm beds are upstairs on the second floor, while there’s a small shared kitchen and fridge on the first. It’s a clean place with good housekeeping, and the one staff member speaks English and Japanese well. Imari is a small town that’s easy to explore on foot, with the tourist spots within walking distance. The hostel is about a 5-6 minute walk from imari station.

Ryu was generous about making the living room quiet for a Skype call and even provided cooking oil. He also surprised me with fresh sheets halfway through my week there. Honjin is two blocks from Imari’s bus and train station, and it’s a much needed lodging option for Japanese and international travelers. The comforts, price, and convenience all suited me perfectly. I’d definitely recommend Honjin and Ryu.