TEN To SEN Guest House Takamatsu

The website still shows the old lobby, which set me up to expect the cozy communal space in the photos. The actual lobby didn’t feel nearly as warm, and most of the time the air conditioning wasn’t on. There wasn’t even a fan. The many rules around the guesthouse also made it hard to relax. I know youth hostels need guidelines, and some places balance that with charm, like traditional houses or comfortable shared spaces, but I didn’t find that here. My slippers went missing from the shoe cabinet, then I found them in the shared slipper basket. I assume someone mistook them for communal slippers. Sorry, I misunderstood and should have asked before questioning it. It would help if each shoe cabinet slot had a room number, so guests know which one is theirs and don’t take someone else’s things. That could prevent what happened to me.

I originally booked just one night for the first day of my Takamatsu trip, but ended up extending for two more after staying there. The owner was kind and handled an issue caused by an Agoda reservation error with care. I’d recommend this guesthouse.

The location worked really well, about 1 km from both Ritsurin garden and Takamatsu station, and close to the shoutengai. I rode there by bicycle and found free parking around the corner beside a bicycle shop. The shared kitchen was clean and tidy, too. I was put in an upper bunk in a four-bed dorm. The bed was comfortable and I slept well. I arrived a little before check-in, but the staff got me into the room right away. Only small gripe: the stairs to the top bunk squeaked, so I tried hard not to wake anyone, LOL.

A handy place to stay between trips. It’s a 20-minute walk from the train station, while the airport bus stop is only five minutes away on foot, and the ride to the airport took 30 minutes. The dorm and shared bathrooms were very clean, and the soft bed and duvet made for a good night’s sleep. Staff were really helpful with suggestions for food and things to do nearby. I got a great rest here.