Kyoto's BenTen Residences: Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
BenTen Residences: Kyoto's Jewel - Or Did I Just Get Lucky? A Messy, Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the matcha on Kyoto's BenTen Residences. "Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!" they promised. And, well… they weren't entirely lying. But the truth, like a perfectly crafted sushi roll, has layers. This isn't your sterile, perfectly-polished travel blog review. This is me, after a week in Kyoto, sweaty palms, and a slightly depleted bank account, giving you the unvarnished truth.
First, the Basics (Because, You Know, SEO):
We're talking SERIOUS luxury here, folks. Kyoto's BenTen Residences hits all the big keywords: luxury hotel Kyoto, accessible hotel Kyoto, spa Kyoto, fitness center Kyoto, you get the gist. They’ve clearly got the Internet game down too, boasting Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and multiple Internet services options for those of us who can't survive a phone call without a solid connection. Plus, their Wi-Fi in public areas was surprisingly strong.
Accessibility: Navigating Kyoto with Style (and a Wheelchair… Maybe?)
Okay, this is where things get interesting. BenTen touts itself as wheelchair accessible, and I’m not a test subject. Let me just say, Kyoto isn't exactly designed for the less-than-able-bodied. But inside BenTen, they genuinely tried. The elevator felt like riding a miniature palace, and the facilities for disabled guests were clearly considered. The rooms themselves were spacious enough to maneuver (I’m thinking someone with a mobility issue could roll around no problem), and the bathrooms were, for Japan, generously sized. That said, getting to the hotel itself? Well, that’s going to depend on the specific accessibility of your arrival method, because the streets of Kyoto…are a bit of a free-for-all sometimes. They do offer Airport transfer, which is a huge plus, and I saw them with facilities for disabled guests, but I didn't personally experience it. So consider this a "cautiously optimistic" assessment.
The Room: My Personal Sanctuary (Mostly)
Right, let's talk about the rooms. My room – and they offer everything from a simple non-smoking chamber to a full-on suite, mind you -- offered the promised luxury. Air conditioning that actually worked (praise be!), a ridiculously comfortable extra long bed, and more pillows than I knew what to do with. The blackout curtains allowed me to sleep past noon for the first time in, oh, a decade. Seriously, if you are a light sleeper, those things are magic. You had bathrobes, slippers, the whole shebang. In-room safe box, check. Refrigerator full of goodies, check. And the complimentary tea… oh, that tea. I drank so much of that tea. The bathroom, with its bathtub and separate shower/bathtub, felt like a tiny spa. And the toiletries? Top-notch, my friends, absolutely top-notch. Did I mention the hair dryer that actually worked?
But here’s where it gets real:
One small thing – and I’m being very picky here – the lighting in the bathroom was a TINY bit dim. You know, that kind of lighting where you start squinting at your face in the mirror, trying to decide if you really need to put on that second layer of makeup? It was a minor quibble, sure, but hey, this is about the honesty, right?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure… With Caveats
Okay, let's be honest, the food is why you come to Kyoto. And BenTen delivers, though not without a few… hiccups.
The Good: The breakfast [buffet]. Holy moly. We're talking Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and everything in between. Sushi chefs, omelet stations, pastries that practically sang to you. The coffee shop was a godsend for those early mornings (and late nights). I particularly loved the desserts in restaurant at night. They really set the mood. The Room service [24-hour] also came in handy when my jet lag decided to rear its ugly head, even though the prices felt a little steep.
The Less-Than-Perfect: The restaurants, although delicious, were sometimes a little… stuffy. Think: white tablecloths, hushed conversations, and an atmosphere that made me feel like I needed to dust off my best manners (which, admittedly, I don’t have). I'm sure the A la carte in restaurant options were wonderful, but I was more of a "grab-and-go" kind of traveler, and could only afford the Snack bar and Coffee/tea in restaurant options. And while the Poolside bar was tempting, I never actually made it down there.
Important Note: Due to my travel budget, I didn't try every single restaurant – the Vegetarian restaurant, the Bars, and the Asian cuisine in restaurant are still on my list for next time.
Spa, Relaxation, and That Pool with a View:
Okay, this is where BenTen really shines. I'm a sucker for a good spa, and this one… yeah, this one was good. Like, "almost cried from pure relaxation" good.
The Spa/sauna was my personal heaven. They had everything: a sauna, a steamroom, massage, and a foot bath that melted away all the walking I did. I went for the Body scrub and Body wrap, and wowzer, my skin felt like silk for days.
And the Swimming pool, overlooking… something. I'm not sure what, exactly, because I was too busy staring at the water shimmering in the sunlight. It was the epitome of "zen."
Picky, Picky, Picky (AKA: The Minor Glitches):
- There was a slight delay in getting my luggage to my room. But it was a busy day, and hey, they got it there eventually.
- The fitness center was… well, it was there. Mostly treadmills, and I'm not much for cardio. But hey, it's an option, right?
Cleanliness and Safety: The Covid-Era Edition
This is where BenTen earns serious points. They were on top of their game when it comes to Cleanliness and safety. They had all the usual stuff: Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff wearing masks, blah, blah, blah. But they also took some extra steps that really impressed me. Anti-viral cleaning products, check. Daily disinfection in common areas, check. Rooms sanitized between stays, check. Plus, they had Staff trained in safety protocol, and they took the Physical distancing of at least 1 meter rule seriously. I felt safe, which is a big deal when you're traveling (even pre-pandemic). Cashless payment service, Hand sanitizer, individual Individually-wrapped food options, Safe dining setup… they really thought of everything when it came to Covid precautions.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
BenTen offers a ton of services to make your stay smoother. Concierge? Check. Daily housekeeping? Check. Laundry service? Check (and thank goodness!). Dry cleaning. Doorman. Luggage storage. They even sell essential condiments. Pretty much every service you could imagine. There is a Convenience store, but I only used it for a quick snack and a bottle of water.
But Here's the BIG One:
They have an elevator, and they provide Facilities for disabled guests. The car park [free of charge] was also a huge bonus in Kyoto, where parking is a nightmare.
Things to Do: Exploring Kyoto (and the Hotel):
Okay, so you're in Kyoto. You HAVE to get out and explore! BenTen is perfectly positioned for that. It's close to… well, things. I spent days popping over to the temples around the place. They do have a Shrine, which is something to note, as well as a spot for a Proposal spot. You know, for those extra special moments. They have a range of Audio-visual equipment for special events, if you were wondering.
The Verdict: Book It? (Mostly, Yes.)
Kyoto's BenTen Residences delivers on its promise of luxury. Is it perfect? No. Is it worth the splurge? Absolutely. Yes. It offers world-class accommodations with thoughtful inclusions like Wi-Fi access.
My Score: 4.5 out of 5 matcha lattes. Recommendation: Book it. Take the plunge. Treat yourself. You deserve it.
The Compelling Offer:
Stop Dreaming, Start Living! Book Your Escape to Kyoto's BenTen Residences and Experience Unbelievable Luxury!
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this trip to BenTen Residences in Kyoto? It’s gonna be a ride. Forget the perfectly curated Instagram feeds, this is the real deal, warts and all. Here's my hopefully-mostly-coherent attempt at a mess of an itinerary:
BenTen Residences Kyoto: Attempt at Order (And Probable Chaos)
Day 1: Arrival & The Existential Crisis of Minimalism (AKA, Unpacking)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Landed in Kansai International Airport (KIX). Jet lag is already a beast. Immediately regretting that "minimalist packing" strategy. My suitcase looks like a crime scene of over-enthusiasm. Seriously, did I really need three pairs of hiking boots? (Answer: Probably. You never know.)
- Morning (11:00 AM): Picked up the JR Haruka Express. Found the train was easy to find, but I was completely lost at the station. So many people moving at a pace I can't even comprehend.
- Early Afternoon (1:00 PM): Arrived at BenTen Residences. The exterior is gorgeous. Clean lines, traditional aesthetic, the whole shebang. Feeling a slight pang of "am I worthy?".
- Early Afternoon (1:30 PM): Then came the apartment. Beautiful. Minimalist. Terrifyingly pristine. Suddenly felt the crushing weight of responsibility. "Don't spill soy sauce! Don't leave a crumb!" (Spoiler alert: I spilled soy sauce. Twice.)
- Early Afternoon (2:00 PM - Forever): Unpacking. This is the struggle. I am a chronic over-packer and the beautiful minimal apartment seems to be judging me. My clothes are everywhere… and the futon is just sitting there. How do I make this work!?
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Finally somewhat settled. Managed to locate the internet, which will be my lifeline in this sea of kanji I don't understand. Time for a walk, gotta find a convenience store. Gotta get snacks. A girl needs snacks to function.
Day 2: Temples, Turtles, and Terrible Navigation.
- Morning (8:00 AM): Woke up. Jet lag won, I'm pretty sure I saw time slow down in my sleep.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Kyoto Station. Oh. My. God. So many people! So many shops! So many signs I can't read! Managed to purchase a day pass, which, I'm hoping, will save me from future humiliation.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Attempted to visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). The pictures did not do it justice. It's ridiculously beautiful. Like, breathtakingly gaudy and stunning at the same time. I stood there, mouth agape, just feeling… overwhelmed by the sheer goldness of it all. Took way too many photos, then probably spent too much time online.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Found a tiny ramen shop, which I somehow blundered into. The language barrier was… significant. I pointed at the pictures, prayed, and ended up with something delicious. Success!
- Afternoon (1:30 PM): Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Navigating a sea of tourists again. The views were worth it, though. And I swear, I saw a turtle sunbathing on a rock! Or was it a koi? I'm hopeless at telling them apart.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Attempted to find a specific tea house. Got hopelessly lost. Ended up in a slightly scary, very residential area. Questioned my life choices. Decided to buy some random, probably overpriced, mochi from a friendly old woman. Totally worth it.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Back at BenTen. Ordered some takeout sushi. Ate it directly from the container while sprawled on the floor. My glamorous Kyoto life!
Day 3: Bamboo Forest Bliss & Karaoke Catastrophe.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. This was the thing I was most excited about. And it did NOT disappoint. Walking through those towering stalks of bamboo was a sensory experience unlike anything. The light filtering through, the rustling of the leaves… it was pure magic. Spent way too long taking photos, trying to capture the essence of it all. Failed miserably, but had an amazing time the best I could. Afterwards, ate a matcha soft serve. Regret nothing.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Tenryu-ji Temple. More beautiful gardens, more tranquility. I found myself strangely calmer than I usually am. Is this the power of Zen? Am I finally finding inner peace? Likely not. I just haven't had enough caffeine yet.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Karaoke. Against my better judgment, I went to Karaoke after some convincing from someone. It was a disaster. I can't sing. My choice of songs was questionable. I think I traumatized a small child. But, you know what? It was also kind of amazing. The pure, unadulterated joy of belting out a terrible rendition of a Journey song? Priceless.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Crawled back to BenTen, exhausted but oddly energized. Ordered more takeout (this time, yakitori). Contemplated the meaning of life while watching a random Japanese TV show I couldn't understand. Another successful day, I think.
Day 4: Fushimi Inari & Unexpected Emotional Overload.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Fushimi Inari Shrine. This place is insane. Thousands of red torii gates snaking their way up the mountain. Took photos, of course. Slowly started the climb.
- Mid-morning (10:30 AM): Reached a point where the climb became steep. Started questioning my fitness levels. Found myself utterly mesmerized by the sheer number of gates, the way the sunlight filtered through them.
- Mid-day (12:30 PM): Sat down to have a pack lunch at a small, isolated temple. The view was beyond words. I felt this weird, unexpected wave of emotion. Like, a deep sense of gratitude and peace. Maybe it was the Zen after all! Or maybe it was just the exhaustion finally catching up. I didn't want to leave, I just wanted to sit and breathe.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Eventually, I started the descent. Legs felt like jelly. Bought a souvenir fox mask. Felt strangely melancholic as I walked down the mountain.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): After being in the area, I felt the need to do a little shopping on the side streets. Found an antique shop. Spent way too much money on a carved wooden something-or-other I probably don't need. Totally worth it.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Back in the apartment. Eating the last of my snacks and starting to pack for my departure. Feeling both really sad and really happy. It's a weird mix.
Day 5: Farewell Kyoto, Hello Home (And Laundry).
- Morning (9:00 AM): Packed up the rest of my stuff (mostly). The apartment still looked spotless, which makes me feel like I don't belong. Walked around the apartment one last time, like a kid saying goodbye to their room at camp.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Checked Out of BenTen Residences Kyoto. Saying goodbye was harder than I expected. This place became my zen, even with the soy sauce incident.
- Morning (11:00 AM): Train to KIX.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Flight home.
- The Future: Unpacking everything AGAIN. Doing enormous amounts of laundry. And already, already, planning my return to Kyoto.
Things I Didn't Do (and Regret):
- Learn more than a few basic Japanese phrases.
- Take a cooking class.
- Go to that specific tea house I wanted.
- Fully master the art of using chopsticks.
Final Thoughts:
Kyoto is a beautiful, complex, and challenging place. It's a city that makes you feel small, and grand, all at once. It broke my bank, stretched my patience, and filled my heart. I can absolutely, positively, not wait to go back again. This mess of an itinerary is proof: it's about the journey, right? And the journey was delicious. (Note: I need to get better at taking notes.)
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BenTen Residences: Kyoto's Secret (and Possibly Over-Hyped) Paradise? Let's Dive In!
Okay, so... what *IS* BenTen Residences, anyway? Sounds suspiciously like a Transformer.
Are they *really* as luxurious as the website makes them out to be? Because, let's be honest, websites LIE.
What kind of staff are we talking about? Do I need to bring a Japanese translator AND a butler with a monocle? (Asking for a friend... who is me.)
What's the vibe like? Is it a stuffy, art-collector's nightmare? Or a place I can actually, you know, *relax*?
Can you *actually* experience Kyoto while staying there, or are you trapped in a luxurious bubble?
Alright, let's talk money. Is it "sell a kidney" expensive, or "maybe I can win the lottery" expensive? Be honest.
Are there any downsides? Any hidden costs? Anything to be aware of besides the potential for existential dread at how wealthy everyone else staying there probably is?
Would you go back? Seriously. Be brutally honest.
