Earning high-rated reviews is absolutely essential to running a successful minpaku (vacation rental) business. No matter how great the location or amenities are, if negative reviews start piling up, bookings will slow down—forcing you to lower your nightly rates just to stay competitive.

A property’s overall rating isn’t determined by facilities and location alone. The service and support guests receive during their stay play a huge role as well. That’s why consistently finding ways to make guests more comfortable is key to boosting your reviews—and ultimately maximizing your profits.

In this article, we’ll walk you through five value-added services that have proven effective in raising guest satisfaction at minpaku properties.

1. Proactively Share Local Restaurant Recommendations

Many visitors from abroad look forward to experiencing Japan’s unique food culture. No matter how comfortable your property is, if guests aren’t able to enjoy great meals during their stay, overall satisfaction will suffer. That’s why we recommend proactively sharing recommended nearby restaurants with guests even before they arrive.

For example, offering tailored recommendations—popular Japanese restaurants tourists love, hidden gems only locals know about, or vegan- and halal-friendly options—helps build trust with your guests. Giving them more dining choices and helping them enjoy better meals enriches their overall stay and directly contributes to higher review scores.

Sending a curated list in advance with details like operating hours, menus, and whether reservations are needed allows guests to enjoy their meals more smoothly. In fact, it’s common to receive reviews saying things like, “Thanks to the restaurant recommendations, we had an amazing meal.” Taking the initiative to share this information really does make a difference.

2. Clearly Explain Where to Find In-Room Amenities and Equipment

Unlike hotels with staff at the front desk, minpaku properties require guests to figure out how to use the facilities on their own. That’s why it’s so important to clearly explain how to use equipment and where to find various items around the property.

Beyond a standard check-in guide or house manual, creating a dedicated “house map” can make an even bigger difference. Clearly labeling small but important details—like where the hair dryer is stored, where extra slippers are kept, or where cleaning supplies are located—helps guests feel at ease throughout their stay.

It’s quite common to receive questions like “Where are the slippers?” or “I can’t find the AC remote.” By providing this information in detail ahead of time, you can significantly reduce guest stress—while also streamlining operations on your end.

3. Send Follow-Up Messages During the Stay

Responding quickly to guest questions is essential. That said, some guests hesitate to reach out even when something’s wrong, wondering, “Is it okay to ask about this?” That’s exactly why hosts should take the initiative to reach out first—it removes that barrier entirely.

Sending a simple follow-up message right after check-in or partway through the stay—something like “How’s everything going?” or “Is there anything you need help with?”—goes a long way toward putting guests at ease. Traveling in a foreign country naturally comes with some anxiety, but a little communication from the host can ease those worries considerably.

That said, sending too many messages can backfire. Aim for a reasonable frequency—about once a day is a good rule of thumb. What matters most is that guests feel confident knowing they have a reliable host to turn to whenever they need help. Building that sense of security is what counts.

4. Share Information About Local Souvenirs

Most travelers look forward to picking up souvenirs before heading home. But with so many options available, many end up feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to choose. Preparing a list of classic regional souvenirs and popular Japan-only items in advance can be incredibly helpful for guests.

For instance, highlighting specific items—like signature local sweets, popular Japanese snacks, stylish local crafts, or cosmetics beloved by international visitors—makes for a much richer shopping experience. Adding details on where to buy them, price ranges, and whether they’re available at the airport is an extra touch guests really appreciate.

5. Use Video in Your House Manual and Check-In Guide

Text and photos alone can sometimes make it hard for guests to intuitively understand how to use certain equipment. This is especially true for things that directly affect daily comfort, like unlocking doors or operating the air conditioner—these are prime candidates for video guides.

For example, putting together short videos covering things like “how to unlock the smart lock,” “how to use the water heater,” or “trash disposal rules,” and sending them before check-in, helps guests use the property’s features without a hitch. We’ve personally seen video manuals lead to glowing reviews mentioning things like “Check-in was smooth and stress-free” or “The instructions were so clear and helpful.”

You don’t need fancy editing skills—a smartphone is all you need to film these. The key is to capture the actual steps as realistically as possible, just as guests will experience them.

Get in Touch with Stay Buddy Inc. for Help Boosting Your Reviews!

Minpaku is often seen as a business that generates income with little ongoing effort. But without continuously working to improve guest satisfaction, your revenue could eventually plateau—or even decline. That’s where the five value-added services covered in this article come in. By enhancing the guest experience, they help pave the way to higher-rated reviews.

At Stay Buddy Inc., we specialize in sharing the know-how needed to earn top-notch reviews for your minpaku property, helping you unlock its full potential. If you’re struggling with operations or review scores, or if you’re thinking about starting a minpaku business, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you so much for reading to the end!