【日本の快適な古民家】ホイアンの宿

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about this place? The name says “Japan’s comfortable old folk house” but you’re actually staying in Osaka’s Tamade-nishi district – and honestly, that disconnect kind of works in its favor. I mean, Tamade isn’t exactly where most tourists end up, which is part of the charm. You’re about a 10-minute walk from Tamade Station on the Nankai line, and the neighborhood has this lived-in feel that’s refreshing after dealing with the crowds in Namba or Dotonbori.

The machiya-style setup is legit – they’ve really committed to the traditional townhouse vibe with tatami floors and sliding doors, though I’ll be honest, some of the modern additions feel a bit awkward. The futon situation is comfortable enough (I’m picky about this stuff), and there’s something genuinely peaceful about the morning light filtering through those paper screens. What I really appreciated was how quiet it gets at night – Tamade-nishi isn’t a party district by any stretch, so you’ll actually sleep. The host left really detailed instructions about everything from the ancient-looking AC unit to where to find extra blankets, which saved me from that awkward “how does this work” dance at midnight.

Here’s the thing though – this isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea. The 7-point rating makes sense because while the experience is authentic and the price is reasonable for what you get, you’re trading convenience for character. Getting to the main tourist spots means a bit of train hopping, and the area doesn’t have much in terms of English signage (though there’s a surprisingly decent convenience store about three blocks south that became my lifeline). The check-in process was smooth, but you really need to follow their timing instructions – I showed up early and had to kill time wandering around what’s essentially a residential area. That said, if you want to see how regular Osaka folks actually live and you’re comfortable figuring things out as you go, this spot delivers something most hotels can’t. Just don’t expect luxury amenities or a concierge desk – you’re basically staying in someone’s thoughtfully restored family home, complete with all the quirks that come with old Japanese architecture.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $85. Family Room with 3 single beds and 5 futon beds for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Prateek from India – 19 April 2024 (7/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities