龙猫民宿 – 心斋桥店603

Hotel Description

Honestly, when I first saw the name “龙猫民宿” (Totoro Guesthouse), I wasn’t sure what to expect – but this little gem tucked away on Shimanouchi street absolutely surprised me. The Shinsaibashi location is actually perfect if you know the area; you’re literally a three-minute walk from all the chaos of Dotonbori, but once you duck into this quieter residential pocket, it feels like you’ve found this secret hideaway that most tourists completely miss.

The whole place has this understated charm that I really appreciated. Room 603 specifically has these big windows that let in amazing morning light, and you know what? The beds are actually comfortable – not those rock-hard mattresses you sometimes get in budget accommodations in Japan. The Totoro theme is done tastefully too, not like some over-the-top cartoon explosion. Just subtle touches here and there that make you smile without feeling like you’re sleeping in a kid’s bedroom. What really impressed me was how quiet it stays at night, even though you’re so close to the entertainment district. I mean, you’ll hear some street noise during the day, but nothing that kept me awake.

The location is honestly the real winner here though. Shimanouchi-dori runs parallel to the main shopping streets, so you avoid the worst tourist crowds but you’re still walking distance to everything that matters. There’s this fantastic little convenience store right at the corner – Family Mart, I think – and the subway entrance is maybe four blocks away. I actually ended up walking to Osaka Castle one morning just because the route through the backstreets was so interesting. The check-in process was smooth too, which isn’t always a given with smaller places like this. The host spoke decent English and actually gave me a hand-drawn map with recommendations that were spot-on. That 8.7 rating makes total sense when you add it all up – it’s not luxury by any stretch, but it delivers exactly what it promises without any unpleasant surprises. If you’re the type who’d rather spend money on amazing food in Dotonbori instead of fancy hotel amenities you’ll never use, this place just works.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $113. Double Room with Two Double Beds with 2 double beds for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Lucinda from Australia – 19 June 2025 (9/10)

  It was a great location. Plenty room, great facilities
  
  What could be improved: The stairs up to the bedroom, were very steep and the tread wasn’t even a foot length. Quite dangerous.

• Maggie from Australia – 25 April 2025 (9/10)

  The location is great- walking distance to Dontonburi, car parks and supermarkets. It’s a simple property that provided exactly what we needed as a young family.
  
  What could be improved: The bedroom wall was thin as we could hear the neighbours’ conversation during our sleep. It would be great if the kitchen also includes peeler, scissors and chopping knife to assist the tenants with cooking:). Apart from those everything is great.

• Shuen from Singapore – 20 August 2024 (9/10)

  I liked that it was very near Dotonbori. Very affordable place for 4 people. Very spacious with 2 floors. I have nothing to complain about. The host was very responsive too.
  
  What could be improved: If you have difficulties walking up the stairs, you might want to reconsider this place because it has 2 floors!

• Kiko from Australia – 19 August 2024 (9/10)

  Good location
  Clean apartment
  
  What could be improved: Took me a while to pull the key locker closer to the post box hole so I can reach and remove it out.

• Mala from Singapore – 26 December 2024 (7/10)

  Location and cleanliness were top notch
  
  What could be improved: The staircase were rather narrow and steep. Tough for bigger sized people.

• Roger from Singapore – 4 May 2025 (4/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: Don't expect to have full sound proofing and expect that guest in other rooms to quieten down after 10pm even though the rules says so. The building owner will not be able to do anything to enforce it except for sending reminders. Poor sound proofing and service. Bathtub does not drain properly and there is a stench after waiting for a long time for the water to drain.

• Boh from Malaysia – 27 February 2025 (9/10)

  除了楼梯有点陡，其它都好。很干净很新很舒服位置也好。好到都不想好评怕下次要订就订不到哈哈

• Jinyoung from South Korea – 10 December 2024 (9/10)

  위치가 좋아요 체크인방법도 쉬웠습니다
  
  What could be improved: 복층에 있는 침실은 옆집과 마주닿고 있다고 생각들만큼 방음이 안됐습니다ㅠ

• Boon from Malaysia – 15 October 2024 (9/10)

• 司儀 from Taiwan – 10 December 2024 (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities