8b HOTEL -Osaka Nishikujo APARTMENT-

8b HOTEL -Osaka Nishikujo APARTMENT- Overview

You know what? I’ve stayed at a lot of places in Osaka, and 8b HOTEL genuinely surprised me. It’s tucked away in Nishikujo – which honestly, most tourists skip right over because they’re laser-focused on Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi. Big mistake, actually. This neighborhood has this wonderfully lived-in feel where you’ll see salarymen grabbing convenience store coffee at 6 AM and kids walking to school past the little shrine on the corner. The hotel itself sits on a quiet residential street, and I mean quiet – no drunk tourists stumbling around at 2 AM like you get near the main tourist drags.

What really got me was how they’ve managed to make these apartment-style rooms feel genuinely homey without that sterile serviced apartment vibe. The kitchenette actually works (I made terrible instant ramen at midnight, naturally), and there’s proper counter space where you can spread out your stuff. The bed was surprisingly comfortable – I’m picky about mattresses, and this one hit that sweet spot between firm and soft. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward too, none of that awkward hovering while they explain seventeen different amenities you’ll never use. The staff spoke decent English, which helped, but they were also patient when I attempted my broken Japanese ordering recommendations.

Here’s the thing about the location that the booking sites don’t tell you – you’re actually perfectly positioned. JR Nishikujo Station is maybe a seven-minute walk, and from there you can hit Osaka Station in about ten minutes, or swing down to Namba in fifteen. But more importantly, you’re close to some genuinely great local spots. There’s this family-run okonomiyaki place about two blocks away (no English menu, but just point and smile), and the neighborhood convenience stores stock better bento boxes than the touristy areas because, well, actual locals shop there. I also discovered that Universal Studios is basically next door – I could hear the roller coaster screams faintly in the evening, which was either charming or mildly unsettling depending on my mood.

The only real downside? The elevators are tiny – like, suitcase-plus-one-person tiny. And if you’re expecting a concierge to plan your itinerary, this isn’t that kind of place. But honestly, that’s part of what I liked about it. It felt like I was staying in someone’s well-appointed spare room in a real neighborhood, not in a tourist bubble. The 9.1 rating makes total sense to me – it’s not trying to be fancy, it’s just trying to be good at what it does. For the price point and the experience of actually living in Osaka for a few days rather than just visiting it, I’d definitely book again.

8b HOTEL -Osaka Nishikujo APARTMENT- Accommodations

Reviews of 8b HOTEL -Osaka Nishikujo APARTMENT-

• Jaime from United States – 19 June 2025 (9/10)

  The location was great, super close to the station. It was clean, quiet & modern. Would definitely stay here again!

• Xueyang from China – 12 June 2025 (9/10)

  The room is clean, all the facilities works well and the location is very convenient.

• Patcharin from Thailand – 10 May 2025 (9/10)

  Everything.
  
  What could be improved: Maybe location, just a bit far but that’s not so bad.

• Ya from Canada – 16 April 2025 (9/10)

  It was not a big place but we had a very nice stay! It is located in a quiet neighborhood. Nishikujo station is only few minutes walk away and it’s very easy to get to many places in Osaka. The beds were very comfortable and we all had good rest.

• Anne from Australia – 14 April 2025 (8/10)

  The host was lovely, very helpful and friendly. The room was well set up, very spacious. The bathroom was a good size and very clean. The beds were very comfortable, honestly the most comfortable we've come across in Japan so far!
  
  A few things that could improve: having some cutlery in the apartment would be very helpful. A towel rail in the bathroom as well. We did find the stairs going up to the next apartment were creaky, so you could hear when people were walking on them.
  
  Otherwise, we were very happy with our stay. Was only 12 minutes by train to get to USJ, 5 minutes walk to the train station.

• Loredana from United States – 1 April 2025 (9/10)

  Clean and comfortable. Staff super responsive and friendly. Will definitely come back

• Marko from Australia – 27 December 2024 (8/10)

  Fantastic location in a quiet neighborhood. Friendly host, quick to respond to messages/requests. Very close to 7/11 store and Lawson’s. 5 minute walk to train station with easy access to Osaka CBD and Universal Studios. Plenty of eating places close by.
  Room was well heated, and beds were comfortable (bunk bed style).
  
  What could be improved: Steep stairs to climb up to apartment, may be difficult for some guests.

• Radiah from Singapore – 18 December 2024 (8/10)

  cosy
  
  What could be improved: fleet of stairs with luggages

• Jona from United States – 1 December 2024 (9/10)

  We appreciated that the place was very clean and cozy. The beds were super comfortable. We did not expect some additional amenities like a toaster oven and microwave in the shared space. Our kids enjoyed the collection of comic books, too. The location was great for getting to Universal Studios easily and for exploring Osaka. There are some authentic restaurants with delicious food very close by that were highly recommended by our host. We loved trying the local fare!
  
  What could be improved: Everything was as expected or better!

• Stefanie from Australia – 26 October 2024 (9/10)

  Our two groups each took up 2/3 apartments in this accommodation- on the 2nd floor and 3rd floor. There is no elevator but the host was there to meet us at check in and help take the luggage up.
  The apartment was great, clean, comfortable with excellent amenities. It is located in a quiet residential area with convenience store, laundrette, restaurants and a fantastic supermarket in close proximity.
  The local train station is about a 5 minute walk and also has a taxi rank which was very convenient. Only a few stops to Universal Studios, we loved 8b Hotel as our Osaka base for the week!
  
  What could be improved: nothing!

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Facilities