BAKURO by DOYANEN

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much when I first rolled up to BAKURO by DOYANEN in Haginochaya – honestly, the name alone had me scratching my head. But this little 3-star spot actually surprised me in the best way possible. It’s tucked away in Nishinari-ku, which I’ll be straight with you, isn’t exactly the postcard part of Osaka that most tourists flock to. But that’s sort of the point, and once you get it, you really get it.

The thing about staying here is you’re properly in a working neighborhood where actual Osakans live their daily lives. I mean, step outside and you’ve got tiny ramen joints where the owner remembers your order after two visits, convenience stores that somehow stock exactly what you need at 2 AM, and these narrow streets that feel like they haven’t changed much since the 80s. Haginochaya isn’t fancy – there’s construction noise during the day and the occasional rumble of trains – but there’s something refreshingly real about it. You’re maybe a 15-minute train ride from Dotonbori’s chaos, but when you come back here at night, it’s like entering a completely different city. The hotel itself reflects this vibe perfectly; clean and thoughtful without trying too hard to impress. The rooms are compact (this is Japan, after all) but they’ve clearly put thought into the layout – everything has its place, and honestly, the bed was way more comfortable than it had any right to be for the price point.

What really won me over was how the staff seemed to genuinely care about helping you navigate the area, not just the tourist highlights. The front desk guy – I think his name was Tanaka – actually drew me a little map showing which convenience store had the best fried chicken and where to catch the express train during rush hour. Those kinds of details matter when you’re staying somewhere for more than just a night or two. The whole experience feels less like a hotel and more like crashing at a friend’s place who happens to know all the neighborhood secrets. Sure, you won’t find a rooftop bar or marble lobbies here, but you will find yourself eating incredible okonomiyaki at a counter where you’re the only foreigner, or discovering a tiny shrine squeezed between apartment buildings that’s absolutely gorgeous at sunset. BAKURO gets an 8 rating from me because it delivers exactly what it promises – a genuine slice of Osaka life without the tourist markup. If you’re the type who’d rather explore backstreets than stand in line for famous landmarks, this place just makes sense.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $69. Family Room – Non-Smoking for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $80. Quadruple Room with Shower with 2 bunk beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $80. Quadruple Room with Shower with 2 bunk beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $80. Quadruple Room with Shower with 2 single beds and 1 bunk bed for Max persons: 3
• Estimated price from: $80. Quadruple Room with Shower with 2 single beds and 1 bunk bed for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Zhafirin from Malaysia – 14 June 2025 (8/10)

  The room was spacious. Love it so much!
  
  What could be improved: The surroundings outside the property.

• Carol from Canada – 30 May 2025 (8/10)

  – had laundry facilities
  – room was very clean
  – location is 400m from metro/jr station
  – spacious for japan standards
  – no reception but host was responsive
  – good wifi
  
  What could be improved: – pillows were awful, too thin very uncomfortable.
  – location was poor in a sense that there are quite a bit of homeless around. They aren’t scary though

• Michele from Italy – 27 May 2025 (9/10)

  Nice position, close to public transport and to many locations. The room was clean, big enough to fit three people. Recommended
  
  What could be improved: The area where the hotel is located is not the best in Osaka: dirty (if compared to other places in Japan) and with a few homeless people. If you don’t mind then, it’s a great location anyway. We got no problem at all

• Bharath from Australia – 1 May 2025 (8/10)

  Room was large and comfortable
  
  What could be improved: No water dispenser.

• Xuefeng from China – 30 September 2024 (8/10)

  What could be improved: a bit noisy because it close to track, but it quite cheap so I don’t have any complaints

• Kristine from Philippines – 13 May 2024 (9/10)

  We booked this for a group of 4, and the value for money is the first reason why we chose this hotel. It’s comfortable and of a pretty decent size. The location is also a stone's throw away from one of the train stations going to Namba, which is really convenient. Speaking of the location, I know many of you are curious about the "safety" issues mentioned in a lot of reviews here. Let’s put things into perspective. I can understand why some people may find it looks "unsafe" because there are some homeless people around the area; however, it always depends on what you consider unsafe. My friends and I come from a country where unsafe means you are really in danger, like crimes and those kinds of stuff, but I am telling you, this area isn’t like that. We never felt unsafe, and there was no reason for us to feel that when we were there. My advice is if homeless people or just a regular residential area will make you feel uncomfortable, then don’t book it. But if you’re okay with staying in an area with real residential life, then give this place a chance.
  
  What could be improved: There is only one pillow for each bed which we think is common in hotels in Japan because we had the same experience in Tokyo.

• Amanda from Singapore – 9 May 2024 (9/10)

  This hotel met all our expectations and there were a lot of local gems near by which made the stay better. What we didn't know of was the amount of homeless and abandoned warehouse buildings nearby which made stepping out of the hotel feel very contrasting. However, the area still feels safe and friendly as most keep to themselves.
  
  What could be improved: …
  
  Something that needs to be mentioned is the closeness to the train stations – great accessibility but train sounds are inevitable.

• Niall from United Kingdom – 9 April 2024 (7/10)

  Good price, modern room and beds were good – downstairs area good for chilling or chatting
  
  What could be improved: Area is interesting… felt very different to other bits of Japan seen but didn’t put us off and nothing like you’d see in Europe or North America – staff can do with some friendly training and reduce the cost and number of breakfast items

• Rommel from Philippines – 29 January 2024 (8/10)

  The family was in one room.
  
  What could be improved: Far from metro line, near to JR line only.

• Louie from Philippines – 29 December 2023 (9/10)

  Near the train station and mega don quijote.
  
  What could be improved: It’s in a not so clean neighborhood

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities