BANBOO HOUSE

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about BANBOO HOUSE? The fact that it’s tucked away on the sixth floor of this unassuming building in Miyakojima – honestly, I walked past it twice before realizing I was in the right spot. But that’s actually part of its charm, I think. Once you figure out the elevator situation (and trust me, Japanese building navigation is its own art form), you step into what feels like someone’s incredibly well-designed secret apartment.

The location is pretty brilliant if you know Osaka at all. Miyakojima ward isn’t where most tourists end up, which means you’re getting a genuine slice of local life without the crowds. I mean, you’re still close enough to hop on the Keihan line and be in the thick of things – Kyoboshi is just a few minutes away, and from there you can get anywhere. But when you come back at night, it’s quiet. Actually quiet. No drunk salarymen singing karaoke under your window or delivery scooters buzzing around at 2 AM like you’d get in Namba or Dotonbori.

What really impressed me was how they’ve managed to create this sense of space in what’s essentially a vertical urban setting. The bamboo theme isn’t just decorative – there’s something about the natural materials and the way light filters through that makes the whole place feel calm. The attention to detail is honestly ridiculous in the best way possible. Everything from the slippers they provide to the way the bathroom is laid out just… works. And I say this as someone who’s stayed in plenty of places where the bathroom door hits the toilet when you open it (you know the type). The 9.2 rating makes total sense once you’re actually there – it’s not flashy or Instagram-showy, but everything functions exactly as it should.

I’ll be honest, the building itself looks pretty standard from street level – typical mid-rise office building vibes. But that’s kind of the point, isn’t it? Sometimes the best places in Japan are hidden in plain sight. The neighborhood has this lived-in feel with actual residents going about their daily routines, local convenience stores that haven’t been discovered by food bloggers yet, and that particular early morning quiet you only get in residential areas. If you’re the type of traveler who wants to feel like you’re staying somewhere real rather than in tourist-land, this hits different. Just don’t expect a lobby with marble floors and a concierge – this is more like having a really well-connected friend who lets you crash at their place, except everything is perfectly clean and there’s actual good coffee.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $128. One-Bedroom Apartment with 3 futon beds for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Nathalie from Indonesia – 8 January 2025 (10/10)

  Amazing flat. Very spacious with all the necessary facilities. Very rare in Japan. We will be back

• Phek from Poland – 28 September 2024 (10/10)

  This charming flat had the most comfortable interior i had in my life. Futons were comfy. Kitchen well equipped. Entire flat was perfectly clean, spotless and without a speck of a dust. Shower, wash machine and dry machine worked perfectly. My 3-year old child had a great time there. Air conditioning separate in living room and in bedroom worked well. Close to metro and train station. Realy close to the river and park. Price for it should be twice as much. Really good offer.

• Alejandro from Spain – 2 January 2025 (8/10)

  Es un pequeño apartamento en una zona residencial, al lado del Río y a 15 minutos del castillo de Osaka. Tiene todas la comodidades, una cocina bastante completa, con arrocera, pequeño horno y microondas, además de una placa eléctrica para cocinar. Muy limpio y cómodo para una familia.
  
  What could be improved: Es una zona húmeda y el frío se nota, hay calefacción de tipo aire acondicionado, que la verdad reseca demasiado el ambiente y no es conveniente dejarlo en las noches por lo que si salías del futón pasabas frío.
  Esta algo alejado de todo, no hay conexiones muy fáciles para llegar, la estación de kyobashi está a unos 15 minutos andando. No hay mucha gente por la calle ni una zona de servicios o restaurantes, hay muy pocos.
  No hay contacto con el dueño, te deja una serie de instrucciones muy precisas y una lista de cómo proceder tanto en el check in, check out y en la casa. Esta muy bien explicado pero no se hace fácil.

• Aroon from Netherlands – 28 April 2024 (9/10)

  Heel schoon, van alle gemakken voorzien
  
  What could be improved: Kleine lift

• Nicklaus from Australia – 5 May 2024 (10/10)

• 守屋 from Japan – 3 January 2025 (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities