Dio Higashi Shinsaibashi

Dio Higashi Shinsaibashi Overview

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much from Dio Higashi Shinsaibashi when I first walked up to it – honestly, the entrance is pretty understated for being smack in the middle of one of Osaka’s busiest districts. But that’s actually part of its charm, I guess. The moment you step inside, there’s this immediate sense of calm that hits you, which is wild considering you’re literally surrounded by the chaos of Shinsaibashi’s shopping madness just outside the door. The lobby has this modern Japanese aesthetic that doesn’t try too hard – clean lines, warm wood accents, and staff who actually seem happy to see you rather than going through the motions.

What really sold me on this place was the location, and I mean the *specific* location. You’re on Higashishinsaibashi-suji, which puts you right in the sweet spot between the tourist crush of the main Shinsaibashi-suji strip and the more authentic izakaya scene that locals frequent. I could walk to Dotonbori in about eight minutes (I timed it), but more importantly, some of Osaka’s best hidden food spots are literally around the corner. There’s this tiny takoyaki stand two blocks down that doesn’t even have a sign – you’d never find it if you weren’t staying right here. The rooms themselves are compact but thoughtfully designed, which is what you’d expect from a solid 4-star in this part of town. The beds are actually comfortable (not always a given in Japanese hotels), and the bathrooms have those heated toilet seats that you forget how much you’ll miss until you go home. One thing that surprised me was how quiet it gets at night – the windows must have some serious soundproofing because the street noise just disappears once you close them.

Here’s the thing about staying here: you’re getting the best of both worlds without the premium price tag of the big international chains. The 8.8 rating isn’t just inflated reviews either – the service is genuinely good, breakfast is solid (though I’ll be honest, I usually ended up at the kissaten downstairs for coffee instead), and the whole experience just feels… right. It’s one of those places where you can tell the staff takes pride in what they do. Check-in was smooth, they stored my luggage without any fuss when I arrived early, and when I had questions about getting to Kuromon Market, the front desk guy actually drew me a little map with shortcuts through the side streets. If you’re planning to explore Osaka properly – not just hit the major tourist spots but actually experience the city – this is the kind of base you want. You’re close enough to everything that matters, but you’re staying somewhere that feels authentically Osakan rather than generically international.

Dio Higashi Shinsaibashi Accommodations

Reviews of Dio Higashi Shinsaibashi

• Adiyakhuu from Mongolia – 25 May 2025 (9/10)

  Rooms
  
  What could be improved: Key

• Ahmad from Malaysia – 6 April 2025 (8/10)

  Location is superb, near to the amenities, train station, easy to find.
  
  What could be improved: The sounds of the birds in the morning

• Tasha from Philippines – 27 March 2025 (9/10)

  We love our stay. It was very comfortable and it was a great size for us. We’re a family of 5. The host was very easy to communicate with and they respond pretty quickly. The location was great there’s a grocery across and there are konbinis all over. We definitely enjoyed our stay.

• Jacob from United States – 19 February 2025 (9/10)

  Very clean, nice facilities, wet room/bathroom very modern and big

• Ashley from Australia – 30 January 2025 (9/10)

  Great location – 2-10 min walk from 8 different railway stations which give you quick easy access to wherever you would like to go.
  Nearby are 100's and 100's of eating establishments along with a plethora of retail options (covering both the high end and more affordable alternatives).
  Place was quiet, however get up early on a Saturday or Sunday morning and you will find a few people going home after a big night out.
  The appartments was clean, tidy and had enough room to feel as you were not on top of anyone else (we a Family of four). Washing machine and the drying room (doubles as a Bathroom) were very convenient.
  Kitchen was basic, and with so many food options nearby not fully utilised by us. However fridge was good for keeping a few beverages chilled for pre dinner drinks.
  Kids enjoyed the fast wi-fi.
  Clear communication on how to access both the building and the apartment.
  
  What could be improved: If you aren't short be aware you will likely hit your head on the light fitting, which isn't directly over the dining table.

• Norjihan from Malaysia – 30 January 2025 (8/10)

  The toilet and bathroom is separate which is good. Location is very close to Shinsaibashi shopping street.
  
  What could be improved: Size is small which is normal in Japan. No other down points.

• Joanna from Australia – 18 January 2025 (8/10)

  Close proximity to dontobori. The space inside was excellent. Clean and very affordable. We were very happy with the accomodation.
  
  What could be improved: Towels were a little small, pillows were very hard and tv had no options for English. But otherwise we liked everything else!

• Jacqui from Australia – 17 January 2025 (9/10)

  Location was good. Facilities were comfortable and clean.

• Antony from Indonesia – 28 December 2024 (9/10)

  Clean, big, comfortable

• Nikikayt from United States – 20 December 2024 (9/10)

  Extremely easy to get in to the property, especially with the helpful videos and instructions contained in the check-in instructions. Really loved being able to relax in the sitting area and watch TV, and the temperature was easy to control. I really loved the location and how easy it was to find. There's even an umbrella stand outside the main door with spare umbrellas for guests to use!
  
  What could be improved: It was difficult to have our luggage sent here as there wasn't a front desk to help collect, which meant that we waited around for half the day for our bags to arrive, but that is not the property's fault! If I went again, I wouldn't ship my luggage here and would just bring it with me instead.

Surroundings

Facilities