Five Hotel Osaka

Five Hotel Osaka Overview

So here’s the thing about Five Hotel Osaka – it’s tucked away in Ikuno-ku, which honestly isn’t where most tourists end up, and that’s actually part of its charm. I mean, you’re about a 15-minute train ride from the madness of Dotonbori, but you get to stay in this quirky neighborhood that feels more like real Osaka. The area around Momodani has this interesting mix of old shotengai (those covered shopping streets) and newer apartment blocks, plus there’s always something cooking that smells incredible wafting from the local yakitori joints.

The hotel itself has that modern Japanese minimalist thing going on, but it doesn’t feel cold or sterile like some places do. When you walk into the lobby, there’s this subtle woody scent – I think it’s hinoki cypress – and the lighting is warm rather than that harsh white you get in a lot of business hotels. The rooms are compact, sure, but thoughtfully designed. You know what I really appreciated? The power outlets are actually positioned where you need them, and the bathroom – well, it’s small but the shower pressure is fantastic. The bed is firmer than what Americans might expect, but after a day of walking around Osaka (and trust me, you’ll be doing a lot of walking), it feels perfect. The windows are properly soundproofed too, which matters because even though Ikuno-ku is quieter than central Osaka, there’s still city noise.

What really won me over was the staff’s genuine helpfulness without being overly formal. The front desk woman drew me a little map showing the best route to Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine and mentioned this tiny coffee roaster three blocks away that I never would have found otherwise. They’ve got this local knowledge that big chain hotels just can’t match. The breakfast isn’t fancy – it’s Japanese-style with rice, miso soup, grilled fish – but everything tastes fresh and the coffee is surprisingly good. Honestly, staying here felt like getting a peek into how Osaka residents actually live, rather than being stuck in the tourist bubble. The 8.3 rating makes sense – it’s not luxury, but it’s solid, authentic, and the location gives you easy access to both the famous spots and the neighborhoods where locals actually hang out. If you’re the type who prefers discovering a city rather than just checking off the must-see list, this place gets it right.

Five Hotel Osaka Accommodations

Reviews of Five Hotel Osaka

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

  Being a family of 4, we had to book 2 separate rooms, but the staff were kind enough to put us right next to each other. The rooms were beautiful and clean, and the beds were absolute heaven! They were very comfortable and a nice change from all the firm beds we'd been staying in previously.
  
  We only stayed one night, but from beginning to end, the staff were very friendly and helpful. We booked to include buffet breakfast, which was not what we expected. The food was still lovely, but our kids had hoped for more Western food options which wasn't the case. Not a complaint at all though, just something that didn't suit our family.
  
  What could be improved: The only downfall of this property for us was it's location. It's a bit of a distance to the closest station and there's not much around in terms of food (that suited the needs of our kids). We ended up splurging on taxis instead which wasn't really a problem as it gave our feet a break from all the walking for a day.

• Sakthi from Japan – 12 June 2025 (9/10)

  Location is a little far

• Dietmar from Switzerland – 16 May 2025 (8/10)

  Good value for the money. Clean room.
  
  What could be improved: Shower and toilet is really small.
  Location is decent but 15 min from metro.

• Bel1231 from Philippines – 9 April 2025 (9/10)

  Love the variety in their breakfast buffet!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Suthawan from Thailand – 4 April 2025 (9/10)

  Friendly and helpful staff, very quiet and convenience, near Korea Town.
  Great breakfast and view, able to call taxi to pick up easily.

• Wai from Malaysia – 29 January 2025 (9/10)

  We had a good time staying at the hotel with my family and my children enjoyed the breakfast and the facilities provided at the hotel. I must also convey my appreciation to the helpful concierge who are every ready to assist and service us especially Mr Shudarshan who attended to all our needs and requests. Bravo to an excellent concierge team at the front desk!

• Laurent from Canada – 13 January 2025 (9/10)

  A bit far from metro/train, but quiet and dynamic neighbourhood

• Masato from Japan – 6 January 2025 (9/10)

  Great experience and comfortable
  
  What could be improved: None

• Stephany from Australia – 25 December 2024 (8/10)

  Clean and comfortable, however we had no idea this was in Koreatown.
  
  What could be improved: It’s far away from the train station, at least a 10-15 minute walk. You have to cut through Korea Town wet markets. It was hard with lots of luggage.

• Jacek from Canada – 13 December 2024 (8/10)

  Good location because it is quiet and not so busy, near Tsuruhashi station. The room is much nicer than most hotels at this price level. The room has clean smell, while many Japanese hotels smell like cigarettes despite non-smoking status. This one has nice windows (large) and wide room.
  
  What could be improved: Not the fault of hotel, but on some nights the Japanese men nearby smoked in the hallway and their rooms and behaved loud. This happens in Japan in many hotels, but is not the fault of hotel. However, the hotel staff should be more assertive with local guests and not simply close their eyes and ears to what they do.

Surroundings

Facilities