guesthouse今里

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first spotted guesthouse今里 tucked away on that quiet stretch of Ōimazato, I almost walked right past it. The neighborhood isn’t exactly screaming “tourist hotspot,” but that’s actually what makes this place so brilliant. You’re in proper Osaka here, where locals are grabbing convenience store coffee and heading to work, not dodging selfie sticks every five minutes.

The guesthouse itself feels like someone’s particularly stylish relative decided to open their home to travelers. I mean, a perfect 10 rating isn’t something you see every day, and after staying here, I get it. The owner – and I’m pretty sure they live on-site – has this way of anticipating what you need before you even ask. Need directions to the good ramen spot that’s not in any guidebook? They’ll draw you a little map. Wondering about the last train times from Imazatosuji Line? They’ve got the schedule memorized. The rooms are that perfect blend of traditional Japanese minimalism with just enough modern touches that you’re not fumbling around trying to figure out how the toilet works (though honestly, even the high-tech toilets here are pretty intuitive).

What really sold me on this place was the morning routine. You know how some hotels feel like transit hubs where everyone’s rushing around? This is the opposite. Mornings here are almost ceremonial – there’s this quiet rhythm where you can actually hear the neighborhood waking up through the windows. The tatami floors have that subtle give under your feet, and everything smells faintly of that clean, woody scent that good Japanese accommodations somehow always have. Plus, and this might sound weird, but the futons are actually comfortable. I’ve stayed in places where you wake up feeling like you wrestled with the floor all night, but here you sleep deep. The location works in your favor too – you’re about a ten-minute walk from Imazatosuji Station, which connects you to the whole city, but far enough from the main drags that you can actually get some peace. I’d walk down to the Family Mart on the corner for morning coffee and just watch the neighborhood come alive. It’s real Osaka life, not the packaged version you get in Dotonbori. Honestly, if you’re the type who wants to experience Japan rather than just photograph it, this is your spot.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $164. Three-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 2 double beds for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Ryosuke from Japan – 21 March 2025 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities