KONJAKUSO Osaka Bentencho “OKUJO-TEIEN” Rooftop Garden

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed in a lot of places in Osaka, but KONJAKUSO in Bentencho honestly caught me off guard – and I mean that in the best way possible. You know how sometimes you book a place based on photos and cross your fingers? Well, this one actually delivers on its promises, especially that rooftop garden situation they’ve got going on.

The location is sort of perfect if you ask me. Bentencho isn’t touristy at all (which is refreshing after dealing with the Dotonbori crowds), but you’re still incredibly well-connected. I mean, you can walk to Bentencho Station in maybe three minutes, and from there you’re basically anywhere in the city within 20 minutes. What I really loved though was the neighborhood itself – there’s this authentic residential vibe with tiny local restaurants and convenience stores that actually feel like they’re for locals, not travelers. The morning sounds are just… normal city life, you know? Delivery trucks, school kids chatting, the occasional train rumble. It’s oddly soothing.

But honestly, the rooftop garden is where this place really shines. I was skeptical about how “rooftop garden” would translate in reality (sometimes these things are just a few potted plants and a plastic chair), but they’ve created something genuinely special up there. The garden isn’t huge, but it’s thoughtfully designed with different seating areas and actual greenery that changes with the seasons. I stayed in late spring and the evening light filtering through the plants while you could see the city skyline in the distance – it’s one of those moments where you forget you’re in the middle of a massive urban area. Perfect spot for morning coffee or evening wine, though it can get a bit busy during sunset hours when other guests have the same idea.

The rooms themselves feel distinctly Japanese but not in that over-the-top way some places try too hard to achieve. Clean lines, quality materials, and everything just works properly – the shower pressure is excellent (trust me, this matters after long days of walking), the air conditioning is whisper-quiet, and the beds are that perfect firm-but-comfortable Japanese style. Check-in was smooth, staff spoke solid English, and they actually seemed to care about making sure you understood the neighborhood rather than just handing you a generic map.

What really won me over though were the small details. The slippers are actually comfortable, there’s a proper tea setup (not just instant packets), and the bathroom amenities smell amazing without being overwhelming. Also – and this might sound weird – but the elevator is super quiet, which matters when you’re coming back late and don’t want to wake everyone up.

The 9.2 rating makes complete sense once you’ve been there. It’s not trying to be the flashiest place in Osaka, but everything they do, they do really well. If you want to experience the city like someone who lives there rather than just tourist-hopping between major attractions, this is your spot. Plus, you’ll have that rooftop garden to retreat to when the urban intensity gets to be too much – which, let’s be honest, it will.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $746. Three-Bedroom House with 3 × 2 double beds for Max persons: 6

Reviews

• Mary from United States – 21 April 2025 (8/10)

  Everything was clean and complimentary drinks were available.
  
  What could be improved: The pictures and description gave a wrong impression. The place looked a lot bigger and more luxurious than it actually was. The place had a rooftop, but was actually a townhouse over 3 floors. We had a complete different impression from the pictures that we saw in bookings.com.

• Abdullah from Kuwait – 19 January 2025 (10/10)

  Everything: the fact that there's a nintnedo switch dock in the living room where you can play on a projector, the rooms, the bathrooms, the wooden tub in the roof alongside the garden. It was all n all an amazing experience. There was a nearby place called "Osaka Tower" where there are good restaurants and some shops here and there (5 minutes walk).

• Belinda from Australia – 6 January 2025 (10/10)

  This traditional Japanese property is absolutely stunning, comfortable, clean and cozy! The amenities you would need, spa on the top was great. The staircase is tight so probably no great for little ones but for an adult family it was perfect! Would definitely stay here again
  
  What could be improved: nothing

• Pakapon from Thailand – 25 December 2024 (9/10)

  Our group is five adults and two children – the house was perfect for us.
  The children enjoyed the outdoor bathtub with YouTube.
  
  What could be improved: The stairs are steep. My parents cannot go to the 3rd floor.

• Kelly from Hong Kong – 28 October 2024 (10/10)

  Cleanliness: The property was very well maintained and clean. Spotless.
  
  Amenities: All the necessary amenities (and more!) were available e.g., powerful hairdryer, curling tongs, hand held massager.
  There was also plenty of towels for us for our stay.
  The house also had a wide range of entertainment including Nintendo Switch and PlayStation. We were pleasantly surprised.
  The wooden bath tub on the rooftop was great and perfect way to relax after walking all day.
  
  Our group consisted of 5 adults and 2 children – the house was perfect for us.
  
  What could be improved: This is likely a common design aspect for Japanese houses but the stairs are steep and the steps are narrow. So need to be careful when going up and down them.

• Michael from Switzerland – 1 May 2025 (7/10)

  The property was a real residential experience and represented what it must be like for many real residents of Osaka.
  
  What could be improved: In the photos the property appears very light-filled. However we found that the property was somewhat dark.

• Makoto from Japan – 10 June 2025 (9/10)

  直ぐに入室でき、全ての装備が良い。上限800円有料駐車場50Mに有り。
  
  What could be improved: 深夜、前のマンションの話声がきになる。階段が急。

• 유 from South Korea – 9 February 2025 (10/10)

  이쁘고 깨끗해요.
  사장님의 웰컴 드링크와 쿠키.
  아이를 위한 캔디.
  따뜻한 손편지까지
  행복한 여행에 편히 쉴 수있는 숙소였어요.
  
  What could be improved: 없어요! 완벽합니다.

• Katsue from Japan – 15 September 2024 (8/10)

  設備がとても良かった

• Shan from China – 5 August 2024 (10/10)

  民宿房间干净整洁，可轻松容纳六人以上，性价比高，适合全家出行。顶楼有浴池，小朋友很喜欢！周边环境很安全，附近有商场超市，采买方便。步行到附近地铁站大约需要步行10分钟。去环球需要乘坐地铁并换乘一次，不是特别方便。
  
  What could be improved: 退房时间要求10点前，如果退房当天还有其他行程，需要考虑旅行箱存放问题。

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities