KONJAKUSO Osaka Tsuruhashi “KAKUJU”

Hotel Description

Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first heard about KONJAKUSO Osaka Tsuruhashi “KAKUJU” – the name alone is quite a mouthful. But walking up to this place on Higashiobase street, you immediately get that this isn’t your typical chain hotel trying to appeal to everyone. It’s tucked away in Higashinari-ku, which I mean, most tourists probably haven’t even heard of, but that’s actually part of its charm. You’re right in the heart of what feels like real Osaka, not the polished tourist version.

The thing that struck me first was how they’ve managed to create this incredibly serene atmosphere despite being in such a lived-in neighborhood. You know what I’m talking about – that authentic Japanese attention to detail where every single element seems intentional. The staff genuinely care about your experience, not in that scripted hotel way, but like they’re actually invested in making sure you understand what makes this place special. I watched them spend twenty minutes with another guest explaining the best route to Osaka Castle, complete with hand-drawn maps and train timing advice. The rooms themselves are something else entirely – they’ve taken traditional Japanese design principles and somehow made them feel completely contemporary without losing any of the soul. The tatami has that perfect firmness that takes a night or two to appreciate if you’re used to Western beds, and honestly, by day three I was sleeping better than I had in months.

What really sets this place apart though is its relationship with the Tsuruhashi area. Most people rush through here on their way to more famous districts, but staying at KAKUJU gives you this insider’s perspective on a neighborhood that’s got serious character. There’s this incredible Korean BBQ place about three blocks east that the front desk quietly recommended – no English menu, packed with locals, absolutely phenomenal. The morning sounds are different here too; instead of tourist buses and chain store announcements, you get the rhythm of a working neighborhood waking up. I found myself looking forward to that 6 AM mix of bicycle bells and shop owners hosing down their sidewalks. The only minor thing I’d mention is that if you’re someone who needs to be within walking distance of major shopping areas, you’ll be doing more train hopping than usual. But honestly, that just meant I experienced more of the city’s incredible public transit system and stumbled onto neighborhoods I never would have discovered otherwise. This place earned its 9.1 rating because it offers something most five-star hotels can’t – an authentic sense of place that makes you feel like you’re actually in Osaka, not just visiting it.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $840. Four-Bedroom House with 2 double beds, 2 futon beds, 2 × 2 single beds and 2 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 8

Reviews

• Nicholas from United States – 15 December 2024 (10/10)

  Beautiful
  
  What could be improved: A little hard to find

• Barbara from Australia – 8 October 2023 (8/10)

  Lovely Japanese style home accommodated our party of 8 adults. The house is located near local restaurants, convenience stores and the JR and train station, making it easy to get around Osaka yet offering plenty in the local area. The bedrooms were a mix of Japanese and Western. Great bath tub and courtyard garden. Fantastic local market beside railway station.
  
  What could be improved: Steep stairs and tiny cooking area.

• Carmen from Austria – 21 May 2023 (10/10)

  very nice, had a very relaxing time!

• Kerem from Turkey – 12 May 2025 (6/10)

  An ideal choice for a Ryokan-style stay in Japan, with spacious rooms that can accommodate up to 12 people and exceptionally responsive staff.
  
  What could be improved: While the property offers a well-maintained, traditional experience, its location in Koreatown on the south side of town is not within walking distance to main attractions, and the slight moldy smell and proximity to a train station may be challenging for guests sensitive to smell or noise.

• Caroline from United Kingdom – 29 December 2023 (6/10)

  It was ok
  
  What could be improved: Very basic

• Folch from Spain – 9 August 2024 (10/10)

  Los ban̈os
  
  What could be improved: La cocina es un poco pequen̈a

• Naiwen from Taiwan – 25 February 2023 (10/10)

• 堯仁 from Taiwan – 14 November 2022 (10/10)

  交通便利的地理位置，傳統的日式獨棟，設備設備良好先進，提供很好的飲料及清酒，留下美好的印象，難忘的大阪之旅。

• 紗智子 from Japan – 13 August 2022 (10/10)

  コロナ禍の中、知り合いだけで泊まれる広いところだったのでとてもよかったです。
  
  お風呂も最高でした！
  
  What could be improved: ないです

• Atsuya from Japan – 11 August 2022 (10/10)

  何よりも子供達が喜んでくれました♪
  まさか二階建ての一軒家が宿泊場所だとは思っていなかって様で！！
  
  What could be improved: 特に思い当たりませんがちょっとリビングが暗かったので小さい子がいると不安になる人がいるかもしれません？

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities