Lunar Rainbow Apartment

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Lunar Rainbow? The name actually makes sense once you’re there – not something you can say about most places in Japan with quirky English names. This little apartment hotel sits right in the heart of Nipponbashi, and I mean literally in the thick of things. You’re surrounded by electronics shops, vintage game stores, and honestly some of the best hole-in-the-wall ramen joints I’ve found in Osaka.

The building itself is pretty typical for the area – nothing fancy from the outside, but that’s sort of the point. Inside though, they’ve done something clever with the space. The apartments are way more thoughtfully laid out than your average business hotel room, and you actually get a proper kitchenette (which, let me tell you, is gold when you want to grab ingredients from the depachika and cook something instead of eating out for the fifth night running). The whole place has this quietly efficient vibe – everything works, nothing’s flashy, but you can tell someone put real thought into the details. Like, they’ve got these amazing blackout curtains that actually block the neon from the electronics shops below, which is crucial if you’re trying to sleep off jet lag.

Location-wise, you’re basically living like a local in one of Osaka’s most authentic neighborhoods. Nipponbashi gets overshadowed by flashier areas like Dotonbori, but honestly? That works in your favor. You’re a five-minute walk from Kuromon Market (go early, trust me), and the subway connections are fantastic – Nippombashi Station puts you anywhere in the city without the tourist crowds you’ll fight in Namba. I spent most mornings wandering the electronics maze, which sounds nerdy but it’s genuinely fascinating even if you’re not hunting for vintage Nintendo games. The area gets pretty quiet after the shops close, which means you’ll actually sleep well despite being in the city center. That 9-rating makes total sense once you factor in the value – you’re getting apartment-style space and local neighborhood vibes for the price of a decent business hotel. Only downside I’d mention is that the elevator’s pretty small, so if you’re traveling with huge suitcases, you might be taking a few trips. But honestly, that’s nitpicking. This place just works.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $206. Apartment with 1 large double bed, 2 single beds and 2 double beds for Max persons: 5

Reviews

• Scott from Canada – 8 May 2024 (9/10)

  Nice quiet spot just a short walk from several popular markets. Clean and comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: Minor issue was a lack of a spot to hang towels to dry after showering but we made due. 😉. Stairs to second floor are narrow and steep which might be a concern for elderly but there is a bedroom and comfortable living space on ground floor too.

• James from United Kingdom – 13 November 2023 (9/10)

  Fresh, modern and very clean.

• Xiao from Japan – 8 February 2024 (8/10)

  装修很棒，感觉房东是一个艺术爱好者

• Tiffany from Hong Kong – 12 April 2023 (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities