Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier

Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier Overview

Look, I’ve stayed at plenty of hotels in Osaka, but the Mitsui Garden Hotel Premier actually surprised me – and honestly, that doesn’t happen often anymore. It’s tucked away on Nakanoshima, which if you don’t know the area, is basically this little island between two rivers right in the heart of the city. Most tourists rush past it heading to Dotonbori, but you know what? That’s their loss.

The thing about this place is that it gets the balance right. The lobby has this sleek, almost minimalist vibe that feels distinctly Japanese without being too precious about it – you know those hotels that try so hard to be “authentically Japanese” that they feel like a theme park? This isn’t that. The staff actually remembers your name after the first day, which I mean, sounds small but makes a huge difference when you’re dealing with jet lag and trying to figure out train schedules. My room faced the river, and honestly, watching the little tour boats putter by while having my morning coffee became this unexpected ritual. The rooms themselves are what you’d expect from a solid 4-star – not huge by American standards, but thoughtfully designed. Everything has its place, the bed is actually comfortable (not a given in Japan, trust me), and the bathroom… well, it’s got one of those high-tech toilets that’ll either delight or terrify you.

What really sold me on this place though is the location – you’re literally a five-minute walk from Yodoyabashi Station, which connects you to basically everywhere you want to go. Osaka Castle? Easy. The crazy neon wonderland of Shinsaibashi? Fifteen minutes max. But here’s the thing nobody tells you: Nakanoshima itself is gorgeous, especially early morning or evening when the salarymen have cleared out. There’s this lovely tree-lined promenade along the water where locals jog and walk their dogs – it’s like having a secret park that most tourists never discover. The hotel’s restaurant is decent (though I’d skip breakfast there and hit up the little bakery around the corner instead – much better coffee and half the price). Parking was straightforward if you’re driving, though honestly, you won’t need a car here. The only minor complaint? The elevators get a bit crowded during peak check-in times, and the AC can be a touch aggressive – but these are pretty minor quibbles for what you’re getting. At an 8.5 rating, it’s hitting that sweet spot where you’re getting genuine quality without the inflated prices of the big international chains. If you want to feel like you’re staying somewhere that actual Osaka residents might book for their visiting relatives – you know, nice but not flashy – this is your spot.

Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier Accommodations

Reviews of Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier

• Meng from United States – 18 June 2025 (9/10)

  I enjoyed the hot onsen on the 16th floor. The lounge was fine, but I liked that I could get drinks whenever I wanted.
  
  What could be improved: Don't have comment.

• Po from Hong Kong – 17 June 2025 (9/10)

  Great location and quiet but only few mins. walk to subway. The room size is good and with onsen. There are lots of restaurants within walking distrance.
  
  What could be improved: nothing, everything is good.

• Rory from United Kingdom – 10 June 2025 (7/10)

  The hotel is very pleasant overall — nice facilities and good value for the price.
  
  What could be improved: The only oddity was the strict 3pm check-in policy. Most hotels will allow guests to head up early if rooms are ready, but here, they held everyone in the lobby until exactly 3pm. As a result, there was a full crowd waiting and then a long queue that lasted about an hour just to collect room keys.

• Irene from United Kingdom – 9 June 2025 (8/10)

  This is probably one of the best Mitsui Hotels I’ve stayed. Spacious clean room with river view, breakfast is amazing, their indoor and outdoor onsen is the best, staff are so attentive, there is a free shuttle service to Osaka station every 15-20min. I will definitely come back again when visiting Osaka.
  
  What could be improved: All perfect for the price I paid for

• Francesca from Saudi Arabia – 8 June 2025 (9/10)

  The onsen on the roof is top
  
  What could be improved: All great. Room are small by middle eastern standards but they are super cozy and very well organized – all you need is there

• Marcia from United States – 8 June 2025 (9/10)

  We didn't have breakfast
  
  What could be improved: A hard check in at 3pm. Because of travel, we got there way early. If a room had been ready early it would have been nice to access it.

• Stephan from Namibia – 1 June 2025 (9/10)

  Hotel Restaurant was great.
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Lynda from Australia – 1 June 2025 (7/10)

  Great central location overlooking canal. Room very comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast disappointing would recommend eating out.

• Sijing from Norway – 31 May 2025 (9/10)

  Spotlessly clean. Great location. Friendly staff! 🙂
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Ann from Australia – 31 May 2025 (9/10)

  Great location close to the train station. 2 stops from Dotonbori. Rooms were comfortable and the staff were fantastic.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

Surroundings

Facilities