Osaka Bay Wheel

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first heard about staying at the Osaka Bay Wheel, I thought it was some kind of boutique hotel near the famous Tempozan Ferris wheel. Turns out it’s actually right there in the thick of things in Minato-ku, practically in the shadow of that massive wheel, and you know what? That’s exactly what makes this place special.

The location is pretty incredible if you think about it. You’re literally steps from the Tempozan Harbor Village, which means you can walk to the aquarium, the Universal Studios ferry, and honestly some of the best takoyaki stalls in the city without dealing with Osaka’s notoriously packed trains. I mean, don’t get me wrong – it’s a 3-star place, so you’re not getting marble bathrooms or anything fancy like that. But the rooms are clean, the staff actually speaks decent English (rare for this area), and the view… well, if you get lucky with a harbor-facing room, you’ll wake up to cargo ships and that giant ferris wheel, which is sort of surreal in the best way possible.

What really surprised me was how quiet it gets at night, considering you’re in such a busy district. The Chikko area can be absolutely packed during the day – especially on weekends when families are hitting up the attractions – but once evening rolls around and the last ferris wheel ride ends, it becomes this peaceful waterfront neighborhood. The hotel sits in one of those mixed-use buildings that are everywhere in Osaka, so there’s actually a convenience store right downstairs (life saver for late-night snacks) and a decent ramen shop that the locals seem to know about. Check-in was surprisingly smooth too, none of that awkward paperwork shuffle you sometimes get at smaller Japanese hotels. They even had a map with hand-drawn notes showing the best walking routes to USJ and Osaka Station – those little touches that make you feel like someone actually cares about your experience. Honestly, for the price point and that 8.8 rating, I can see why people keep coming back. It’s not trying to be something it’s not, just a solid base for exploring this part of the city without the touristy markup you’d pay closer to Dotonbori.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $228. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 single bed, 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Nur from Malaysia – 31 May 2025 (9/10)

  Nice clean place with all needed facilities. Love the location too, with the supermarket just beside it and nearby train location. They have a nice coffee shop Bourden nearby too.
  Tempozan ferries wheel, aquarium and arcade too!
  
  What could be improved: The common laundry bar at ground floor, there were people that used the machine but jist left it unattended for a while, making other people have to wait.

• Nicole from United States – 21 May 2025 (9/10)

  This apartment had lots of space, was comfortable, and even had a washing machine with detergent. The location was excellent, and we could easily find the hotel with the detailed instructions – very nice. It is very close to the Chuo subway line (Osakako stop), shops, restaurants, a 7-11, and a grocery store. It is also very near the aquarium and huge ferris wheel. If you are going to EXPO 2025, this is a great place to stay – only two subway stops away. I highly recommend staying at Osaka Bay Wheel!
  
  What could be improved: The very large wicker basket/chandelier in the bedroom is very low, so if you are a tall person, you will hit your head on it. At least it doesn’t hurt, but it’s rather annoying.

• Jenkins from United States – 24 April 2025 (9/10)

  I loved everything about my stay here! The atmosphere was incredible and I felt extremely comfortable the entire time. I feel that the price was extremely reasonable for the quality of the space and I would absolutely recommend it!
  
  What could be improved: Maybe more kitchen supplies would be nice, but there was a lot to work with!

• Garry from Malaysia – 15 March 2025 (9/10)

  Location is very very good. Nearby train station, kayukan, and few kombinis.
  
  Accommodation is good, has washing machine.
  
  What could be improved: Does not have frontdesk, so cannot do luggage forwarding.
  
  Does not have enough hangers for drying, but not really a big deal.

• Pia from Canada – 10 February 2025 (9/10)

  Everything
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Rajbhandari from Japan – 5 February 2025 (9/10)

  It was great 👍 to stay .
  
  What could be improved: Not at all.

• Rayyan from Malaysia – 2 February 2025 (9/10)

  The property is great for family of 6, the rooms were so comfortable. The house if fully equipped with large refrigerators and a stove & oven. There is also free to use washing machine and drying machine.
  
  The location is super convenient. I would recommend this to anyone!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• John from Canada – 31 January 2025 (9/10)

  Size, location, amenities,

• Jamie from United States – 30 January 2025 (9/10)

  I loved the secured feeling of the gate and the cameras. I loved how the place was painted on the outside. It was the perfect space for us. Super cozy inside. Loved how close we were to everything. Uber had no problems picking us up and we loved the fact 7/11 was right on the corner and the supermarket next door.
  
  What could be improved: There isn’t one negative thing I could think of

• Stevens from Australia – 26 January 2025 (9/10)

  Lovely and clean, comfortable beds. Great location
  Nice and quiet area close to attractions such as Legoland and The Aquarium
  Great for families! We would definitely stay again

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities