Ostay Kitahama Hotel Apartment

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first walked up to the Ostay Kitahama, I wasn’t expecting much from a 3-star place tucked into this business district. But you know what? Sometimes the best finds are the ones that surprise you, and this little apartment hotel absolutely nailed it for me.

The location is actually pretty brilliant if you think about it. Yeah, Kitahama isn’t flashy like Dotonbori or trendy like Namba, but that’s exactly why it works. You’re right in the heart of Osaka’s financial district, which means during weekdays there’s this cool urban energy with all the salary workers rushing around, but come evening and weekends? It gets surprisingly quiet. I mean, you can actually sleep here without earplugs – try doing that in the tourist zones. Plus, you’re literally a two-minute walk from Kitahama Station, and from there you can hit anywhere in the city without dealing with the crowds at the major stations. The Nakanoshima Park is right across the river too, which I discovered by accident one morning and ended up spending way too much time just watching the joggers and office workers taking their coffee breaks by the water.

What really got me though was how they’ve set up these apartment-style rooms. It’s not just a hotel room with a tiny kettle shoved in the corner – you actually get a proper kitchenette with a real fridge, microwave, even some basic dishes. The staff clearly gets that people want to grab stuff from the convenience stores (there’s a decent Lawson literally around the corner) and actually use it. My room wasn’t huge, but honestly, the layout felt way more livable than those cramped business hotels where you can barely open your suitcase. The bed was surprisingly comfortable too – I’m picky about mattresses and this one hit that sweet spot between firm and soft. Check-in was smooth, though the front desk staff’s English is pretty basic, so have your Google Translate ready if your Japanese is rusty. One small thing that bugged me was the bathroom ventilation – it takes forever to clear the steam after a shower, but that’s pretty standard for older buildings in this part of town.

Here’s the thing about staying in Kitahama though – you’re getting the real Osaka experience without paying tourist prices for everything. There’s this incredible tonkatsu place called Katsukura about five minutes away that locals actually go to, not just visitors following Instagram recommendations. And if you walk toward Yodoyabashi, you’ll find these little izakayas tucked between office buildings that serve some of the best yakitori I’ve had in the city. The whole area just feels authentic in a way that the main tourist strips don’t anymore. For the price point and that 8.8 rating, the Ostay Kitahama really delivers – it’s comfortable, practical, and puts you right in the middle of a neighborhood that actually feels like Osaka instead of a theme park version of it.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $120. Studio with Balcony with 2 single beds for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $126. Double Room with 2 double beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Keep_discovering from Thailand – 14 June 2025 (9/10)

  Comfy beds,
  Very clean,
  Spotless check-in process.
  
  What could be improved: Could have a washing machine within this price range.

• Diane from Switzerland – 11 June 2025 (9/10)

  Everything was perfect
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

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

  So close to everything. We walked to osaka castle. Close to train stations that take you everywhere. Communication from host was exceptional. We got very clear instructions including pictures on how to leave the train station and how to enter the room. Room was spacious, had a little kitchenette, washing machine, separate toilet and bathroom. 2 massive beds.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing at all. We had the best time.

• Karolis from Lithuania – 23 May 2025 (9/10)

  Good location, responsive staff and great value for money
  
  What could be improved: All was great

• Aleksandr from Czech Republic – 19 May 2025 (9/10)

  Great location, family mart downstairs and a few more combinis 2 mins away. Clean, nice inside.
  
  What could be improved: All was good,

• Shengyan from China – 10 May 2025 (9/10)

  Very good location, near MRT, away from crowd, next to supermarket, many food choices nearby
  
  What could be improved: Room next to street has slight noise at night.

• Jayne from Australia – 8 May 2025 (9/10)

  The apartment was left in a very clean condition, it also provided ample of space with a kitchenette, seperate toilet, shower and bathroom which walks out to a basin with an illuminating mirror. Beds were comfortable and my husband and I slept well every night. A balcony was also provided for us to open doors for fresh air. Large fridge and all amenities were provided. I was able to get a quick response at all times and was lucky enough to be able to leave our luggage in the room due an early check in time. Our room was not quite ready however they were accommodating enough for us to leave our belongings while we ventured out to have a look around. There is a Lawsons below so we found this efficient for purchasing any late night drinks. Overall, I would love to come back and stay there, it was perfect!!
  
  What could be improved: Only one towel each for the 3 nights however a washing machine is provided.

• Sónia from Portugal – 7 May 2025 (9/10)

  We stayed for two nights in a spacious apartment with all the necessary amenities. The kitchen was well equipped. It’s very close to the metro and supermarkets. The staff responded quickly to any questions. Highly recommended!

• Estefania from Spain – 6 May 2025 (9/10)

  Great staff and accomodation – clean and confortable

• Hoang_ha from Ireland – 27 April 2025 (9/10)

  The apartment has been recently renovated. Location wise: 7 mins walk from Yodobashi station which can take a Midosuji Line to Shin-Osaka, main station. The area is in the office areas so really quiet and safe. There is a Family Mart literally next to the building. There are 7-eleven and lawson around the corners too.
  
  The check-in and check-out process was super smooth. The owner messaged us via booking and ensured everything is okay.
  
  The size of the room was much bigger than we anticipated — plenty of space to relax after a day of exploring the city.
  
  The bathroom was a real standout. It was not only spotlessly clean and modern, but it also had a function to heat up clothes — such a game-changer. Plus, having a washing machine inside the apartment made it super convenient for a longer stay.
  
  The kitchen was fully equipped with everything you could possibly need if you feel like cooking instead of eating out. It really felt like a home away from home.
  
  On top of all that, the price was much more affordable than staying in a hotel in Osaka, but without sacrificing any comfort. Honestly, it felt like an incredible deal for the value offered. Would absolutely stay here again next time if we are in Osaka.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities