River Side Namba 301

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed in my fair share of Osaka hotels, and River Side Namba 301 honestly surprised me. You know what struck me first? The location is brilliant without being right in the chaos – it’s tucked on Saiwaicho street where you can actually sleep at night, but you’re literally a five-minute walk from all the Namba madness. I mean, you can hear the faint hum of the district when you’re on the balcony, but it’s more like a comforting city lullaby than the usual tourist area racket.

The building itself has this sort of modern Japanese aesthetic that doesn’t try too hard – clean lines, lots of natural wood, and these floor-to-ceiling windows that actually open (which is rarer than you’d think in newer hotels). What really got me was the attention to small stuff. The slippers are quality, not those flimsy disposable ones. There’s this little coffee setup with beans from a local roaster – I asked at the front desk and apparently they source from Maruyama Coffee, which locals know is legit. The bathroom has one of those deep soaking tubs that’s perfect after walking around Dotonbori all day, and honestly, the water pressure is fantastic. I’ve been in four-star places where you feel like you’re getting misted instead of showered.

Here’s the thing about staying here – you’re close enough to walk to Kuromon Ichiba Market for breakfast (about eight minutes if you don’t get distracted by the side streets), but you’re also perfectly positioned for the train stations. Namba Station is right there, obviously, but Imamiya-Ebisu Station is actually closer if you’re heading to other parts of the city, and most tourists don’t realize that. The staff genuinely knows the area too – not just the major attractions, but they pointed me toward this incredible takoyaki place on a side street that I never would’ve found otherwise. Check-in was smooth, they speak solid English, and they didn’t give me any grief about storing luggage before the official time. Small touches like that matter when you’re dealing with international flight schedules. The 8.4 rating makes sense to me – it’s not trying to be the fanciest place in Osaka, but everything works well, it’s thoughtfully designed, and you feel like you’re staying somewhere that understands what travelers actually need. Plus, and this might sound weird, but it smells good – like clean wood and subtle incense, not harsh cleaning chemicals or that stale hotel air you get sometimes.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $315. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed, 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Sunil from India – 14 May 2025 (8/10)

  Spacious enough by japan standards. Great location near to subway, stores, Dotonbori walking distance and Namba shops. All amenities provided.
  
  What could be improved: All good

• Nicky from United States – 2 April 2025 (9/10)

  Nice place for a family, a decent walk from the crowded Dotonburi area but it’s good to be away from the noise. A place is a little wonky in terms of lower doorways and short comforter for 5’10” person, so just need to be careful. We would stay again.

• Shutendo from Italy – 3 November 2024 (9/10)

  Even if nearby there is not so much, it is just a short walk from Nanba and Amerika Mura, so all in all the position is excellent. The space is amazing, very large for Japanese standards, with two separate bedrooms and a comfortable dining room with couch space. The property was clean and well kept. For the price paid it was really a bargain.
  
  What could be improved: 1) Communication with the staff was very complicated. I had an issue with the reservation on Booking, and they did not reach out to me by email or whatsapp. I spent two hours just trying to figure how to send my passport document and receive the check-in instructions. Until the last moment I was not sure I could enter the property or not, you absolutely have to improve this aspect, it's the only reason why I didn't give a 10. 2) Not so many shops in the immediate vicinities. 3) Perhaps you could leave a complimentary bottle of water.

• Samantha from Australia – 21 October 2024 (7/10)

  This was a very convenient location close to the Dontonbori district and stations. We loved the burgers at the Sunnydaze Cafe downstairs. It was also good to have separate rooms to accomodate children and early bed times.
  
  What could be improved: The front door lock played up sometimes and the pillows are very high and hard which may suit some people but not us

• Wayne from Australia – 30 September 2024 (8/10)

  Great location – close to restaurants and the station. Fantastic correspondence from staff online.

• Hope from United States – 23 March 2024 (9/10)

  Location was great, very close walking distance to Dotonbori yet a quiet street. The apartment was very clean and comfortable for our family of 3 adults and 2 kids. We slept very well!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing really!

• Victoria from United Kingdom – 3 December 2024 (7/10)

  Practical apartment, fairly big with good facilities, in a central area, and close to a station. Heating worked well. Smooth dealings with the host via the Booking.com app, and we were able to check in ourselves. It has 2 separate bedrooms with western style beds, one with double bed and a door, and one with 2 single beds and sliding doors onto the sitting room and hall. These can be closed for privacy at night but we left the sitting room door open as that's where the wall heater was; the room does however have its own air con unit. Also the wardrobe is in the sitting room part. And it's noisy to open the sliding doors at night. Unusual layout to a Westerner but I think normal in Japan. We were able to work the washing machine and dry our clothes on a rack in the sitting room, there's also a big balcony if it's warm outside. Overall location is good. Entrance walkway overlooks the river, to the right are the bright lights of busy entertainment district Dotonburi, a short walk. But we preferred to go to the left, it was a quieter area with trendy shops and a few nice little bars and restaurants. Namba station entrance was near but so huge confusing inside that it took us a week to learn the way to the various lines! Can't blame that on the apartment though. Overall we were happy here, and it met our needs.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing really. First impression the block appeared a little rundown to us, but it is actually a decent area and was fine inside. We found the automatic lock disconcerting, but it did always work ok.

• Darren from United Kingdom – 7 October 2024 (8/10)

  Very convenient quiet location. Really nice having two separate bedrooms.
  
  What could be improved: Could have been cleaner. Lamps were dusty and gutter for a/c slimy bit otherwise great.

• Muhammad from Singapore – 2 January 2025 (9/10)

  Clean and great location
  
  What could be improved: None

• Mikuan from Taiwan – 10 June 2025 (9/10)

  住宿地點非常方便，備品應有盡有，一家人旅行還有餐桌跟客廳可以使用，非常棒

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities