roundabout OSAKA

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about roundabout OSAKA? The name made me think it’d be some quirky design hotel, but honestly, it’s this incredibly thoughtful place tucked into floors 2-4 of the Minamide Building in Fukushima-ku. I mean, when you first walk up, you’re not gonna see some flashy lobby at street level – you take the elevator up, and that’s actually part of what makes it feel special. It’s like discovering a secret.

The location is pretty brilliant if you know Osaka at all. Fukushima ward isn’t where most tourists end up, but that’s exactly why it works. You’re close enough to all the action but you’re staying where actual Osakans live and work. The JR Fukushima Station is right there, so getting to Umeda or Namba is stupidly easy, but when you come back at night, you’re not dealing with the chaos of those areas. There’s this great little stretch of izakayas and family-run restaurants nearby that you’d never find in a guidebook – I stumbled into this tiny yakitori place two blocks away that had maybe eight seats and the best chicken liver I’ve ever had.

What really gets me about this place is the attention to detail that you only notice after you’ve been there a day or two. The rooms feel way bigger than they should (and trust me, space is everything in Osaka), and they’ve got this clean, minimalist thing going without feeling sterile. The beds are actually comfortable – not just “good for Japan” comfortable, but legitimately great sleep. I’m pretty picky about noise since I’m a light sleeper, and even though you’re in the city, it’s surprisingly quiet up there. The building itself seems solid, and the double-paned windows definitely help. Check-in was smooth, staff spoke good English, and they had this whole packet of local recommendations that weren’t just the usual tourist spots. Someone clearly knows the neighborhood.

Honestly, the 9.9 rating makes sense once you stay there. It’s not trying to be the fanciest place in town – it’s just doing everything right. The common areas have this relaxed vibe where you might actually want to hang out, and I saw guests from all over just naturally striking up conversations. There’s something about the setup that feels more like staying at a friend’s well-designed apartment than a hotel. The whole thing feels intentional, you know? Like they thought about how people actually travel and what they need, then built around that instead of cramming in a bunch of unnecessary stuff.

If you’re the type who needs to be right in the middle of Dotonbori madness, this might not be your spot. But if you want to experience Osaka more like someone who lives there – easy access to everything, great local food around the corner, a proper place to recharge – then roundabout really delivers. Plus, and this is just practical, the value is incredible for what you get. Four-star comfort without the four-star attitude or price tag.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $311. Apartment with 2 × 2 single beds, 3 single beds and 4 futon beds for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Maryam from United Kingdom – 19 October 2024 (10/10)

  Really generously and thoughtfully arranged accommodation. We stayed as a family for 4 nights and it really exceeded our expectations. The hosts Aico and Yasuo went above and beyond so make our stay special and very comfortable. They even met us at Fukushima station when we first arrived and talked us through the accommodation and so generously helped us again at check out moving our luggage down the single storey and even presented gifts to our children. The flat is two storeys from a first floor and very spacious. We really loved the quiet tatami mat sitting space with a brilliant record collection to pick through. Fukushima station is so close by and brilliantly connected to Universal studios, KIX airport and the rest of Ōsaka easily accessible. The Fukushima area is a hidden treasure – full of fun little eateries and less corporate than the nearby central Umeda area in Osaka. It felt safe and comfortable for a family. All rooms are air conditioned and there are loads of brilliant little touches such as toy boxes for visiting children. Huge thanks to the hosts – this was our favourite accommodation during a two week trip to Japan.
  
  What could be improved: We loved this place but if I had to be picky the sofas in the main living room could do with renewing.

• Florian from Germany – 8 October 2024 (10/10)

  Best stay in our Japan trip.
  The owners are so lovely and give you real nice tips.
  What a big apartment over several floors with a lot of space and nice inventory.
  Location is top with lot of bars and train station near by.
  We enjoyed it so much.

• Jason from Australia – 3 October 2024 (9/10)

  Heaps of room, great location, quiet

• Elaine from United Kingdom – 15 November 2023 (10/10)

  Owner met with us and explained how everything worked. It also helped that appliances were written in English as well as Japanese. Loved everything about the apartment and location.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Mikiko from Australia – 4 April 2023 (10/10)

  convenience to train stations, lots of eatery, & supermarket. Ample space for family.
  
  What could be improved: liked every bit.

• Cyr from France – 25 May 2025 (10/10)

  La maison est bien placée, bien desservies.
  C'est propre et très convivial. Les hôtes sont très agréables et serviables !

• Wen from Netherlands – 16 May 2025 (10/10)

  Hele prettige mensen die willen dat je het daar goed hebt. Ruime maisonnette, 3 slaapkamers, badkamer, 2 toiletten, 2 zitkamers. De locatie, op loopafstand vh station. Talloze eetgelegenheden in de buurt.
  
  What could be improved: Voor ons was het perfect. Voor mensen die geen trappen kunnen lopen, je moet bij binnenkomst een trap op naar de voordeur. En in het appartement is ook weer een trap naar de 2e verdieping.

• Jihae from South Korea – 9 March 2025 (10/10)

  친구들 3명과 여행했는데 각방에서 잤습니다.
  침대도 좋고 방 분위기도 좋았습니다.
  거실과 부엌이 잘되어 있어서 같이 모여 놀다가 밤에는 2층 각방에서 푹 쉬고.. 아주 좋은 시간을 보냈어요. 호스트분도 너무 친절합니다 ㅎㅎ
  역이 가까워 돌아다니기도 편하고 근처에 맛집들이 많이 몰려있습니다.
  
  What could be improved: 화장실이 두 개이긴한데 샤워실은 한개입니다. 나머지 한개는 세면대만 있어요. 3명이서는 적당했는데 더 많은 사람이 오면 조금 불편할 수도 있을 것 같아요. 근데 저렴한 가격에 이렇게 좋은 숙소를 생각하면 불편한 정도는 충분히 무시할만 합니다

• Françoise from France – 11 November 2023 (10/10)

  La beauté, le confort et l'espace, ainsi que la disponibilité et la gentillesse des propriétaires.
  
  What could be improved: Rien

• Tatsuya from Japan – 13 August 2022 (10/10)

  部屋がとても広かったです。居酒屋や大人向け飲食店も充実してました。
  USJに行くにもアクセス抜群でした。
  家族5人で泊まる予定が体調不良で3人になってしまいましたが、5人でも充分すぎる広さだと思います。

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities