Third&Place Namba_Ashiharabashi/芦原橋

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first saw the name “Third&Place Namba_Ashiharabashi,” I thought it was some kind of trendy co-working space that accidentally started renting rooms. But after staying here twice (once for work, once dragging my sister around Osaka), I get it now. This place is actually brilliant in that understated way that Japan does so well.

The location is what sold me initially. You’re technically in Naniwa-ku, which sounds fancy but really just means you’re a quick walk from all the Namba chaos without being stuck in the middle of it. I mean, you can literally hear the energy from Dotonbori when the wind’s right, but you’re not dealing with drunk salarymen stumbling past your window at 2 AM. The Ashiharabashi area has this working-class vibe that feels more authentic than the tourist strips – there’s a tiny ramen shop two blocks over that doesn’t even have an English sign, and honestly, some of the best gyoza I’ve had outside Tokyo. The hotel itself sits on this quiet residential street where you’ll see actual Osaka families going about their lives, which I found oddly comforting after long days of sightseeing.

What really impressed me was how they’ve managed to make a 3-star property feel way more premium than it has any right to. The rooms aren’t huge – this is Japan, after all – but everything’s incredibly thoughtful. The beds are firm in that perfect Japanese way, and they’ve got these blackout curtains that actually work (trust me, jet lag makes you appreciate this stuff). The bathrooms are compact but spotless, with one of those fancy Japanese toilets that makes you question your entire life back home. Check-in was smooth both times, though the staff’s English varies depending on who’s working. You know what though? Everyone tries, and there’s something refreshing about staying somewhere that hasn’t been completely sanitized for international tourists. The WiFi’s solid, which matters if you’re working remotely, and the air conditioning actually keeps up with Osaka’s brutal summer humidity.

Here’s the thing that really sets this place apart – it’s got that neighborhood feel that’s hard to find in hotels these days. The front desk guys remember you after a couple days, there’s a little convenience store right next door for late-night snacks, and you’re close enough to the subway that getting anywhere in Osaka takes maybe 20 minutes max. I’ve stayed in flashier places in Namba that cost twice as much, but I keep coming back here because it just works. It’s clean, it’s quiet when you need it to be, it’s ridiculously well-located, and honestly, that 9 rating makes total sense once you spend a night or two here. Sometimes the best travel experiences come from places that don’t try too hard – they just nail the basics and let the city do the rest.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $281. Five-Bedroom House with 2 × 2 single beds, 1 single bed, 3 futon beds and 2 futon beds for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Rafael from United States – 18 June 2025 (8/10)

  The property had a good mix of traditional and modern styles, with neither interfering with the other everything felt good, clean and nostalgic without feeling old or outdated. Yoshi-San was incredibly attentive and responsive to any inquiries we had. We thank him for being an amazing host!
  
  What could be improved: The stairs can be a bit steep if you’re not used to them (very common in traditional Japanese homes). But overall great place to stay!

• Tania from Australia – 19 March 2025 (8/10)

  Big enough , nice , warm, close to train Station
  Owner is amazing and very helpful
  
  What could be improved: All good

• Volk from Australia – 11 October 2024 (8/10)

  We loved the house, very spacious for Japanese standards. Yoshi is a great host and communication was excellent. We used the bikes a lot to get to places but also train station is super close.

• Alex from Australia – 25 September 2024 (9/10)

  So much space, clean and love the traditional Japanese room. Accessible to the Osaka Loop.
  
  What could be improved: Needed a change over on the train to get to the centre of Osaka (Dotonbori, Namba etc.)

• Markus from Finland – 9 September 2024 (9/10)

  The location was good, as it was very close to Ashiharabashi train station, and we took a train from there on a daily basis. There was also a Family Mart near the train station, where we usually had our morning coffee and breakfast.
  
  What could be improved: There was a little bit of traffic noise due to the location. However, nothing too bad.

• Ka from Hong Kong – 7 September 2024 (8/10)

  This is a great place to spend the vacation, a fully service kitchen, washing machine, comfortable beds, lots of soace, cleanliness. Location close to JR Station and a great host who helped a lot during our trip, thank you.

• Ingrid from Australia – 19 July 2024 (8/10)

  Spaciousness for Japan with seperate rooms, bikes provided, easy access to train station and supermarkets and facilities to support travelling families like cooking and laundry.
  
  What could be improved: The kitchen has limited equipment and it would have been great to have a second sofa.

• Td from Australia – 31 December 2023 (9/10)

  A lovely local experience! The home is cosy and the beds were comfortable. Family of five stayed with the teenage children sleeping upstairs, including on the futon on the tatami floor which was comfortable and charming. We didn't discover the small second toilet on the 2nd floor until just before we left (I forgot there was one and didn't look)! We found the downstairs bathroom adequate for the five of us, nonetheless. The stairs are steep, so the upper room and access to the roof, may not suit older or less agile occupants, however there is a bedroom for two on the ground floor so depending on the party, all may be accommodated comfortably. It certainly is spacious for at least 6 people and it was great to have the compact kitchen and washing machine (no dryer) to use. Very close to the train station and the instructions to the house are excellent. Combinis and good grocery store nearby. In our short stay we didn't work out the buses, but taking the train was easy enough. It was also a very pleasant 30min walk from Dotonbori one evening after we checked it out and ambled back through the neighbourhood. It was great to be able to use the bikes around the neighbourhood. The host saw us off and he was lovely to deal with throughout.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing. Was as advertised.

• Jess from Singapore – 3 December 2023 (9/10)

  It clean and tidy and the owner is very friendly and very prompt to all questions. Short distance with public transport to Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi

• Nakita from Australia – 2 December 2023 (8/10)

  Very spacious. Clean facilities. Five minute walk to a JR Station.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities