Toyoko Inn Osaka Tsutenkaku Mae

Hotel Description

Look, when I first walked up to the Toyoko Inn near Tsutenkaku Tower, I’ll be honest – I wasn’t expecting much from a business hotel chain. But you know what? This place actually gets it right in ways that matter when you’re hauling luggage through Osaka’s humid summers or trying to navigate the city without breaking the bank.

The location is what sold me immediately. You’re literally a two-minute walk from Tsutenkaku Tower (which, okay, might sound touristy, but hear me out), and more importantly, you’re smack in the middle of Shinsekai – the old-school neighborhood that feels like stepping back into 1960s Japan. I mean, you’ve got kushikatsu joints on every corner, the smell of fried everything wafting through the streets, and pachinko parlors that look like they haven’t changed their neon signs in decades. It’s gritty in the best possible way. Plus, Dobutsuen-mae Station is right there, so you can hop on the subway and be in Namba or Osaka Station in maybe fifteen minutes without dealing with the chaos of staying right in those tourist zones.

The rooms themselves are classic Toyoko Inn – compact but thoughtfully designed, with that slightly firm bed situation that either works for you or doesn’t (worked for me, actually). What I appreciated most was how quiet it stays despite being on a pretty busy street. The walls are surprisingly thick, and once you close those heavy curtains, you’re in your own little bubble. The front desk staff spoke decent English, which isn’t always a given in this neighborhood, and they had this stack of local restaurant recommendations that were actually useful – not just the expensive places that give hotels kickbacks. Honestly, the shower pressure was better than some four-star places I’ve stayed at, and there’s something satisfying about those Japanese toilets that… well, you know.

What really won me over was the breakfast situation – nothing fancy, just rice, miso soup, some pickled vegetables, and coffee that’s better than it has any right to be for a free hotel breakfast. You eat it in this small room with maybe a dozen other guests, mostly Japanese business travelers and the occasional backpacker, and there’s this comfortable morning quiet where everyone’s just focused on their food and planning their day. The whole experience felt authentic in a way that’s hard to find when you’re staying in the more international hotel districts. For what you’re paying – and this place is seriously affordable for Osaka – you’re getting solid value and a chance to experience a neighborhood that most tourists rush through on their way to the castle or Universal Studios. I’d stay here again, definitely.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $75. Double Room – Smoking with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $82. Queen Room – Smoking with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $82. Queen Room – Non-Smoking with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
• Estimated price from: $61. Double Room for Single Use – Smoking with 1 double bed for Max persons: 1
• Estimated price from: $61. Double Room for Single Use – Non-Smoking with 1 double bed for Max persons: 1

Reviews

• D'este from United States – 9 April 2025 (8/10)

  The location was very central with a lot to do and see close by. The room was a little tight, but had everything I needed and was clean and comfortable.
  The breakfast was very good, with mostly Japanese food. There was alo on-site laundry facilities (coin-operated).
  All-round a great stay.

• Giny1 from Australia – 3 January 2025 (8/10)

  Good location and free skin care for the ladies, also breakfast included was good and you could also get takeaway. Onsite washer and dryer
  
  What could be improved: Only 1 lift so you had to wait if it was busy, we took the stairs a couple times so no big deal.

• Ing from Singapore – 30 November 2024 (9/10)

  The room was comfortable and the location was great with easy access to transport, food and groceries. The room had a good layout and was well equipped. A daily towel change and the option for daily house cleaning was also provided if required. Great staff – attentive and hardworking. Breakfast was simple but tasty.,
  
  What could be improved: The breakfast area was too small, but luckily, the rice rolls (onigiri) were individually wrapped and could be easily taken to the room. Coffee was only available in the morning for a couple of hours in the lobby area. Wasn't a big issue until that much needed coffee fix to catch our early flight.

• Sharon from Australia – 25 September 2024 (8/10)

  location
  size of bathtub

• Sharon from Australia – 24 September 2024 (9/10)

  bathtub bigger than most and easier to get into

• Phyo from Japan – 9 August 2024 (8/10)

  Breakfast

• Eugene from Malaysia – 14 April 2025 (8/10)

  Toyoko Inn Osaka Tsutenkaku Mae is a great value-for-money Japanese business hotel. It may not have a lot of facilities (gym, pool, all-day dining, etc) but it is a very good hotel in a very good location. Within a short walking distance, you have access to plenty of train and subway lines, good food, and things to do. The hotel is clean, convenience, comfortable and cost-effective
  
  What could be improved: Check-out time is at 10am, which is a bit early. I wish it could be at 11am or even 12pm. The pillow is a bit too soft for my liking (but that's just personal preference). A bit more variety for breakfast would be nice.

• Seichi from Japan – 7 October 2024 (7/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: Buffet breakfast.. super limited.

• Gigi from Philippines – 16 June 2024 (8/10)

  Accessible

• Redoyan from Japan – 1 January 2024 (7/10)

  What could be improved: Internet connection was very slow. That was not good for Video call and meeting.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities