Zen House Umeda

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about Zen House Umeda? It’s tucked away on the 9th and 10th floors of this unassuming building called Empire Building, and honestly, I almost walked right past it. The entrance is sort of easy to miss if you’re not paying attention, but once you take that elevator up – well, it’s like stepping into a completely different world from the bustling Umeda streets below.

The whole place has this minimalist vibe that actually lives up to the “Zen” name, which is refreshing because so many hotels just slap zen in their title and call it a day. The rooms are small – I mean, this is Osaka, so you’re not expecting a mansion – but they’ve designed everything so thoughtfully that it doesn’t feel cramped. The lighting is soft and warm, and there’s this attention to detail in the way they’ve arranged everything that makes you want to just… breathe deeper, you know? What really impressed me was how quiet it gets at night, especially considering you’re right in the heart of one of Osaka’s busiest districts. The soundproofing is surprisingly good for a 3-star place.

Location-wise, you’re basically a five-minute walk from Umeda Station, which means you can hop on the JR lines, subway, or even catch the airport express without breaking a sweat. But here’s the thing locals know – you’re also walking distance to some incredible hole-in-the-wall restaurants that tourists usually miss because they stick to the main department store restaurant floors. There’s this tiny yakitori place called Torikizoku just around the corner that stays open late, and honestly, after a long day of sightseeing, stumbling back to your zen sanctuary with the city lights twinkling below is pretty perfect. The staff speaks decent English (better than my Japanese, anyway), and they’re genuinely helpful – not just going through the motions. Check-in was smooth, though the lobby is small so if there’s a group ahead of you, you might be waiting in the hallway for a minute. One small thing – the elevator can be slow during busy times, but it’s kind of nice because it gives you a moment to decompress before heading up to your room. For the price point and that 8-rating it’s earned, Zen House Umeda delivers on creating a peaceful retreat in the middle of urban chaos, which is exactly what you need when you’re exploring a city as intense and exciting as Osaka.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $819. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 4 single beds, 4 large double beds, 3 futon beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Katrina from Australia – 10 June 2025 (7/10)

  Heaps of space over two levels. Rooftop had great views. It is like an 80's penthouse, which was pretty cool. Within walking distance to most things. We enjoyed our time here. I loved the 80's features.
  
  What could be improved: One of the showers was not working. One air con was not working, but it didn't matter. Beware of the elevator doors, they do not stay open, you have to hold with your body if trying to get luggage in. 😂

• Sauro from Italy – 26 April 2025 (9/10)

  The apartment is arranged over two floors and offers a very generous amount of space. It is fully equipped with everything you need for cooking as well as for the bathrooms. We had a wonderful stay with our children. The location is extremely convenient, and considering the size and comfort it offers, it’s a truly great choice!
  
  What could be improved: The apartment has a vintage charm, being a luxury residence from the 1980s. Some finishes show a bit of aging, and the sound insulation from the outside could be better due to the older windows. However, it wasn’t a major issue for us, especially since the apartment is on the ninth and top floor, making it a peaceful and comfortable stay overall.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities