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5 hostels and guesthouses in Osaka for foreigners!

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Back view of foreign man standing in front of the guesthouse

Are you planning a trip to Osaka and wondering how to choose accommodation? You may think that a hotel is too expensive and over your budget......, but you are worried about using a guesthouse or hostel for the first time.......

But don't worry. Osaka's guesthouses and hostels offer attractive accommodations that are not only reasonably priced but also expand the fun of travel.

In this article, we will introduce five carefully selected guesthouses and hostels in Osaka that are popular among foreign travelers. We also provide useful information on the differences between guesthouses and hostels, and points to note when staying at a guesthouse or hostel.

We hope you will find a guesthouse or hostel that suits your needs as a base for sightseeing in Osaka.

▼Goandup Picks Click here for recommended articles!

What is a Hostel/Guest House?

Hostels and guesthouses are accommodations that are cheaper than regular hotels. Unlike hotels, hostels are mainly dormitories (shared rooms), where you sleep on bunk beds. Bathrooms and toilets are shared, and amenities and meals are often not provided.

The low cost of accommodations and interaction with other guests make them popular with those who want to enjoy traveling at a reasonable price and meet new people on their travels. They are especially used by foreign backpackers.

Is there a difference between a hostel and a guesthouse?

Hostels and guesthouses are almost the same type of accommodations, but in general, small, renovated private homes are often called guesthouses, while facilities of a certain size, mostly dormitories, are often called hostels.

However, there is no clear distinction. Some facilities call themselves hostels but are built in the style of private homes, while others call themselves guesthouses but are large, mainly dormitory-style facilities. Since the name varies from facility to facility, we recommend that you carefully check the room type and facilities when considering staying at a hostel.

What is the difference between a youth hostel and a hostel?

A youth hostel is a hostel that is a member of the International Youth Hostel Federation. Membership in a youth hostel provides benefits such as discounts on accommodation and nearby tourist facilities.

Hostels, on the other hand, are all lodging facilities that function as cheap accommodation, regardless of whether they are members of the Youth Hostel Federation or not. Non-Youth Hostels do not enjoy the benefits of Youth Hostel membership.

There is no major difference between youth hostels and hostels in terms of room types, systems, and facilities, but youth hostels are more often used by senior citizens.

Hostel/Guest House Attraction

Regular hotels are of course comfortable and convenient, but hostels and guesthouses have a different charm. Here are some of the unique attractions of hostels and guesthouses.

Low accommodation costs

Hostels/guesthouses generally offer shared rooms in dormitories, which can reduce the cost of accommodations. The market rate for a business hotel in Osaka is about 5,000 yen per night, but in a dormitory room at a hostel or guesthouse, you can stay for 2,000 to 3,000 yen per night.

This is a good option for those who want to keep accommodation costs as low as possible when traveling or going out, and for those who do not need luxurious facilities.

However, since dormitory rooms are shared, privacy is limited. If you use a private room, it is more expensive than a dormitory room, but still cheaper than a business hotel.

Interact with other guests.

In hostels/guesthouses, guests generally share rooms in dormitories, which means that they sleep in the same room as other guests. In addition, there is often a communal lounge space, making it easy to interact with other guests.

Many of the guests who stay at hostels/guesthouses are tourists or people on work vacations, and many of them stay for a certain period of time. Some of them are backpackers from abroad, and it is a good chance to meet people from various countries.

Hostels and guesthouses are the perfect environment for those who want to interact not only with Japanese people but also with people from other countries who have come to Japan.

Notes on hostels and guesthouses

While hostels/guesthouses are attractive because of their low accommodation costs and interaction with other guests, they also offer facilities and services that are inferior to those of a typical hotel. When considering a hostel/guesthouse, it is a good idea to understand the following points to keep in mind.

Many rooms are shared.

Private rooms, which are commonplace in most hotels, are in the minority in hostels and guesthouses, and the main accommodation is in shared rooms called dormitories. Dormitories are an environment with no privacy, so they may not be suitable for those who are shy or those who prefer to spend more time on their own.

If you wish to have a private room, make sure to confirm this when you make your reservation. Also, even if you choose a plan with a private room, you will need to separate the toilet and bath as they are often shared.

Bathrooms and toilets are often shared.

In most hostels and guesthouses, toilets, bathrooms, and washrooms are shared, even if you use a private room. This environment is not suitable for those who want to spend their time in a private space.

In the case of shared facilities, some areas may not be well cleaned and may be crowded due to overlapping timing of use. When choosing accommodations, it is important to keep in mind that toilets and baths are shared.

Amenity items are often not available.

While hotel rooms generally provide amenity items such as toothbrushes, combs, towels, and hair dryers, hostels and guesthouses often do not provide these amenities.

You will need to prepare the necessary amenities yourself or purchase them separately at the front desk. Please check the website of the accommodation facility to see what kind of amenity goods are available in advance.

For those who find the shared space and amenities of hostels and guesthouses insufficient, we recommend capsule hotels, which offer privacy and a full range of facilities. For more information on capsule hotels, check out the following article.
▶︎ Cheap and comfortable! 10 Capsule Hotels in Osaka Recommended for Foreigners

5 hostels and guesthouses in Osaka for foreigners!

Let us introduce you to five recommended hostels and guesthouses in Osaka. We have carefully selected five facilities with different characteristics, ranging from those conveniently located for sightseeing or business trips to those offering a traditional Japanese atmosphere. We hope you will find a hostel or guesthouse that suits your purpose and preferences.

1. J-Hoppers Osaka Universal

J-Hoppers Osaka Universal is a guesthouse located near Universal Studios Japan (USJ), and is a popular place to stay when visiting USJ, and is also used by many international visitors.
There is a lounge in the building that doubles as a coworking space, which can be used by non-guests as well. It is also recommended for those who want to enjoy traveling while working.

Located about 15-20 minutes on foot from USJ and a 5-minute walk from the nearest station, JR Ajikawaguchi Station, accessibility is another attraction. Accommodation plans include dormitory rooms as well as private rooms for one to a maximum of four people.

For details and reservations at J-Hoppers Osaka Universalclick here!

2. Osaka Guest House HIVE

Osaka Guesthouse HIVE is located in the Umeda area, the heart of Osaka. It is directly connected to Ebisucho Station on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line, and is conveniently located within walking distance of Osaka Station.

The guesthouse sells a homey atmosphere, and the staff and guests are close to each other. Even if it is your first trip to Osaka, you can feel free to consult with us if you have any questions.

Another attraction is the wide variety of accommodation plans, including women-only dormitories and private rooms with twin beds for couples. You can choose a plan that suits your style and makes your stay comfortable.

For details and reservations for Osaka Guest House HIVEclick here!

3. guesthouse Matsu

Guesthouse Matsu is a charming guesthouse with a Showa-era retro atmosphere located in Tenga-chaya, a downtown area of Osaka. The interior, which was handmade by the staff themselves as a DIY project, has a warm, nostalgic design. Guests can choose from dormitory rooms, twin rooms, and family rooms.

An annex is also available for travelers who value privacy. Guesthouse Matsu Annex, a completely private guesthouse, consists of seven studio rooms and can accommodate both single guests and families.

The nearest station is Hanazonomachi Station on the Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line, about a 6-minute walk away. It may be interesting to stroll around the downtown area, where an old-fashioned shopping street still remains.

For more information and reservation of Guest House Matsu, please contactclick here!

4. guesthouse yuen

Guesthouse YUEN is a renovated old private house with a history of over 100 years. The wooden Japanese-style house and tatami-matted guest rooms offer plenty of traditional Japanese atmosphere, making it perfect for foreigners who want to experience Japaneseness.

The nearest station is JR Shin-Fukushima Station, only a 30 second walk away. It is also located about a 15-minute walk from Umeda Station and Osaka Station in the center of Osaka, providing excellent accessibility.

Also on the premises of Guest House YUEN is a spice curry shop and a café where guests can enjoy home-roasted coffee. Guests will be able to relax and unwind from their travels while enjoying delicious curry and specialty coffee.

For details and reservation of Guest House YUENclick here!

5. enman guesthouse osaka

Enman Guesthouse Osaka is a guesthouse in Moriguchi City, located in the northeastern part of Osaka City. It is characterized by its retro appearance, which retains the atmosphere of the Showa period (1926-1989), and is built in the style of an old private house.

Anyway, this guesthouse is recommended for foreign travelers who want to experience the traditional Japanese lifestyle, and rooms are available in Japanese-style rooms and dormitories, which can be selected according to your plans.

The nearest station is Moriguchi-shi Station on the Keihan Railway, a 6-minute walk from the guesthouse. The location is also convenient for access to Umeda and other central Osaka locations.

For details and reservations of Enman Guest House Osaka, please contactclick here!

Other areas suitable for lodging around Osaka

Hostels and guesthouses in popular areas of Osaka such as Umeda, Namba, and Shinsaibashi are recommended as a base for sightseeing in Osaka, but there are many other attractive areas in the city.

For example, Kyoto, easily accessible from Osaka, is a popular tourist destination among foreign tourists for its ancient city atmosphere. There are many famous sightseeing spots such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkaku-dera Temple, and Arashiyama. For those who wish to take their time sightseeing in Kyoto, staying at a hostel or guesthouse in Kyoto is also recommended.

Kobe is a port town with an exotic atmosphere. Why not visit Kitano Ijinkan-gai, Nankinmachi, Harbor Land, and other tourist spots? Hostels and guesthouses in Kobe are convenient not only for sightseeing but also for business.

Nara is a town popular for its historical sightseeing spots such as Todaiji Temple and Nara Park. Interacting with deer is also popular among foreign tourists. Since it is easily accessible from Osaka, day-trip sightseeing is possible, but a relaxing stay in Nara is also recommended.

summary

There are many inexpensive and cozy hostels and guesthouses in Osaka. The main attraction of hostels and guesthouses is that they are different from hotels in terms of accommodation style, such as dormitories and shared facilities, but they are reasonably priced for that reason.

This is a great place for those who want to interact with foreign travelers and enjoy the local atmosphere.

The five hostels and guesthouses introduced in the article are all different in terms of location and characteristics, so please choose the one that best suits your own travel style. You are sure to find your favorite accommodation.

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