Imano Osaka Shinsaibashi Hostel — Hotel in Osaka

I am writing this review, because I dislike heavily their business practise.

Hostels originated in germany in 1909. The concept was simple, save space and provide cheap flexible options for people who didn't have very much money.

Poor students around the world just trying to save money and make their money go as far as possible to see as much as possible is what has popularised hostels. This hostel reaps the benefit of thousands of hostels worldwide providing a nice space for cheap for people to adventure.

Yet they try and punish those same people. I made a reservation at 11am, to stay in the same evening, but it turns out when I tried to check in, that I had made the reservation for the next day. It shouldn't be a problem, instead they tried to get me to pay for a full night, for "lost revenue", for a bed they wouldn't have sold because I didn't cancel it "3 days in advance".

Frankly it's a disgusting business practice. Then when I pointed out that I could just cancel the reservation online, and not pay, she started complaining that "all the other booking platforms would force me to pay, only hostel world doesn't". This place has hostel in the name, yet doesn't want to respect what a hostel is, then basically told me they would let me not pay the fee because I understood how hostel world works.

That's basically taking advantage of other people who don't know how it works. They profit from all the nice hostels and nice owners, and then want to capitalise on poor people. You are selling a 2m X 0.5m box, it isn't a hotel. You don't even have seperate male and female toilets.

I hate that people who see a potentially beautiful exchange of cultures, can try and take advantage of people like that. Almost every experience I had in Japan was so nice, so this is...

Hands down the best hostel I stayed at in Japan. I stayed at Imano Osaka for four nights and honestly wish I stayed for a month. The facilities were clean, beds were spacious and comfortable (even the ladder going to the top capsule had wide rungs resulting in a nice climb). Each bed coming with a light, usb port and power port, and a locker! The FREE breakfast was the most generous I have had in any hostel worldwide. Imano Osaka every day will provide a cooked breakfast food option choice to accompany a buffet of salad, soup, cereal, yoghurt and ofcourse with a choice of various breakfast drinks. How good is that! Imano Osaka is supremely located, just a 5 minute stroll to the Osaka hotspot of Dotombori and other lively night spots. Furthernore there are three convenience stores and great local coffee shops a short walk away. This hostel promotes a social atmostphere downstairs in the bar/cafe and meeting area and the guests buy into it. I had both of my most enjoyable nights in Japan here! Ofcourse, you are not pressured into socialising so if a quiet book is your cup of tea, there are ample locations within the hostel to do this. Lastly, even though I have listed many things that are above what good hostels provide, for me the highlight is the staff. They will go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. You are always greeted with a smile and any query you have will be answered.

Do not stay anywhere else in Osaka! I highly highly highly recommend...

This capsule hotel is very foreigner-friendly! It's also in a very good location from Shinsaibashi station and a quick walk away from the main tourist sites. There is a women's only floor so if you're a solo traveler, you'll be fine booking here.

I checked in after a concert around 10:30pm and there was still staff to check me in. Door's lock at midnight, but any time before then, there's a 7-11 nearby where you can rush out to buy necessities like socks, toothbrush, etc if you forget anything at home. They also offer some options at the front desk.

The facilities are very high quality for the price! Capsule hotels tend to make everything very small, but the bed had enough space for a 5'6" person like me to roll and sit up comfortably. There are charging ports inside your bed area, a lock box, a light, and a hanging rack for jackets. The only downside is that any big luggage needs to go on the floor, which could lead to theft if you don't properly lock it and hide any valuables.

If you're staying in Osaka for a couple nights and want to spend your money on fun instead of hotel costs, I highly recommend this...