Yamatoya honten — Restaurant in Osaka

I didn't do much research prior to arriving to Japan since my friend took care of most of the planning. She researched all the hostels we stayed in and took charge of booking, so I can't really delve into the booking process. However, they do have an English website and they do accept credit card for payment!

We stayed in the room on the second floor across from the dining room. The room is pretty small and cozy with a bathroom included and a view of the street, which can get pretty noisy if you're a light sleeper.

Since we arrived in the evening, our beds were already made when we checked in. They were nice enough to put away and make our beds everyday after we left our rooms. It was one less thing to figure out, haha. The futons are thin, but pretty comfy. The pillows could be firmer, but that's just my preference and the comforter was extremely warm for the cold nights.

The restroom was included in our room and it was the first time I ever experienced warm seats and a bidet. Plus, I'm extremely amazed by how close the door was to the toilet when opening or closing. Space is very tiny and can be a little claustrophobic, but that's Japan for ya.

For bathing, there's an Onsen on the basement floor. It's a public bath with a spa and it's separated by gender because you're basically naked in front of others, so I guess you would have to be comfortable with that. This was such a lifesaver throughout our stay here considering how much walking we did!

What I thought was neat is that you return your key to the front desk before you leave. One less thing to carry or lose! I would recommend this hostel if you would like to stay in a more traditional style room with tatami mats.

They also offer traditional Japanese meals for an additional price, but since we were traveling on a budget, we skipped out on that. Since it's located across the street from Dotonbori, we spent most of our lunches and dinner...

During my travels through Osaka, I had the pleasure of staying at Yamatoya Honten, a traditional Japanese inn that offers a peaceful escape in the heart of the city. The hotel impressed me with its seamless blend of cultural heritage and modern hospitality, providing a uniquely satisfying experience.

Firstly, the responsiveness of the staff to online inquiries was notably efficient. I had reached out via email with some questions before my arrival, and their swift, helpful replies were not only reassuring but also quite impressive considering the less common practice of such online interactions in Japan. This proactive communication set a positive tone for the upcoming stay.

Despite its location in a bustling area of Osaka, Yamatoya Honten provides a surprisingly quiet and cozy atmosphere. The inn is a sanctuary of calm, where the noise of the city fades into a distant hum, allowing guests to unwind in peace. This tranquility was especially appreciated after spending my days exploring the vibrant cityscape.

The highlight of my stay, however, was the exceptional service provided by the friendly staff. Despite the smaller size of the rooms, which could have limited our group's interactions, the staff was incredibly accommodating. They encouraged us to use the hotel lobby for gatherings both before check-in and during the evenings. This flexibility greatly enhanced our overall experience, as it allowed my companions and me ample space to socialize and plan our adventures in comfort.

In conclusion, Yamatoya Honten stands out as a gem in Osaka, perfectly marrying the quietude of traditional lodging with attentive, modern service. The staff's dedication to ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all guests is commendable. Whether you're seeking a serene haven from the urban rush or a hospitable base for your city explorations, Yamatoya Honten promises a memorable and...

POSITIVES-|--Authentic Japanese Inn (ryokan) experience! Most of their rooms are Japanese style (no beds - sleep on thick pads on floor), although they have some Western style rooms (with conventional beds). This isn’t five-star hotel (if you want one, book the new Four Seasons at 5-7X the cost). It’s a super cool “hotel” experience, especially for a few days stay. |--Incredible location (one of its biggest strengths) - it’s at the beginning of Doutonbori Street (the main tourist pedestrian street in Osaka). It’s also on the canal (which runs aside the above street). |--The Inn had a nice Onsen (hot springs/mineral water) in the basement. There are separate male and female facilities. It opens as early as 6A and closes midnight’ish. Not only did sitting in hot mineral water feel good at the end of the day, but it also helped my significant muscle aches from a day of constant walking. Besides, going to an authentic Japanese Onsen was downright cool!|--Front Desk staff knows English - some a little limited, but others quite well. They are also very friendly. |--Has unisex kimonos in the room for your use. Makes for a cute pic. |--There was daily housekeeping (in the US this is becoming a rarity). |--They offer both a Japanese breakfast and a Western version. We had both. ||NEGATIVES-|--There was only one electric plug in the main (bed)room. |--Wi-Fi on the 9th floor was essentially nonexistent. I occasionally saw the 8th floor Wi-Fi signal show up on the 9th floor. I had a personal Ninja Wi-Fi Hotspot so it wasn’t a big deal for me, but if I didn’t, it would be a big problem. |--No chair in the room (probably in the Western-type rooms).||Hint: ask for room facing the canal / Doutonbori Street||I would stay...