YAMATOYA HONTEN RYOKAN OSAKA, Osaka – A Smart Stay in the City

Staying at this Ryokan was a delightful experience overall. The rooms were super clean and spacious, offering comfort with tatami mats, low tables, and plenty of cushions. While water bottles were not provided, the traditional setup with a TV and a vase in the sacred alcove added a nice touch. The service was exceptional, with the staff going above and beyond to create a cozy tea time atmosphere and being eager to assist with thorough explanations in Japanese. The location, though surrounded by nice shops and restaurants, felt a bit busy and less welcoming than expected. Additionally, the dining experience stood out with its highlight of serving traditional Japanese fare in lovely tatami rooms.

My stay at the hotel had its ups and downs. The location was fantastic, just 5 minutes from Dotonbori, and the service was super friendly. However, the room smelled like cigarettes the whole time, and the lack of non-smoking rooms was a letdown.

I was pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness and spaciousness of the room, exceeding my expectations for the price paid. Although the rooms were a bit dated, they were still very clean, which is typical of Japanese Ryokan. The location was convenient, near the bustling Osaka nightlife and Doutonburi area with plenty of food options, but the noise from the streets could be disruptive at times. The service was top-notch, with friendly staff offering special meals and hot Japanese tea, though there was a small issue with the air conditioning. The dining experience offered traditional Japanese fare in tatami rooms and was a great way to start a busy day. The hotel provides good value for money in a prime location next to the shopping district.