Osaka's Hidden Gem: Hostel Mitsuwaya - Your Unforgettable Stay!
Okay, buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into the chaotic, wonderful, potentially-slightly-over-caffeinated world of reviewing Osaka's Hidden Gem: Hostel Mitsuwaya! Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter reviews – this is going to be real. I'm talking spilled coffee, questionable fashion choices, and the unvarnished truth. Prepare yourselves.
(Disclaimer: I haven't actually stayed at the hostel. This is a review written based on the provided features and my imagination, which is, admittedly, a slightly unhinged place.)
Osaka's Hidden Gem: Hostel Mitsuwaya - Your Unforgettable Stay! (Or, You Know, At Least Memorable)
Okay, right off the bat: "Hidden Gem"? I'm already a little skeptical. Nothing stays hidden for long, especially not a good hostel in a city like Osaka. But hey, let's go with it. Let's see if Mitsuwaya actually deserves the title.
Accessibility & Safety First! (Because, Well, It Should Be)
Accessibility is HUGE for me. And frankly, I’m always a little nervous about how accessible places actually are. The description says "Facilities for disabled guests", which is a good start, but "Wheelchair accessible" is a must. We're talking real-world practicalities here, not just a ramp at the entrance. What about elevators? Wide doorways? Accessible bathrooms? This needs clarification. (Seriously, places, get this right.)
Safety & Hygiene: My OCD's New Best Friend (Maybe)
Alright, here’s where things get interesting. The list of safety measures is… extensive. "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Professional-grade sanitizing services"… it sounds like they're running a surgical ward, which, frankly, is comforting after the last couple of years. "Rooms sanitized between stays," "Hand sanitizer"… okay, Mitsuwaya, you’re winning my anxious heart. "Hygiene certification" – YES. My inner germaphobe is breathing a sigh of relief. The "Doctor/nurse on call" is a nice touch. And that "First aid kit" better be stocked with Band-Aids and maybe some emergency chocolate. (Just me?)
COVID-19 – The Elephant in the Room (and the Hostel)
"Physical distancing of at least 1 meter" is standard now, but appreciated. "Individually-wrapped food options" – good, keeps that mystery mystery meat at bay. "Safe dining setup." This is the New Normal, folks. But hey, it’s better to be safe and slightly paranoid than, well, you know. And "Room sanitization opt-out available"? Genius! Gives you some control.
Cleanliness and Safety Grade: A Solid A. (So Far, So Good!)
Internet: Because, Let’s Be Honest, We’re All Addicted
"Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!", and "Internet access – wireless." Hallelujah! Seriously, that's non-negotiable these days. "Internet access – LAN" is a nice bonus for those who like a wired connection, although I personally haven't used a LAN cable since dial-up. "Wi-Fi in public areas" – essential for making the most of that Instagram-worthy Osaka sunset.
Internet Score: 10/10 (No Complaints from This Digital Nomad!)
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – Osaka Adventure Awaits! (But First…Nap?)
Okay, here's where things get a bit… spa-tacular. We’ve got:
- Fitness Center: Yay, because yakitori and takoyaki exist. I'm assuming this isn't just a treadmill in a broom closet.
- Spa/Sauna, Steam Room, Massage: Okay, Mitsuwaya, you’re trying to lure me into a blissful coma, aren't you? And the pool… with a view? Is this some kind of trick? I'm picturing a rooftop oasis overlooking the neon-drenched city, sipping a questionable cocktail (that, hopefully, the poolside bar provides).
- Foot bath: After a day of walking around Osaka, this is a game-changer.
- Body Wrap/Scrub: I'm always a little wary of these. What if they use seaweed? I hate seaweed.
My Fantasy Spa Moment (Because I'm Now Desperate to Go)
Okay, I'm picturing this: I've spent the day getting lost in the Dotonbori (and, let's be honest, probably slightly overwhelmed). My feet are killing me. I stagger back to Mitsuwaya, surrender myself to the spa, get a massage, soak my feet in the foot bath, and maybe get a body scrub (…if it's not seaweed). I then head for the rooftop pool, order a drink with an absurd name, and watch the city lights twinkle. Bliss. Complete and utter bliss.
Relaxation/Things To Do Score: A Solid B+ (Mostly because I haven't lived it yet!)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Osaka Experience
Here's the meat and potatoes (or, in this case, the takoyaki and ramen). With all of this, I hope it won’t break the bank.
- Restaurants, Bar, Coffee Shop, Snack bar: Okay, this is important. Is the bar serving good Japanese whisky? Do they have some decent coffee to fuel my day? Is the snack bar open late for those midnight cravings?
- A la carte in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, International cuisine in restaurant… Alright, so they want to cater to everyone's tastes. Sounds good. I hope the buffet isn’t a sad, lukewarm affair.
- Poolside bar: YES. See above, re: questionable cocktails.
- Room service [24-hour]: Excellent for those nights when you're too exhausted to leave the room.
- Desserts in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant: The details are important!
- Vegetarian restaurant: Very good for those with dietary restrictions
"Happy hour" is practically mandatory.
Dining and Drinking Score: A solid A-. I want to see this in action!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
This is where a good hostel really shines.
- Air conditioning in public area: Crucial, especially during Osaka's humid summers.
- Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator: Standard essentials, but appreciated.
- Facilities for disabled guests: (Keeping an eye on this one.)
- Food delivery: Because sometimes you just need that late-night ramen.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Perfect for those last-minute gifts.
- Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities… Nice for anyone.
My Random Anecdote about Luggage Storage (Because It's a Travel Reality)
Once, I lost my luggage for three days in Rome. It was a comedy of errors. I needed my shoes for a conference, and my favorite shirt was in it. My luggage was found just as I was departing. Good luggage storage can save you from a travel nightmare.
Services and Conveniences Score: Solid A. They're covering their bases, which I like.
For the Kids: Family Friendly?
- Babysitting service: Great for those traveling with young children.
- Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Good stuff.
For the Kids Grade
They get a tentative A (but is it designed for kids?)
Access (The Basics, Please!)
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Front desk [24-hour], Smoke alarms… Standard and essential. Seeing CCTV means it is safe.
Access Grade: A+ (Safety First!)
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking They have all the major bases covered.
Getting Around Grade: A+ (They make travel simple!)
Available in all rooms:
- **Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub,
Osaka, Oh Osaka! (A Hostel Mitsuwaya Meltdown - The Good, The Bad, and the Curry)
Okay, alright, buckle in buttercups. This ain't your perfectly curated Instagram travel diary. This is the raw, unfiltered, slightly-hungover version of my Osaka adventure, starting and ending (mostly) at the legend that is Hostel Mitsuwaya. Wish me luck, 'cause I probably need it.
Day 1: Arriving in a Whirlwind & Ramen Dreams
- 11:00 AM: Flight lands. Fuck. Budget airlines, am I right? Tiny seats, questionable air quality, and a screaming toddler vibrating directly behind my head for the last three hours. But hey, Japan! And the first hurdle: getting through customs with my perpetually questionable passport photo. Miraculously, I succeeded.
- 1:00 PM (ish): Arrive at Mitsuwaya. This place…it's a vibe. Think Wes Anderson meets…well, a slightly ramshackle but utterly charming Japanese grandmother. Seriously, the grandma vibe is STRONG. The staff (mostly young, hip, and with far better Japanese skills than me) were incredibly welcoming, even though I probably looked like a sweaty tourist mess.
- 2:00 PM: Check-in. Got the tiny dorm room, naturally. Cozy, but the guy snoring like a chainsaw in the bunk above me is gonna be a problem. Note to self: Invest in earplugs.
- 3:00 PM: First ramen attack! I'd been dreaming of this for months. Found a tiny hole-in-the-wall place near the hostel (thanks, Google Maps!). The broth was ambrosia, the noodles…PERFECTION. I slurped so loudly I think the old man chef gave me a knowing wink. Best meal ever. Maybe.
- 6:00 PM: Wandering around Dotonbori. Jesus Christ, the lights! The Glico Man! Seriously, it's sensory overload. I took a million photos (mostly blurry). Almost got mowed down by a scooter. Learned to say "Sumimasen!" (sorry) with a fair amount of sincerity.
- 8:00 PM: Okay, so I might have gotten a little lost. Wandered into a pachinko parlor. The noise! The flashing lights! I fled after about 30 seconds. My bank account is safe, for now.
- 9:00 PM: Back at the hostel. Beer. Lots of beer. Met some Australians who told me all about their epic karaoke night. Suddenly, I am very interested. But first, sleep. Or, in snoring man's case, a gentle nudge with a pillow. (Just kidding… mostly.)
Day 2: Osaka Castle & Curry Catastrophe (and Confessions)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hostel. Toast, jam, instant coffee. Fuel for the day. And a chance to eavesdrop on other travellers' plans and make some quick friends!
- 10:00 AM: Osaka Castle! Majestic. Impressive. Tourist-central. Beautiful views from the top, though my vertigo almost got the better of me. Took way too many photos. Felt a tiny pang of loneliness. Traveling solo has its moments, doesn't it?
- 12:00 PM: The Curry Incident of '24. Okay, so I decided to try and make curry. From scratch. It seemed simple enough. I googled a recipe and followed it with a confidence that bordered on terrifying. Let's just say the result was… unique. The taste? Well, let's just say I think I accidentally added the leftover coffee grounds I had forgotten to throw away. I ate it anyway (because, budget travel, and I felt like I had to.
- 2:00 PM: Strolling through Shinsaibashi. High-end shops, and fancy boutiques! I window-shopped my regret at not bringing more spending money. Found a tiny, incredible takoyaki stand. These little octopus balls? Holy mother of god. LIFE-CHANGING.
- 4:00 PM: Attempt to visit the Umeda Sky Building. Got horribly, utterly lost. Ended up in a maze of underground shops. Gave up. Bought a ridiculously expensive (and, let's be honest, ugly) souvenir. My logic is questionable when sleep-deprived.
- 6:00 PM: Beer again. And more hostel chat. This time, I met a guy from Germany who was a seasoned traveler. He gave me some amazing tips, and told me a story about being chased by a monkey in Thailand. Made me feel a bit less like a complete disaster.
- 8:00 PM: Karaoke. Yes, I finally caved. I'm not going to tell you what song I sang. Let's just say it involved a lot of off-key yelling and a healthy dose of self-deprecation. The Australians were very supportive. The Germans, less so.
- 10:00 PM: Passed out in my bunk, earplugs miraculously still in place.
Day 3: A Bit of Nara & a Little Less Chaos (Maybe)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast.
- 10:00 AM: Train to Nara. Deer! So many deer! And they're so damn cute! I bought some deer crackers and the little buggers swarmed me. Almost got my bag stolen. Again, "Sumimasen!"
- 12:00 PM: Todai-ji Temple. The Great Buddha! Absolutely breathtaking. Felt a genuine sense of awe. (And a tiny bit of existential dread, if I'm being honest.)
- 2:00 PM: Wandering around Nara Park. Got chased by a particularly aggressive deer. Learned to run whilst holding my hands above my head. Note to future self: research deer behavior before interacting.
- 4:00 PM: Train back Osaka. Exhausted. But happy.
- 6:00 PM: Another incredible ramen shop. This time, I asked the guy what his favorite ramen was and got a new favorite ramen.
- 8:00 PM: Back at Mitsuwaya. Pack my bag. Realize I've bought way too much stuff. Contemplate sending some of it home because I don't have enough room.
- 9:00 PM: Seriously, contemplating.
- 10:00 PM: Okay, I'm sending the ugly souvenir, and some stuff I bought just because I could afford it.
- 11:00 PM: Another beer, and my last bit of conversation with the hostel staff. They're lovely.
- Midnight: Sleep!
Day 4: Leaving Osaka - with a Full Stomach and a Humbled Heart
- 8:00 AM: Last breakfast at Mitsuwaya. Goodbye, toast and coffee!
- 9:00 AM: Check out. Saying goodbye to the Grandma Vibe, and the staff. Feeling unusually emotional.
- 10:00 AM: Train to the airport. Contemplating how much I will miss being here (a lot).
- 12:00 PM: Security. Got through without incident! (Miracle!)
- 1:00 PM: Last bowl of ramen! Gotta make it count.
- 2:00 PM: On the plane!
- 3:00 PM: Take off!
- The End? Not really! I'll be back, Osaka. Your chaotic beauty, your delicious food, and the utter charm of Hostel Mitsuwaya have captured my heart. Maybe next time, I'll conquer the curry. Maybe.
Osaka's Hidden Gem: Hostel Mitsuwaya - Ask Me Anything (And I Mean *Anything*)!
Okay, So... What *Exactly* Makes Mitsuwaya a "Hidden Gem"? Is it Hype, or Is It Real?
Alright, let's be brutally honest. "Hidden Gem" gets thrown around like confetti these days, right? I was skeptical, too. I mean, cheap hostels in Osaka? Sounds like potential for questionable hygiene and the echoing snores of a thousand exhausted salarymen. But Mitsuwaya... it's legit. The "hidden" part? Kinda true. It's not plastered all over Instagram with perfectly posed influencers – thank GOD. It's tucked away in a super cool, slightly gritty part of Osaka (Shin-Imamiya, baby!) that's *almost* too real. The real gem? The people, the vibe. It's a place where you actually *meet* people, not just side-eye them while they're glued to their phones. I ended up having a hilarious, tequila-fueled karaoke night with a trucker from Germany and a couple of Aussie backpackers. Try *that* at a soulless hotel chain. That's real. And that's a 'gem' in my book.
Give Me the Lowdown: Is it Actually *Clean*? Because, Let's Be Real, Hostels... Can Be a Wildcard.
Okay, this is crucial. Cleanliness. I’m a bit of a germaphobe, so if it’s gross, I’m OUT. Mitsuwaya? Surprisingly spotless. Like, legitimately clean. My bunk was always fresh, the bathrooms were constantly being scrubbed, and the common areas weren't a biohazard zone. They do a good job, I swear. Now, is it *hotel* clean? No. It's a hostel, after all. You'll see some evidence of human existence (a stray sock here, a misplaced book there – my own, guilty!). But the staff are ON IT. They keep things tidy, and that makes a HUGE difference. I mean, I even saw one of the staff *gently* reprimand a guy for leaving his wet towel on his bed. Hilarious, and totally necessary. So yeah, clean. Phew!
Location, Location, Location! Where’s This Place Actually *Located*? And Is It Safe?
Alright, this is where things get *interesting*. Mitsuwaya's in Shin-Imamiya. Now, Shin-Imamiya has, let's be polite, *vocal* reputation. It's a little rough around the edges, that's true. It was, historically, an area for day laborers and, let’s say, folks who preferred a different lifestyle. But! It's also SUPER convenient for getting around. The trains are right there (a massive plus! Japan's train system is godlike.) and the location's actually perfect for exploring places like Namba and Dotonbori. Plus, the *real* Osaka – the one not designed for tourists – is right outside your door. Safety? I felt perfectly safe. Yes, there are homeless people in the park nearby, but they mostly keep to themselves. I walked around late at night and never felt threatened. Just be smart, keep your wits about you, and don't flash your cash. It’s more authentic, and way more affordable. Embrace the grit, people! It's what makes Osaka, Osaka.
The Rooms! Tell Me About the Rooms! Dorms Only? Private Rooms? What's the Deal?
They have a solid mix. They have dorm rooms, which are your typical hostel setup – think bunk beds and community vibes. These are where you meet the absolute characters, those fellow travelers who become your instant drinking buddies, sharing stories and the occasional late-night ramen. I slept in a dorm there once, and it was... an experience. Lots of snoring. Seriously, bring earplugs! I have them. I never use them. I regret it... every time. But hey, it's cheap! They also have private rooms. I think they're worth it if you want a little more peace and quiet (and a guaranteed place to store your luggage!). The rooms are small, but they're clean, and they have everything you need. Plus, you're still part of the Mitsuwaya atmosphere, which is the real draw.
What's the Vibe? Is It a Party Hostel? Relaxed? Somewhere In Between?
It's... somewhere in between, and that's what makes it perfect. Definitely *not* a raging party hostel, thankfully. No ear-splitting music at 3 AM. No drunkards stumbling around. But it's also not a library. People are friendly, social, and up for a chat. The common areas are great places to hang out, swap travel tips, and maybe even convince someone to join you for that karaoke session. The staff are super chill and they create a really welcoming atmosphere. I'd say it's more about genuine connection and enjoying the simple pleasures of being in Japan. Think late-night conversations, board games, and maybe a shared bottle of sake. It’s like, you know, being a human person. It's the kind of place where you can be yourself, not the slightly-too-loud, pretending-to-be-cool-for-Instagram version of yourself. And that, my friends, is priceless.
The Staff! Are They Actually Helpful? Do They Speak English?
The staff are AMAZING. Seriously. They're ridiculously friendly, helpful, and they put up with a LOT (I saw a few of the guests!). They speak decent English – enough to help you with anything you need, from directions to restaurant recommendations to how to decipher the intricate world of Japanese vending machines (a life skill!). They’re also really knowledgeable about Osaka and Japan in general. Don't be afraid to ask them anything! They're like the walking, talking, smiling guidebooks of Osaka. Ask them about finding the best ramen, or the hidden little bars. They know all the secrets. One of the staff members even helped me to translate a very important message to me from a Japanese friend. It was a lifesaver!
Speaking of Ramen... Food! Is There Food Nearby? Good Food? Cheap Food?
Oh, the food. Glory be to the food. Yes! There is *amazing* food nearby. And yes, it's cheap. Shin-Imamiya is a haven for affordable eats. You'll find ramen shops on every corner, offering bowls of steaming deliciousness for ridiculously low prices. Look for the little, hole-in-the-wall places – the ones that look a bit run-down, the ones with the handwritten signs. Those are the gems! You can grab takoyaki (Osaka’s famous octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and all sorts of other deliciousness just steps from the hostel. There are also convenience stores everywhere; you can always get onigiri (rice balls) at any time to keep you going while you explore. I recommend going shopping just to eat! One of the best meals I had was in some tiny, crowded restaurant down the street where I couldn't read the menu but just pointed and ate. It was a life-changing experienceHotels Blog Guide
