Osaka Hommachi's BEST Kept Secret: Toyoko Inn No.2 Review!
Osaka's BEST Kept Secret? Toyoko Inn No.2 - Does it Really Live Up to the Hype? (My Honest Take!)
Okay, so I'm back from a whirlwind Osaka trip, and, well, I have to spill the tea (or maybe the matcha latte – more on that later!). Everyone raves about Toyoko Inn, and specifically, this one, Toyoko Inn No.2 in Hommachi. "Best kept secret!" they whisper. "Amazing value!" they shout. So, did it live up to the hype? Let's dive in, shall we? Buckle up, because this is going to be a messy, honest, and hopefully, helpful review.
First, the Basics (and the Boring Stuff):
Accessibility: This is a BIG deal for me. Toyoko Inn, in general, is pretty good with accessibility, and No.2 is no exception. There's an elevator (thank GOD!), and they claim to have “facilities for disabled guests.” I didn’t personally need a wheelchair, but seeing those things on offer instantly made me feel better.
Cleanliness and Safety: Okay, let's be real. We're all paranoid about germs these days. Toyoko Inn really hammers this home. They’ve got:
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Staff trained in safety protocols: Seems like it. Everyone was masked, and there were hand sanitizer stations everywhere.
- Room sanitization between stays: Yesss! And I heard they were using anti-viral cleaning products. Makes me sleep better at night, even if I did still wipe down the doorknobs…
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Good stuff.
- Hygiene certification: Seems legit.
- Individually-wrapped food options: The breakfast situation? See below.
- Shared stationery removed: Yay, no more shared pens!
- Sterilizing equipment: They said they had it!
Internet Access (the Modern Necessity): Seriously, if a hotel doesn’t have good internet, it’s already sunk in my book.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms: YES! And it’s actually good. No more buffering nightmares!
- Internet [LAN]: Available. If you are old school.
- Internet Services (in general): Worked perfectly.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Works, too.
The Room: Small but Mighty (Mostly):
Okay, the rooms are… compact. Let's call it cozy. But hey, it’s Osaka! Space is a premium.
- Available in all rooms:
- Air conditioning: Essential. Osaka summers are BRUTAL.
- Alarm clock: Yup. Woke me up every morning.
- Bathrobes: Nice touch!
- Complimentary tea/coffee maker/water: Needed that caffeine fix!
- Free bottled water: Hallelujah!
- Hair dryer: Checked.
- In-room safe box: Always a good thing.
- Internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free]): Praise be!
- Ironing facilities: I didn't use them, but they were there!
- Mini bar (Refrigerator): Handy!
- Non-smoking (duh, this is Japan): Thank goodness.
- Private bathroom/Separate shower/bathtub/Toiletries: All good. The water pressure was surprisingly strong.
- Satellite/cable channels: Never watched TV, but they were there.
- Seating area: Ehhhh, it was more of a chair.
- Smoke detector: Important.
- Soundproofing: Decent. I didn't hear much noise from the hallways.
- Window that opens: Finally! Fresh air!
The Breakfast - A Love/Hate Story:
This is where things get… interesting. The breakfast is included, and it’s… well, it's breakfast. Don't expect Michelin stars.
- Asian breakfast: Yup, the typical Japanese breakfast fare is available.
- Breakfast [buffet]: (Sort of) It was more like a grab-and-go, pre-packaged buffet. Think individually wrapped pastries, rice balls, and hard-boiled eggs. It was… adequate. It filled a hole. But it wasn't a culinary experience. I missed being able to choose myself, I wasn’t sure if I could take them to my room or not!
- Breakfast takeaway service: They definitely allow you to take them…
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Or, Where to Find a Decent Meal):
Toyoko Inn No.2 does not excel on the dining front.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant (or at least, breakfast): Yup.
- Coffee shop: Not within the actual hotel.
- Restaurants: None.
- Snack bar: Nope.
- Bar: No Bar!
- But, the location…: The BEST part. Seriously. Hommachi is a food paradise! You're surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores. I’m talking ramen, takoyaki, yakitori… everything! You’ll find better food easily outside the hotel.
Services and Conveniences (The Stuff That Makes Life Easier):
Air conditioning in public area: Crucial.
Cash withdrawal: ATM on-site. Lifesaver.
Concierge: Didn't use them.
Convenience store: Down the street – a must in Japan for snacks and drinks!
Currency exchange: Didn't need it.
Daily housekeeping: Spotless.
Doorman: No.
Elevator: Yay!
Laundry service/Dry cleaning/Ironing service: Didn't use, but available.
Luggage storage: Yep. Convenient for early arrivals/late departures.
Safety deposit boxes: Important.
Smoking area: Outside.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: No, but the public transport is fantastic and super easy from here!
- Bicycle parking: Don't recommend if you're taking them out on the road.
- Car park [free of charge]: Nope.
- Car park [on-site]: Yes, but expect to pay.
- Taxi service: Available.
- Valet parking: Nope.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax (Or Not Relax!):
This is no spa resort. Don't expect a jacuzzi and massage.
- Fitness center: Nope.
- Sauna/Spa: Uh-uh.
- Swimming pool: Nada.
For the Kids (Family Fun?):
- Family/child friendly: Probably. Kids are welcome.
- Kids facilities: None.
- Babysitting service: Nope.
The Verdict: Osaka's Not-So-Secret Secret?
Okay, so is Toyoko Inn No.2 the "best kept secret?" Maybe not. But is it a great option for a budget-conscious traveler who wants a clean, convenient, and well-located hotel in Osaka? Absolutely.
Why it's Good:
- The location is fantastic. Hommachi is central, with easy access to the Midosuji Line (subway) and tons of food options.
- It’s CLEAN. Really, really clean.
- Free Wi-Fi that actually works.
- The price is right. You get a lot of value for your money.
What to Know Before You Go:
- Rooms are small. Be prepared.
- The breakfast is basic. Don't get your hopes up.
- It's not a luxury hotel. It’s functional and efficient.
My Quirky Observation*
I saw one guy in the elevator every day, just carrying a single, pristine white shirt. Every day. I wonder if he was just using the iron service. So weird.
Final Thoughts:
I’d stay here again? Yes, absolutely. It’s a great base for exploring Osaka. It's not perfect, but it delivers on its promises. And that, folks, is why I can recommend it.
Make the Smart Choice! Book Your Osaka Adventure at Toyoko Inn No.2 Today!
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your sanitized, Instagram-perfect itinerary. This is reality coming at you sideways from a stay at the (relatively) clean and (let's be honest) kinda boring Toyoko Inn Osaka Hommachi No.2. Prepare for delays, questionable food choices, existential crises, and a whole lotta "OMG, I can't believe I did that!"
Day 1: Arrival – A Symphony of Small Towels and Jet Lag
- 08:00 - (Supposedly) Arrival at Kansai International Airport (KIX). Let's be real, that was more like 09:30. Delayed flight, of course. And the sheer mass of humanity! Lugging my oversized suitcase through the airport felt like wrestling a small, angry whale. Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes. You will walk… a lot.
- 10:00 - Train to Hommachi Station. Okay, so I think I bought the right ticket. Fingers crossed. Navigating the Japanese train system is like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube while juggling raw eggs. Successfully boarded the train. Success! (For now.)
- 11:00 - Check in to Toyoko Inn Osaka Hommachi No.2. The lobby. Sterile. Functional. Reminds me of a well-organized hospital. The staff are incredibly polite, of course. They have that down pat. First impression: small room, but hey, it's clean. The sheer abundance of small towels is… confusing. I feel like I'm being offered a lifetime supply of face flannels. I might build a fort.
- 12:00 - Lunch… and the Ramen Incident. Ah, food. The holy grail of travel. Found a little ramen place nearby. The broth was incredibly salty, and I tried to slurp the noodles like I'd seen everyone else do. Failed miserably. Noodles went everywhere. People politely averted their eyes. I was mortified. But hey, the pork was good. 7/10 would probably eat again, but maybe with a bib.
- 13:00 - Nap (aka, the Great Power Nap of '24). Jet lag hit me like a ton of bricks. Woke up three hours later, disoriented and wondering what year it was.
- 16:00 - Wandering Around Hommachi. Found a park. Admiring the meticulously manicured bushes. Japan does gardening like no other. Watched some elderly gentlemen playing a game that looked like a cross between shuffleboard and… something else. I couldn’t understand the rules, but they looked like they were having a whale of a time.
- 18:00 - Dinner: Convenience Store Epic. Spent ages in a 7-Eleven. It’s amazing! Picked up some pre-made sushi (decent, though I'm still a bit shaky about the raw fish), some weird but intriguing snacks (a seaweed-flavored something-or-other), and a pre-mixed cocktail. Drank it in my room while staring at the tiny TV. The cocktails were surprisingly potent.
- 20:00 – Bedtime. Kinda. Seriously, the room is so tiny! I'm wondering how I'm supposed to do all this sleeping! I am also just staring at the tiny TV, and the abundance of tiny towels, and think I might just order more snacks.
Day 2: Osaka Adventures and Questionable Karaoke Choices
- 08:00 - Breakfast (complimentary at the Toyoko Inn). Okay, the "breakfast" is… functional. Rice balls, sad-looking bread, and some mystery soup. Filled up just enough to be slightly less grumpy. The coffee is strong!
- 09:00 - Osaka Castle. Majestic! The castle itself is beautiful, the surrounding park is lovely. Felt like a legit history nerd for a bit! The crowds were intense, though. Nearly got trampled by a group of over-enthusiastic selfie-takers. Note to self: learn to elbow.
- 12:00 - Lunch in Dotonbori: The Takoyaki Trial. Dotonbori is a sensory overload in the best possible way! So many lights, so many smells… and the takoyaki! The little fried octopus balls. I burned my mouth. Like, seriously burned it. But they were worth it. (Mostly.) The sauce is divine.
- 13:00 – Glicio Man Pose and Crowd Watching. Everyone does it. I did it. And then I watched the crowds, amazed by the sheer variety of people on display. From serious businessmen to screaming tourists, it was a real spectacle.
- 15:00 - Attempted Shopping in Shinsaibashi. Got lost. Again. Wandered aimlessly through a maze of shops. The prices were surprisingly reasonable. But I just couldn’t face the crowds! Retreat.
- 18:00 - Ramen Round Two. Still in a ramen mood. Found an even smaller, more authentic-looking place. This time, I managed to slurp with marginally less disaster. Victory! (Small, but still.) The chef gave me a small nod of approval. I think.
- 20:00 - Karaoke Night! (The Mistake). Karaoke. The siren song of Japan. Got talked into it by some friendly (and slightly tipsy) travelers. I can't sing. At all. But I tried. And I failed. Miserably. The song choices were questionable, my voice cracked, and I’m fairly certain I traumatized everyone in the room. Good times. Definitely a story for the grandkids.
- 23:00 - Sleep. Deep sleep. Possibly induced by shame.
Day 3: Culture, Confusion, and Counting Small Towels
- 08:00 – Breakfast (the usual). More rice balls. More mystery soup. More… acceptance?
- 09:00 - Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. This was beautiful. The red bridge over the pond was stunning. I took about a hundred pictures. Felt a sense of peace, away from the relentless bustle of the city.
- 11:00 - Osaka Museum of History. Okay, this was amazing. Actually, I spent a really long time here, and forgot all about the itinerary. The exhibits are fascinating, showcasing the city's evolution. I got lost in a display about Edo-period Osaka for a good hour, which was a good time.
- 13:00 - Lunch: Curry Rice. Finally found some decent curry rice! Spicy, flavorful… perfect fuel for more exploring.
- 14:00 – Exploring the Shinsekai District. Crazy cool! This area transported me to another time. The Tsutenkaku Tower is… well, it’s a tower. The atmosphere is electric, though, the food stalls are tempting… I ate fried skewers. Delicious, if slightly artery-clogging.
- 16:00 - Back to Toyoko Inn. Emotional Breakdown. Okay. The Toyoko Inn is starting to feel like… home. In a weird, small-towel-filled sort of way. Spent an hour counting the tiny towels. Ended up with 27. Started to question my life choices.
- 18:00 - Dinner: Sushi (Actually Good Sushi!). Found a little sushi restaurant near the hotel. Fresh, delicious, and actually worth the money. Maybe Osaka isn’t so bad after all.
- 20:00 – Packing (The Perpetual Challenge). My suitcase is a disaster zone. How do people pack so efficiently? It’s a mystery to me.
- 21:00 - Contemplating Life and the Meaning of Small Towels. The small towels haunt me.
Day 4: Departure – Farewell, Osaka! (And the Small Towels)
- 08:00 - Breakfast (the last one!). One last shot at the rice balls. One last look at the mystery soup.
- 09:00 - Check Out. The staff at the Toyoko Inn are unfailingly polite. I suddenly feel deeply guilty about the state of my room.
- 10:00 - Train to KIX. Successfully navigated the train system. I’m practically a pro now! (Don’t tell anyone.)
- 12:00 - Departure. Goodbye, Osaka! Goodbye, small towels! I had a good time, you know. A truly messy, occasionally embarrassing, but ultimately amazing time. I’ll be back. Maybe. After a very, very long nap. And a massive load of laundry.
This is just a snapshot, of course. Real life is messy and unpredictable. And that little hotel room and those tiny towels - well, they'll always be a reminder of my somewhat weird, quirky, and entirely real Osaka adventure. Now, where did I put my charger?
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Osaka Hommachi's BEST Kept Secret (Toyoko Inn No.2) - The REAL Deal FAQs! (Prepare Yourself...)
Okay, spill! Why is Toyoko Inn No.2 in Hommachi a "Best Kept Secret" anyway? Isn't it just... a budget hotel?
Alright, alright, settle down. Look, let's be honest, it's not exactly a secret anymore, but *man*, for the price and the convenience, it feels like one. Everyone focuses on the flashier hotels near Namba, but Toyoko Inn No.2? It's a solid, reliable workhorse. Think of it as your dependable, slightly-worn, but still-gets-the-job-done Corolla of hotels. It's all about location, location, location. Seriously, the Hommachi subway station is practically *under* the hotel. And for a budget hotel, there's something oddly charming about the no-nonsense vibe. It's like, "We aren't here to be fancy, we're here to get you a decent night's sleep and get you on your way." Which, honestly, after a day navigating the Osaka crowds, is EXACTLY what you want. Plus, the free breakfast... well, we'll get to that later.
Location, Location, Location, you say? Convince me. I'm all about the Instagrammable hotels!
Look, if you're chasing the perfect selfie backdrop and Instagram-approved ambiance, this ain't it. The rooms are... functional. Think compact, efficient, and devoid of unnecessary fluff. But the *location*! Oh man, the location is GOLD. Hommachi is right in the heart of Osaka's business district, but it's also super close to everything. Umeda's a hop, skip, and a jump away. Namba’s on the same subway line. You can get to pretty much anywhere in the city ridiculously fast. I'm talking, you can be stuffing your face with takoyaki quicker than you can post a filtered picture of a fancy hotel lobby. Seriously. Saved me HOURS of travel time. And those hours translate into more time for... well, more takoyaki. (Important life priorities, people).
*Sidebar rant:* I once stayed at a "beautiful" hotel in Shinsaibashi that took a YEAR to get to from the airport! This hotel? Door to airport express train in under an hour. No contest! (Okay, maybe I exaggerate...slightly...).
So, the rooms? Are they tiny tiny? Like, can I barely swing a cat tiny? (Hypothetically speaking, of course).
They *are* compact. Let’s not sugarcoat it. Think efficiency apartment, but for sleeping. I'm not sure about the cat-swinging situation (again, hypothetically speaking... although, don't bring a cat. Seriously. Don't.) You'll have enough space to move around, unless you expect luxury suites and have a LOT of luggage! The single rooms are, well, single-person sized. But they're clean, and the bed's comfy enough. Double rooms? Better if you're VERY comfortable with your travel buddy. Shared space is at a premium. But honestly, I spend very little time in the room anyway. You're in Osaka! Get out and explore!
Okay, but what about the dreaded free breakfast? Is it actually edible?
Ah, the breakfast. *This* is where things get... interesting. It's free. That's the key. It's a basic spread: typically rice, miso soup, various *tsukemono* (pickled things), maybe some eggs, some bread, and a drink machine offering coffee, tea, and some questionable juices. Honestly, it is what it is. It's not Michelin-star quality, but it *is* free and it'll fill your bellies so you can start your day.
*Real talk:* I've had breakfasts there that were genuinely good, and I've had breakfasts where I just grabbed a piece of toast and headed to a nearby convenience store for something more appealing. The quality *can* vary. Don't go in expecting a feast. But, if you’re like me, it’s the perfect fuel for all-day exploration.
*Personal anecdote:* One morning, I actually got there just before the breakfast rush, and they had freshly made tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet). SCORE! Another morning? Slightly burnt toast. You win some, you lose some. That's life!
Anything I need to watch out for? Any dealbreakers?
Okay, the downsides. Let's be honest. The walls aren't exactly soundproof. You WILL hear your neighbors, especially if they're particularly enthusiastic about... well, you get the idea. Bring earplugs. Seriously. Bring them.
Also, the check-in/check-out process is efficient, but not exactly warm and fuzzy. It's all business. Don't expect hand-holding. But hey, it gets the job done quickly.
And the big one: sometimes, the elevators are a nightmare. Especially during peak hours. Be prepared to wait. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, take the stairs. (Not recommended after a long day of sightseeing!)
Is the staff friendly? Can they speak English?
Generally speaking, yes, the staff is polite and helpful. English proficiency varies, but they usually have *someone* who can assist you. Don't expect fluent English, but they’ll get you sorted out. Be patient, use gestures, and be polite. A little "konnichiwa" goes a long way. (And brushing up on some basic Japanese phrases can be fun!).
*Anecdote:* I once arrived with a stupidly tangled situation in my booking. The staff member spoke very basic English, but she was SO patient, and we eventually sorted it out. She was genuinely trying to help, and that makes all the difference.
Is it worth it? Should I book it? GIVE ME THE VERDICT!
Okay, here's the deal. If you're a luxury traveler who needs a spa and room service, RUN. Run far away. This isn't the place for you.
BUT... if you're on a budget, value convenience, and you plan to be out exploring Osaka all day, then ABSOLUTELY book it. It’s clean, it’s comfortable enough, it's fantastically located, and the price is right. Honestly, for what you get, it's a steal.
*Final verdict:* It's not perfect, but for the price, location,Stay Finder Blogs
