When it comes to Japan, there’s no shortage of accommodation options: capsule hotels, ryokans, and even a Godzilla-themed room.
But sometimes all we want is a cosy hotel – a home away from home. And that’s exactly what Moxy Osaka Honmachi offers. Moxy is a stunning boutique hotel in Osaka’s Chuo Ward district that includes modern furnishings, co-working spaces and a seriously chill vibe. Plus, it’s only a half-hour train ride away from hotspots like Dotonbori and Universal Studios Japan.
Here’s why it’s worth considering working this abode into your next Japan itinerary.
For ideas on things to do in Osaka, check out these guides:
Whether you’re vacationing solo or with family, there are a total of 5 room options here to choose from. Larger parties of up to 3 pax can opt for the 27sqm Moxy Room Twin, while couples can wind down in the Sleeper Room (16sqm) or Guest Room (20sqm).
The Guest Room Twin room is fitted with USB outlets and a 50 inch TV
Your eyes might be instantly drawn to the “peg wall” where a chalkboard and foldable chairs hang from. It’s a clever space-saving concept, allowing you to chuck your bags and luggage around, while the chalkboard is a fun way to surprise your roommate with doodles and messages.
Moxy’s also got you covered with humidifiers, phone chargers and umbrellas upon request.
The bathrooms are equally photogenic, and include a hair dryer, multiple towel racks and the classic stool that no shower in Japan misses out on.
The hotel doesn’t have a pool, but it makes up for that with 24-hour access to their spacious gym. Treadmills, bicycles and weight machines give you variety for your sweat sesh. You could also throw on their pair of pink boxing gloves to practise your jabs and uppercuts.
There is a free weight rack too, in case you’re just squeezing in a light workout after a long day.
There’s nothing like starting your day with a hearty breakfast, and for just ¥1,300 (~S$16), you get a buffet selection of both Continental and Japanese fare. It’s ¥650 (~S$8.20) for kids aged 4 to 12, while those below 3 years old dine for free.
Head over to the Noodle Bar, where you can slurp on udon soup, or make your own soba salad. But the best part has got to be being able to pair that with a classic Western breakfast of bacon, scrambled eggs and hash browns.
There are plenty of spots to have your morning meal at, since the lobby also doubles up as the dining area. The long communal table is great for making new friends with fellow hotel guests too, so don’t be afraid to say hi!
To save you space in your rooms, there are free-to-use ironing rooms located in the common corridors as well. No need to worry if a business meeting or a wedding is in your agenda, and your wardrobe needs to be extra crisp for the occasion.
Staying for an extended period of time? Make use of their 24-hour Coin Laundry Room for just ¥300 (~S$3.80) to ensure you’ll always have a fresh set of OOTDs!
Ignore your work notifications – the foosball table beckons instead. The play area gives you a quick pick-me-up to start or end your day. Shrieks and squeals will be inevitable here, but you won’t need to worry about keeping your volume down.
Kick back and have a read at one of the many lounge spots around the hotel, from plush sofas in the lobby to their street-facing second level – perfect for people-watching.
You can also tuck yourself into one of the cubby holes with your laptop if work really calls for it, or simply to nua your free hours away.
Decide on what to do in your spare time by spinning the Moxy wheel at the lobby. We got “Have A Cookie”, so we did!
Come sundown, the breakfast buffet counter transforms into a bar to usher in the party vibes. This is the perfect time to use your free drink voucher that’s given to you upon check-in.
Otherwise, drinks start from just ¥550 (~S$6.90), which is relatively cheap and a great prelude to a night out in the city.
Image credit: @moxyosaka
Events in hotels are usually confined to the ballrooms or function rooms, but Moxy isn’t the kind of hotel to do anything conventionally.
On special event nights, expect performances of everything from street dances to live bands in the lobby. Most of these events are ticketed, but you can always stay tuned to their Facebook page to see if there’s a free upcoming one!
Image credit: @moxyosaka
We were two weeks shy of their DJ night during our stay, which was a shame since checking out some of their local talents would’ve made the experience even more memorable.
Affordable, detail-oriented and full of personality, the Moxy Osaka Honmachi stands out among the sea of minimalist and upscale boutique hotels, with room rates starting at ¥13,357 (~S$167) a night.
While the thrill of exploring Osaka awaits right outside the hotel’s glass doors, don’t be surprised if you actually look forward to heading back to your room after each daily adventure.
Book your stay at Moxy Osaka Honmachi here.
Date: 2-2-9 Kawaramachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 541-0048 Japan
Telephone: +81 6-6204-5200
Rates:: From ¥13,357 (~S$167) / night
Website
For more Japan hotel ideas, check out these guides below:
Photography by Nadia Loewito.
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