Osaka

2026/9/16

Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Review: 1 Minute from the Station

During our trip to Osaka, we stayed at Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station. We chose this hotel mainly because of its convenient location for traveling by Shinkansen. And after staying here, our conclusion was simple: it is an extremely convenient and comfortable hotel for travelers using Shin-Osaka Station. Being so close to the station made traveling much easier, especially when carrying luggage. For travelers in their 60s and beyond, reducing the amount of walking between trains and the hotel can make a big difference. Here is our detailed review of the room, bathroom, breakfast buffet, and access. Just 1 Minute from Shin-Osaka Station Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station is located approximately one minute on foot from JR Shin-Osaka Station. After getting off the Shinkansen, you can reach the hotel almost immediately. That is especially convenient when you have large suitcases, when it is raining, or when you are simply tired after a long journey. For travelers in their 60s and beyond, staying close to the station can make the trip much easier. During our stay, we also noticed many international guests. A Comfortable Marriott Hotel in Shin-Osaka Courtyard by Marriott is part of the Marriott hotel group. The brand is not positioned as ultra-luxury, but it offers comfortable rooms, reliable service, and a polished atmosphere. That makes this hotel easy to use for first-time visitors to Osaka, business travelers, and tourists who prioritize convenience. Our High-Floor Twin Room We booked a twin room on a higher floor. The room had a calm, simple design with ...

Japan Osaka

2026/9/16

Tsutenkaku & Shinsekai Osaka Guide: Views, Kushikatsu & Retro Cafe

We visited Shinsekai in Osaka for the first time. During our walk, we went up Tsutenkaku Tower, explored the colorful streets of Shinsekai, and stopped at a popular retro-style Japanese cafe. It was a casual day of sightseeing, but Shinsekai has such a distinctive atmosphere that we wanted to share what we thought of the area and whether it is worth visiting. Our First Visit to Tsutenkaku Tower｜What Time Should You Go? Here it is: Tsutenkaku Tower. Tsutenkaku is approximately 103 meters tall. The current tower was rebuilt in 1956. The original Tsutenkaku was constructed in 1912, but was dismantled during World War II. The tower standing today was rebuilt after the war. For our visit, we purchased tickets online in advance. Tickets can also be purchased on site, but advance tickets may sometimes be available at a different price. At the time of our visit, we purchased a ticket that included the special open-air observation deck. Prices and ticket types may have changed since then, so check the current official information before visiting. Even though we already had our tickets, we visited on a weekend and waited around 30 minutes before reaching the observation deck. We arrived at around 10:00 a.m. Later in the day, the wait appeared to increase to around 50 minutes. Based on our experience, going earlier in the day can be a good idea. Views from Tsutenkaku｜The Open-Air Observation Deck Is Thrilling! Tsutenkaku has an indoor observation deck and a special open-air observation area. The regular observation deck is enclosed ...

Japan Osaka

2026/9/16

Moxy Osaka Honmachi Review: Stylish Marriott Hotel in Osaka

We stayed at Moxy Osaka Honmachi for the first time. Because we use the Marriott Bonvoy Premium Card, we often stay at Marriott hotels, but this was our first experience with the Moxy brand. Moxy is one of Marriott’s more casual and playful hotel brands. So what was it actually like for a traveler in her 60s? Here is our firsthand review. What Is Moxy Osaka Honmachi Like? Moxy Osaka Honmachi is a Marriott hotel located in the Honmachi area of central Osaka. The neighborhood is known as one of Osaka’s major business districts. Nearby attractions include Midosuji and Semba Center Building. With a short subway ride, you can also reach popular areas such as Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori, making the hotel convenient for both sightseeing and shopping. Access from the nearest station Moxy Osaka Honmachi is about a 5-minute walk from Honmachi Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line. The route from the station to the hotel was straightforward, and we had no trouble finding it. The Chuo Line and Yotsubashi Line also serve the area, making it easy to travel to other parts of Osaka by subway. Colorful Entrance and Playful Design As soon as we entered the hotel, we found colorful artwork everywhere. For a hotel, the interior felt unusually playful and very photogenic. There was even a giant bear. Another huge bear was sitting by the sofa. Very cute! There is also a billiards table that guests can use. This is what the lobby looks like from the second floor. The ...