Osaka, the most popular sightseeing spot for Westerners, is a vibrant city 365 days a year. It is said that Osaka residents resemble Westerners more than in Tokyo because they are more outspoken and less introverted which makes Osaka one of the most exciting places to visit in Japan. One of the reasons that foreigners are also attracted to the Osaka area is because you can get a sense of both past and present.

You can enjoy the ruins like Osaka Castle, theme park Universal Studios, and districts like Dotonbori and Tsutenkaku. Another area that cannot be left out of your Osaka trip is Amerikamura, a.k.a Amemura. It is often called to be the Harajuku of Osaka so you can expect to see all sorts of Osakan pop culture here. This time during our trip to Osaka, JAPANKURU stayed at a hostel in Amemura. Since the location is something that you cannot compete with, we thought sharing it with everyone was a must. 

There are a number of benefits to staying at hostel STAY in the City AMEMURA, but there are 3 that seem to stand out the most. The first and most important would be location. STAY in the City AMEMURA is situated in the Chuo Ward district of Osaka, which is known for being a hyper-busy, lit up entertainment district that offers tons of bars, music venues, antique clothing stores, and more. Another would be the cleanliness and facilities available. Your main idea of a hostel might just be a place to sleep and that is it but the vicinity is very clean and they offer important amenities and services like a washer and dryer and even lend you a converter/adapter just in case you forgot yours. Something else worth mentioning is the extensive on-site facilities. 

This room is a private room for two. Similar to the Amemura Terrace, the room facilities offered are just like at a hotel, towels, shampoo and conditioner, a toothbrush, a razor, slippers, etc. Something that also sticks out is the closet space where you can fit all your luggage there and then some. 

Now starting with the traditional hostel system, there are multigender four-bed rooms which is a plus for opposite gender couples. For women that may feel uncomfortable staying in the same room with the opposite sex, the 7F of the hostel is for women only. There is also a washstand, toilet, shower, and a security box in the room. Also if the room is available, renting the entire room if you are in a group is also an option.

Similar to the four-person type, this six-person dormitory type room also comes with a sink, toilet, shower, safety boxes, and headboard lights. There is also a spacious area in front of the sink to put your luggage.

Shared shower and bathroom, just look how clean everything is!

Despite being a shared toilet, it is super clean!

On the first and second floor, there is a full-scale Vietnamese restaurant and bar that has been modernized. Using real seasoning from Vietnam, they make some of the best Vietnamese soul food like the famous pho and banh mi. SOBER TIGER is particularly proud of their banh mi, which for those who do not know is like a sandwich that is loaded with meat, vegetables or fried egg. But what is special is the bread that originated from the French baguette during the French colonial rule. You can have breakfast, lunch, or dinner here, or if you just want a bite take-out is also an option. Along with these dishes, they also offer original alcohol.

Connected to the restaurant is a Japanese "snack bar" which are bars that specialize in entertainment and normally have elder women working the bar. It is a great place to hang out and connect with Japanese people that come to hang out in Amemura. Here at KYU you can get a great sense of Japan's nightlife culture.

Amerikamura, or better known as Amemura, is the center of creative fashion and entertainment in Kansai. The name means "American Village" which gives you a look at the Japanese point of view of an America but a reason is apparently due to the focus that is put on Western import goods. However, once you go here you are more likely to see things specific to Japan from its open ranged fashion trends and small food shops. Mentioned a bit above, if you are wanting to check out the music scene in the area Amemura is a great place to do that! The hostel staff gave us all sorts of recommendations so if there is anything you want to check out specifically like a good used clothing store feel free to ask them.

If you are looking for more of the famous spots, just 2mins from the hostel is Mitsui Park (御津公園) also called Triangle Park (三角公園；Sankaku koen). It is a bit small but it is considered a sort of hangout spot for many and you are sure to see some of Osaka's fashion trends here. If you are wanting something to eat, Osaka is FAMOUS for its takoyaki (balls of dough with octopus inside). On the corner in front of the park, just a minute from the hostel is Osaka's famous Kogaryu Takoyaki (甲賀流). Originating in Amemura, they have been serving takoyaki in for decades. So feel free to get some to go and eat at Mitsui Park like many of the locals do. 

🏨STAY in the City AMEMURA
Google Maps
🚉 Access: 8min walk from Shinsaibashi Station, 10min walk from Namba Station
⏰ Check-in time is from 4pm
Check-out is at 11am
📞 06-6575-7720 
Free WIFI available
💻 Official website (ENG)
Booking.com 

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