The kanji “hen” has two meanings – “strange” and “change” – but the meaning attached to Henn na Hotel’s name is, in fact, “change.” Pursuing excitement and comfort while introducing advanced technology, the "promise to always change" is the hotel’s motto.

Nonetheless, the hotel has a lot of “strange” points of interest, including robot greeters and a robot concierge called “Robophone.” Here are a few of the quirky features you’ll experience from check-in to check-out at the Henn na Hotel.

There’s no receptionist at the hotel’s odd front desk. Instead, you’ll be greeted by a robot velociraptor who makes a unique first impression!

To check in, use the touch panel on the counter to choose one of four languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, or Korean. The dinosaur will then carefully explain check-in procedures in your selected language. Then, if you’re traveling from overseas, scan your passport. If you’ve already made a reservation, it will be confirmed here.

Payment is made at the next machine, and credit cards and cash are both accepted. After paying, your room card will be issued. The room number is printed only on the receipt, so don’t forget it! The free Wi-Fi password is listed on the room card itself.

Check-in is easy, but if you do encounter a problem, just talk to the “Robohon” standing on the counter! If you select "Talk with hotel staff" on the nearby touch screen, a staff member will come to your assistance 24 hours a day.

Robohon tablets also provide useful information about nearby restaurants, sightseeing spots, and the surrounding area. If you find a place that interests you, you can scan the associated QR code and search on your smartphone.

Henn na Hotel also has rooms permanently staffed by Robohon robots. If you stay in this type of room, you’ll have access to information about the hotel its surroundings, but you can also talk to and play with the Robohon himself!

Robohon is voice activated and even responds to requests to sing or dance. The comical songs and dances will make you laugh and make your stay even more enjoyable.
The small but smart robot can also serve as your alarm clock!

Using the in-room tablet, you’ll be able to adjust both the brightness of the lighting and the air conditioning settings. It's really handy not having to get up or search for the remote!

The room also includes a smartphone that can also be used outside of the hotel. As long as you don't use paid content, there’s no additional charge and you can use the phone for the entirety of your stay. There are many Osaka foods in the Nishishinsaibashi area, like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, so the smartphone is great for finding local favorites.

Tablets and smartphones are also available in non-Robohon rooms.

The beds feature French mattresses that provide the ideal sleeping experience so you’ll wake up refreshed. Other amenities include toothbrushes and hair bands, to name a few. The bath and toilet are separate, and the toilet is equipped with a warm water washlet. Rooms also have USB connectors for easy device charging.

Check-out is at 11:00. Simply return the room card to the machine where it was issued at check-in and the dinosaur robot will cheerfully see you off!

Henn na Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s first Henn na Hotel, is a 3-minute walk from Osaka Metro Shinsaibashi Station Exit 2, not far from Henn na Hotel Nishishinsaibashi Amerikamura. At the Osaka Shinsaibashi robot hotel you’ll be welcomed by 19 dancing Robohons! It’s a unique dance, and you’ll be able to enjoy fun and convenience regardless of which branch you visit.

On November 1, 2019 Henn na Hotel Kansai Airport opened just one train stop (or 15 minutes by car) from Kansai Airport. In addition to the excitement of being hosted by robots, guests can enjoy a relaxing stay with a view of the airport across the bay and hot spring bathing.

Rinku Premium Outlet is a 20-minute walk from the hotel, so you can shop for a variety of brand-name products.

The Henn na Hotels continue to evolve to meet guests’ needs, providing reasonably-priced and comfortable lodging while generously introducing the latest technology.

Shinsaibashi is close to Dotonbori and is a good base for sightseeing throughout the city. Relax at a “strange” hotel at night while enjoying the foods and sights unique to Osaka!

Text by: West Plan