Citadines Namba Osaka is a stylish hotel set within a beautifully preserved historic building in Osaka’s bustling Namba district. The building itself is a designated Important Cultural Property of Japan, known for its striking Art Deco design. Its grand exterior, with eleven elegant arches facing the main street, makes a bold and unforgettable impression.

Osaka has long been a major hub of commerce in Japan, and today it remains one of the country’s most dynamic cities, rich in local culture and character. The city is often divided into two main areas: "Kita" (north) and "Minami" (south). Namba sits at the heart of Minami, a lively entertainment and shopping district packed with theaters, street food, and Japan’s famous comedy scene known as owarai.

What makes Citadines Namba Osaka stand out is its serviced residence style—each unit comes with a kitchen and laundry facilities, offering the freedom and comfort of home. Whether you're staying for a few nights or a few weeks, it’s the perfect base for exploring Osaka at your own pace.

Step inside the hotel, and you're greeted by a bright, airy space with soaring ceilings and a refined, modern atmosphere. Right at the entrance, elegant displays and illustrations reminiscent of a high-end department store set the tone with a touch of glamour.

You might find yourself thinking, “It’s a historic building, but the interior feels so contemporary.” And as you look around, you’ll start to see how the past and present blend seamlessly together.

As you take a closer look, you’ll start to notice the intricate Art Deco details still visible throughout the space—from the gaps in the ceiling to the tops of the columns, subtle traces of its glamorous past remain.

This building originally opened in 1928 as the Matsuzakaya Osaka Store, part of one of Japan’s oldest department store chains. Then, in 1968, it became the East Annex of Takashimaya, the prestigious Kyoto-founded department store known worldwide today.

Back then, department stores weren’t just places to shop—they were symbols of culture, tradition, and luxury. The elegant architecture and ornate design were a source of pride for the city, and today, they remain a valuable piece of Osaka’s cultural heritage.

So when the building was renovated in 2020 to become Citadines Namba Osaka and the Takashimaya Archives, great care was taken to preserve that history. The designers intentionally left parts of the original structure exposed, allowing the beauty of its past to shine through.

The interior design after the renovation beautifully reflects the building’s past as a department store, with displays that evoke the lively atmosphere of a bustling shopping floor. You’ll find dress mannequins, gift-wrapped objects, and illustrations of men carrying shopping bags—all adding to the cheerful, vibrant spirit of a classic department store.

The front desk area is just as vibrant, designed to capture the feel of a bustling department store shopping floor. Even the lower part of the counter features decorative displays, making the check-in experience feel exciting—almost like you’re browsing through your favorite shops.

The staff at the front desk can assist you in both Japanese and English, ensuring a smooth and welcoming arrival.

The key card is made of smooth, natural wood that feels great in your hand. It’s stamped with the phrase “For the love of cities,” which perfectly captures the spirit of the Citadines brand.

Citadines Namba Osaka offers a total of 313 rooms, ranging from studios and deluxe rooms to executive, premier, family, and one- or two-bedroom suites.

If you’re traveling with three or more people, the deluxe, premier, family, and suite rooms are the best options to accommodate your group.

In this section, we’ll introduce some of the top room choices for larger groups.

The Family Room is a spacious 28 square meters, featuring two double beds. With the addition of an extra bed, it can comfortably accommodate up to three guests.

Plus, every bed in the hotel is equipped with high-quality mattresses from Sealy—the No.1 premium mattress brand in the U.S.—ensuring a great night’s sleep.

The rooms at Citadines Namba Osaka feature bright, stylish designs inspired by the atmosphere of a classic department store. Playful touches like button-shaped cushions, open closets that display clothes like a boutique, and department store-themed artwork add a fun, whimsical feel throughout the space.

Wood is used extensively in the interiors, creating a warm, natural vibe that’s both colorful and calming—a perfect blend of energy and comfort.

The amenities and bath products are the same in every room, which features a unit bath setup. Instead of bottled water, each room is equipped with a water pot—you can fill it up as needed from shared water coolers located around the hotel.

Coffee lovers will appreciate the original blend served in the rooms, created in collaboration with Kyoto’s Ogawa Coffee. This fair-trade, organic blend is also available for free in the lobby and lounge areas.

The One-Bedroom comes in two types: a 41-square-meter double and a more spacious 56-square-meter twin. Both can accommodate up to three guests with the addition of an extra bed.

The bathroom and toilet are separate, adding to your comfort and convenience.

The suite rooms—available as one-bedroom and two-bedroom options—feature a kitchen, a spacious living area with a large dining table, and a comfortable sofa lounge.

The kitchen is fully equipped with cookware and tableware, and there’s even a washer-dryer, so you can cook and do laundry right in your room.

Amenities are the same as those provided in the Family Rooms.

Spanning 63 to 74 square meters, the two-bedroom suite offers plenty of space to relax. One bedroom features a queen-size bed, while the other has either two single beds or one double bed.

Each bedroom is separated by a door, and both come with their own TV and closet. This layout allows you to enjoy time together while still having privacy when you need it.

With an extra bed added, the suite can comfortably accommodate up to five guests.

Inside, you’ll find a fully equipped kitchen, a washer-dryer, a separate bathroom and toilet, plus spacious living and dining areas. While the amenities are the same as in the one-bedroom suites, the two-bedroom offers a more generous and comfortable space to relax.

Tableware and cutlery are provided in larger quantities to suit the number of guests staying.

Citadines Namba Osaka is well-equipped for long-term stays, with features designed for extended comfort. One highlight is the 24-hour residence lounge exclusively for guests.

The lounge includes a microwave and large refrigerator, which guests are free to use. There are also chairs and sofas for relaxing, as well as vending machines, creating a flexible, comfortable space to unwind at any time.

The laundry room, essential for long stays, is also open 24 hours. The washing machines automatically dispense detergent, so all you need to bring is your laundry and coins—making the whole process super easy.

With colorful hexagonal chairs and vibrant floor tiles, the space feels cheerful and inviting, so waiting for your laundry won’t feel like a chore.

The kids’ room is a fun space inspired by the rooftop playgrounds of classic department stores. It’s filled with toys that don’t rely on language—like a ball pit, rocking horses, and monitors playing cartoons—so kids can play and enjoy themselves no matter where they’re from.

Use of the room requires parental supervision, and it’s open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM.

The on-site fitness gym is open 24 hours and equipped with machines like exercise bikes and treadmills. It’s perfect for guests who want to stay active during their trip or refresh themselves in the morning and evening.

Towels and mineral water are provided free of charge, and there are secure lockers for your valuables.

The gym is exclusively for hotel guests aged 16 and over—and good news for those with tattoos, as they’re welcome here too.

While you can cook your own meals at the hotel, one breakfast you definitely don’t want to miss is the buffet at the restaurant NUMERO 5, priced at 2,310 yen. With around 40 different dishes—including Japanese, Italian, and Chinese cuisine—the menu changes daily, offering plenty of variety.

Breakfast is served every morning from 6:30 to 10 AM (last order at 9:30 AM), and it’s open to both guests and non-guests alike.

All the vegetables used in the dishes come fresh from Osaka’s central wholesale market. You can enjoy local specialties like takoyaki—round, grilled snacks made from a batter with octopus—and okonomiyaki, a savory Kansai-style pancake mixed with various ingredients. There’s even a DIY hot sandwich station for a fun, interactive breakfast experience.

Popular among international guests are Western-style options like cheese, ham, French toast, and smoked salmon. Of course, classic Japanese favorites like freshly steamed rice, miso soup, and grilled fish are also highly recommended.

Located on the hotel’s first floor, the café Gion Kitagawa Hanbee Namba offers an authentic Japanese tea experience. Run by Kitagawa Hanbee Shoten, a long-established tea wholesaler founded in 1861, this renowned shop has won top awards multiple times at national tea competitions. Here, you can savor carefully crafted teas that bring out the full, rich flavor of the leaves.

A must-try is the “Tea Tasting Set” (2,800 yen), which lets you sample five different teas brewed from the same leaves, each paired with complementary traditional Japanese sweets.

The set includes five varieties: Uji Matcha, one of Japan’s top three teas; flavorful Sencha; fragrant and toasty Hojicha; aromatic and smooth Japanese Oolong; and mild, gentle Japanese Black Tea.

Each tea is delightful on its own, but the pairing with sweets really enhances the overall tasting experience.

You can order tea by the cup, making it easy to try whatever you like. They also serve delicious matcha and hojicha ice cream. Plus, the tea leaves used in the café are available for purchase, so you can take your favorite home and enjoy it leisurely in your room.

Menus are available in both Japanese and English, so international guests can feel comfortable ordering. The café is open daily from 2 PM to 9 PM (last order at 8:30 PM).

At Onyou, a Japanese crafts and experience shop, you can easily enjoy traditional Japanese culture through a variety of items and hands-on activities. They offer everything from vintage pure silk (100% silk) kimonos and traditional geta sandals to modern-style accessories like lace obi belts and two-piece kimono sets that blend well with contemporary fashion. The shop’s unique and diverse selection makes it a real treasure trove.

Open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM, Onyou is located on the hotel’s first floor and can be accessed from both inside and outside the building.

One item you definitely don’t want to miss at Onyou is their original obi belt (starting at 38,500 yen). These handmade, one-of-a-kind belts are crafted from traditional obi sashes—an essential part of the kimono—and come in a wide range of styles. You’ll find classic traditional patterns as well as bold designs featuring snake or crocodile-style leather.

These belts aren’t just perfect for adding a stylish touch to kimonos—they also pair beautifully with modern Western outfits. In fact, many customers buy several at once to mix and match.

If you’re unsure how to wear them, the friendly staff are happy to offer style tips. When I visited, they showcased effortlessly cool looks by pairing the obi belts and original kimonos with simple black or gray outfits—a truly chic way to wear traditional pieces.

Onyou also offers a rental service that makes it easy to enjoy traditional Japanese clothing. You can rent for a relaxed period of one night and two days, and if you’re staying at the hotel, you can even have the kimono dressing done in your room upon request.

Their experience options include yukata—light cotton robes popular at summer festivals (starting at 6,600 yen)—and traditional kimonos for special occasions (starting at 16,500 yen). For an extra special treat, the “Maihime Experience” includes not only kimono dressing but also Japanese-style makeup and hair styling (hair should be at least medium length).

Why not create a memorable keepsake by dressing up and taking some beautiful photos in this elegant attire?

Citadines Namba Osaka is a serviced apartment hotel that offers the freedom to stay your way—whether it’s a short visit or a long-term stay. Set within a historic building designated as an Important Cultural Property, it beautifully preserves the glamorous atmosphere of its past as a grand department store, allowing you to relax and enjoy it as if it were your own home.

What makes it truly special is the chance to casually experience authentic Japanese culture, from traditional Japanese tea to kimono dress-up. It’s a unique place where unforgettable moments await.

(Note: This information is accurate as of April 2025. Please check the official website for the latest updates.)