Universal Studios Japan is surely a perfect place for fun when in Osaka. After the thrilling roller coasters, 3D augmented and virtual reality rides, I ended the Universal Studios Japan visit with a picture of the rotating globe. I needed to survive the complex Osaka train networks for me to get back to the city proper. Since I booked at most two nights on every accommodation, I needed to transfer to another hostel in Osaka.
Picking my backpack on my previous hostel, I walked for 15 minutes to Roots Hostel. Based on Google map, I found that it’s between two subway stations and walking is the best option. I was wrong when I found out that it’s just three blocks away from Hommachi Station.
Nevertheless, I made myself safe and sound at the bar and cafe on the lower ground of the building. Roots Hostel occupies a building in Itachibori district. The lower ground duals as the lobby and restaurant-cum-bar of the hostel. Front-desk is on the side of the bar counter. After several minutes talking to a hostel crew for some reminders, he handed a welcome treat, a mini Kitkat Macha.
The hostel requires guests to remove their footwear before entering the elevator and proceeding to their assigned rooms. A rack, just opposite the lift, stores all footwears of every guest. If you forget to bring slippers, the management lends a pair. Just grab one on the basket before hopping on the elevator.
Rooms at the Roots Hostel have names like Jack, James, Kate, Alice, Luke, Lily, David, Lucy, Emma, and Andy. I don’t have any idea why and I forgot to ask the staff for possible reasons. Dormitory rooms are narrow and long. All bunk beds are on one side of the room. Each bunk is provided with a cushy mattress, comforter, and a pillow. The side of the bunk can be fully covered with a curtain to maintain the privacy of guests.
All spaces have a small desk, for keeping small items, power outlets, and a personal lamp. Shower rooms are located on the second floor while restrooms, separate for men and women, are on every floor.
One downside of staying at the hostel is the unavailability of lockers. Large spaces are provided but there are no ways to secure your stuff when you get out of the accommodation. For breakfast, the restaurant offers sandwich and granola yogurt for light meals. Coffee, tea, orange juice, pink grapefruit juice, and milk are beverages available for extra JPY100.
Roots Hostel is one of the possible options for budget places to stay in Osaka. It’s location, just a few blocks from Hommachi Station, makes it accessible to most Osaka attractions and landmarks. There are also several convenience stores near the hostel for quick grocery needs. If you had a tiring day of exploring Osaka, going back to Roots Hostel’s neighborhood is perfect to get some nice Japanese meals with tons of restaurants and bars as your options.
ROOTS HOSTEL
Address: 1-9-11 Itachibori Nishi-ku Osaka-shi Osaka Japan
Email: roots-hostel@roots-intl.com
Contact No.: 06-6556-7774
