Kamagasaki University of the Arts Cafe Garden Guest House aka KAMAGEI

This is quite a unique hostel, as it seems to offer many more activities. It functions as a meeting places, has a cafe, a shop and is filled with various art pieces made by locals or those who passed by. There is also a shared breakfast and dinner one can attend for 1100 yen. Which is quite unique as it is homemade with the help of those in the hostel. Other than that the facilities, bedding and such are all in order.

Please note that you have to pay 100 yen to rent a towel. There are several locked doors in the building, which you open using a keycard. Getting to your sleeping area for example involves opening three locked doors. This is due to the second nature of the hostel acting as a store and more. Please also note that the hostel is located in a somewhat more seedy area. The red light district is for example a stone throw away and many of the bars nearby have female barkers at night. This on the other hand also is a unique experience compared to the rest of Osaka.

My Cocoroom experience was so much fun! The staff were very welcoming and I met so many creative and interesting people. Fuyu, Shoyu, Gen, Kanayo and the rest of the team really made my stay worthwhile. There was music, there was bbq, there was art everywhere and lots more. If you're looking for something that's unique and away from the usual then come and check out cocoroom, you won't regret it. And make sure you check out their story and see how much great work they're doing for their local community. Cocoroom is an inspiration!

The people working in the guesthouse/cafe/university was the kindest. The place is very nice, colorful and special. I enjoyed my time there and if I have to go back to Osaka, I would definitely go back to this guesthouse. The bed was comfortable, with your own light and a curtain for more privacy. There are lockers if you need them. The bathroom is clean and bright. You won't get bored in this guesthouse and you will meet new people for sure. You can enjoy a lunch or dinner cooked by the staff for 1,100¥. I tried it once and it was delicious!

Ahhh I only wish I could have stayed longer. Gen, Soyu and the other staff members were unbelievably welcoming and lovely. We even shared music together one of the nights. The rooms are adorable and the shower rooms are equipped with fantastic showers. The street is super cool and full of karaoke bars and izakayas - loved every bit of it and hope I can stay again in the future. Great location as you really get to see a more authentic and interesting side to Osaka in my opinion. Very cheap area also for food and drinks Beautiful hostel filled with an array of interesting trvallers always coming and going.

The general atmosphere is exceptional here. Staff are very willing to help, and the garden makes it very easy to socialize with other guests. I highly reccomend to join the lunch or dinner, the food and the people eating together gives you a family lunch/dinner vibes.

It is located in a somewhat dangerous area of Osaka, but I didn't feel threatened. You still might want to be more carefull while you're in the area.

I loved the idea of a guesthouse/community center. The staff was very welcoming, and the daily wake-up session and dinner was refreshing and great for meeting travelers and locals alike. I also learned a lot about the area, it’s history and an often forgotten part of Japan.

The guesthouse is located in a very poor neighborhood with many men spending the majority of their day on the streets. I felt very safe, but you may want to consider this, when you plan on walking around solo at night.

This quirky hotel is a gem. It is very different from what you can find in Japan & other Asian countries in general. Not only it is a nice guesthouse but it also houses a small coffee place, a 2nd hand store (clothes & furniture) & a arts scene (multiple events are held on the premises). This gives a strong arty feel the minute you enter the building. You will find people playing music (you can use guitars, piano & old instruments), cooking, singing together or just resting in the nice little garden in the back. The whole team working here is insanely nice, welcoming & helpful. And, obviously, because of this, it attracts a very interesting crowd which means you will meat a lot of people and will have interesting talks during the day & evening if you stay in.

It is a bit far away (by foot) from the main areas (especially when you come back late at night) but it's all good during the day (10min metro ride). But it's close to Shinsekai, so you have this area around. The district is a bit run-down (it's definitely more 'normal' looking than some touristy spots) but it can be a bit sketchy at night (i doubt it is actually dangerous but just be aware there are some drunks & homeless people around). As for the hostel itself, i have little complaints: because of the garden there are quite some mosquitoes at night in the communal area (but nothing a bug spray can't prevent) & a good half of the showers were not working when i was there.

After staying at other hostels in Japan I realised how wonderful this hostel is and came back to stay for another 4 nights. It felt so inclusive and welcoming. Everyone talks and you can join in with the communal meals at lunch and dinner. There is nowhere quite like this. If you get the chance to experience it, I would highly recommend you stay here. The rooms and showers / toilets are clean and there is a place to wash and dry clothes on the roof. It's an arty hostel not a polished minimaist design place. But the feeling of being comfortable and welcome in a place with staff who are there from 10am to 10pm, cooking and chatting and playing songs is just perfect. I miss it already.

What is better than sharing some tasty homecooked food. A hostel with a twist ❤️ This is unlike any hostel I've stayed at and I extended my stay because it was such a fantastic experience. Dinners and lunches are prepared by the staff and are open to locals and people of the hostel for a fee. In front of the hostel is a higgledy piggledy shop and inside it is colourful and social. The garden is so inviting. Meeting locals and sharing food has been a highlight. The other travellers have been a great bunch to explore the many karaoke bars. Best sleep I've had in a long time on my solo travelling. The beds are very comfy

The garden was incredible and the house was decorated in such a cool way. The people seemed very nice and they had a bunch of activities organized during the day for guests to join. A communitary space. Such a pity our schedule was so tight and didn't have time to actually stay in and enjoy it, I am sure it would have been very enriching. It also had all the facilities one could need and was overally in good condition. Located a bit far from the center of Osaka but well connected with the subway line.

Nothing in particular.