Hotel Cargo Shinsaibashi is a capsule hotel in Osaka’s downtown Shinsaibashi area. It’s great for solo travelers who like to be in the heart of the action.
What’s Hotel Cargo Shinsaibashi like?
Hotel Cargo Shinsaibashi is one of the new-age capsule hotels — the space-saving-but-still-private concept is there, but they go for a higher level of comfort and esthetic. In other words, they’re not a capsule hotel for overworked businessmen, but rather for budget-conscious or capsule-curious travelers.
They only offer single-occupancy capsule rooms. The capsules are arranged into large dormitory-style rooms with private bathrooms in each one, and separate rooms for men and women.
Want to know more about capsule hotels in general? Then don’t miss our guide to capsule hotels over on Tokyo Cheapo.
What facilities does the hotel have?
Like most capsule hotels, Hotel Cargo Shinsaibashi has a no-frills approach. They have a public bath for guests, luggage storage, and a common area on the first floor. They supply pajamas, bath towels, and a decent range of shampoo, body wash, and other single-use amenities. WiFi is available throughout the hotel, and a microwave and kettle are available for guests to use.
However, we found it a bit disappointing that there’s no space for guests to store their suitcases in the dorms. Instead, you just have to leave your suitcase awkwardly sitting outside your capsule — alongside everyone else’s — which makes an already narrow space feel particularly crowded. This place is definitely better suited for light packers, who’ll be able to fit their luggage in their capsule.
Read our guide to luggage storage in Osaka.
Is there anywhere to hang out in the hotel?
There is a common area on the first floor that guests are free to use. The space is also sometimes rented out to pop-up stalls and events, so keep an eye out to see what’s going on when you’re there.
What are the rooms like?
The rooms at Hotel Cargo Shinsaibashi offer a lot more space than usual — which is probably why they call them “premium” capsule rooms. Each capsule has a simple mattress bed, plus a small desk and cushion to sit on, a TV, and a small wardrobe to hang your clothes in.
How big are the rooms, exactly?
There’s enough space to sit up comfortably, and lie down without your feet sticking out of the capsule. Plus a small bit of space for small luggage. It’s somewhere between a regular capsule hotel and a regular hotel.
Are the rooms comfortable?
The capsules are comfortable — for capsules. There is a foam-type mattress, so there’s a bit of cushioning to it, but not a lot. Our capsule was well ventilated so it didn’t get stuffy, but, as is often the case with these places, it’s not soundproof.
What’s the view like?
The design of the dormitory-style room means there’s no view.
What’s the location like?
Hotel Cargo Shinsaibashi is in a lively location with good dining options, and several transport options within walking distance. It’s also in a very central part of Osaka, so it’s a good base for sightseeing.
How do I get there from the airport?
There are a few ways to get to Hotel Cargo Shinsaibashi from Kansai International Airport. However, the best way is to take the Nankai-Kūkō Line to Namba Station and then transfer to the Midosuji Line. Get off the Midosuji Line at Shinsaibashi Station and then walk 10 minutes. This whole trip takes 1 hour and 15 minutes, and costs ¥1,160.
All the other options are similar, but involve different transfers, take a little longer, and cost a little more.
How is the access to trains and subway?
Hotel Cargo Shinsaibashi is less than a 10-minute walk from four different train stations:
- Honmachi Station: Chuo Line, Midosuji Line, Yotsubashi Line
- Sakaisuji-Honmachi Station: Chuo Line, Sakaisuji Line
- Nagahori Station: Nagahoritsurumiryokuchi Line, Sakaisuji Line
- Shinsaibashi Station: Midosuji Line, Nagahoritsurumiryokuchi Line
What’s the surrounding neighborhood like?
The Shinsaibashi area is a lively shopping and entertainment district. It can get quite crowded, right into the evening, but the hotel is on a backstreet so it’s not too overwhelming. It’s the perfect place to stay if you like feeling like you’re in the heart of the action.
Are there many good places to eat nearby?
Oh yes, there certainly are. One of the big pros of Hotel Cargo Shinsaibashi is that it’s close to lots of good places to eat. The Shinsaibashi area directly around the hotel has a range of restaurants, bars, and cafés, as well as convenience stores and even some supermarkets.
Plus, it’s just a 15-minute walk from here to Dōtonbori, which has even more dining options.
What points of interest are within walking distance of the hotel?
Dōtonbori is a big attraction in Osaka, and it takes about 15 minutes to walk there from Hotel Cargo Shinsaibashi. If you’re down for a longer walk, insta-famous Namba Yasaka Shrine is just 30 minutes away.
Who should stay here?
Hotel Cargo Shinsaibashi is best suited to solo travelers, especially those who prefer to keep to themselves. Friends traveling in small groups may appreciate the privacy and affordability of the capsule rooms too.