APA HOTEL&RESORT〈OSAKA NAMBA EKIMAE TOWER〉 opened its doors on December 2, 2024, as a magnificent 40-story skyscraper featuring 2,055 rooms—the largest room count in Western Japan.
Our extensive facilities include an observation restaurant and pool on the top floor, a large public bath (Da-yoku-den) with a sauna and open-air bath, a fitness gym, and a variety of dining options. For your convenience, we also house a cafe, an esthetic salon, and a convenience store.
We aim to be a new landmark in the Osaka Namba area, offering an "Urban Resort" experience where guests can enjoy the feel of a resort while staying in the heart of the city. We look forward to welcoming you for an unforgettable stay.
"Good value for money hotel. APA hotels are always reliable because you know what you are getting. The public bath after a long winter's day was everything. I put some tips below for first timers.
Pros: Public bath, the best part about this hotel. I have been to an actual onsen in a way more secluded place but it was almost better having a lot of people in the bath because everyone just minds their business - I recommend it even if you are shy. TV, has streaming services and it logs you out automatically when you check out, contains useful information such as public bath crowd levels, how to use the baths, safety information, weather etc. Large mirror by desk area with lights for makeup or work and full length mirrror too. Shoe horn was so handy. Good ammenities. 7 eleven on 4F by the baths, with smoothie machine. Near Namba station, Dontonbori and a lot of stores - perfect location for day trips and last minute shopping before a flight.
Cons: Area can feel a bit intimidating to walk alone at night alone, I got approached by a man on the way back from Dontonbori (around 9pm, so wasn't even too late), he had difficultly taking no for an answer so I was constantly watching my back after that - just be cautious as always, ladies. Take into account waiting time at traffic lights, it can be very long if you are in a hurry with suitcases. Impersonal experience, you do most things yourself like check in/out (understandable because of the size) but it would have been nice to be greeted when leaving and coming.
Tips: Get the airport limousine, drops you right by the hotel. Baths are more crowded late at night. Watch the videos on the TV for public bath rules and how to put on the yukata. Undress (wear underwear if you feel uncomfortable) and wear the yukata (tie it properly so it doesn't come undone) wiith the black outer jacket and black slippers. Tie your hair up (I used a claw clip) so it does not fall on your shoulders. Use the big plastic bag they give to carry your things in when you go to the bath. I just packed both a big and small towels provided, a hairbrush, fresh undies and my key card - toiletries are provided. Some girls did bring a change of clothes. You can unlock the bath entrance with your keycard. There are lockers with a wristband key to store your stuff after you undress and a water fountain. Only bring your locker key and the small towel into the shower room. If you are shy, you can use the small towel to cover your parts as you walk. Have a quick, hot shower before you enter the bath pools. Don't submerge the small towel, place on or tie around your head. After you bathe, you can properly wash yourself then dry yourself using the small towel before going to your locker. There is also a getting ready station after you change to dry hair and put on lotion."