We arrived in Tokyo in the morning and took the Shinkansen bullet train to Shin-Osaka. (approx 3.5 hours) and SHIN before a city's name Shinagawa, Shin Fuji, Shin Osaka simply means that that is the station where the SHINkansen stops. From all these stations you can use the normal trains or metro or buses.

Now, as we only stayed in the Osaka area for 1 night, we picked this hotel on its location as it is literally around the corner from Shinosaka station. This area is SAFE (like most of Japan is) and the hotels are considerably cheaper then in Osaka centre. IT is however only 5 minutes by train to Osaka downtown.

The hotel itself is simple but the staff very hospitable and look after you in every way they can. Level of English was good too and check in was done in a jiffy.

The room was VERY spacious with 1 double bed (rarity in Japan as most Japanese people prefer 2 separate beds, even married couples apparently). Our room looked out over Shinosaka station but you do not hear the trains, think it has more to do with the trains being quiet then the windows as they seems single glassed. But it was nice seeing the trains rush past. Great for trainspotters this hotel!

The bathrooms in the room (as well as in Kyoto - please see next review) is a unit in itself wirthin the bedroom. It is small but has a toilet (incl built-in bidet) and a tiny little bath tub. Such a funny thing to see, such a little tub... but good fun as they are very deep.

We had the "continental breakfast" included in our rate but this really was not worth going for. The juice was coloured water only the miso soup (if you like it and my partner loved it) was alright...

Anyway, after breakfast check out was done and we rushed around the corner to catch our train down to Kyoto where we stayed at the Kyoto Plaza which in affect is the same hotel as the Via Inn (room was exactly the same) only the rate was a lot more as Kyoto is apparently more popular.

OVerall Via Inn Shinosaka, without hesitation I would go again. Loved the location, the room and staff and also there are restaurants and supermarkets across the street from the hotel.