Cosmos Hotel Management has officially announced it is accepting reservations for two new additions to its popular MIMARU apartment-style hotel chain in Osaka. Scheduled to open in the fall of 2026, MIMARU Osaka Shinsaibashi Central and MIMARU Osaka Namba Station Annex are set to add over 130 spacious rooms to the city’s accommodation landscape, directly addressing the soaring demand from families and group travelers.
The Booming Demand for Group-Friendly Stays
This expansion isn’t just about adding more rooms; it’s a strategic move reflecting powerful trends in Japan’s tourism sector. After a period of recovery, inbound tourism to Japan has rebounded with remarkable strength. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of international visitors in 2023 surpassed 25 million, recovering to nearly 80% of pre-pandemic levels. The pace in 2024 has been even stronger, consistently exceeding 2019 numbers month after month.
Osaka, with its vibrant food scene, iconic attractions like Universal Studios Japan, and its role as a gateway to Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe, has been a major beneficiary of this surge. However, the nature of travel has evolved. There is a growing trend of multi-generational family trips and friends traveling in larger groups. For these travelers, standard hotel rooms can be cramped and inconvenient.
This is where apartment-style hotels like MIMARU have carved out a crucial niche. By offering apartment-like spaces complete with kitchens, dining areas, and multiple beds, they provide a “home away from home” experience that traditional hotels often cannot match. The decision to invest heavily in two prime Osaka locations signals strong investor confidence in the continued growth of this travel segment and the Kansai region’s economy as a whole.
A Closer Look at the New Locations
The strategic placement of the two new hotels is key to their appeal. Each targets a slightly different traveler need while being situated in the heart of Osaka’s most dynamic districts.
MIMARU Osaka Shinsaibashi Central
Located in the absolute center of Osaka’s shopping and entertainment universe, this hotel will be a paradise for those who want to be in the middle of the action. Guests will be just a short walk from the famous Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Arcade, the trendy boutiques of Amerikamura, and the dazzling neon lights and culinary delights of the Dotonbori district. It’s an ideal base for groups looking to immerse themselves in Osaka’s urban culture.
MIMARU Osaka Namba Station Annex
For travelers prioritizing convenience and connectivity, this location is unparalleled. Situated near Nankai Namba Station, it offers direct and easy access to and from Kansai International Airport (KIX) via the Nankai Airport Express. This makes it incredibly convenient for groups arriving with heavy luggage or those with early morning departures. From here, the rest of Osaka and the wider Kansai region are easily accessible via the city’s extensive train network.
Both properties will feature the signature MIMARU concept: spacious rooms designed for four or more guests, equipped with full kitchens and dining spaces, allowing families and groups to cook, eat, and relax together.
Future Impact: What This Means for Travelers and Osaka
The opening of these two MIMARU hotels in 2026 is perfectly timed and poised to have a significant impact.
For travelers, the benefits are clear. It expands the options for larger groups, who have historically struggled to find suitable and affordable accommodation in prime locations. The ability to prepare some meals in the room can also help manage travel budgets, especially for longer stays.
For Osaka’s tourism landscape, this development is a vote of confidence in its future. It comes ahead of major international events, most notably the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. These new hotels will provide much-needed capacity to host the influx of visitors expected for the Expo and beyond. Furthermore, with long-term projects like the development of an Integrated Resort (IR) on the horizon, Osaka is preparing for a sustained period of tourism growth.
MIMARU’s expansion is more than just a business decision; it is an answer to the evolving needs of the modern global traveler. As Osaka continues to solidify its position as a world-class destination, these new “homes” in the heart of the city will be ready to welcome the growing number of families and friends who want to experience it all together.
