Ave Tennoji Hotel

The only thing going for this hotel was the location. In 13 years of traveling, this was the worst place I’ve stayed. The bed and pillows were uncomfortable, and the outlet wouldn’t take my phone plug, it was an old USB port. They also never had alcohol spray to disinfect the toilet seat like I’ve found in other hotels.

The public bath was a highlight, with a good sauna, cold plunge, and a pool area with massage jets. The staff were really nice and helpful too. Rooms are small, but have what you need: a private toilet, kettle, and mini fridge. It’s a really nice hotel. I’d recommend it and will definitely come back.

The lounge was really nice, with a TV and microwave, though a couch would make it better. The location is incredible, right by the station, affordable restaurants, and a few attractions. Staff were extremely polite. My pillow was unfortunately hard, and the bathrooms are quite small.

The reception interaction was the worst part for me. The two female staff smiled to my face, but after I turned toward my luggage for a moment, they laughed and scoffed audibly behind my back. I was several meters away and could hear them clearly. It happened twice. Throughout the exchange they were condescending and didn’t listen; they only got serious when I mentioned calling the police. I felt the staff lacked professionalism and personal culture. I’m a foreign resident of Japan, and the staff insisted on copying my Residence Card at check-in. When I refused to hand over my card or passport, they told me Japanese law required the copy. I believe that is false. My understanding is that foreign visitors without a Japanese address generally have to show a passport, but residents with a permanent address here aren’t required to let a hotel copy their Residence Card or other personal documents. The hotel can confirm an address, for example by looking at a driver’s license, but shouldn’t insist on a specific residence card or take a copy. The legal passage I relied on was an excerpt from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare FAQ on the Inns and Hotels Act, revised April 17, 2019. It asks whether foreign guests with an address in Japan can be asked to show or provide a copy of a Residence Card for identity verification. The answer says local governments or relevant authorities may request this at their discretion if they consider it necessary, but there is no legal basis for making it a requirement. If a guest refuses to show the card or allow a copy, they cannot be compelled. Despite that, staff repeatedly said they needed to copy my personal document. I felt management hadn’t trained them properly on the Japanese Inns and Hotels Act. This was especially surprising during Expo 2025 in Osaka. To me, the behavior came across as gross negligence and possibly racial bias toward guests. I’m sure other foreign residents may have had their information taken in the same way they tried with me. I don’t think it should be a guest’s job to explain Japanese law to staff who seem unwilling to follow it. I also believe forcing me to hand over my Residence Card would violate the Act on the Protection of Personal Information, and refusing me check-in would breach Article 5 of the Inns and Hotels Act. I don’t recommend this hotel to foreigners, given how the two female staff treated me, or to anyone looking for a hotel that follows Japanese law. I’ve also attached photos of filthy areas in my room.