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Where To Stay in Osaka: My Favorite Areas + Hotel Options

If you think that staying in Tokyo is too big, too loud, and too hectic, Osaka is the perfect counterpart for you. While it has its own distinct character, a visit to this Japanese city will be quieter and more laid-back yet still full of life!

Osaka is Japan's second-largest metropolitan area after Tokyo. It has been the economic hub of the Kansai Region for many centuries and even used to be Japan's capital city back in the days when the capital cities changed with each different reign of an emperor.

where to stay in osaka

Today, the city has a lot of cultural attractions, shopping options, and delicious traditional cuisine to offer. Whether you want to enjoy the nightlife or take a more relaxed trip with your family or partner, there are plenty of neighborhoods to choose from based on your preferences.

I've put together a guide to where to stay in Osaka so you can get a better idea of what the city has to offer.

The best areas to stay in Osaka

Quite areas

Maybe not as bustling as Tokyo, Osaka is still a significant Japanese city that can sometimes get overwhelming. If you're traveling with your family or partner, or looking for a more peaceful cultural experience, I recommend staying near Osaka Castle, Honmachi, or Osaka Bay.

Lively areas

If you're looking for the full-on Japan experience with neon lights, loud music, sightseeing on every corner, and you want to be close to Osaka Station then you'll love the major areas of Osaka such as Umeda, Namba, Nakazakicho, the Shin-Osaka area, and Tennoji.

1. Where to stay in Osaka for the first time: Kita district (Umeda)/Osaka Station

If you're looking for the best place to stay in Central Osaka, Umeda (Kita) is definitely my top choice. It has everything you need and is in a convenient location near Osaka's major transportation hub with excellent train connections.

It's perfect for first-time visitors because it provides easy access to all of Osaka's other fantastic neighborhoods and is within walking distance of some main attractions in the city center. Plus, JR Osaka station is right around the corner.

Osaka Station

Best area for:

  • Backpackers

  • First timers

Things to see & do in Kita

Umeda District is a massive hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment options. You'll have plenty of restaurant choices to choose from around Umeda Station. One of my personal favorites is Dashichazuke En, which is a great place to experience traditional Japanese fast food.

Additionally, there are many attractions to see in Kita, such as the museums of Nakanoshima or the Umeda Sky Building, which is a must-see attraction! It's a 173-meter tall building with two connected towers, and the 39th floor features the “Floating Garden Observatory”.

Best hotels to stay in Kita

($$$) InterContinental Hotel Osaka

($$) Hotel Unizo Osaka Umeda

($) ibis Budget Osaka Umeda

Intercontinental Hotel Osaka

2. Where to stay in Osaka for nightlife and shopping: Minami district (Namba)/Central Osaka

Namba and Umeda are the two most popular districts for tourists in Osaka. Namba is conveniently located within walking distance of many tourist attractions and has a great train connection that will allow you to easily explore the rest of the city as well.

Namba is the perfect place to enjoy the later hours of the day. You can explore the many bars, restaurants, and clubs until late at night. Even if you feel hungry at night, most restaurants here are open all night long, so you have nothing to worry about.

Central Osaka

Best area for:

  • Nightlife

  • Shopping

  • First timers

  • Day trips

Things to see & do in Central Osaka

Dotombori is a famous tourist street in Osaka that runs alongside the Dotonbori Canal. It is popular for shopping, entertainment, and delicious food options.

When the night sets in, the entire area lights up with hundreds of neon lights and signs, among which is the popular Kani Doraku crab – a seafood restaurant you really want to try.

Best hotels to stay in Minami

($$$) Swissotel Nankai Osaka

($$) Hotel IL Cuore Namba

($) Kamon Hotel Namba

Swissotel Nankai Osaka

3. Where to stay in Osaka to see the cherry blossoms & history: Osaka Castle

If you're looking to escape the crowds of Osaka city centre and prefer a peaceful park nearby where you can stroll or unwind, consider staying in the Osaka Castle Area.

This historic location surrounding the castle is more traditional than the bustling city center, and it's also one of the prettiest areas in town, especially during cherry blossom season! The Osaka Castle area is one of my favorite spots in Osaka, and I highly recommend visiting it.

Osaka Castle

The area is a bit farther from downtown, meaning there are fewer shopping and dining options around. However, you can easily take a 20-minute train ride to reach the bustling city center.

Best area for:

  • Relaxation

  • Seeing the cherry blossoms (when in season)

Things to see & do in Osaka Castle

One of the best places to see cherry blossoms in a city is Osaka Castle Park, located north of Osaka Castle. The park has 5,000 cherry blossom trees along the river bank, making it the largest concentration of cherry blossom trees in a major city. I suggest visiting the park in late March and early April when the cherry trees are in full bloom with pink blossoms. If that's not enough, you can also visit nearby Kyoto for more cherry blossom viewing!

Visiting the Osaka International Peace Center is a fascinating yet sobering experience. This museum, also called “Peace Osaka”, was founded in August of 1991 in Osaka, Japan. Its main focus is on the devastation the city suffered during World War II, as well as other topics, such as the horrors of war and the significance of achieving peace. It might not be for everyone, but I thought it was well worth the visit!

Best hotels to stay in Osaka Castle

($$$) Hotel New Otani Osaka

($$) Hotel Monterey La Soeur Osaka

($) Via Inn Prime Osaka Kyobashi

Hotel Monterey La Soeur

4. Where to stay in Osaka’s most up-and-coming area: Nakazakicho

Nakazakicho is a place worth visiting, even if you have to go out of your way to get there. It is full of traditional old houses and narrow backstreets that have been preserved since the Edo period.

More recently, its unique hipster atmosphere has made it increasingly popular, with a variety of small cafes, thrift shops, galleries, and boutiques popping up around the neighborhood.

Nakazakicho

Best area for:

  • Backpackers

  • Hipsters

  • Alternative vibes

Things to see & do in Nakazakicho

I always like to explore up-and-coming districts by visiting cozy coffee shops, and Taiyo no Tou has become my favorite cafe in all of Osaka. It is a small cafe with vintage furniture and offers a menu with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.

Don't forget to check out the local galleries after having your morning coffee. Gallery Yolcha is a must-visit spot that combines an art gallery and a shop. You can find all sorts of locally made ornaments and accessories here. The gallery is located on a dirt path, and the historic wooden building is covered in vines and surrounded by greenery. They also offer tea and coffee, making it a great little spot to hang out and spend some time.

Best hotels to stay in Nakazakicho

($$$) BON Condominium Umeda

($$) Nest Hotel Osaka Umeda

($) Guesthouse Ten-Roku

Nest Hotel Osaka

5. Where to stay in Osaka for couples: Honmachi

Are you having trouble deciding between Kita and Minami? A good compromise would be to stay in Honmachi, which is situated in between and in the center of Osaka!

Compared to Kita and Minami, Honmachi is a much quieter neighborhood and more peaceful area that has fewer shopping and nightlife choices. However, there are plenty of restaurants, making it the perfect area for couples and some more intimate date nights.

Honmachi

Best area for:

  • Couples

  • Central location

  • Escaping the crowds

Things to see & do in Honmachi

If you're looking for delicious sushi in the area, I recommend trying out Sushi Hayata. This restaurant is liked by both tourists and locals, and its location next to the St. Regis Hotel and Honmachi Station is very convenient. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and many regular local customers, which really shows that the place serves good food!

If you're looking for something more budget-friendly, then Chukasoba Kazura is a favorite ramen place. Locals line up for the tasty, thick, and meaty ramen here every day. The standard dish comes with a hard-boiled egg and sliced pork.

Best hotels to stay in Honmachi

($$$) Osaka View Hotel Honmachi

($$) APA Hotel & Resort Midosuji

($) Hotel Yururito Osaka

Osaka View hotel Honmachi

6. Where to stay in Osaka for easy accessibility: Shin-Osaka Area

Staying in the Shin-Osaka area is great if you want super-quick access to Osaka and other nearby cities.

You'll be staying near the Shin Osaka Station, and Downtown Osaka is only a 10-minute ride away. If you have a Japan Rail Pass and wish to use bullet trains to explore places like Hiroshima, Kyoto, Himeji, and Tokyo, staying near Shin Osaka Station can help you save time and energy.

Shin Osaka Station

Best area for:

  • Day trips

  • Japan Rail Pass holders

Things to see & do in Shin-Osaka Area

The area itself is not particularly loaded with sights and exciting things to do, but at least there are some amazing restaurants and ramen shops around. Perfect for grabbing a snack before you head off to catch your bullet train to your next Japanese destination!

Ramen King and Ramen Uroko are nearby and can serve you a bowl of ramen quickly. One of the things I love about ramen in Japan is that it's considered an affordable and quick meal, making it the perfect choice for a hearty meal before a day full of adventures!

Best hotels to stay in Shin-Osaka Area

($$$) Karaksa hotel grande Shin-Osaka Tower

($$) Via Inn Shin Osaka Shomenguchi

($) Super Hotel JR Shin-Osaka Higashiguchi

Karaksa Hotel Grande

7. Where to stay in Osaka for families & theme parks: Osaka Bay

The Osaka Bay Area comprises Tempozan Harbour Village, Sakishima Island, and Sakurajima Island. It primarily focuses on entertainment, such as theme parks, museums, and other touristy attractions.

If you're looking for this kind of experience, I definitely recommend staying here; otherwise, you may find yourself too far away from other important areas. Nevertheless, if you're visiting Universal Studios Japan and the Universal City Walk Osaka, this is the ideal location for you.

Osaka Bay

Best area for:

  • Families

  • Universal Studios

  • Theme parks and entertainment for the whole family

Things to see & do near the Universal Studios

It's fair to say that the main reason for people staying in the Osaka Bay Area is to enjoy a day at Universal Studios, and it's understandable! Universal Studios Japan (USJ) showcases rides and shows inspired by the studio's top movies, such as Harry Potter, Spiderman, Jurassic Park, Terminator 2, Jaws, and Shrek.

USJ also has many restaurants and cafes with different themes, plus shops with super cool souvenirs, making it an excellent destination for families or anyone looking to take a break from the city and have some fun!

If you have an extra day and want to experience something unique in Osaka Bay, consider visiting Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Osaka Aquarium is the largest public aquarium in Japan, and it houses up to 30,000 creatures from over 600 species of fish!

Best hotels to stay near Universal Studios

($$$) Liber Hotel at Universal Studios

($$) The Singulari Hotel & Skyspa at Universal Studios

($) J-Hoppers Osaka Universal

The Singulari Hotel

8. Where to stay in Osaka for budget travelers: Tennoji

To all backpackers and budget travelers! If you want to explore Japan without breaking the bank, check out the Tennoji Area in southern Osaka.

It's an emerging district for shopping, dining, and entertainment, with lots of affordable options nearby. Although the streets may feel a bit rougher than the centre, don't worry, this is still Japan, and it's perfectly safe.

Tennoji

Best area for:

  • Backpackers

  • Budget traveler

Things to see & do in Tennoji

Abeno Harukas building is the tallest in Osaka, rising 300 meters above Kintetsu Abenobashi Station. The building has an observatory on its top three floors (floors 58, 59, and 60) called Harukas 300. From this observatory, one can enjoy breathtaking views of Osaka and nearby areas, including Kobe, the Inland Sea, and Wakayama. The view of Osaka from here is definitely the best, and it's an amazing experience, especially at night.

Explore the unique and vintage vibes of Tennoji, especially the Shinsekai neighborhood. Although it is gradually undergoing modernization, it still retains its peculiar and unconventional charm. I enjoyed wandering around the area, which is known for its affordable and slightly greasy restaurants, old-fashioned pachinko parlors, and budget-friendly bars.

Best hotels to stay in Tennoji

($$$) Hotel Trusty Osaka Abeno

($$) Hotel Bali Tower Osaka Tennoji

($) Guest House Laule'a Tennoji

Hotel Bali Tower Osaka Tennoji

Where to stay in Osaka – Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ Is staying in Osaka worth it?

Absolutely! Osaka should be on everyone's Japan itinerary. It's the perfect city for anyone who wants to experience somewhere more authentic and calm than busy Tokyo.

📅 How many days should I stay in Osaka?

That depends on your personal preferences, but I recommend spending 3-4 nights in Osaka to get a good feel of the city. If you want to explore further outside of Osaka, then consider adding another day or two.

📍 Where is the main part in Osaka?

Namba and Umeda are the two main areas in Osaka. Both are right in the city center, offering plenty of restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities and making a great base if you want to explore the city or even the rest of the region.

🚆 How do I get around Osaka?

Osaka has an extensive public transport system (Midosuji Subway line), with the most common way of getting around being by train. The main station is Osaka Station in central Osaka, and the Osaka Loop Train line will take you to all major districts. There are also bus and taxi services available throughout Osaka. Don't forget to use your prepaid IC card for discounted fares and access to the Midosuji Subway line.

💸 Is Osaka expensive?

Osaka is certainly not the cheapest city in Japan; however, it is still very affordable. You can find many budget-friendly restaurants, cafes, and accommodation options throughout the city, so don't worry about breaking your bank account while you're here.

🌸 When can I see the cherry blossoms in Osaka?

The cherry blossoms usually bloom in late March and early April, making it the perfect time to visit Japan! Make sure to check out Osaka Castle Park, Utsubo Park, and Kema Sakuranomiya Park in Osaka for some of the best spots to view the cherry blossoms.

❓ Should I stay in Osaka or Kyoto?

That really depends on your personal preference. Osaka is a great destination for those looking for a more modern experience, with plenty of attractions and activities that cater to a younger crowd. Kyoto offers a much more traditional side of Japan, with many stunning temples and shrines to explore. Ultimately, it is up to you!

Where to stay in Osaka – Final Words

For me, Osaka ranks somewhere between Tokyo and Kyoto. It is not as bustling as Tokyo, but it also does not have the traditional charm that Kyoto has. It is the perfect compromise if you want to experience both the modern and traditional sides of Japan. I hope this guide gives you some ideas on where to stay in Osaka so that you can make the most out of your time here!

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