Japan has many great places to visit, but if you’re looking for a central city with a lot of culture and attractions, here’s where to stay in Osaka!
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When you think of visiting Japan, you probably imagine yourself in the capital, and yes, Tokyo is a great place to stay, with plenty of activities, just like Kyoto and its long cultural history, both great for a first timer. But if you’re looking for something different, more laid-back and relaxed, Osaka is the best option for you.
Osaka has numerous advantages, starting with its cuisine. Even Japanese people visit it to try the delicious dishes, and it’s commonly called “the culinary capital of Japan” or “Japan’s kitchen”. Even the street food is so tasty. If you’re a foodie, you can’t miss the takoyaki and okonomiyaki. But the city also attracts culture seekers, families, and budget travelers, as it’s cheaper than Tokyo and Kyoto.
And speaking of budget travel, you’ll need an internet connection in Osaka for translating, checking the weather, train schedules, and so much more. You can use Yoho Mobile eSIMs for that! In fact, you can start by trying Yoho Mobile’s free eSIM! If you like the services, you can buy your own afterwards, and don’t forget to use our promo code YOHO12 for 12% off!
Where to Stay in Osaka
Namba
This area is ideal for the energetic travelers, the ones who travel long and far, looking for the most exciting neighborhoods, with plenty of nightlife, shops, and street food. Namba is usually considered the downtown of Minami (the southern side of Osaka), and it’s a major commercial and entertainment district. There’s always something to do, both during the day and at night. And you don’t even need a car or a train, as everything is so densely packed that it’s easy to cover it on foot.
If you want to get a feeling of the area, you just have to walk down the Dotonbori Canal, the most famous entertainment and food strip in the city, and the perfect place to try the local specialties. There’s also Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Arcade, another long street full of fashion, snacks, and souvenirs. Because you can’t visit Osaka without getting some of the best Japanese souvenirs!
Where to Stay in Namba
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Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka: It’s perfect for couples wanting a bit of an upscale stay. Also great for travelers who appreciate convenience and comfort, as it is directly connected to the JR Namba Station.
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The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi: A good mid-range option, with free drinks and snacks, and it has a lot more social life.
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Capsule Hotel Anshin Oyado Premier Namba Eki-mae: Definitely a long name for a hotel where you can sleep like a sardine in a can, but it can be a fun experience, and it’s really cheap and clean. It also includes a sauna and free massage chairs, but it’s only for men.
Umeda
Going to the direct extreme of Namba, we head to the Kita (North) area, where you’ll find the commercial and business heart of Osaka. It’s a massive transit hub, with several train and subway lines converging there, which makes it a perfect base for visiting other areas in Osaka. The energy is a bit like Namba, but the vibe is more professional, as many of the people there are office workers or shoppers. So it’s more favored by business travelers, digital nomads, and mid-range travelers.
In Umeda, you’ll find one of the most unique skyscrapers in Japan, the Umeda Sky Building. Inside looks like a sci-fi movie, with its floating garden observatory. There’s also the Gran Front Osaka, for the shoppers out there, with plenty of restaurants, boutiques, and rooftop terraces. And, if you’re a fan of hidden gems, you can spend some time in Kitashinchi, where you can find unique bars.
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Where to Stay in Umeda
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Hotel Hankyu International: The best place to get incredible views of the city. It is a luxurious stay, with very elegant interiors and comfortable rooms.
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Hotel Granvia Osaka: It’s right inside Osaka Station City, so very convenient for travelers who are using the JR lines.
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First Cabin Hanshin Nishiumeda: Another capsule hotel, but this time a luxury one, with a calm and minimalist vibe. The capsules are a bit larger than other similar hotels, and it’s great for solo travelers or minimalists.
Tennoji
Cultural travelers in Osaka prefer this district more than others. And there’s plenty of reason, as it’s home to some of the city’s oldest cultural sites, plenty of green spaces, and museums. But it also has a lot of development, making it a place where past and future intertwine almost perfectly. It’s quieter and residential, allowing for a more authentic experience and a better stay for families.
Among the highlights of Tennoji, there are the many temples you can visit, like the Shitenno-ji Temple, one of the oldest in all of Japan, established in 593 AD. Near the temple, you can find the Tennoji Park and the Tennoji Zoo, great options to visit with family. For the modern side, there’s the Abeno Harukas, Japan’s tallest skyscraper, with an observatory and an art museum.
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Where to Stay in Tennoji
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Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel: If you like the visit to the tallest building in Japan, how about staying there? It’s not cheap exactly, but the incredible views and top-tier service make it worth it.
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Hotel Trusty Osaka Abeno: It’s near the skyscraper, but not exactly on it. Yet, it’s stylish and comfortable, and near Tennoji Station.
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Kintetsu Friendly Hostal Osaka-Tennoji Park: Perfect for small groups, backpackers, and young travelers. If you want a more social experience, you can share a dorm; if not, there are private rooms.
Nakazakicho
Let’s move to an area with a completely different vibe, a lesser-known but great place to stay in Osaka. Nakazakicho is a small neighborhood, and very different from the flashier areas in the city we’ve talked about. It’s more cozy, creative, and full of charm. Even as it sits in the shadow of the skyscrapers, it feels so different, with its narrow alleys, retro architecture, and indie businesses.
Unlike other areas of Osaka, this neighborhood did survive the bombings of World War II. So now you can enjoy the old wood buildings, many of them transformed into independent cafes and art spaces. If you’re into antiquities and vintage items, there are plenty of shops to peruse and find hidden treasures.
On the downsides, for some travelers, there’s barely any nightlife or big landmarks, and you can walk the whole area in an hour. But some people do prefer that.
Where to Stay in Nakazakicho
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Hotel Vischio Osaka: It’s a simple stay, but it’s modern and stylish and perfect for relaxing. It’s also close to Umeda, so an ideal central base for travelers who want options.
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The Lively Osaka Honmachi: A boutique hotel with a creative and urban feel. It’s great for digital nomads and solo travelers, and a quick subway ride from Nakasakicho.
Osaka Bay
Staying in the urban side of Osaka, it’s all great, but how about the coastal areas? If you’re traveling with family, for example, you’ll find plenty more activities in Osaka Bay, with its large-scale attractions. It has theme parks, aquariums, shopping complexes, and seaside views! Staying there feels more like staying at a resort, actually, which is a great vibe, but it is far from the center of Osaka.
If you’re staying in Osaka Bay, you have to visit Universal Studios Japan! It’s one of the most popular theme parks in all of Asia. You can spend a whole day there, enjoying Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter World, and so much more. For a quieter outing, you can visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the largest in the world, and end your afternoon at the harbor, watching the boats and cruise ships pass by.
Where to Stay in Osaka Bay
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The Park Front Hotel: What better way to visit Universal Studios Japan than staying right there? Your kids will love it, and you’ll have more time to enjoy USJ.
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Hotel Universal Port Vita: It’s not in the park, but near it, so convenient and cheaper, you could say. It’s also colorful, comfortable, and very kid-friendly.
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La’gent Hotel Osaka Bay: If you’re not traveling with kids, you’ll probably prefer this one. It’s close to USJ and Tempozan, but more trendy and boutique-style.
FAQs about Accommodation in Japan
Is staying near Dotonbori a mistake if I hate crowds?
Unfortunately, yes, it is. That area is extremely busy even at night. It’s extremely popular with tourists, so you’ll see plenty of crowds, neon lights, and street food stands. A better alternative for you might be Shinsaibashi or Tennoji.
What is the safest area for solo female travelers?
In Osaka, specifically, you can stay at Umeda, where there are lots of businesses, it’s clean, and well lit. Tennoji is another good option, being more residential and with limited nightlife. But in general, Osaka and Japan as a whole are pretty safe for solo female travelers.
Where do Japanese people stay when visiting Osaka?
Most domestic travelers tend to choose business hotels near train stations or hotels that are clean, efficient, and moderately priced. If you want to emulate the locals, you can choose chains like Toyoko Inn, APA, and Daiwa Roynet.
Are Airbnbs legal in Osaka?
Yes, they are, although with plenty of regulations. Hosts must be licensed and display their Minpaku registration number; the rentals are limited to 180 days usually, and you’ll need to self-check in and be mindful of noise, as Japanese neighborhoods are very strict with the noise level.
Where to stay in Osaka if I want to do day trips?
Osaka is a central city, so it’s a great place to do day trips to Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji. The best areas to stay in are Umeda, Tennoji, and Shin-Osaka, as all of them have connections with the major cities.