Where to Stay in Osaka

Deciding where to stay in Osaka can be a little challenging. Being the third largest city of Japan, Osaka is also an excellent base to explore other parts of Kansai Region. From here, you can easily travel to other cities within the region including Kyoto, Kobe, Nara and further afield.

Just like Tokyo, Osaka is well covered by subways and trains which can get you anywhere easily and efficiently. The Midosuji subway line cuts across the city and is the most convenient line in Osaka, as the line connects the most famous Osaka areas.

No matter what type of travel experience you are looking for, our picks for the best areas in Osaka will help you figure out where you should stay in this incredible city.

To make this as complete and as useful a resource as possible, we have also included some recommendations from people we know and whose opinion we trust.

Below are some of the best Osaka areas to stay in!

The Best Areas to Stay in Osaka

  1. Kita (Umeda)

Kita (Umeda) is the daytime heart of Osaka. It is the most well-connected major transportation hub in Osaka and one of the main tourist areas of Osaka, with numerous attractions as well as leisure and dining options and nightlife.

Kita, which means “north” in Japanese, is one of the city’s two downtown hubs (the other is the Minami, or “south,” district). The heart of the district is the newly rebuilt JR Osaka Station.

Kita (Umeda) is the main business district in Osaka with towering modern skyscrapers and a good variety of department stores. If you want convenient access to the train station, access to plenty of shopping places and are interested in having day trips from Osaka, then Umeda is the right place to be.

Things to Do in Kita (Umeda):

  • Marvel at the soaring Umeda Sky Building before heading to the observatory for sweeping city view
  • Get schooled in Japanese history at Osaka Museum of Housing and Living contains a full-size reproduction of 1830s Edo Period shopping street
  • Take a stroll along the lovely Nakanoshima-koen Park
  • Be impressed by the collections at the National Museum of Art
  • Visit local temples like Joshin-ji and Taiyu-ji
  • Hep Five, this huge shopping and dining complex is topped by a Ferris wheel that offers a great view over the city of Osaka.
  • Visit the Museum of Oriental Ceramics
  • Head to Tenmangu Shrine
  • Walk down Tenjinbashi-suji shopping street, the longest shopping arcade in Osaka and home to a variety of stores as well as many places to eat

Where to Stay in Kita (Umeda):

Luxury

Intercontinental Hotel Osaka – By far one of the best hotels to stay in Kita (Umeda). The Intercontinental is one of the most exclusive and luxurious hotels in Osaka. Located at the newly developed Grand Front Osaka. This 5-star hotel boasts 5 dining options, a 24-hour fitness center and an indoor swimming pool. Offering views of Osaka city from the 20th floor, Pierre restaurant serves exquisite contemporary French dishes. All Day Dining serves a buffet with various international dishes, while light tapas dishes and drinks are available at Adee Bar and Lounge.

The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka – One of the premier luxury hotels in Osaka. Featuring a classic European-style decor, the hotel boasts 5 dining options including a Michelin starred French restaurant, as well as a large meeting room. Elegantly decorated, spacious rooms are all located on the 24th floor and above. Rooms feature a stunning view of varying heights. Guests staying in the Club rooms have access to the exclusive Club Lounge. If you can afford it, it’s an exceptional place to stay.

Hilton Osaka Hotel – The hotel features a swimming pool, a fitness center and 5 dining options. Its multi-lingual staff offers quality services, while free Wi-Fi is provided in the lobby. Offering great city views, the spacious rooms at the Osaka Hilton are well equipped with extra-long beds and a minibar. Room service is available 24 hours. Guests can stay in shape on the jogging track, and unwind in the hot tub or sauna. The Hilton Osaka offers a concierge and a beauty salon. 

Mid-range

Training Center Hotel – Situated in the Osaka Station, S.Training Center Hotel boasts a restaurant and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Private parking is available on site. All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find slippers, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Property offers a free shuttle service from Osaka Station Sakurabashi Exit to S.Training Center Hotel.

Hotel Monterey Le Frere Osaka – Centrally located just minutes from Osaka station, the property features a sauna and on-site restaurant serves European cuisine. Every room is equipped with a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. A buffet breakfast is served daily at the property.

Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier – Enjoy a first-class service at one of the best Osaka accommodation available in the area. The Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka opened its doors in 2014 and since then it kept collecting some great achievements, as it has been listed by Michelin Guide for 3 consecutive years as one of the best places to stay in Osaka. Rooms are spacious and comfortable and feature wooden floor, flat screen TV, an en-suite bathroom with bathtub.

Budget

Hostel Tankai – For a budget traveler, this property is the right choice. Only 5 minutes’ walk from Osaka Tenman-gu station. Hostel Tankai houses an open-air bath that can be used at an additional cost and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the entire property. All rooms have a shared bathroom, toilet and futon mattresses with privacy curtains. Toiletries including towels, toothbrushes, shavers and ear plugs are provided at an extra cost. The front desk at the property offers free luggage storage and coin-operated laundry machines is available on site.

Osaka Guesthouse Hive – A 10-minute walk away from Osaka Station in central Osaka. Free Wi-Fi access is offered throughout the entire property. All rooms are air-conditioned and bed comes equipped with lightproof curtain and a power outlet. The on-site shared shower booth is available 24-hours a day, with rental hairdryer and hair irons. Shared kitchen and a common lounge are available on site. Complimentary coffee is offered in the kitchen, in addition to a coin-operated launderette and a dryer. Personal lockers are available. Towels, toothbrushes and slippers are available at an extra charge.

  1. Minami (Namba)

Minami (Namba) Southern downtown of Osaka. Located around Namba Station, is one of Osaka’s two major city centers. It is the city’s most famous entertainment district and offers abundant dining and shopping choices. It is home to the colorful Dotonbori, a great place for tourist and street food.

Minami (Namba) is the liveliest part of the city also one of the city’s major transportation. It is right in the city center and be within walking distance from the main city attractions. Although it can be a little bit chaotic with all its restaurant and shopping malls, Minami (Namba) is one of the main recommended areas where to stay in Osaka.

Things to Do in Minami (Namba): 

  • Strolling through the Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Arcade
  • Travel back to the Edo era at Hozenji Yokocho temple
  • Take a cruise along the Dotonbori River
  • Shopping at Midosuji (shopping street)
  • Bar hopping and food street tour at Dotonbori
  • Watch a performance in Shochikuza, Osaka’s main kabuki theater
  • Upgrade your electronics at Den Den Town, the city’s electronics, camera, computer and pop culture shopping neighborhood
  • Be a fashionistas or fashion-victims at Amerika Mura, trendy district

Where to Stay in Minami (Namba):

Luxury

Hotel Nikko – Centrally located within easy access to shopping areas, restaurants and the Dotonbori area. It is also located directly across the street from Daimaru Department Store. Each room is equipped with an LCD TV, a fridge and a sofa. Free Wi-Fi is available in the entire property. An airport limousine bus service is available to Kansai International Airport for an extra fee. The lounge on the 31st floor features beautiful views of Osaka city, while a traditional and healthy Japanese-style breakfast buffet is served at Japanese restaurant Benkay.

Swissotel Nankai Osaka – Located right on top of the Namba Nankai Station, making train airport transfers to and from Kansai Airport a breeze! It boasts a refreshing indoor pool, a spa, free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and 7 dining options. The air-conditioned rooms offer an LCD TV with satellite channels, a refrigerator and extra-long beds. The Spa and Fitness facility offers massages and beauty treatments.

Mid-range

Cross Hotel – Recommended by the Michelin Guide, this hotel is in a fantastic location. Just a minute’s walk from the Dotonbori area and a 3-minute walk from Namba Subway Station. Each air-conditioned room has a fridge and air purifier. There is an en suite bathroom, and hairdryers, slippers and bath amenities including a toothbrush set are provided. Bar Seagull pours drinks in a simple yet sophisticated decor.

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Osaka-Yotsubashi – Daiwa Roynet Hotel Osaka-Yotsubashi is an excellent mid-range choice in Minami. It offers double rooms for smokers and non-smokers. It offers modern rooms with an LCD TV, and free Wi-Fi and wired internet in the rooms and the lobby. Each room is equipped with a work desk and an en suite bathroom with a bathtub. Free toiletries are provided. The hotel offers coin-operated laundry machines. The lobby has a shared computer and printing facilities.

Hotel Ichiei – If you’re looking for a hotel with a Japanese flair, Hotel Ichiei is the perfect choice in Namba downtown! This hotel is directly connected to Namba Station Midosuji Subway Line making it highly convenient for tourists to get around. Hotel Ichiei offers modern, spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi and a private bath. A Japanese restaurant is on site. Fitted with individual decoration and interior different from room to room, Ichiei Hotel features both Japanese-style rooms with traditional futon bedding and rooms with Western beds. All include an LCD TV with a DVD player. A yukata robe, green tea and slippers are provided.

Budget

Hearton Hotel Shinsaibashi – The property offers cosy rooms with free wired internet access. The simple yet comfortable rooms at Hearton Hotel Shinsaibashi have a relaxed decor and include a private bathroom. The convenient 24-hour front desk provides luggage storage and safety deposit. Laundry and dry-cleaning services are also on offer. The stylish Cafe Planet 3rd offers a breakfast buffet.

Picnic Hostel Osaka – The accommodation, only a minute’s stroll away from Sakuragawa Station Exit 1. Sakuragawa Station provides direct access to Nara and Kobe stations. Extras include slippers and a hairdryer. The property features shared kitchen and free Wi-Fi throughout the hostel.

  1. Honmachi (Central Osaka)

Honmachi is essentially central Osaka, conveniently located on the Midosuji subway line, Honmachi is within walking distance of both Kita (to the north) and Minami (to the south).

It’s not the most exciting part of the city, but it’s packed with reasonably priced mid-range hotels. And, because this is an office district, there are tons of good restaurants and even a few bars here.

Things to Do in Honmachi (Central Osaka):

  • Visit Namba Yasaka Shrine, its enormous lion head-shape building and cherry blossom trees dotted around the shrine grounds make it one of Osaka’s most distinctive places of worship
  • Take a stroll at Utsubo-koen Park, the park has a nice playground, fountain and some interesting statues. In the spring, it’s a great place to admire cherry blossom
  • Head to Osaka Science and Technology Museum

Where to Stay in Honmachi (Central Osaka):

Luxury

St Regis Osaka – It is located directly above Honmachi Subway Station’s Exit 7. St. Regis offers its signature butler service, an exquisite decor with touches of traditional Japanese aesthetics. Contemporary, comfortable rooms boast magnificent city views. The large French marble bathroom includes a shower with 4 body jets, a soaking bathtub, a built-in LCD TV and a plush bathrobe. La Veduta boasts richly warm decor with 12th-floor skyline views and hearty but sophisticated Italian cuisine. For those interested in luxury, this is definitely a must.

Mid-range

Hotel Brighton City Osaka Kitahama – Conveniently located within a 5 minutes’ walk from Kitahama Station on the Keihan and Sakaisuji lines, Hotel Brighton City Osaka Kitahama offers accommodation with elegant rooms. It offers a Japanese restaurant and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Bright rooms are fitted with an air purifier/humidifier and the stylish bathrooms come with a rain-shower and free toiletries, slippers and hairdryers. This hotel doesn’t have the most convenient location, but it makes up for it with larger than average rooms, excellent service and competitive rates. Recommended.

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Osaka-Kitahama – Daiwa Roynet Hotel Osaka-Kitahama is directly connected to Kitahama Subway Station and provides modern guest rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, a wide work desk and a small fridge. Free bath amenities including tooth brushes, towels, shampoo, body wash and hair conditioners are provided. Osaka-Kitahama Daiwa Roynet Hotel offers luggage storage services and coin launderette. A breakfast buffet with various dishes is served at the on-site Nono Budou restaurant.

Arietta Hotel – A great location for this stylish hotel featuring all the comforts a traveler may need, from flat-screen TV to a kettle in the room and private, en suite bathroom. The structure is located in the middle of the business district and a 3 minutes’ walk from Hommachi Subway Station. Hotel Arietta Osaka’s 24-hour front desk offers free luggage storage. Coin launderette is also available on site.

MOXY Osaka Honmachi by Marriott – It is a part of the Marriot International Group and boasts an on-site bar, it is an excellent mid-range choice for those interested in the Honmachi area. The hotel is just 5 minutes’ walk from the Honmachi subway station. Rooms at this hotel have a private bathroom with a walk-in rain shower, free toiletries and hairdryer. A flat-screen TV, folding desk and chair are provided.

Budget

APA Hotel Midosuji-Honmachi-Ekimae – This hotel has an excellent location within just a few minutes’ walk from Honmachi Subway Station and offers modern rooms with an LCD TV and an en suite bath, as well as free Wi-Fi in all areas. Rooms at Midosuji-Honmachi-Ekimae APA Hotel have dark wood furnishings and come with air conditioning, a fridge and an electric kettle with green tea. Japanese and Western set breakfasts are served at Kent West restaurant, for a fee. Boasting floor-to-ceiling windows and modern lighting, it also serves lunch sets on weekdays.

  1. Osaka Castle Area

One of the coolest neighborhoods to stay in Osaka. Sitting about a kilometer to the east of Osaka’s two downtown (Kita and Minami), the area is full of character and history.

Easily reached by the JR Osaka Loop Line, two subway lines and the private Keihan Line (good for those coming from Kyoto), this area is good for a morning or afternoon in Osaka. It might not be conventionally hip and cool, but you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied.

Thing to Do in Osaka Castle Area:

  • Visit Osaka Castle (known as Osaka-jo in Japanese) is the symbol of Osaka. The original castle was completed in 1583 and was attacked and destroyed several times. The present castle is a concrete reconstruction that was finished in 1995.
  • Wander through the stunning Osaka Castle Park, often filled with street performers and free concerts on the grounds of the park
  • Learn more about Osaka’s Past at the Osaka Museum of History
  • Visit Osaka International Peace Center
  • Head to Naniwa-no-miya Palace Ruins, arguably Osaka’s best secret park

Where to Stay in Osaka Castle Area:

Luxury

Hotel New Otani Osaka – This luxury hotel just a short walk to the Osaka Castle, it offers spacious rooms and 13 dining options with free Wi-Fi connection throughout the property. Rooms feature large windows with city or Osaka Castle views and fitted with LCD TV, comfortable beds and a minibar. New Otani Osaka’s restaurants cater a variety of French, Japanese and International cuisine. Offering spectacular views of the city skyline and Osaka Castle, Keyaki restaurant serves grilled teppanyaki dishes, while Sky Lounge offers refreshing cocktails. A breakfast buffet featuring various cuisines are available at an extra charge.

Imperial Hotel Osaka – Situated along the Okawa River renowned for beautiful cherry blossoms, Imperial Hotel Osaka is a prestigious 5-star hotel with elegant guest rooms, a fitness center and various fine dining options. Featuring chic decor and a relaxing ambiance, each spacious room comes with a satellite LCD TV, a fridge and a minibar. The service is top-notch. Les Saison restaurant offers panoramic city views and sophisticated French cuisine. Kamon serves fresh seafood and steaks in teppanyaki-style, while lavish Chinese dishes can be enjoyed at Jasmine Garden.

Mid-range

Hotel Monterey La Soeur Osaka – This modern accommodation offers a spa, a restaurant and free Wi-Fi. It’s a 5 minutes’ walk from Kyobashi Train Station, which connects to downtown Osaka in 6 minutes and to Kyoto in 40 minutes. Famous cherry blossom viewing spots like Osaka Castle Park and Japan Mint are both within a 15-minute walk away. The rooms are lovely, featuring rich colors and wooden flooring. Restaurant Escale serves French cuisine in an elegant setting. Zuientei offers Japanese dishes. A Chinese restaurant, bar and lounge and tea room are also located within the hotel.

Hotel Keihan Kyobashi Grande – This hotel is a practical and affordable option for tourists who want to be in the Osaka Castle Area and near Kyobashi Station. Offering modern rooms with a flat-screen TV, Hotel Keihan Kyobashi is directly connected to Keihan Kyobashi train station. It houses a shopping mall. Free Wi-Fi is available at the entire property. A fridge, green-tea maker and trouser press are standard in all air-conditioned rooms.

Budget

Hotel the Lutheran Osaka – The Lutheran Hotel Osaka is located just 1-minute walk from Tanimachi Yonchome Station Exit 1B. All rooms feature a private bathroom equipped with a bathtub. The hotel has facilities luggage storage and coin operated laundry machines. The on-site Olive restaurant serves a daily breakfast buffet. 24 hr reception service is available.

There you have it! I hope that this short guide helps you when deciding where to stay in Osaka.

Heading towards Tokyo and Kyoto too? Check out Where to Stay in Tokyo and Where to Stay in Kyoto guides.

Happy Travels!