Where to Stay in Osaka – 7 EPIC Areas for a Memorable Trip

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Osaka Castle on a sunny day, with tourists gathered around its base, set against a clear blue sky

Osaka, one of Japan’s largest cities, is a vibrant destination offering an eclectic mix of nightlife and cool attractions, as well as a fair share of historical monuments. The city has become a tourist hotspot in recent years – for good reason, too – so a lot of people are starting to ask where to stay in Osaka for the ultimate travel experience.

Well, if you’re reading this – you’re in luck! I took my time in comparing all Osaka areas (and there are many of them) and compiled a list with the 7 top spots.

Based on my research, I can tell you that the best area to stay in Osaka is Umeda, the city’s main entertainment and commercial district situated within the Kita Ward.

Since I wanted to provide a comprehensive overview of the best places to stay in Osaka, besides singling out the best areas, I also went through all the accommodation options and handpicked the best hotels for each of the recommended areas. There are a couple of options in each price category, so I’m confident you’ll find something to your liking.

All you need to do is decide on an area and book a hotel as soon as possible. Osaka hotels are quick to sell out, so you want to secure your own spot while also getting the best hotel deals.

Let’s go!

If you are in a hurry

Just want to cut to the chase and book right now? These are the best hotels in Kita, Osaka:

Here’s a map showcasing all the best areas to stay in Osaka, as featured in this post:

A colorful map highlighting the best areas to stay in Osaka with numbered locations and labels for easy navigations

Here are my other hand-picked recommendations for staying in Osaka, based on various travel preferences:

1. Kita (Umeda) – best area to stay in Osaka for first-timers

Vibrant urban scene showing pedestrians crossing a street surrounded by modern buildings under a clear blue sky.

The Kita district is part of the North District of Osaka City and is the main business, transport, and entertainment district. Besides business travelers, this district also attracts hordes of tourists and keeps them entertained with a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants, and attractions, which creates a very lively atmosphere.

Umeda is a slightly smaller neighborhood within the Kita district and is Osaka’s primary transportation hub. Several railway stations are in the area, including the JR Osaka Station, Umeda Station, and Osaka-Umeda Station. This means you’ll have easy access to other districts within Osaka City, but you can also take day trips to other attractive destinations.

TIP: if you’re staying in Osaka for more than a couple of days, I advise you to get a JR rail pass for the JR Osaka loop line since this is the fastest and cheapest way to explore the city. Plus, all the train lines converge on the Osaka Loop Lines, so you can explore many different parts of the city.

View of umeda district with a large red ferris wheel atop a building, modern architecture, and a bold red "umeda" sign in the foreground.

The most prominent landmark in the area (and one of the most prominent in the entire city) is the Umeda Sky Building (map), an impressive structure of two connected skyscrapers with a rooftop garden and the Kuchu Teien observatory at the top. So, don’t miss the chance to go to the top of the Umeda Sky Building to enjoy the most spectacular views of the city!

And seeing as the Kita/Umeda districts are considered to be downtown Osaka, there are plenty of other ways to spend your time. The Osaka Tenmangu (map) is a Shinto shrine dating back to the 10th century showcasing traditional Japanese architecture, while the Nakanoshima Museum of Art puts on many cool Japanese and international art exhibitions.

However, if you’re looking for something fun and laid-back, there’s nothing I’d recommend more than a ride on the Hep Five Ferris wheel that allows you to enjoy the entire city from high up in the sky.

Finally, don’t leave without exploring the many shopping malls around the JR Osaka Station! And now, let’s take a look at the best hotels in the Kita District.

NOTE: Osaka City charges an accommodation tax of ¥100 (US$0.70) to ¥300 (US$2) for hotels that cost ¥7,000 (US$45) or more per night, so be prepared to pay this in addition to the hotel price.

Collage with hotel images in Kita-district: a living room with city view, a traditional japanese-style room, and a vibrant bedroom with colorful accents.

Luxury (US$100 and up)

Hilton Osaka – situated near Umeda Station, this five-star hotel features a pool, a fitness center, and as many as 5 dining options. Guests at the Hilton Osaka Hotel can enjoy the spacious rooms, order room service, and relax in the hot tub.
Aloft Osaka Dojima – this 4-star hotel is conveniently located close to many notable attractions and offers air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a buffet breakfast. The Aloft Osaka Dojima also boasts an on-site bar and a nightclub.

Mid-range (from US$65 to US$100)

Hotel Dans Le Coeur – hotel guests will enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast, and they can also dine at the on-site restaurant. They will also benefit from a 24/7 front desk and free Wi-Fi.
APA Hotel & Resort – in a central location in Osaka, this hotel features modern rooms equipped with a desk and a flat-screen TV, plus a private bathroom stocked with free toiletries. Private parking is also available at the property.

Budget (up to US$65)

Hotel Hokke Club – one of the best cheap hotels in Osaka, offering a public bath and free luggage storage, as well as good breakfast and dry cleaning services at an additional cost.
S.Training Center Hotel – all rooms at this budget hotel feature a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom, while guests also get access to free Wi-Fi, private parking, and a restaurant.

2. Minami / Namba – best place to stay in Osaka for nightlife

Night view of Dotonbori Canal in Osaka, Japan, lined with brightly lit billboards and bustling with pedestrians along the riverside walkway

Minami is Osaka’s Southern district, consisting of a few smaller districts, with Namba being the largest and most popular of them all. The Minami district, i.e., Southern Osaka, is situated about a 15-min drive South of Umeda or a 20-min ride on public transport

Namba is a vibrant area where you’ll have something to do from early morning until very late at night—this is Osaka’s main nightlife hub, where many entertainment spots are open until late, and some are open 24/7. The vibrant nightlife and the neon lights attract a young crowd, ensuring there won’t be a dull moment during your stay!

Namba is often seen as the city’s ‘second downtown’ due to the wide variety of shops, department stores, restaurants, and many spots offering delicious street food. Head to Kuromon Ichiba Market (map), teeming with street food vendors, and try as many different dishes as you can!

And if you’re a foodie, you’ll definitely want to check out Rikuro’s Cheesecake (map), and taste the famous Japanese fluffy cheesecake for yourself!

Staying in the Namba district is also a practical choice since it is a major transportation hub. The JR Namba Station provides links to the Nara Prefecture, Kansai International Airport, and many other local trains operating on the Midosuji subway line.

PRO TIP: JR Namba Station also hosts an express bus terminal that provides transportation to both Itami and Kansai Airport, so no need to spend too much on costly airport transfers.

A mascot dressed as a red crab entertaining a crowd on a busy shopping street in osaka, japan, with multiple colorful signs and advertisements.

However, if you don’t want to travel with the JR lines, there are other subway stations that provide access to the city’s subway lines – lines from Nankai Namba Station will take you to the Wakayama Prefecture and Kansai Airport while embarking from Osaka-Namba Station can land you in Nara, Nagoya, Kyoto, or Kobe.

While in Minami, you have to pay a visit to the Namba Yasaka Shrine (map), a Shinto shrine featuring a stage shaped like a lion’s head, Namba Parks (map), which is a very upscale shopping mall with a movie theater and a rooftop garden, and the Buddhist temple, Hozenji (map).

If you have the time, I highly suggest you at least stop by Namba Grand Kagetsu (map), a performing arts theater built in traditional Japanese style. Even if you don’t have time to catch one of the shows, you can go inside and get some souvenirs from the on-site shop.

As I previously mentioned, Minami is home to several neighborhoods other than Namba, and I highly suggest you check those out, too. Anime and manga lovers cannot miss Nipponbashi Denden Town, and shopping enthusiasts will appreciate the Shinsaibashi shopping arcade, the city’s most important shopping area, and a great entertainment district.

NOTE: the Shinsaibashi subway station provides easy access to trains operating on the Midosuji subway line, so if you’re staying in the area, you can also use Shinsaibashi station to get around the city instead of commuting from the Namba stations.

However, Dotonbori is a must for everyone! This famous area is full of neon lights and is home to the iconic Glico Sign (map). Many of the shops and restaurants here are open round-the-clock, so this is the perfect spot if you want to stay out all night.

Finally, I suggest you take the Nankai line to Sumiyoshi Taisha (map), a historic Shinto shrine, where the structures date back to the 3rd century!

Collage of hotels in Minami area: a cozy bedroom, a multi-story building exterior, a stylish hotel lobby

Luxury (US$150 and up)

Citadines Namba Osaka – an amazing luxury hotel with 2 restaurants, a fitness center, a lounge, and impeccable service. The hotel also provides laundry services and a good breakfast for an added fee.
Cross Hotel Osaka – just a short walk from the Dotonbori area, you’ll find the Cross Hotel Osaka, a very stylish hotel offering rooms with modern furnishings, air purifiers, green tea sets, and complimentary water bottles.

Mid-range (from US$80 to US$150)

Apartment Hotel 11 – a 3-star aparthotel in a convenient location, a short walk from the city center, where each of the rooms boasts a balcony overlooking the city and has a small kitchen with all the necessary appliances.
Fourz Hotel Kintetsu – this comfortable hotel provides easy access to the Namba subway station and features a spa and wellness center, and modern rooms with fresh linens and towels.

Budget (up to US$80)

Cabin & Capsule Hotel J-SHIP – this capsule hotel offers separate male and female capsules situated on different floors of the building. There are also male and female public baths and a shared lounge.
Nisshin Namba Inn – an amazing choice for budget travelers, this hotel offers a complimentary breakfast, air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, a kitchenette, and an on-site coin launderette.

3. Central Osaka/Honmachi – where to stay in Osaka on a budget

A vibrant night view of a bustling cityscape with illuminated skyscrapers and busy highways.

Wondering where to stay in Osaka on a budget? Head to Honmachi, Central Osaka, located right between Namba (Minami) and Umeda (Kita), just half an hour’s walk from both of them. Honmachi is quite a small area and slightly more laid-back than the downtown Osaka neighborhoods, and offers more budget-friendly accommodation options.

Even though this area doesn’t particularly have its own landmarks and attractions, you can easily get to Umeda or Namba. Plus, you’ll also be close to many restaurants, shopping spots, cafes, and more.

Utsubo Park (map) is less than a 10-min walk from Honmachi if you want to spend a relaxing afternoon surrounded by nature or maybe even go for a game of tennis in one of the park’s many courts.

You’ll also have easy access to Honmachi station (Midosuji subway line), which means you’ll be well-connected to the rest of the city.

Here are the best Osaka hotels in Honmachi that you can choose from:

Collage of a hotels photos in Honmachi area: spa area with water feature, a comfortable bedroom with cityscape through the window, and exterior of the hotel

Luxury (US$150 and up)

Courtyard by Marriott – one of the best hotels in Central Osaka, the Courtyard by Marriott provides concierge services, room service, access to a 24-hour front desk, a currency exchange, and air-conditioned rooms with various amenities.
Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu – here’s another one of the best luxury hotels in Osaka, with an incredible restaurant, an indoor swimming pool, and a gym. You’ll also benefit from an on-site currency exchange and luggage storage.

Mid-range (from US$50 to US$150)

Super Hotel Premier – a very short walk from Hommachi Station, this 3-star hotel boasts a hot spring bath, a restaurant, and modern rooms. It has a designated smoking area and offers luggage storage services.
Travelodge Honmachi Osaka – in a convenient location in the center of Osaka, this hotel offers a buffet breakfast and free Wi-Fi. The staff speaks multiple languages and is always friendly and willing to help the guests.

Budget (up to US$50)

WELLSTAY Honmachi – a 1-star apartment and a perfect choice if you’re traveling on a budget, with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and household amenities such as a kettle and a microwave.
Hotel The Rock – conveniently located near many attractions, this is one of the best capsule hotels in Osaka, with separate male and female capsules, as well as private rooms with bunk beds.

4. Tennoji / Shinsekai- best area for a traditional atmosphere

Striking view of the five-story pagoda of Shitennoji Temple in Osaka, Japan, framed by red temple roofs against a bright blue sky, reflecting traditional Japanese architecture

Tennoji and Shinsekai are adjacent neighborhoods centered around Tennoji Park and boasting many authentic Japanese temples, perfect if you want to experience the serene and traditional atmosphere of Japan. These 2 neighborhoods are just a 10-min drive Southeast of Namba, and they also have a great selection of budget accommodations.

The area offers plenty of attractions to explore, so you may be wondering where to start. Well, I’d recommend starting with Tennoji Park (map), a gorgeous landscape park with many picnic spots that’s also home to Tennoji Zoo – great if you’re traveling with kids – and the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts.

Then, your next stop should be Tsūtenkaku Tower (map), a famous skyscraper with an observation deck that provides a great view of the city. Of course, you should pay a visit to Shitennoji (map), an ancient Buddhist temple with a 5-story pagoda.

Last but definitely not least, you should definitely check out Abeno Harukas (map), Japan’s tallest building, and do some shopping at Abeno Q’s Mall (map).

Staying close to Tennoji station is also a good choice because you’ll be well-connected to the city. The Midosuji subway station and Osaka Loop Line are also nearby.

If you want to experience an authentic Japanese atmosphere, it’s always a good idea to stay in a traditional Japanese inn or guest house, also known as a ryokan. However, Osaka doesn’t have many traditional Japanese inns, so if you want to experience that, I suggest you head to Kyoto and book one of these incredible Kyoto ryokans.

Collage of hotels in Tennoji area: a colorful, modern living room, a wooden interior with a view of a city, and a tall skyscraper surrounded by smaller buildings.

Luxury (US$150 and up)

Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel – providing convenient access to Tennoji Station, this luxury hotel has spacious rooms, all offering stunning city views, as well as a panoramic viewpoint offering 360-degree views of Osaka.
Hotel Trusty – a 5-min walk from Tennoji Station, the hotel offers comfortable and modern rooms, a 24/7 front desk, free luggage storage, and a Japanese-style teppanyaki restaurant on-site.

Mid-range (from US$70 to US$150)

Hotel & Resort Bali Tower Tennoji – This beautiful 3-star hotel has Bali-themed rooms featuring wooden furnishings and modern amenities like Wi-Fi and satellite TV. Family-friendly entertainment options, like playrooms and karaoke, are also available.
Hotel Wing International – the spacious rooms at this hotel feature a private bathroom, a desk, a wardrobe, a safety deposit box, and more amenities that ensure a comfortable stay.

Budget (up to US$70)

Guest House Laule’a Tennoji—This aparthotel offers traditional Japanese-style rooms and family rooms. All rooms have a private kitchen, Wi-Fi access, and air conditioning. The property also offers private check-in and check-out.
The Pax Hostel – this hostel is a great location – just a few steps away from the Tsutenkaku Tower – and provides accommodation in shared dormitories and a shared kitchen, as well as bike rentals.

5. Osaka Castle – top area in Osaka for cherry blossoms

Ethereal view of Himeji Castle surrounded by full bloom cherry blossoms under a soft cloudy sky, symbolizing the spring season in Japan

The Osaka Castle area is situated a 35-min subway ride away from the Kita district, and seeing as this area is further from downtown Osaka, it’s much calmer and quieter. Even though it has a very relaxing atmosphere, the area is quite popular – it’s home to one of the city’s main landmarks – Osaka Castle!

The first thing you should do here is head to Osaka Castle Park (map) and spend the entire day there! You won’t want to miss a visit to Osaka Castle, then check out the Osaka Museum of History, then end the day with a stroll in Nishinomaru Garden and take the time to admire the cherry blossoms.

If one of the goals for your trip to Osaka is to admire the cherry blossoms, then the Osaka Castle area is the absolute best place to stay during cherry blossom season, which starts at the end of March and lasts through the beginning of April.

If you decide to stay in the Osaka Castle area, I can guarantee that you’ll enjoy the best views of the cherry blossoms. The area transforms completely during cherry blossom season, and it’s simply mesmerizing!

Here are the best hotel choices if you decide to stay in the Osaka Castle area:

Collage of hotels in Osaka Castle area: a luxury living room, a hotel bedroom, and a cityscape with a park and cherry blossoms.

Luxury (US$170 and up)

Hotel New Otani – situated right in front of Osaka Castle, this is one of the best luxurious hotels in the city, with 13 dining options, an amazing buffet breakfast, and spa facilities like a hot tub and a sauna.
Luxcare Hotel – this 4-star hotel features facilities such as a 24-hour front desk, a restaurant, and luggage storage space. Parking is available for an additional daily fee, while breakfast is included in some of the room rates.

Mid-range (from US$100 to US$170)

Hotel The Lutheran – the hotel is in a central location in the Osaka Castle area and has Western-style rooms, a restaurant, and massage services. Guests will enjoy the daily breakfast buffet, and there are also on-site laundry facilities.
APA Hotel Osaka – offering 3-star service and accommodation, this hotel features non-smoking rooms with private bathrooms, a Japanese restaurant, and a front desk, available around the clock.

Budget (up to US$100)

Hotel Celavie Osakajokitazume – even though it’s a bit lower-rated, this hotel is the best choice if you’re traveling on a budget and want to stay in the Osaka Castle area, offering rooms with private bathrooms and a flat-screen TV.

NOTE: there aren’t many budget accommodation options in the Osaka Castle area, so if you’d like to have more choices, check out my recommendations for one of the nearby areas, such as Honmachi or Tennoji.

6. Osaka Bay – where to stay with family

Crowds of visitors at the entrance of Universal Studios, gathering around the iconic rotating globe under a sunny sky flanked by tall palm trees

The Osaka Bay area is home to Universal Studios Japan, one of the city’s most popular attractions. So, it comes as no surprise that the area attracts plenty of visitors, especially families with kids. Situated a 20-minute subway ride West of Umeda, the Osaka Bay area is lively and fun – you won’t spend a dull moment here!

The first thing you do in Osaka Bay is visit Universal Studios Japan and explore the many shows offered there. I highly recommend buying tickets online and doing that at least a day before your visit – tickets are quick to sell out without notice, and you don’t want to miss out on this experience.

But there’s more to this area than Universal Studios! Of course, I’m talking about Tempozan, a waterfront neighborhood that hosts the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel (map), which offers unbeatable views over Osaka Bay, and the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the biggest aquariums in the world.

A visit to the Osaka Aquarium is a must – you’ll get to see many unique marine animals up close, from manta rays to sharks! But seeing as this is a very popular spot, you should get your ticket online and skip the long lines.

Whether you’re with a toddler or a teenager, I’m sure the whole family will have fun in the Osaka Bay area. There are also many restaurants nearby, so you’ll have plenty of dining options. And in case you run out of things to do, you can always take the subway to downtown Osaka and explore more of the city.

Now, here are the top hotels in Osaka Bay, including some awesome family-friendly hotels:

Collage of hotels in Osaka-Bay area: an interior hotel room view with a bed and desk, a buffet spread of various dishes, and a mother with her child selecting food, and exterior of the hotel

Luxury (US$170 and up)

Hotel Universal Port Vita – less than a 5-min walk from Universal Studios Japan, this 4-star hotel features family rooms, a restaurant, and private parking. The staff is super friendly and willing to assist you at any time.
The Singulari Hotel & Skyspa – this hotel is the official affiliate of Universal Studios Japan and boasts many facilities, but the most attractive is the rooftop spa with an open-air bath and a sauna, overlooking the Osaka waterfront.

Mid-range (from US$80 to US$170)

Auberge du Tanuki Noir (Maison d’Hôtes) – conveniently located in the Osaka Bay area, this guest house has non-smoking rooms and a hot spring bath on-site; you can also enjoy a simple but delicious breakfast, plus coffee and cookies.
Hotel She – a short distance away from Universal Studios Japan, this 3-star hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs and vinyl record players, as well as vinyl records available for rent/sale at the front desk.

Budget (up to US$80)

Guest House Rice Chikko – a cozy budget guest house with an on-site bar, a lounge, and private rooms with access to shared bathrooms. Guests say that the staff is very friendly and willing to answer any questions you may have.
Hoppers Osaka Universal – a 15-min walk from Universal Studios Japan, this hostel features both private and dormitory rooms, a shared kitchen, and coin-operated laundry machines, and offers complimentary coffee and tea.

7. Shin-Osaka – where to stay in Osaka for day trips

Densely crowded scene at dusk in Osaka's bustling shopping district, with neon signs and advertisements from global brands like H&M and local shops, highlighting the vibrant urban nightlife

The Shin-Osaka area is the city’s bullet train station, known as the Shinkansen stop among the locals. Situated just a 7-min subway ride North of Umeda (3 stops on the Midosuji subway line), this is the area where all the train lines converge, so it’s always teeming with people and bustling with life.

Besides being a transit hub, the Shin-Osaka area offers plenty of restaurants and hotels, so you can choose from plenty of accommodations in all price categories, and I’m sure you’ll find some great food spots, too. I’d recommend Maru de Sankaku (map) for their ramen bowls and Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu (map) for delicious meat dishes.

However, the main perk of staying near the train station is that you’ll be able to take day trips to other Japanese cities; Kyoto is just a 15-min ride on the bullet train, while the ride to Hiroshima is a bit longer (1h 30 mins), but it’s definitely worth making the trips.

So, if you’d like to explore more of Japan during your stay in Osaka, there’s no better place to stay than the Shin-Osaka area.

Collage of hotel interior in Shin-Osaka area: an upscale bedroom, a modern dining area, and a compact hostel-style shared room.

Luxury (US$150 and up)

Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station – just a minute away from the Shin-Osaka station, this hotel boasts modern rooms that provide stunning city views, a traditional Teppanyaki restaurant, and an on-site fitness center.
Karaksa Hotel Grande – a 4-star hotel with a sauna, a restaurant, and air-conditioned rooms, each with a private bathroom, plus free Wi-Fi access and a 24/7 front desk.

Mid-range (from US$70 to US$150)

Remm Shin-Osaka – providing easy access to the Shin-Osaka station, the hotel has contemporary rooms with massage chairs, large windows overlooking the city, and glass-door bathrooms with rain showers.
Shin-Osaka Station Hotel – just steps away from Shin-Osaka station, this 3-star hotel has cozy rooms decorated in neutral colors, stocked with complimentary mineral water, and a restaurant serving European cuisine.

Budget (up to US$70)

Capsule Hotel J Garden – an affordable capsule hotel where each of the units is air-conditioned and equipped with a safety deposit box. Guests also get free access to Wi-Fi and use of the shared lounge.
Smile Hotel – this budget accommodation is in a convenient location, near many popular points of interest, and offers air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, and private parking at an extra charge.

Vibrant street scene in Osaka's Shinsekai district with the Tsutenkaku Tower in the background, surrounded by eclectic signage and oversized food sculptures, capturing the area's lively atmosphere

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Where to Stay in Osaka – 7 EPIC Areas for a Memorable Trip

If you are in a hurry