Osaka is a massive city, so choosing where to stay may seem like a difficult task. However, the city’s main attractions are concentrated in a few key locations, and once you get to know where these are, you should be able to pick a location fairly easily based on your personal interests and your own travel itinerary.
Table of Contents
Central Osaka Area
Central Osaka is typically divided into a northern “Kita” area which is centered on the Umeda district, and a southern “Minami” area which is centered on the Namba district. Umeda and Namba are therefore the two top options when choosing where to stay in Osaka. Both areas have excellent transportation links, plenty of shopping, and dining facilities, and a very high concentration of hotel accommodation. Umeda is a more modern area and has better links to cities outside of Osaka, such as Kyoto, Kobe, Wakayama, and Kanazawa. Namba, on the other hand, is a long-established area in Osaka with more history, and it also has the advantage of colorful nightlife, and access to both traditional and modern entertainment.
Although Umeda and Namba are the most popular locations, there are alternative options which may suit you better. These include choosing a location further south in Tennoji, staying in the Osaka Bay area, finding a location close to Osaka Castle, exploring the museum district of Nakanoshima, planning a quick get-away by staying near Shin-Osaka Station, or economizing in Honmachi. In this article we will look closely at all of these options in turn. However, another important point when choosing where to stay, is how easily you can get to other parts of the city. The two rail lines that provide the best accessibility to all parts of Osaka are the Midosuji Subway Line and the Osaka Loop Line. When choosing your accommodation, try to find a hotel that is close to a station on one of these lines.
Umeda Area
The Umeda district has a great mix of accommodation types, with a large number of big name luxury hotels, but also plenty of affordable mid-range hotels, as well as some budget hostels and guest houses for backpackers. The top tourist attractions in this area are Umeda Sky Building the Hep Five building’s Ferris wheel, and Tsuyu-no-Tenjinja Shrine. Other areas in the Kita district within walking distance of Umeda include Nakazakicho: an old-fashioned area of tiny alleyways filled with independent shops, cafes, bars, and event spaces; and Kitashinchi: a high-end entertainment area just south of Umeda.
Umeda itself, is a busy, modern, commercial district, packed with dramatic high-rise buildings and an incredible range of shopping and dining facilities. Among these, the Daimaru, Hanshin
Umeda is also super convenient in terms of transport with several railway stations providing links to destinations both inside and outside Osaka. There are three subway stations in Umeda, making most parts of the city easily accessible. These are Osaka-Umeda Station on the Midosuji Line, Higashi-Umeda Station on the Tanimachi Line, and Nishi-Umeda Station on the Yotsubashi Line. Osaka Station is the major JR railway hub, and here you can catch the Osaka Loop Line that encircles central Osaka, as well as limited express services for destinations such as Kinosaki Onsen, Kanazawa, and Wakayama. Nearby, Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station provides services for Kyoto, Kobe, and Takarazuka, and Hanshin Osaka-Umeda Station provides services for Kobe, Namba, and Amagasaki. Intercity highway buses can also be caught from the JR Expressway Bus Terminal on the north side of Osaka Station and the Willer Express bus terminal at the Umeda Sky Building.
Luxury
- Hilton Osaka is centrally located opposite Osaka Station. Hilton Osaka offers upscale accommodations with panoramic city views, renowned dining options, and direct access to the city’s shopping and entertainment districts.
- The Ritz-Carlton Osaka is nestled in the prestigious Umeda district. The Ritz-Carlton Osaka embodies luxury and elegance, featuring exquisite rooms, fine dining experiences, and a tranquil spa, all inspired by Japanese culture and hospitality.
- InterContinental Hotel Osaka is situated in the bustling Grand Front Osaka complex. The InterContinental Hotel Osaka provides a blend of contemporary design and luxurious amenities, along with exceptional service, making it a favorite among business and leisure travelers alike.
Mid-range
- Hotel Granvia Osaka is located within Osaka Station City. This hotel offers direct access to transportation, shopping, and dining, along with comfortable rooms and comprehensive facilities.
- Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA is a contemporary hotel offering stunning city views, modern amenities, and a rooftop garden, situated directly above Osaka Station for ultimate convenience.
- Hotel Monterey Le Frere Osaka is a stylish and modern hotel with a touch of European elegance, located in the heart of Osaka, offering easy access to key attractions and transport links.
Budget
- ibis Budget Osaka Umeda is a straightforward and affordable hotel offering compact, modern rooms and essential services, situated in a prime location near Umeda Station for easy city exploration.
- Nest Hotel Osaka Umeda is a cozy and budget-friendly hotel that provides a comfortable stay with essential amenities, located close to Umeda’s transport links and attractions.
- HOTEL UNIZO Osaka Umeda is a modern and efficiently designed hotel offering a comfortable and convenient stay in the bustling Umeda district, ideal for business and leisure travelers.
Namba and Shinsaibashi Area
Namba has a good mix of accommodation types, with plenty of comfortable tourist hotels, mid-range business hotels, and budget guest houses, hostels, and capsule hotels. Namba lies at the heart of the southern Minami district which also includes the bright lights of Dotonbori, the fashion boutiques of Shinsaibashi, trend-setting Amerika-mura, and Nipponbashi’s Denden Town with its cheap electronics and “otaku” specialty stores. All of these areas are easily walkable from Namba, which makes it the perfect base to explore some of Osaka’s best tourist attractions.
Famous shopping attractions around Namba include Kuromon Ichiba food market, Doguyasuji’s “Kitcheware Street”, and the Namba Parks shopping complex with its tiered roof-gardens and unique canyon design. Visitors can take a step back in time at historic Hozenji Temple and the neighboring stone-flagged alleyway of Hozenji Yokocho, and enjoy traditional entertainment such as puppet plays at the National Bunraku Theater or Kabuki dramas at Osaka Shochikuza Theater. For more modern entertainment the bars and restaurants of Dotonbori have everything you need.
Namba is particularly well-connected with four railway stations and the OCAT highway bus terminal. Namba Subway Station serves the Midosuji, Sennichimae, and Yotsubashi lines making the rest of the city readily accessible. At Osaka Namba Station you can board Hanshin services for Amagasaki and Kobe, and Kintetsu services bound for Nara and Mie. JR Namba Station also has Yamatoji Line services bound for Nara. Finally, Nankai Namba Station is particularly useful as it has direct services to Kansai International Airport, and also outbound services for Wakayama and Mount Koya.
Luxury
- Swissotel Nankai Osaka is a luxurious hotel situated directly above Nankai Railway’s Namba Station, offering easy access to Osaka’s attractions, with spacious rooms and panoramic city views.
- Centara Grand Hotel Osaka is inspired by Osaka’s rich heritage and vibrant nightlife. This hotel combines luxury with the unique culture of the city, providing guests with an exceptional stay experience.
- Cross Hotel Osaka is located in the heart of the Namba area. This stylish hotel offers contemporary rooms and excellent dining options, close to famous shopping districts and entertainment venues.
Mid-range
- Candeo Hotels Osaka Shinsaibashi is a modern hotel with a rooftop public bath, offering stylish accommodations and a central location in the fashionable Shinsaibashi shopping district.
- Hotel Nikko Osaka is directly connected to Shinsaibashi Subway Station. This hotel features comfortable rooms with city views and multiple dining options, ideally situated for shopping and sightseeing.
- Citadines Namba Osaka is a contemporary serviced apartment hotel, offering spacious and flexible living spaces, located in the heart of Osaka’s vibrant Namba district, perfect for longer stays.
Budget
- Sotetsu Fresa Inn Osaka Namba is a comfortable and convenient hotel located close to the vibrant Namba district, offering modern amenities and easy access to Osaka’s popular attractions and dining options.
- Henn na Hotel Osaka Namba is an innovative hotel known for its use of high-tech features, including robot staff, providing a unique and efficient stay experience near the lively Namba area.
- Via Inn Prime Shinsaibashi Yotsubashi is a stylish and affordable hotel situated near the fashionable Shinsaibashi shopping area, offering comfortable accommodations and convenient access to Osaka’s main sights.
Tennoji Area
Tennoji is an interesting area located further south of Namba, but still very well-connected with two railway stations and a tramline. Famous tourist attractions around Tennoji include Tennoji Park and Zoo, Osaka City Museum, Shitenoji Temple, and Japan’s tallest building: the Abeno Harukas skyscraper. Tennoji is also within walking distance of Shinsekai and the Tsutenkaku Tower, the Spa World hot spring theme park, and it is connected to several historic locations still further south by the Hankai Tramway.
Despite all these attractions, because Tennoji is not so central you may find that hotel rates are a little cheaper. Most of the hotels in this area are mid-range, except for the Osaka Marriott Miyako, which is a luxury hotel in the Abeno Harukas tower. Tennoji Station is served by several JR lines including the Osaka Loop Line, and the Midosuji and Tanimachi subway lines. Just across the street from Tennoji Station, Osaka-Abenobashi Station runs Kintetsu services for Yoshino, including the limited express sightseeing train, Blue Symphony service.
Luxury
- Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel occupies the upper floors of the Abeno Harukas building. This hotel offers luxurious rooms with breathtaking city views and top-notch amenities.
Mid-range
- Miyako City Osaka Tennoji is a comfortable hotel directly connected to Tennoji Station offering easy access to cultural sites and public transport, with modern rooms designed for relaxation and convenience.
- APA Hotel Tennoji-Ekimae is a budget-friendly hotel located near Tennoji Station, providing compact, efficient rooms with essential amenities for travelers.
Budget
- Toyoko Inn Osaka Abeno Tennoji is an affordable option for visitors, offering clean, functional rooms and complimentary breakfast, located close to attractions in the Tennoji area.
- Hotel Wing International Premium Osaka-Shinsekai is situated near the vibrant Shinsekai district. This hotel provides stylish accommodations with easy access to local dining and entertainment options.
Osaka Bay and Universal Studios Japan Area
Staying on Osaka Bay is a great choice for couples or families. The major attractions here are cruises on the bay, the Universal Studios Japan (USJ) theme park, and the Tempozan Harbor Village entertainment complex which includes Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and the Tempozan Ferris Wheel.
There are a number of luxury and mid-range hotels located around USJ and close to the Tempozan Village and these locations are connected to each other by a ferry service. Although this area is accessible by train or bus, it is not very central, so you may be able to get a good deal on room rates.
Luxury
- The Singulari Hotel & Skyspa at Universal Studios Japan combines luxurious accommodations with a rooftop spa, providing stunning views and easy access to Universal Studios Japan
- HOTEL SAILS is a modern nautical-themed hotel offering cozy accommodations and personalized service, conveniently located for exploring Osaka’s waterfront attractions and USJ.
- The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan is located at the entrance of Universal Studios Japan. This hotel offers themed rooms and direct access to the park, perfect for families and fans.
Mid-range
- ORIENTAL HOTEL UNIVERSAL CITY is a modern hotel with sleek designs, located close to Universal Studios Japan, offering comfort and convenience for theme park visitors.
- Hotel Keihan Universal Tower is located in a high-rise building near Universal Studios Japan. This hotel features spacious rooms with spectacular views and includes an on-site onsen for relaxation after a day at the park.
Shin-Osaka Station Area
Shin-Osaka Station is located further to the north of the Umeda area. Most of the hotels here are in the mid-range, but there are some high grade tourist hotels within walking distance of the station, and for budget travelers there is a youth hostel and a capsule hotel.
The area around Shin-Osaka Station has no major tourist attractions, so the main reason to stay here is for easy access to the station itself. Shin-Osaka Station is Osaka’s only terminal for the high speed “bullet train” shinkansen lines, so you may want to stay here if you are planning long-distance travel to one of Japan’s other major cities. The Tokaido Shinkansen connects Osaka with Kyoto, Nagoya and Tokyo, and the Sanyo Shinkansen connects with Kobe, Himeji, Okayama, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka. However, it is very easy to get to Shin-Osaka Station from Umeda; either via the Midosuji Subway Line in 7 minutes, or via the JR Kyoto Line which will get you to Osaka Station in 4 minutes. So even if you are planning to travel by shinkansen, you may still prefer to stay in Umeda.
Luxury
- Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station offers direct access to Shin-Osaka Station, modern accommodations, and is ideal for business and leisure travelers.
Mid-range
- remm Shin-Osaka is directly connected to Shin-Osaka Station and known for its comfortable, contemporary rooms with massage chairs, catering to guests seeking relaxation and convenience.
- karaksa hotel grande Shin-Osaka Tower features spacious, modern rooms and amenities designed for family and group travelers, located close to the station.
Budget
- Via Inn Shin Osaka Shomenguchi offers functional, cozy accommodations with essential amenities, suitable for budget-conscious travelers.
- UNIZO INN Shin-Osaka is a practical choice for travelers, providing compact, efficient rooms with basic comforts near the station.
- HOTEL MYSTAYS Shin Osaka Conference Center is catering to business and leisure guests. This hotel offers spacious rooms and conference facilities, a short distance from Shin-Osaka Station.
Nakanoshima Area
Nakanoshima is an island between two rivers located to the west of Osaka Castle. The island features pleasant parkland, several museums, and other locations of cultural interest. Although it is accessible from Temmabashi Station via the Keihan Nakanoshima Line, this is a nice area to explore on foot and there are a small number of upscale and mid-range hotels here. Attractions include Osaka Science Museum, the National Museum of Art, and the Museum of Oriental Ceramics.
Luxury
- Conrad Osaka offers luxurious accommodations with modern design, stunning panoramic city views, and four dining options, situated atop a high-rise located on the Nakanoshima island.
- ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka is a sophisticated hotel with comfortable rooms, multiple dining options, and a convenient location across the bridge from Nakanoshima island.
- RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka features spacious rooms, a wide range of dining choices, and extensive conference facilities, located near multiple museums on Nakanoshima island.
Mid-range
- Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier provides modern accommodations with a public bath overlooking the cityscape, located close to the Osaka riverfront.
- Aloft Osaka Dojima is a stylish and vibrant hotel offering contemporary rooms, a lively bar, and a central location, catering to the younger, tech-savvy travelers.
Osaka Castle Area
Osaka Castle is a popular destination in the cherry blossom season. The castle is surrounded by a large park and there are five railway stations around it. Of these stations, Temmabashi Station on the park’s north west corner provides good links to the north and south of Osaka via the Tanimachi Subway Line and to Kyoto via the Keihan Main Line.
Choosing a hotel closer to this station will also give you access to a number of other local attractions such as the Osaka Mint Museum, Ohtsuki Noh Theater, and Osaka Museum of History. Aqua-Liner river cruises also depart from a pier very close to Temmabashi Station. Most hotels in this area are mid-range and affordable.
Honmachi Area
There’s not a lot going on in Honmachi, but it lies midway between the Kita and Minami areas and has easy access to both areas via the Midosuji Line at Hommachi Station. With the exception of the 5-star luxury hotel St. Regis Osaka, most hotels in this area are mid-range and highly affordable. If everywhere else is booked up, Honmachi might be your last best choice.
Article Michael Lambe. Photos by shiii/pixta (1), matya1234/pixta (2), Anesthesia/pixta (3), gengorou/pixta (4), k_n/pixta (5), tabiphoto10/pixta (6), mfs/pixta (7), skylight/pixta (8). All rights reserved.