If you’re planning a trip to Japan, there are plenty of things to do, but you must visit Osaka. This vibrant city is full of culture and is famous for its mouthwatering street food, diverse shopping options, and exciting nightlife. Before diving into everything Osaka has to offer, though, you need to figure out where to stay.
I’ve visited Osaka many times; it even served as my home base during a year I spent living in Japan. My mom was also born and raised here, so I consider Osaka my second home. Having stayed in various accommodations throughout the city—from Tennoji to Umeda—I have a solid grasp of most neighborhoods. Whether you’re looking for an urban oasis close to all the action or something quieter but still easily accessible by train, I’ve got you covered. In this post, I’ll outline the best areas to stay in Osaka for first-time visitors, those looking for nightlife, families, budget travelers, and more. Let’s dive into the list of the best places to stay in Osaka.
If you want to stay in Osaka’s center, consider the Kita (Umeda) area. Umeda, located in the north of Osaka, is excellent for transportation and offers a mix of delicious food, great shopping, various museums, historic shrines, and tranquil parks. Umeda Station, one of Japan’s largest and busiest, provides easy access to Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji, theoretically saving you time and preventing you from getting lost on transfers.
Here are some top accommodation options in Kita (Umeda):
1. Aloft Osaka Dojima: This chic 4-star hotel features modern design and is located close to the canal. It has spacious rooms, friendly staff, a fitness center, and a delicious breakfast.
2. Hotel Elcient Osaka: A more affordable option near Umeda Station, this 3-star hotel offers an onsen (public bath), a sauna, a fitness center, and a buffet breakfast.
3. Conrad Osaka: A luxurious choice located on Nakanoshima Island, offering spectacular city views, lovely rooms, a heated indoor pool, fitness area, and multiple restaurants.
Best things to do in Kita (Umeda):
1. Umeda Sky Building: For spectacular panoramic views, visit this iconic landmark with its Kuchu Teien Observatory.
2. Tenjinbashisuji Shotengai: Japan’s longest shopping street, offering budget-friendly shopping and dining options.
3. HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel: Enjoy stunning views of Osaka from this Ferris wheel atop a mall filled with trendy shops.
4. Ohatsu Tenjin Shrine: A historical shrine famous for its tragic love story, akin to Romeo and Juliet.
5. Pokemon Center: A must-see attraction on the 13th floor of the Umeda Daimaru Department Store, offering interactive displays and arcade games.
Best bars and restaurants in Kita (Umeda):
1. Nidaime Hamaguri-Ramen Shieru: Known for delicious ramen in a cozy setting.
2. Gimpei Osaka-Kitashinchi: An izakaya offering fantastic seafood in comfortable, traditional tatami rooms.
3. Bar K: A popular bar specializing in cocktails with Japanese whisky.
If nightlife is your focus, consider the Minami (Namba) area. Home to bright neon signs, a multitude of restaurants and bars, assorted shops, and various entertainment options, Namba is vibrant and bustling.
Top accommodation options in Minami (Namba):
1. Hiyori Hotel Osaka Namba Station: Located right outside Namba Station and the Namba Parks shopping mall with excellent views and a delicious breakfast.
2. Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka: A luxurious option with British-inspired design and stunning views, located outside JR Namba Station.
3. Fourz Hotel Kintetsu Osaka-Namba: An affordable option with an onsen, located minutes from iconic sights like the Glico Running Man sign.
Best things to do in Minami (Namba):
1. Dotonbori and the Glico Running Man Sign: The heart of Namba, filled with bright signs, food stalls, and shops.
2. Kuromon Ichiba Market: A vibrant market offering the best seafood, produce, and sweets.
3. Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade: A bustling street with a wide variety of shops.
4. Namba Yasaka Shrine: A unique shrine with a lion-head building that brings good luck.
5. Namba Bar Hopping and Night Walking Tour: Experience the local nightlife with a guided tour of the best bars.
Best bars and restaurants in Minami (Namba):
1. Yakiniku M Hozenjiyokocho: A cozy spot for grilling high-quality meats yourself.
2. Ajinoya Honten: A popular restaurant for okonomiyaki, Osakan savory pancakes.
3. Voyager Stand Osaka: A lively bar with affordable drinks and friendly staff.
If you’re into cool, artistic vibes, Amerikamura (American Village) is a trendy option filled with murals, second-hand clothing stores, and inviting cafes. It has a lively music and nightlife scene, making it ideal for those into music, clubs, and fashion.
Top accommodation options in Amerikamura:
1. Henn na Hotel Osaka Namba: Offers a unique experience with dinosaur check-ins, surrounded by restaurants and shops.
2. Shinsaibashi ARTY Inn: Provides clean, comfortable rooms, a spa, and sauna in a central location.
3. The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi: Known for its complimentary amenities like free bike rentals and evening drinks.
Best things to do in Amerikamura:
1. Vintage Shops: Explore ACORN, RAIN, and second-hand stores like 2nd Street.
2. The Silver Ball Planet: A retro arcade perfect for pinball lovers.
3. Triangle Park: A popular meeting spot and great for people-watching.
4. Cafes: Relax in unique cafes like Reptile Cafe Dining Rock Star and The Roasters Coffee Shinsaibashi.
5. Street Art: Enjoy the vibrant street art between shopping and cafe stops.
Best bars and restaurants in Amerikamura:
1. Kogaryu Honten: Famous for takoyaki, a must-try street food.
2. Hokkyokusei: Cozy spot serving omurice (omelet and rice) with a great atmosphere.
3. Rockrock: A popular bar with great music and a friendly vibe.
For families or those who want to be near the water, the Osaka Bay area is a fantastic choice. It’s home to Universal Studios Japan, the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel, and several entertainment-rich shopping malls.
Top accommodation options in Osaka Bay:
1. Hotel Universal Port: Next to Universal Studios Japan, offers ocean views, clean rooms, and a great breakfast.
2. The Singulari Hotel and Skyspa at Universal Studios Japan: Ideal for families, with a rooftop spa and located near the JR Universal-City train station.
3. J-Hoppers Osaka Universal: A budget-friendly guesthouse close to Universal Studios Japan.
Best things to do in Osaka Bay:
1. Universal Studios Japan: An outstanding amusement park with rides for all ages.
2. Osaka Port Diamond Point: A picturesque spot popular among locals for fishing.
3. Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel: Offers fantastic views of the bay.
4. Tempozan Market Place: A large shopping mall with a variety of shops and restaurants.
5. Maishima Ryokuchi Park: A serene park on an artificial island, perfect for nature lovers.
Best bars and restaurants in Osaka Bay:
1. Akarenga Steak House: High-end restaurant with a vintage theme and relaxing ambiance.
2. Yakiniku Restaurant: Fun dining experience where you cook your own meat.
3. Osaka Takoyaki Park: Multiple stalls selling different flavors of takoyaki.
For budget travelers, Tennoji is a great choice. It has some of the cheapest hostels and accommodations in Osaka and is conveniently located near several shopping malls and transport hubs.
Top accommodation options in Tennoji:
1. Backpackers Hotel Toyo: Affordable private rooms with traditional Japanese futon beds.
2. Via Inn Abeno Tennoji: Mid-range hotel near Tennoji Station, close to shopping malls.
3. Hotel Trusty Osaka Abeno: Cozy rooms right across from Tennoji Station with friendly staff and a good breakfast.
Best things to do in Tennoji:
1. Shitenno-ji: An ancient Buddhist temple with a beautiful pond and flea market.
2. Tsutenkaku Tower: Offers fantastic views of Tennoji and Osaka.
3. Abeno Harukas: The tallest skyscraper in Osaka with an observation deck.
4. Tennoji Park: A peaceful park with a botanical garden and museum.
5. Go Shopping: Several malls like Abeno Q’s Mall and Tennoji MIO.
Best bars and restaurants in Tennoji:
1. Shitennoji Hayauchi: Serves some of the best soba in Osaka.
2. Kikuya: Popular spot for kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).
3. Bar Nocosarejima: Chill, vintage-themed bar with a friendly atmosphere.
In conclusion, whether you’re visiting Osaka for its nightlife, shopping, beautiful views, or day trips, there’s something for everyone.
I hope this guide helps you choose where to stay in Osaka to enjoy your trip to the fullest.