Where to Stay in Osaka (5 Best Places & Areas)

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Osaka is a massive, sprawling city. And, while that size is somewhat mitigated by its fantastic public transit network, you’ll still want to stay central (especially for short visits). 

For most first timers, it’s probably best to stay in Namba, right in the heart of Osaka. Namba is where you’ll find many of Osaka’s famous sites, and it has the highest density of restaurants and nightlife. 

Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka is my top recommended hotel because of its massive rooms and perfect location in Namba. Or, if you prefer a large hotel, Swissotel Nankai Osaka probably has the single best location in Osaka, right in Namba station. 

That said, you could also consider the Umeda area if you want to be close to Osaka train station. I stayed at the newly-opened The Osaka Station Hotel (pictured above), and loved the epic views of the skyline. Nearby, Candeo The Tower offers similar views at half the cost. 

However, your best place to stay in Osaka really depends on what you’re looking for. Read on as I break down the pros and cons of each neighborhood to help you decide.

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Best Places to Stay in Osaka

Just looking for a quick answer on the best places to stay in Osaka? Here are my top picks: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka
• 🗺️ Best Location – Swissotel Nankai Osaka
• 📸 For Epic Skyline Views – The Osaka Station Hotel or Candeo The Tower
• 💎 Best Luxury – Hotel Royal Classic Osaka
• 👨‍👩‍👦 Best for Families – Citadines Namba Osaka
• 🏙️ Near Dotonbori – Cross Hotel
• 🛍️ Near Shopping – Hotel The Flag Shinsaibashi
• 🏯 Osaka Castle Views – Hotel New Otani Osaka
• 🎢 Near Universal Studios – Liber Hotel Osaka
• 🛎️ Best Boutique – V’s Boutique House
• ♨️ Ryokan Experience – harper house
• 🛏️ Best Budget – R Hotel Namba South

Quick note: if you like this guide, we have similar ones on where to stay in Tokyo and in Kyoto. 

Next, we’ll explore the pros and cons of staying in each area of Osaka:

5 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Osaka

Understanding Osaka’s neighborhoods can get confusing. Officially, the city is split into 24 special wards (“ku”). But, confusingly, it’s actually more common to hear areas of Osaka described by the nearest train station. This guide uses the latter convention, so note our boundaries might not exactly line up with other maps. Where areas have multiple names, I’ve used (parentheses) to try to disambiguate. 

Namba (Minami)

👉 Best Area For First Timers | ✨ Best Namba Hotels:  Swissotel Nankai Osaka • Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka • The Cross Hotel • Hotel Royal Classic Osaka • V’s Boutique House

Namba is the most central, most-connected, and overall busiest area of Osaka. For most first-timers, staying near Namba is the obvious choice – especially if you only have a few nights in Osaka. You’ll be walking distance to many attractions, and easily connected by train to areas further away. 

Namba is also home to Dotonbori and the Tombori River Walk, a boat-filled canal street featuring flashy neon signs, and endless street food. Dotonbori is probably the most recognizable area of Osaka.  

Hotels in Namba tend to book up fast. The Swissotel Nankai Osaka has the best location in Osaka, right at Namba Station. Or, for a unique stay, The Cross Hotel is located literally on the river walk (some rooms even have a view of the neon Glico Man!). 

My #1 overall pick in Osaka, Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka, is also in Namba. It offers roomy apartment-style accommodation (some rooms have in-room washers, convenient for doing a load in the middle of your Japan trip). 

You also won’t go hungry in Namba. The area is rich with exceptional, low-cost bites. Indulge in an affordable shabu shabu dinner at Popular Sukiyaki Hokuto or get crispy tempura from Tendon Makino. Then for dessert, try out a cream puff from the Beard Papa location in Namba. 

Namba has a fun bar scene in the evenings at spots like Bar Around the World. This watering hole has friendly servers and cocktails with a Japanese twist.  

Pros of Staying in Namba Neighborhood:

• Optimal central location near Dotonbori 
• Affordable food
• Fun nightlife 
• Many attractions around 
• Close to Namba station (convenient for day trips or onward journeys) 

Cons of Staying in Namba Neighborhood:

• Hotels can book out fast in high season
• Area is very busy 

Umeda (Kita)

👉 Best Area For Day Trips | ✨ Best Umeda Hotels: Candeo The Tower • The Osaka Station Hotel • Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE

The Umeda area (Kita ward) is Osaka’s main business and financial area. Soaring skyscrapers and shopping centers surround Osaka Station, a major train hub. 

I stayed at The Osaka Station Hotel shortly after their opening, and was blown away by the epic skyline views and modern comforts in the massive rooms. Taking a bath with the city skyline in the background was a memorable way to unwind after long days exploring the city. 

The hotel sits atop a skyscraper hovering over Osaka Station. While I can’t recommend it enough, it was pricey. For similar views at half the price, check out the nearby Candeo The Tower. 

Staying near Osaka Station is super convenient if you plan on taking day trips to Nara, Kyoto, or other areas nearby. We took a day trip to Nara to see the famous deer (yes, they really do bow) and it couldn’t have been easier. 

That said, it’s important to note the downside of staying in Umeda is that the neighborhood is somewhat far from the attractions of Namba and Dotonbori (17 minutes by train, or almost an hour walking). We found the distance perfectly manageable, but honestly I think most first-timers would be better off staying in Namba, which is why I rank it first on this list. 

Pros of Staying in Umeda Neighborhood:

• Direct access to Osaka train station 
• Soaring skyscraper hotels mean epic views 
• Nice cocktail bars
• Many high-end accommodations 
• Shopping nearby 

Cons of Staying in Umeda Neighborhood:

• Limited attractions in immediate area 
• Removed from the other touristic areas like Namba 

Shinsaibashi

👉 Best Area For Shopping | ✨ Best Shinsaibashi Hotels: Hotel The Flag Shinsaibashi • W Osaka • Hotel Arashi • Candeo Hotels Osaka Shinsaibashi

The Shinsaibashi district is located in the heart of Osaka’s Chuo Ward, just north of Dotonbori and Namba.

There is a wide range of stores to wander in Shinsaibashi. You’ll find department stores, souvenir shops, and places to buy electronics. The main attraction is the fashion-forward vintage shops, like Rinkan Shinsaibashi, Calico, or ALLU. Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street is lined with shops, restaurants, and bright arcades.

Note that Shinsaibashi itself lacks tourist attractions, but it is well connected by transit and walking distance to Dotonbori. 

For families or groups on a budget, Hotel The Flag Shinsaibashi is a great choice. It’s well-located near Shinsaibashi station, reasonably priced, and draws rave reviews. 

For Marriott Bonvoy members, the W Osaka offers modern vibes and stylish rooms.  

Pros of Staying in Shinsaibashi Neighborhood:

• Top-notch shopping
• Cool bars and clubs
• Near other neighborhoods
• Public transit is readily available 

Cons of Staying in Shinsaibashi Neighborhood:

• Few attractions
• Hotels can be expensive

Tennōji & Shinsekai Area

👉 Best Area For Retro & Authentic Osaka | ✨ Best Hotels Near Tennōji & Shinsekai: Waqoo Shitaderamachi • Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel

Clara and I spent a full day walking around Tennōji, and found it to be one of the most unique and authentic areas of Osaka. I’ll never forget the night we made friends with several locals while eating at お粥sawa, a quirky restaurant where the locals were surprisingly eager to chat with us (see tips section below for more on that story).

I would recommend staying in this area if you want a more relaxed, local, and authentic vibe. Tennōji attractions include a zoo, the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts, and the Shitennō-ji Buddhist temple (one of my favorite sites in Osaka). 

Nearby is also Shinsekai, which is a colorful, centuries-old street filled with small establishments for eating, drinking, and gaming. You’ve probably seen the photos of the futuristic Tsutenkaku observation tower, which lords over the neon-lit street below. It’s a fun place to spend a weekend afternoon or evening, and one of my “must-visits” in Osaka. 

There aren’t as many hotels here, but Marriott fans will love the massive Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel. Or, for a more authentic Japanese experience, try out the traditional rooms at Waqoo Shitaderamachi. 

Pros of Staying near Tennōji & Shinsekai:

• Unique area with authentic & retro vibes 
• More local vibe, with fewer tourists (except Shinsekai itself, of course) 

Cons of Staying near Tennōji & Shinsekai:

• Somewhat far from central 
• Hotel options are a bit more limited (though lots of apartment rentals)

Nishinari

👉 Best Area For Families & Budget Travelers | ✨ Best Nishinari Hotels: R Hotel Namba South • Ryokan Suzuran Tengachaya • b&天下茶屋店  • harper house

Nishinari is another local area to consider if you are looking for budget accommodations and don’t mind commuting to the attractions. 

Travel Lemming creator Sky stayed at R Hotel Namba South for part of her Osaka trip. Sky says: “it exceeded my expectations for a budget hotel at just $50 per night. The bed was incredibly comfortable, the lobby was a nice space to work, and the staff was very sweet. Plus, Nishinari was quiet with convenience stores like 7-Eleven nearby.” 

If you’re traveling as a family, you may prefer b&天下茶屋店 as it is large, spotless, and located right near the metro for easy access to Osaka attractions. Nishinari also has lots of beautiful traditional ryokans with friendly staff, such as harper house. 

The family-run restaurants in Nishinari were a highlight of Osaka for Sky, who says “I ate an omakase-style sushi plate from Yama Sushi that was mind-blowing. It felt like I just wandered into a friendly family’s home for dinner and the whole meal cost less than $15.” 

This part of Osaka is much more peaceful than central, touristy neighborhoods, which makes it a great place to stay for families. Since it’s more of a residential district, Nishinari does lack nightlife and attractions. However, it is easy to get to the rest of Osaka by metro. 

Pros of Staying in Nishinari Neighborhood:

• Budget-friendly eateries
• Cheap hotels 
• Well-connected by public transportation
• Quiet, residential environment

Cons of Staying in Nishinari Neighborhood:

• Outside of the main city center
• Few bars
• No attractions nearby

Tips for Staying in Osaka

Use Osaka’s Public Transit System! 

Japan’s public transportation will become your best friend when you’re staying in Osaka. It allows you to get anywhere around the city and beyond. Simply and cheaply. 

It really helps to get a prepaid transit card. There are several to choose from in Japan, but the big ones are Suica and Icoca. You’ll likely need to buy the card at the ticket desk of a central station like Osaka or Namba stations, but then you can top it up at convenience stores like 7-Eleven or Lawson. 

Take a Day Trip to Nara

Clara and I took a day trip to Nara and loved meeting the famous “bowing” deer. While there are tours that will take you there, it’s not really needed in my opinion. 

Just take the train to Nara, get off at the main stop, and then walk towards Nara Park. You’ll quickly find vendors selling you little tablets you can feed the deer. When you’re out of food, show your empty hands to indicate you’re out. 

In addition to the deer, it’s also worth seeing the giant Buddha statue at Tōdai-ji temple. 

teamLab Botanical Garden is Pretty Cool, But Honestly Not a “Must See”

If you’re going to Japan, you have to try out at least one of the many teamLab digital art installations around the country. 

The Osaka venue is almost entirely outside in a botanical garden. The highlight for me was the forest with light-up eggs you can touch, but you can get a similar experience at Planets in Tokyo. 

That said, we went to the one in Osaka and, while it was cool, it pales in comparison to teamlab Planets or Borderless in Tokyo. And it’s pretty far from central Osaka. So, if you’re pressed on time, don’t feel bad skipping it! 

You Can Ship Your Bags to Your Next Destination in Japan 

Most hotels in Osaka will offer the service of “shipping” your bags elsewhere around Japan. Clara and I were traveling with several bags, so we used this to ship our bags from The Osaka Station Hotel to Tokyo. This let us travel with only hand luggage to Kyoto, which made the train journey much easier. When we arrived at our hotel in Tokyo, our bags were already in our room! 

👉 Read Next: Japan Packing Checklist (26 Things You Might Forget to Bring)

Want a Hidden Gem? Pay a Visit to My Favorite Little Eatery  

Ok, so as a thank you for reading this far in my guide, I’ll spill the beans on a little hidden gem that Clara and I discovered: the お粥sawa izakaya restaurant just south of Abeno station. 

The food was solid and affordable (they even had vegan options), the atmosphere unique (there are retro video games, a motorbike, and all sorts of trinkets inside), and the communal table makes for a social setting. 

This was the one place in Osaka where we really got to connect with locals, thanks to the friendly owner who was very eager to introduce us to the clientele. He has a book filled with all the international visitors who have stopped by. Honestly, just go and say hi – I think you’ll like it! 

Book Your Osaka Hotel in Advance (Especially During the Spring) 

Japan is a hot destination, so the best hotels in Osaka can often book out months in advance. Many offer free cancellation, so it’s best to lock a reservation in as soon as you know your dates. 

👉 Here’s a summary of my top suggested hotels in Osaka: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka
• 🗺️ Best Location – Swissotel Nankai Osaka
• 📸 For Epic Skyline Views – The Osaka Station Hotel or Candeo The Tower
• 💎 Best Luxury – Hotel Royal Classic Osaka
• 👨‍👩‍👦 Best for Families – Citadines Namba Osaka
• 🏙️ Near Dotonbori – Cross Hotel
• 🛍️ Near Shopping – Hotel The Flag Shinsaibashi
• 🏯 Osaka Castle Views – Hotel New Otani Osaka
• 🎢 Near Universal Studios – Liber Hotel Osaka
• 🛎️ Best Boutique – V’s Boutique House
• ♨️ Ryokan Experience – harper house
• 🛏️ Best Budget – R Hotel Namba South

FAQs About Staying in Osaka

What are the best areas to stay in Osaka for first-timers?

Namba is my top suggested area for first-timers. It’s conveniently located in the center of the city with easy access to public transportation, restaurants, and major tourist attractions that first-time visitors will want to see. 

Where should I avoid staying in Osaka?

Osaka is huge, so most visitors should avoid staying too far outside the central areas mentioned above. That’s not to say the outlying areas are unsafe (overall, Osaka is a very safe area to stay). But staying too far from central areas like Namba can make for a less comfortable trip. 

Is Osaka safe?

Like most of Japan, Osaka is very safe for travelers. You shouldn’t have any worries in any of the above neighborhoods. 

How many nights should I stay in Osaka?

Osaka has fewer sites than Kyoto or Tokyo. So, for most tourists, 2 or 3 nights in Osaka should be plenty of time. With that said, you could stay longer and explore the surrounding areas via day trips. 

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Thanks for reading my guide on where to stay in Osaka. Have a question? Leave a comment. 

Keep planning with our guides to where to stay in Tokyo and where to stay in Kyoto. 

–Sky Ariella contributed to this post