Where to stay in Osaka: Best Area and Hotel Guide

Asia
Written By Bronwyn Townsend
 

Wondering where to stay in Osaka? This guide to the best areas and top hotel picks is based on my extensive time travelling Japan and my first-hand experience. Whether you’re a first-time traveller or returning for a second (or third time), I can help you choose the best place to stay in Osaka depending on your interests, budget, and travel style.

 
view of Osaka from Umeda Sky Building at sunset overlooking Yodo River and skyscrapers
 

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You’ve planned your itinerary and decided it’s worth visiting Osaka while you’re in Japan. Great! Now you just need to choose where to stay in Osaka. Having visited Osaka several times, I’ve explored many neighbourhoods and have a good feel for the areas and getting around the city. Choosing where to stay in Osaka is important for enjoying your time in Japan’s second-largest city, and finding an area that has the right atmosphere and easy access to the places you want to visit is essential.

I most recently spent nine days in Osaka this past spring, and split my time between a few areas. It’s where I started my latest three-month Japan trip, and this slow and extended time in the city was the perfect way to tackle jet lag and ease into the trip. My husband and I also met up with friends for part of our time in Osaka this time around, so we factored in their interests and budget when choosing accommodation too.

I’m often asked where I recommend staying in Osaka, and I advise three areas that are best for most tourists. Osaka is a sprawling city, so choosing your accommodation location is a big decision — and one you want to get right.

To help you avoid spending hours trawling through booking sites and Google maps, I’ve created this curated guide to the best areas to stay in Osaka and my hotel recommendations.

 

In a hurry? my top picks for the best place to stay in Osaka

  1. Zentis Osaka | Best boutique hotel

  2. The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi | Best for first-timers

  3. Tokyu Stay Osaka Hommachi | Best value for money

view of a japanese garden with a pond in the foreground and Osaka Castle in the background. There are autumn leaves in shades of red and orange on some of the trees and it's a cloudy day.

Where to stay in Osaka

I consider three main areas the best for tourists to stay in Osaka; Kita, Minami, and Honmachi. I’ll outline each area, who the neighbourhood might appeal to and why, and recommend a list of hotels I have either stayed at or would choose to stay at.

Kita

Best for families and a convenient transportation hub

I enjoy staying in Kita if I plan to take a lot of day trips from Osaka, as it’s the best-connected transport hub in the city and home to Osaka JR Station. As Osaka’s main business district, it also has lots of great restaurants, and is a great option for families. However, hotels do tend to be more expensive in this part of town than Minami or Honmachi.

Zentis Osaka | My top choice in the Umeda area, Zentis is a boutique-style hotel with chic interiors and at a very reasonable price. Rooms range from studios to family rooms and are larger compared to most in Osaka. The restaurant and bar are wonderful, and it’s just a short walk from metro stations and the river, and just a little further to Umeda and JR Osaka stations. Check availability and rates for Zentis Osaka.

An empty urban street with low buildings, and apartment block in the background, and plants land bikes ining the street.
A street scene in an urban area of Osaka with golden light backlighting the image. There is a set of traffic lights and a woman in a white jacket riding a bike through the scene.

UMEDAHOLIC HOTEL | I stayed here for two nights after a late arrival in Osaka. It was within walking distance of Osaka JR station and Nakazakicho (one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Osaka). The staff are great, rooms are simple yet have everything you need, and there’s free tea/coffee and snacks for guests in the lobby. It’s a great mid-range option if you’re planning to make the most of your proximity to the station for day trips from Osaka. Check availability and rates for Umedaholic Hotel.

Four Seasons Hotel Osaka | An absolutely gorgeous luxury property that is relatively new on Osaka’s hotel scene, this is the perfect place if you’re looking for a premium stay. Rooms are extremely spacious and designed to a high standard with spectacular city views, and there are plenty of facilities including a spa, sauna, indoor swimming pool, and hot tub. There is also a stunning bar with sweeping views across Osaka’s skyline. Check availability and rates for Four Seasons Hotel Osaka.

view of skyscrapers on a sunny day from umeda sky building in Osaka

DEL style Osaka Shin Umeda by Daiwa Roynet Hotel | A good value hotel just a stone’s throw from JR Osaka and Umeda Stations. I haven’t stayed at this specific hotel, but have stayed in several Daiwa Roynet properties in Japan, and they’re always a good choice. The rooms have colourful styling elements, all the usual amenities including kettle and fridge, and It’s one of the best-priced hotels just moments from a major transport hub and it’s less than a 10-minute walk to the Umeda Sky Building. Check availability and rates for DEL style Osaka Shin Umeda.

Hotel Noum OSAKA | A small, budget-friendly boutique-style stay on the outskirts of Kita. While it’s a little further from the transport hub, this cosy home-style hotel is good for travellers looking to make their money go further in Osaka. There’s a great breakfast on offer, it’s within walking distance of Osaka Castle (just over the river), and it has a mix of rooms that offer more privacy than a hostel, with a mix of private and shared spaces. Check availability and rates for Hotel Noum Osaka.

glico running man sign and billboards above the dotonbori river, Osaka on a sunny day.

Minami

Best for those who want to be close to tourist hotspots and nightlife

If you want to be close to the action, Minami is home to popular tourist areas including Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi. It’s great because there is plenty to see and do within walking distance, and it’s located on the Midosuji Metro Line. Ideally, stay close to Namba Station as it can make day trips more accessible, in addition to being in the heart of Downtown Osaka.

The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi | Just a 10-minute walk from Dotonbori, this is a great budget-friendly hotel that is in reach of many of Osaka’s top attractions including Namba, DenDen Town, and Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade. Rooms are simple but comfortable and have all the amenities you’ll need. The highlight is free nightly ramen for guests. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal in the area. Check availability and rates for The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi.

Cross Hotel Osaka | Everyone I know who has stayed at this hotel loves it. Around the corner from Dotonbori, you’re in the heart of one of Osaka’s most recognisable districts. Rooms are on the larger side for Osaka, and don’t worry about being so close to the action, as the rooms are soundproof. Modern and convenient, the location is great for those who want to be on the doorstep of Dotonbori. It’s also just a 3-minute walk to Namba subway station. Check availability and rates for Cross Hotel Osaka.

A brightly coloured restaurant exterior with lit up lanterns in red, yellow, blue and white around the entrance. There are bikes parked on the street in front of the restaurant.
An indoor market with the heads of people walking through at the bottom of the image and a large pufferfish statues suspended from the roof.

Citadines Namba Osaka | At the crossroads of Namba and DenDen Town, this contemporary hotel is perfectly located near many top attractions in Osaka, including Kuromon Ichiba Market, without being in the thick of it in Dotonbori. A mix of standard rooms, studios, and one and two-bedroom apartments are available, so it’s a great option if you want to stay as a family or group. Some rooms also offer a small kitchen, which is great if you’d like to self-cater sometimes. Check availability and rates for Citadines Namba Osaka. 

Fairfield by Marriott Osaka Namba | I always enjoy staying at the Fairfield by Marriott hotels in Japan. While I haven’t stayed at the Osaka location, I did stay in the Aso hotel earlier this year and it was excellent. Rooms are very spacious, modern, and have a walk-in shower (rather than over the bath like many hotels in Japan). There’s also an on-site restaurant and gym, and 24-hour reception. And, it’s just around the corner from Namba Yasaka Shrine, and a short walk to Namba Station and Dotonbori. Check availability and rates for Fairfield by Marriott Osaka Namba.

Giant lion's head stage at Namba Yasaka Jinja with autumn leaves in the foreground and background
A street scene from Dotonbori on a cloudless, sunny day. There are lots of signs, mostly in red and yellow, handing above the street with a large lamp post in the middle and the street is filled with people walking.

Honmachi

Best value for money and a quieter atmosphere

Honmachi is my favourite area to stay in Osaka. Our friends also loved staying here as it isn’t as busy as downtown Osaka, but still conveniently located on the Midosuji subway line, and it’s typically great value for money. It’s a more residential area, but I find the hotel rooms are more roomy in Honmachi and generally better value for money overall. Located between Kita and Minami, this is a great option if you want to be close enough to key attractions in Osaka but without the hustle and bustle. 

Tokyu Stay Osaka Hommachi | I spent six nights here earlier this year and loved staying at this hotel. Rooms were larger than average for Osaka and included a washing machine in-room which was a huge benefit, so we never had to wait for the communal ones to be available. It’s a short walk from both Hommachi and Sakaisuji Hommachi Stations (under 5 mins), so it’s easy to get around the city. There’s a fitness centre, lots of convenience stores nearby, and my favourite coffee shop in Osaka is also just a 2-minute walk away. Check availability and rates for Tokyu Stay Osaka Hommachi.

warm light wood shelving inside coffee shop, with plants in the background and speakers on the shelves.
An urban street in Osaka with people riding bikes and a stop sign hanging above the street. It's an overcast day and there are lots of signs hanging above the street.

The Lively Osaka Honmachi | I stayed here on a previous trip to Osaka, and it was such great value for money. Rooms are larger than most in Osaka and well-designed, there’s a great rooftop bar, and the hotel even has family rooms with bunks for the kids. Sakaisuji Hommachi metro station is just 2 minutes away, and the outdoor terrace is cosy in the cooler months with an outdoor fireplace. Check availability and rates for The Lively Osaka Honmachi.

Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu | A good mid-range hotel that I almost booked, but ended up choosing the Tokyu Stay around the corner simply because it has an in-room washing machine. Standard rooms here are also larger than average in Osaka, and the simple-yet-modern design rooms offer city views. Hommachi metro station is a 3-minute walk, and you can walk to the Shinsaibashi shopping area in 10 minutes. Check availability and rates for Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu.
Miyako City Osaka Hommachi | Modern, convenient, and good value for money. The rooms are on the larger size and offer a balcony with city views. Even the corner rooms with wrap around windows won’t break the bank at the top end range of their options. Just a 3-minute walk from Hommachi metro station, it’s easy to get around the city and also within walking distance of Shinasaibashi and Dotonbori within 15 minutes. Check availability and rates for Miyako City Osaka Hommachi.

Brightly coloured restaurant and store fronts in Osaka, Japan. In the centre, there is a silver tower under a bright blue sunny sky.

Where is the best place to stay near Universal Studios Japan?

If your main reason for staying in Osaka is to visit Universal Studios Japan, especially if you’re travelling with children, you may prefer to stay close to the theme park. The Osaka Bay area is best if you want to be close to Universal Studios, and there are other attractions in the area including Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Tempozan Ferris Wheel, and Osaka Bay Cruise Santa Maria. I’d recommend these hotels if you want to stay in the Osaka Bay area.

LIBER HOTEL Osaka | A 4-star hotel close to Universal Studios and Expo. Rooms are spacious for Osaka and its mid-range pricepoint is a little lower than Downtown Osaka. Family rooms are available and can sleep up to six people, and there are all the amenities you’ll need to enjoy your stay as well as 24-hour reception. Check availability and rates for Liber Hotel.

Hotel Universal Port | The best hotel if you want to be on the doorstep of Universal Studios. Rooms are available for up to four people, so a good choice for families or groups. There’s a 24-hour reception, luggage storage, and rooms are larger than most in Osaka. Check availability and rates for Hotel Universal Port.

Are hotel breakfasts worth it in Japan?

I almost always skip hotel breakfasts in Japan, unless I’m staying at a ryokan. Why? Because I prefer to have the choice of trying the incredible coffee shops and cafes in local neighborhoods, or grabbing a konbini breakfast to pop in the fridge the night before so I can head out early if I need to. 

It’s up to you whether you want to include breakfast, but I find it isn’t worth the cost and there’s often little variety day to day. So if you’re staying a few nights, you may get bored of eating the same thing.

a night scene in dotonbori with neon lit signs.

How far in advance should I book accommodation in Osaka?

I’m a big advocate of booking as soon as you can. Japan continues to be popular at the moment, and while Expo wraps up in October, Osaka remains a top choice among visitors. Many hotels open bookings 3-6 months out, with larger international chains opening their calendars as far as 9-12 months in advance. In short, as soon as you’ve finalised your itinerary and locked in your flights, book your hotel in Osaka.

Are hotels in Osaka cheaper than Tokyo or Kyoto?

One reason Osaka makes a great base during your Japan trip is that accommodation is generally more affordable than in nearby Kyoto and hotels in Tokyo. Prices have increased generally across the Golden Route in Japan in recent years due to an influx of international tourism, inflation, and Expo 2025, however I find Osaka a more budget-friendly destination for hotels.

A few looking down dotonbori river at dusk. There is a large oval-shapped yellow ferris wheel on the left side, and a long row of neon-lit signs running along both sides of the river with japanese characters.

Tips for choosing accommodation in Osaka

  • Consider which area meets your needs and your personal preferences. If you want somewhere quiet and away from the crowds, then consider Hommachi instead of Namba for example.

  • Check you’re booking a non-smoking room. Hotels, especially business hotels in Japan, still typically offer smoking rooms, so double check which room type you have selected before confirming your booking if you don’t want the room to have a smell of cigarette smoke.

  • Check the bedding configuration — rooms in Japanese hotels may follow a Japanese or Western style format. Japanese-style rooms usually have futons or mattresses on the floor and beds may be single. Western-style rooms may have a double/king bed or a twin bed configuration.

  • Check room sizes — hotel rooms in Japan are usually a lot smaller than those in the US, so check if you’re happy with the space before booking.

  • Check your transport options — after clocking up 25,000 steps per day sightseeing in Osaka, you will be glad to be able to jump on the metro instead of trekking back across the city.

 

What next? 

Now that you’ve decided where to stay, start planning your time in Osaka with my one-day and three-day Osaka itineraries. And don’t miss my packing guides for autumn and winter to help you prepare for your Japan trip!

You can also plan more of your Japan travels with these helpful itineraries and guides.

How to spend five days in Kyoto

See Tokyo with this five-day itinerary

Decide whether an eSIM or pocket wifi is best to keep you connected

Not sure if you need a JR Pass? I break it down to help you figure it out

 

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Bronwyn Townsend

Bronwyn Townsend is a travel photographer, writer, and blogger who optimises all of her annual leave around seeing the world. She loves documenting the seasons, hiking in the mountains, and exploring historic towns. Her work has been published in National Geographic Traveller, Conde Nast Traveler, Lodestars Anthology, and Elle.

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