For foodies travelling to Japan, Tokyo might have all the Michelin Stars but Osaka is the real place to be. You’ll hear ‘kuiadore’ here – which means eat til you drop. Whether that’s sampling street food at markets, or heading to a Japanese style izakaya pub, you’ll never be found wanting.
But Osaka isn’t just about food. There are so many unique hotspots to explore that your feet will be hurting at the end of the day.
Obviously, travelling in Japan can be pretty expensive, so it’s good to find ways to cut costs. Start by choosing the right accommodation – Airbnbs in Osaka.
Just because you don’t want to pay hotel prices, doesn’t mean you can’t get a cool and affordable place! With that in mind, I’ve given you a hand by showing you some of the best Airbnbs in Osaka!
Hopefully, my list will help you plan your holiday and give you one less thing to worry about, so you can really make the most of your trip to Japan.
So, without further ado, let’s jump right in and take a look at the 15 absolute best Airbnbs in Osaka!
Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Osaka
Apartment near Osaka Castle
- > $$
- > 4 Guests
- > Fully equipped kitchen
- > Comfortable and Spacious
Cat House near Namba
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Laundry and drying machine
- > Access to communal areas
5BR Dotonbori Penthouse
- > $$$
- > 14 Guests
- > Excellent Location
- > Spacious communal areas
Private Room by Kyobashi Station
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Small kitchen
- > Convenient Location
Spacious Apartment
- > $$
- > 4 Guests
- > Quiet and safe location
- > Lots of work space options
What to Expect from an Airbnb in Osaka?
When it comes to choosing an Airbnb in Osaka, you will find a huge range to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly studio or a private room in a shared house, or you’re travelling with your family and need a larger home such as a townhouse, you can find all of this in Osaka.
While the specifics vary from place to place, you can expect to have a kitchen, an ensuite bathroom with high-tech plumbing, and either air conditioning or a fan.
Attractions in the city are pretty spread out, and most rentals in Osaka are close to the metro station so you can get around easily. If you’re travelling during the Spring season when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, make sure you book in advance – it’s not uncommon for rentals in Osaka to be fully booked in the months of April and May.
Before you look at my top Airbnbs in Osaka, let’s quickly have a look at the types of accommodation you would expect to find in the city.
Apartments and penthouses are the most common type of property you will find in Osaka. They can range from cosy one bedroom apartments to luxurious five bedroom penthouses. They are also spread out across the city, so no matter which area you choose to stay in, you’ll likely find an apartment for rent in the area.
If you’re looking to save money or you’re travelling by yourself and want to meet other people, then a private room in a shared apartment is a great way to meet other people. Most of the time, though not always, the host stays at the apartment, so you can get a local’s knowledge of the area and get some recommendations for places to eat or visit.
Quite often, bed and breakfasts are affordable places to stay in Osaka that also offer you an authentic and unique experience. Sometimes, bed and breakfasts can be in old, historical Japanese townhouses that have been converted into a guesthouse. You can expect to stay on tatami mats and have meals sitting around a table on the floor.
If you want to stay in a traditional Japanese townhouse but don’t want to share with others, then you can get a townhouse as an entire rental unit. These are more luxurious rentals in Osaka and are more expensive than apartments or bed and breakfasts, but they do provide everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay and are truly a unique experience.
We love a good deal!
We’ve included links to Booking.com as well throughout this post — as we have found many of the same properties available on Booking and they are usually at a cheaper price! We’ve included both button options where we can to give you the choice of where you book 🙂
The Top 15 Airbnbs in Osaka
Apartment near Osaka Castle | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Osaka
Let’s begin my list with one of the overall best Airbnbs in Osaka. There’s space for up to 4 guests, so it’s great for a couple who want a lot of space or a small group of friends/family who are travelling together. With this entire rental unit, you have a small kitchen to save yourself even more money – although it would be a shame to miss out on sampling the nearby restaurants and markets! Should you fancy a night in though, you can make use of the large television or play cards around the dining table!
Cat House near Namba | Best Budget Airbnb in Osaka
It can be pretty expensive travelling in Japan, but this low price Airbnb in Osaka will leave you plenty of room to maneuver in your budget! There’s one catch though – this cute little spot is a no-go if you’re not a cat person! Assuming you love kitties, this will be perfect though. You’re in a super hosts property, so you can be assured of a comfortable stay – and if you come home late at night, there’s a well-lit path to the entrance! If all that’s not enough you’re in a great location near the Osaka dome station and several convenience stores.
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View on Osprey View on REI5BR Dotonbori Penthouse | Over the Top Luxury Airbnb in Osaka
Ever wanted a huge space that you and all your closest friends and/or family can share on holiday? That’s exactly what you’ll get in this entire rental unit in Osaka! More than 14 guests can call this place home – and there’s an awful lot to do. Watch a movie on the enormous television in the movie theatre, lounge around in the living room, or enjoy a slice of tranquillity by the zen Japanese garden. It’s right in the heart of the center, too, so you’ll have no shortage of places to eat out and visit nearby. The nearest station is the Nipponbashi Station, so it’s the best location to be in for getting to all the main attractions in the city.
Psst…
Private Room by Kyobashi Station | Perfect Osaka Airbnb for Solo Travelers
When travelling solo, it’s often a good idea to stay in one of Osaka’s hostels. However, if you’d rather not share a noisy and smelly dorm, where do you go? Well, this Osaka homestay is a good alternative – as you’ll be staying with a local family who will happily recommend you the best places to go and things to do nearby. There’s a small kitchen too where you can prepare your coffee before heading out and exploring the nearby attractions. After all, this cool Osaka apartment is in a pretty convenient location!
Spacious Apartment | Perfect Short Term Airbnb in Osaka for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads, it’s important to have WiFi and a laptop-friendly workspace. This luxurious apartment is up to speed with the times and offers both of those things, with plenty more to boot. The Airbnb has all the facilities you might need, from comfy beds to clean bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. You’ll find free toiletries as well as a washing machine and laundry detergent – perfect for those longer stays!
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in Osaka
Here are a few more of my favorite Airbnbs in Osaka!
Quiet Home in Great Location | Best Airbnb in Osaka for Nightlife
Namba boasts some of the best nightlife in town, so it’s only sensible to search for an Osaka Airbnb in that area. This Airbnb isn’t just ideally located, it’s also incredibly affordable. While it could technically fit 4 people, it’s more suitable for a solo traveller or a couple. Wifi is free and very fast – perfect to watch Netflix while curing your hangover. There’s also a small kitchen where you can prepare snacks throughout the day and brew your own coffee.
Nightingale on Plum Street | Best Short Term Rental for Couples
Travelling to Japan with your other half? You can’t just get anywhere with a double room then. You’ll need somewhere with a bit of charm and character, like this Osaka Airbnb: Nightingale on Plum Street! If you think the name of the room is a little odd, that’s because it’s named after a famous Japanese painting – just a clue about the traditional experience you can expect from this awesome spot. It’s just 6 minutes from Osaka station, so it’s very conveniently located for any nearby day trips!
Japanese Tatami Room | Best Homestay in Osaka
For travellers who are looking to save cash and have an authentic experience, it’s a good idea to stay with a local. With that in mind, here’s the best homestay in Osaka – a traditional Japanese tatami room. Your hospitable host will provide you with a fast-food-type breakfast, which is excellent preparation for the day’s sightseeing. There’s also a south-facing veranda which is a great place to get a bit of sun and admire the views of Osaka’s urban sprawl.
Sakai Osaka Private Room | Runner Up Homestay in Osaka
There are a few more decent homestays in Osaka, so here’s another option if your previous offering didn’t take your fancy or was fully booked! A simple but private attic room has a single bed and futon mats – so you’ve got the pick of which one is more comfortable! You can also lend a bicycle to your host – a great way to get out and see more of Osaka than maybe you’d originally planned. There’s also public transport just a hop, skip, and a jump away – so that’s good news for day trips.
Traditional Japanese House | Amazing Luxury Airbnb in Osaka
So far, I’ve focused on finding places to save you money on your travels. However, what happens if you’ve got cash to splash? Where do you stay then? Well, this traditional Japanese house is a good start! There’s a lovely little zen garden where you can chill out and be in the company of plants – a nice spot to read a book or listen to some music. Inside, there’s a small kitchen where you can prepare your own meals, but if you don’t fancy that there are some lovely cafes in the vicinity. A truly special Osaka apartment!
Traditional House near Namba | Best Airbnb in Osaka for Families
A house that has family flowing through it, this traditional Japanese house is the best Osaka apartment for families. The current host’s grandparents built this 70 years ago. If you’re travelling with younger children, you’ll be pleased to know that there are children’s books and toys on-site, as well as children’s tableware! This will make both mealtimes and evenings a lot easy for stressed-out parents! You’re sure to love this magical and traditional home.
Japanese Tatami Room | Best Airbnb in Osaka for a Group of Friends
When travelling with friends, no matter how close you are, you won’t always feel comfortable sharing a bed. Well, if you stay in this Osaka Airbnb, you won’t have to as it comes with five single futon style mattresses on Tatami mats. It’s also right near Namba, which is the best place for attractions and nightlife – exactly what friends are here for, right? It’s an entire place too, so if you get back late, there’s no need to worry about disturbing your helpful host!
Massive and Affordable Luxury Home | Best Airbnb in Umeda
Namba isn’t the only cool neighbourhood in town, so let’s take a closer look at a couple of Airbnbs in Osaka’s Umeda district. Another great option for a large group of friends or family is this apartment in the Umeda area – it’s got space for up to 5 guests! It’s located on the second floor above a very popular restaurant. The whole place was designed with an eye for detail. The massive resdince is super welcoming and ideal for groups or families.
Studio room near Osaka Station | Best Budget Studio in Umeda
If you’re looking for a super affordable studio in Umeda then this nice apartment near Osaka Station is the ideal choice. It may not be anything flashy, but this is ideal for a solo traveller or a couple on a budget. There’s a double bed, a sofa and a small and basic kitchenette too. Plus, there’s a washing machine in the building and so it’s near a convenience store where you can get some snacks.
Cool Loft near Namba Station | Top Value Airbnb in Namba
Okay, I know you’ve seen a lot of Airbnbs in the Namba neighbourhood, but there’s a reason for that. It’s where you’ll find the best nightlife and the coolest tourist attractions in town! So, I’m rounding off my list of the best Airbnbs in Osaka with this awesome room for up to 5 guests. It’s not that expensive anyway, but just imagine how good this place would be for a group of friends or family on a budget! You’ll also get free pocket Wi-Fi – a lifesaver for exploring the Osaka.
FAQ about Airbnbs in Osaka
Here’s what people usually ask me when they look for vacation homes in Osaka.
What To Pack For Osaka
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your Osaka Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Osaka Airbnbs
So, that completes my list of the best Airbnbs in Osaka. I think you’ll agree that there’s a lot of variation, and hopefully, you’ll have found somewhere that perfectly suits you. And most importantly, fits into your budget!
Remember, I’ve seen a bargain-basement listing with cats on site, lots of traditional tatami rooms, and uber-cool western-style lofts as well. I’d apologise for giving you too much choice, but I’m not sorry really!
If you’re still stressing about where to stay, try not to. Just take a deep breath and scroll back up to my favourite Airbnb in Osaka – Perfectly located apartment near Osaka Castle. It’s the best combination of value for money, style, and it’s in a great location. Just a stone’s throw from the castle!
So, now that I’ve helped you find the perfect Osaka Airbnb, there’s nothing else to do but wish you the best for your trip. I hope you enjoy your vacation and have a great time in Japan!
- Check out our Backpacking Japan guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Use our Where to Stay in Osaka guide to plan your adventure.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- Make sure you visit the most beautiful places in Japan too.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of Japan.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
