World class shrines, awesome nightlife and mind-blowing street food – Osaka is a world class travel destination!
But while it might seem like it’s off the beaten map, Japan’s third largest city is a tourist hotspot and has hundreds of registered hostels. Which is exactly why I wrote this list of the best hostels in Osaka!
Backpacking and traveling to Japan is one of the greatest travel experiences you can have, but it can also be a confusing and expensive country.
In this ultimate guide, I break down Osaka’s hostel scene by YOUR travel needs, so you can find the Osaka-hostel of your dreams.
So whether you are looking to party or sleep, traveling as a couple or solo, this list of the best hostels in Osaka will help you book your hostel quickly so you can enjoy Osaka and all of its amazing sights and sounds.
Let’s dive into the best hostels in Osaka…
Quick Answer – The Best Hostels in Osaka
- Overall Best Hostel in Osaka – Pax Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Osaka – J-Hoppers Osaka
- Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Osaka – The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi
- Best Cheap Hostel in Osaka – Hostel Q
- Best Party Hostel in Osaka – Backstage Osaka Hostel & Bar
What to Expect from Hostels in Osaka
Though it is a lot smaller and quieter than Tokyo, there is a lot going on in Osaka. From delicious street food, to wooden shrines, whatever you want from Japan, you will find here in Osaka.
Note that backpacking Japan on a budget is tricky – the nation can be expensive and Osaka is no exception.
Inter-city trains in Japan can also be frightfully expensive but thankfully, once you arrive into Osaka the metro and public transport options are around $1 – $2 per ride. You can save costs by eating street noodles, ramen or seeing what goodies you can pick up from the 7 – 11. The rice balls are surprisingly good value!
Osaka has become a huge destination for tourism, with Universal Studios and Disneyland attracting many families, plus the thriving arts and culture scene here is a marvel to behold. So with more people flocking to the city, more accommodation options become available.
However, the best way you can keep costs down is by staying in a hostel. Osaka hostels are varied; you can find budget youth hostels, party hostels, family-friendly hostels, and luxurious hostels.
Not to mention some old traditional Machiya houses have been turned into hostels that offer guests an authentic stay. If you have ever wanted to sleep on a mattress on the floor (but luxury style) you will find many hostels offering this unique experience. But for a bit more privacy, you can also scope out an epic Osaka Airbnb.
But let’s talk about money for a minute. Hostel rooms vary in price depending on which type of hostel you choose to stay in. For example, dorm beds tend to be cheaper than private rooms. Capsule beds tend to be cheaper than standard dorms, as you can fit more capsules in a room.
Here is a rough breakdown of a Japanese hostel price per night:
- Dorm room (mixed or female-only): $15-30 USD/night
- Private room: $35-90 USD/night
When looking for hostels, you’ll find the best options on HOSTELWORLD. This platform offers you a super safe and efficient booking process. All hostels are displayed with a rating and previous guest reviews. You can also filter your personal travel needs easily and find the perfect place for you.
Since the city is so large, finding a hostel near Osaka’s best places to visit should be a no-brainer. For solo travelers, staying around Osaka Castle can be a good choice as it’s where the more sociable hostels are located. For party animals, staying close to the Dotonbori is a no-brainer. For families, you might want to stay close to Universal Studios.
If you are not sure which neighborhood is right for you, check out our guide on where to stay in Osaka which highlights the best neighborhoods for each type of traveler.
The 5 Best Hostels in Osaka
In case you’re short on time or patience, these are hands down the best Osaka hostels. I have picked these hostels because of their top locations, their value for money, and their facilities.
1. Pax Hostel – Overall Best Hostel in Osaka
As most recommended hostel in Osaka, the list simply wouldn’t be complete without Pax Hostel, which has a solid 10/10 rating. Osaka’s backpacker hostels do not get better than this!
The aesthetic which features wooden decor and artsy designs couldn’t be more inviting, and the best part is that there’s both a cafe and a record store on site! You’ll be only seconds away from Tsutenkaku Tower, which is known as the symbol of Osaka, and other top attractions are nearby, too.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- One of the most stunning hostels in Japan
- Delicious cafe
- Comfy and spacious beds
Pax Hostel is known for its welcoming atmosphere and incredibly friendly staff who go above and beyond for guests. While this isn’t one of those crazy party hostels, the social vibes make it easy to meet other travelers.
Your options at Osaka’s best hostel include 4-bed female dorms and 10-bed mixed dorms, all at low, backpacker-friendly prices. Each spacious, capsule-style dorm bed includes private security lockers, a lamp, 3 electric outlets, a mirror, a hanger, and even earplugs.
Add in lightning-fast wifi, a vibrant kitchenette, and a convenient location, and you’ve no doubt got yourself the very best hostel in Osaka.
2. J-Hoppers Osaka – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Osaka
If you’re traveling to Osaka while living the digital nomad life, then J-Hoppers Osaka Universal is the ideal place for you.
Not only is it out of the city center in a quieter location, about a 15-minute walk to Universal Studios Japan, but it’s also conveniently located close to the metro so you can get to all the best places to visit in the city.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Stunning loft-style beds
- Bicycle rentals
- Budget hostel
What makes this the best hostel for digital nomads is the free Wi-Fi throughout the hostel, shared PCs and a workspace in the communal area, plus a large communal kitchen that has been fitted with a microwave, toaster, coffee maker, rice cooker, cooking utensils, and tableware.
And while free breakfast might not be on offer, unlimited coffee and Japanese tea is available to all travelers. The high-tech bathrooms include soap and shampoo, so you can save some money on toiletries. You can choose between dorm beds and private rooms. Dorm beds come with large, soft beds complete with personal reading lights, plugs, and curtains for privacy.
3. The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Osaka
Located in the center of Osaka, The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi is within walking distance of everything you could want from your Osaka itinerary. The hostel has a shared lounge and a bar, perfect for solo travelers looking to meet other like-minded backpackers.
You can choose between dorm rooms and private rooms, though dorms are cheaper. Selected rooms come with a kitchenette with a fridge and a stove. For those looking to save money while they’re backpacking Osaka, you can cook your own meals using the huge kitchen and lounge on the 2nd floor.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Only 1.6 miles from Osaka Castle
- Great for meeting other travelers
- Large kitchen and communal area
The dorms have capsule-style beds, each with a reading light and storage for your belongings. There are also female dorms for any female solo travelers not wanting to mix. Each dorm comes with a bathroom with high-tech facilities.
Private rooms are in a traditional JPN style. The options range from twin/double/triple and family rooms, all with a private ensuite bathroom.
4. Hostel Q – Best Cheap Hostel in Osaka
Who doesn’t love a cheap hostel? Hostel Q beats out all of Osaka’s other hostels on price, without compromising on quality. It’s a no brainer that it’s the best cheap hostel in Osaka.
My favorite features of Hostel Q have got to be its convenient location (public transport is within walking distance!) and it’s on site bar. You’ll also find a common area perfect for meeting fellow travelers or getting some work done, along with a fully functioning kitchen for all your cheap culinary needs.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- In the heart of Dotonburi
- Welcoming staff
- Unbeatable prices
The broke-backpacker-approved prices are what really make this hostel stand out–you’ll be seriously hard-pressed to find anything cheaper anywhere in Osaka! There’s also free coffee and tea available around the clock, along with takoyaki, a delicious Japanese snack.
Choose between female dorms or mixed dorms, or for just a tiny bit more money, you can enjoy the comfort and seclusion of a private room (with a shared bathroom) for what might just be the very best price in Japan!
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View on Osprey View on REI5. Backstage Osaka Hostel & Bar – Best Party Hostel in Osaka
Located within a few minutes from the party district of Osaka, Backstage Osaka Hostel & Bar is one of the best youth hostels in Osaka and a perfect place to have a great time with other travelers.
The bunk beds are super comfortable for a good night’s sleep and the hostel’s bar and café on the ground floor is the best place to make a few friends over a pint of beer. Afterward, take the party to one of the many famous bars and clubs located close by.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- On site bar
- Artsy murals
- Comfy beds
Close to Osaka hotspots like the Castle and Namba, you’ll be right in the center of it all during your stay. You’ll be staying in a 12-bed mixed dorm room, which features wooden accents and memory foam mattresses.
Cozy as can be while still being a crazy party hostel, this is THE place to meet other travelers. Never mind the fact that some of the city’s best drinking spots are all within walking distance!
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Osaka Hostels
In case you didn’t quite find what you were looking for in my top three picks, here are some more great Osaka hostels!
Roots Hostel – Another Party Hostel in Osaka
Roots Hostel is one of the best party hostels in Osaka and is highly affordable. For less than $15 you get to enjoy high-speed internet, stay in a comfy bunk, and get a chance to make a lot of new friends. The rooms here are decorated with a clean-cut design, making it easily one of the coolest hostels in Osaka.
With a “’no curfew” policy and its location within a couple of kilometers from the party central of Osaka, Roots Hostel guarantees you a great time. That’s why it’s one of the best overall and one of the best party hostels in Osaka.
What to Pack for your Osaka Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel 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!
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
FAQ about Hostels in Osaka
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Osaka.
How much does a hostel cost in Osaka??
Hostel room price in Osaka ranges from $15-30 USD/night for a dorm room (mixed or female-only), while a private room costs $35-90 USD/night.
What are the best hostels in Osaka for couples?
The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi is an ideal hostel for couples in Osaka. The rooms are comfy, with private ensuite bathrooms, and a great location in the center of Osaka.
What are the best hostels in Osaka near the airport?
Backstage Osaka Hostel & Bar, our pick for best party hostel in Osaka, is 18.7 km from Osaka Itami Airport.
Travel Safety Tips for Osaka
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.
More Epic Hostels in Japan and Asia
Hopefully, by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Osaka.
Planning an epic trip all across Japan or even Asia itself?
Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Asia, check out:
Final Thoughts on Hostels in Osaka
That’s the end of my guide to the top hostels in Osaka! I hope my guide helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure. Whatever hostel you book, I am sure you will have an awesome time exploring all the many things to do in Osaka.
If you’re ever unsure, I always suggest going for my overall favorite place to stay in Osaka, Pax Hostel, which offers comfy beds, modern furnishings, a state-of-the-art kitchen, a bar, and communal space to meet other travelers, and even a record shop.
What more could you want?
Time to get out there and explore Osaka on a budget–plenty of backpacker-friendly accommodation awaits!
Updated December 2022 by Samantha Shea
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Japan for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Osaka covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Osaka if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Osaka before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Japan to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
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!
