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Osaka fuses a concoction of outlandish modern architecture with ancient Japanese history, a disparate culture, and enough manga to bury Dumbo.
A trip to Osaka is worth it, even if just for the food. Osaka’s streets are oozing with flavour, the street food here will blow your mind. My favourite is the hot golden balls of goodness otherwise known as Takoyaki.
But Osaka is more than its MAGICAL food. You’ll find the city is brimming with friendly locals, style-y architecture and a diverse art scene. It’s also known for serving up a pretty WILD night out.
With prices strategically lower than in other Japanese cities, Osaka lures backpackers like a Czech party hostel (but far cleaner). The city is nestled between Kyoto and Nara, and a couple of nights spent here will bring you closer to Japanese culture, food, and history.
Finding out where to stay in Osaka is not without its difficulties, however, as the city acts as a sprawling mess all over Japan’s floor. Luckily, this guide has been written to stop you from slipping on it, and I will be giving you helpful nudges for the entire ride.
So let’s get stuck into finding you a place to stay in Osaka.
Osaka Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Osaka
Kita
Umeda (also known as Kita) is one of the main tourist areas of Osaka, with numerous attractions as well as leisure and dining options and nightlife. Umeda is the best place to stay in Osaka for first-timers.
Honmachi
Honmachi is one of Osaka’s cheapest neighbourhoods to stay in. It may not have many attractions but it’s within walking distance of both Kita (Umeda) and Minami.
Namba (Minami)
As the liveliest part of the city, Minami (also known as Namba) is the best are to stay in Osaka for nightlife. There are many restaurants and a huge number of bars.
Osaka Castle
One of the coolest neighbourhoods to stay in Osaka, the area near Osaka Castle is full of character and history. It might not be conventionally hip and cool.
Osaka Bay
Osaka Bay is a top place for people looking to enjoy the city’s more modern attractions and have heaps of fun. It’s also a pretty cool area and the best place to stay in Osaka for families!
Osaka’s Five Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Osaka is huge and the attractions are fairly spread out (which is why public transport is a crucial lubricant for even the best Osaka itinerary). There is a huge diversity in the atmosphere of separate districts. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly hotel or a collection of disastrous blow-out party nights, the goods are about to be delivered.
Read on for my top 5 neighbourhoods!
1. Kita – Where to Stay in Osaka for Your First Time
Kita is one of the main tourist areas in central Osaka, with a collection of attractions, dining options and nightlife. It’s also a convenient location for exploring other parts of Osaka, thanks to its excellent public transportation connections. Some of Osaka’s best cheap places to stay can be found here too.
Photo: @audyscala
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Because it is so central to the main tourist areas, I’d recommend staying here even if you can only fit in a single night. There are so many crazy quirky cool things to do here. It’s surely the best place to stay in Osaka for your first visit; a prime location makes exploring any city straightforward.
2. Honmachi – Best Place to Stay in Osaka on a Budget
Looking for budget accommodation in central Osaka? Honmachi is one of Osaka’s cheapest neighbourhoods, and isn’t far out of the tourist mainstream! With great connections, you won’t have to sacrifice much to reduce the cost of an Osaka stay.
Photo: @audyscala
It may not have many attractions but it’s within walking distance of both Kita and Minami, and there’s a good selection of restaurants. It’s definitely a good place to stay in Osaka for budget backpackers (although I still back the Mad Cat hostel).
3. Namba (Minami) – Best Area to Stay in Osaka For Nightlife
Fuckin’ yeah, let’s get loose (ethically). As the liveliest part of the city, Namba is the best area to stay in Osaka for nightlife. With popping clubs, this is where you want to come to experience the fun side of the city, and is one the best places to stay in Japan.
Photo: @audyscala
There is an abundance of delicious restaurants and a huge range of bars. It’s also a bustling commercial district with shops and malls aplenty. If you want to hit the town and part with some dough, it’s the best!
The Summer Sonic Festival is one of the best festivals in Japan and attracts thousands of fans every year. If you are looking to visit during autumn, keep an eye out for this awesome muck up!
Furthermore, Namba Station is one of the city’s major transportation hubs. So if you’re looking to do some tourism and hit the epic Namba Subway Station, this is the district to do it in! The Midosuji Subway Station might be your main port of call, or the Shinsaibashi subway station, wherever it is, note it down.
4. Osaka Castle – Coolest Place to Stay in Osaka
One of the coolest neighbourhoods to stay in central Osaka, the Osaka Castle area is full of character and history. It might not be conventionally hip and cool, but you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied. Plus, it’s easy to travel to other areas by metro or – if you’re feeling active – your own feet.
Photo: @audyscala
The area is dominated by Osaka Castle Park, which makes it feel more spacious and open than other parts of the city. Because it is primarily a tourist hotspot, prices can be a little inflated, even for an already costly Japan. That doesn’t mean that it can’t be kept in check by sharp money vision though!
5. Osaka Bay – Best Neighborhood in Osaka for Families to Stay In
The Osaka Bay area is a top location to stay in Osaka for people looking to enjoy the city’s more modern attractions and take part in some organised fun. It’s also really cool! There are theme parks, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, museums, restaurants, and a ton of gift shops, plus, Universal Studios Japan.
Photo: @audyscala
You can choose between staying on the mainland or putting yourself up on one of Osaka’s extraordinary artificial islands. There are great places to stay on both! Osaka Bay Area is great for international and Japanese tourists, and you’ll find lots of home comforts to keep all members of the family happy.
Top Tip: Try and stay close to the Midosuji subway line; it goes to
FAQs about Where to Stay in Osaka
Here’s what people usually ask us about Osaka and where to stay.
What accommodation is near Kansai International Airport?
Did you know Kansai Airport is on an island? The closest neighbourhood to Kansai Airport in my epic guide of Osaka is Chiyoda. Getting to Kansai Airport is easy, trains depart from JR Namba Station and are the most efficient way to get there, but you can also bus.
How do I know which JR line to use?
The JR Osaka Loop train line will spirit you between districts, there’s the subway to consider and buses are a thing too. If you’re planning to use Osaka as a base for exploring the wider area, the Shin Osaka station will become your best friend. You can catch the bullet train from here to Kyoto, Nara, and beyond, or use the JR Shin-Osaka station to stay local.
Should I visit Universal Studios Japan?
You do you, boo! There are so many incredible things to see and do in Osaka, I don’t think you’ll feel like you’re missing out if you don’t get there. However, if it’s your dream to go to Universal Studios Japan, get there and enjoy!
