There’s no getting around it: choosing where to stay in Osaka isn’t always easy. As the second-biggest metro area in Japan, Osaka is spread far and wide, leaving many first-time travellers guessing where all the best places to stay in Osaka might be hiding.
In this guide, we break down the best areas to stay in Osaka. From the exciting streets of Namba to Umeda, we’ll take a look at accommodations in each of the most popular neighbourhoods, districts, and wards in Osaka, along with the best hotels in Osaka at every budget.
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Best areas to stay in Osaka: Top neighbourhoods, districts & wards
Whether you’ve only carved out one day in Osaka or you’ve got a little some time to spare, it’s hard to recommend staying anywhere but the exciting neighbourhoods, district, and wards of the city centre.
Wherever you find yourself within central Osaka, you’ll be face-to-face with all of Osaka’s top attractions, never witnessing dull moment during your stay (unless you want one, of course!).
The best areas to stay in Osaka include:
- Dotonbori: The top choice for where to stay in Osaka for travellers seeking out a lively area with a ton of street food, restaurants, entertainment, and shopping at your fingertips.
- Shinsaibashi: The best area for shopping and experiencing Osaka’s edgy youth subculture. Besides shopping, there’s also a superb selection of restaurants and great street food nearby.
- Namba (Minami): One of Osaka’s two “downtowns,” this district offers some of the best selection of quality accommodations in Osaka as well as some of the city’s most popular restaurants and shopping opportunities.
- Umeda (Kita): The northern half of the city centre, this is best place to stay in Osaka for luxury travellers thanks to the wide selection of top-notch 5-star hotels. Besides being home to two of the main transport hubs (Osaka Station and Umeda Station), there’s also a barrage of shopping and entertainment options as well as some of the best restaurants in Osaka.
- Honmachi: A small quiet district between Shinsaibashi and Kita, this area is a great alternative for travellers looking for a more tranquil urban experience with good value accommodation and quick access to the top tourist sites in Osaka.
- Tennoji: Located in the southern fringes of Namba, this district is one of the top neighbourhoods to stay in Osaka for travellers who don’t mind trading in commuting a little further for sightseeing opportunities for better value accommodations. The ultra-cool retro area of Shinsekai, home to some amazing restaurants and entertainment, is also nearby.
- Osaka Bay: Home to Universal Studios Japan and the Osaka Aquarium, this is the most popular area to stay in Osaka for families and couples and anyone wanting to score some excellent 4-star accommodations at cheaper prices.
- Shin-Osaka: Centred around the main shinkansen (bullet train) station, this neighbourhood is the top choice for where to stay in Osaka for anyone looking to spend much of their time on day trips and for travellers arriving later in the evening (or departing early in the morning).
Let’s dig into each, shall we?
Dotonbori
✓ Best area to stay in Osaka for foodies & travellers who want in on the action
When dreaming of where to stay in Osaka, Dotonbori should shoot to the forefront. This buzzing area, lining the banks of the Dotonbori-gawa Canal, is everything you’d expect out of a modern Japanese city. The colourful neon lights and infectious energy is enough to wake even the sleepiest of wanderers out of their travel coma.
Most of all, Dotonbori will win your heart through your stomach. Countless restaurants dot the banks of the canal, amid the bright lights, to fulfil every one of your Japanese food fantasies.
Elsewhere in Dotonbori, more traditional cultural activities take centre-stage from performances at the National Bunraku Theatre to flashes of old Japan at Hozen-ji Yokocho & Hozen-ji Temple.
Overall, Dotonbori is the perfect area to stay for foodies and travellers who don’t enjoy sitting still. With all the entertainment and eating options at your fingertips, you can’t go wrong staying around here!
Attractions in Dotonbori: National Bunraku Theatre, Hozen-ji Temple, Hozen-ji Yokocho, Glico Running Man, Konamon Museum, Dotonbori ZAZA, Daruma Kushikatsu, Dotonbori Kukuru, Kani-Doraku
Recommended hotels in Dotonbori
As Dotonbori is a relatively small area wedged between Namba and Shinsaibashi, the selection of accommodations here isn’t so extensive.
You’ll find that most of the top choices for where to stay in Dotonbori lie within the budget and mid-range categories. For true 5-star luxury, you’ll need to look to other areas such as Namba or Kita.
- Hotel Sunroute Osaka Namba: A newer budget pick that’s a 6- to 7-minute stroll to the heart of Dotonbori. Rooms are clean & “cozy” as the usual Japan standard would predict. A great option for a budget stay in a central area!
- APA Hotel Namba-Shinsaibashi: A delightfully modern 3-star boasting a near perfect location for your stay. Dotonbori lies within a mere two-minute walk.
- Holiday Inn Osaka Namba: A fantastic 4-star featuring colourful contemporary styles that are a touch above your usual chain hotel. Thanks to its perfect location, brilliant Kansai cuisine teases your tastebuds just one-minute away by foot while Shinsaibashi-suji awaits just three minutes away to relieve you of all your yen on an epic shopping spree.
Shinsaibashi
✓ Best area to stay in Osaka for shoppers & trend-spotters
Osaka’s answer to Tokyo’s Ginza, Shinsaibashi is one of Osaka’s trendiest neighbourhoods, sprinkled with high-fashion boutiques and more excuses to dispense with your yen than anywhere else in Osaka.
Like Dotonbori to the south, Shinsaibashi has drawn Osakans in since time immemorial. The district first grew in importance almost 400 years ago during the Edo Period when it was the merchant most popular trading area in Osaka.
Between the arcaded Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street and Mido-suji, Shinsaibashi still brings in the dough, offering everything from the world’s top fashion brands to speciality items.
In choosing to stay in the western part of the neighbourhood, the edgy America-mura (American Village) counterpunches the brand-focused offering of the east. Sprinkled with second-hand stores & vintage record shops, this neighbourhood sets the pace for Osaka’s fringe youth culture.
Overall, Shinsaibashi is the the most popular choice for where to stay in Osaka for travellers who love shopping and trend-spotting. It’s also a fantastic neighbourhood for eating with a ton of local Kansai favourites on offer.
Attractions in Shinsaibashi: Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, Mido-suji, Sankaku Park, Mitsu Hachimangu Shrine, Daimaru
Recommended hotels in Shinsaibashi
Like Dotonbori, much of the focus of when picking out where to stay in Shinsaibashi is on mid-range accommodations with very little availability in the budget and luxury categories.
- Sarasa Hotel Shinsaibashi: A squeaky-clean and modern option offering excellent value in a super central location. Shinsaibashi’s major shopping streets are about a 10-minute walk away.
- The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi: A stylish new 3-star dead set on making your stay in Osaka as awesome as possible. Extras like free bike rentals & free pocket WiFi & smartphone rentals add some mega value to their already snazzy rooms.
- Karaksa Hotel Osaka Namba: A brand-new 4-star Osaka hotel decked out with bright, comfortable rooms for a relaxing stay. Both the Dotonbori area and Shinsaibashi-suji are equally close by foot.
Namba (Minami)
✓ Best district to stay in Osaka for food & shopping in Central Osaka with a wider selection of accommodations
The epicentre of Osaka’s south (Minami), Namba is, along with Umeda/Kita in the north, one of the city’s two major centres. Namba, ringing around the major train station of the same name, dwells just south of Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi areas.
Both in Namba proper and the rest of Minami, you’ll get to let loose with some of Osaka’s best food and the city’s wildest nightlife. Even aside from the Shinsaibashi area hangin’ out to the north, the Namba district is one of the best shopping destinations in Osaka, teeming with shopping malls, boutiques, and famous department stores.
Overall, Namba is best choice for where to stay in Osaka for travellers who love food & shopping and are looking for a wider selection of places to stay than both Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi offer.
Attractions in & around Namba (Minami): Namba Parks, Kuromon Ichiba Market, Dotonbori, Hozen-ji Yokocho, Yokocho Temple, National Bunraku Theatre, Shinsaibashi-suji, Nipponbashi (Den Den Town), Takashimaya Osaka, Namba Yasaka Shrine, America-mura, Namba Grand Kagetsu (NGK) Theatre
Recommended hotels in Namba
Compared to the smaller districts elsewhere in Minami, accommodations in Namba are more varied. Here, you’ll find an extensive selection of budget and mid-range hotels.
Surprisingly, when you’re sorting out where to stay in Namba, you’ll might find the area a little short on high-end luxury (head up to Kita for most of the top 5-star options in Osaka).
- Kamon Hotel Namba: A sleek mid-range budget design hotel packed with a unique artistic flair and traditional Japanese twists that’ll add a little pizazz to your stay. If Kuromon Market, a mere block away, doesn’t get your mouth-watering, the brilliant on-site udon restaurant might.
- Red Roof Inn & Suites Osaka Namba Nipponbashi: A new 3-star checking all the boxes with its clean, modern rooms, and fantastic location. The buzzing area of Dotonbori is a mere 10 minutes away by foot via Namba City while the nostalgia-inducing Shinsekai area will shock your senses with its wackiness after a short 15-minute walk south.
- Swissôtel Nankai Osaka: A luxurious 5-star set apart from the Minami crowd thanks to rooms decked out in colourful post-modern decor with spectacular views. The location above Namba Station is as perfect for your stay as its amenities, from the heated indoor pool & spa to the over half-a-dozen restaurants & bars on-site.
Umeda (Kita)
✓ Best district to stay in Osaka for great shopping, eating & entertainment with a dash of luxury
If the southern comforts of Minami somehow fail to impress, head due north to Umeda, Osaka’s second city centre. Also referred to as Kita District (meaning “North”), the area sprawls around the transport hubs of Osaka Station and Umeda Station.
Much of what you’ll find further south repeats itself when choosing where to stay in Umeda, from filling your shopping bags to stuffing your face kuidaore-style. Umeda’s also a top-notch entertainment area. Whether you’re looking to grab a fine whiskey at a hostess bar or embarrass yourself in front of new Osakan tomodachi (friends) at a karaoke bar, this district fits the bill.
If you’re visiting Osaka during cherry blossom season, Kema Sakuranomiya Park and the Mint Museum in the eastern part of Kita are also among the loveliest places to hanami.
Overall, Umeda is the perfect choice for where to stay in Osaka for travellers looking to stay close to good shopping, eating, and entertainment options while adding in a dash of luxury.
With its two major transport hubs and nearby Yodoyabashi Station on the Keihan Main (running to Sanjo Station in Kyoto), Kita is also a great district for tackling some of the best day trips from Osaka.
Attractions in Umeda (Kita): Umeda Sky Building, Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, Tenjimbashi-suji Shopping Street, Nakanoshima Park, National Museum of Art Osaka, Kitashinchi, Hep 5 Ferris Wheel, Mint Museum, Kema Sakuranomiya Park.
Recommended hotels in Umeda
There isn’t quite as large a selection when choosing where to stay in Umeda (Kita) as in the Namba area to the south. What you’ll find here, though, trumps all other areas in terms of luxury. The district is home to a good chunk of the best 5-star hotels in Osaka. If you’re looking to splurge & indulge during your stay, this is the place to do it.
- Mitsui Garden Hotel Premier Osaka: A fantastic mid-ranger that offers perhaps the best overall value when choosing where to stay in Kita. Although it’s a 15-minute walk from the centre of Umeda, the views overlooking the river and skyline are sure to win you over. Free shuttles to Osaka Station are offered.
- Hotel Granvia Osaka: A simple & elegant 4-star perched above Osaka Station. Rooms are comfortable, even if a little snugger than the norm for the area. Several on-site restaurants set up a myriad of food choices from Japanese and Chinese to French and Italian.
- Hilton Osaka Hotel: A superb pick located just two minutes from Osaka Station featuring top-end amenities including a five on-site dining options, a well-equipped fitness centre, and a swimming pool.
- InterContinental Hotel Osaka: One of the absolute best hotels in Osaka! This luxurious 5-star features spacious rooms spotlighted by large picture windows peering onto the skyline. Besides its convenient location close to JR Osaka Station, the InterContinental delights the tastebuds with 5 on-site restaurants including Pierre, serving up splendid French cuisine to 20th-floor city views.
- The Ritz-Carlton Osaka: Another top luxury pick, this 5-star stunner blends classic European elegance with Japanese splendor. The charming rooms are only half the story with the relaxing spa, indoor pool, and six on-site dining options taking centre stage. Nearby Osaka Station puts the entire city and region at your fingertips.
Honmachi
✓ Best area to stay in Osaka for a quiet & budget-friendly central accommodations
Located between Shinsaibashi and Kita with Hommachi-dori as its spine, the narrow neighbourhood of Honmachi is a surprisingly chill place to stay considering what lies to both the north and south.
Although it’s jammed firmly into the central Osaka, Honmachi feels worlds away from the never-ending buzz of its neighbouring area. In fact, other than sleep and eat, there isn’t really much to do here!
For some travellers, this can, of course, be a good thing. In choosing to stay in Honmachi, you’re still central and close to major subway lines with a fraction of the crowds. And even if the accommodation selection is a little tighter than in nearby Namba, what you’ll snag here provides excellent value.
Overall, Honmachi is an excellent choice for where to stay in Osaka for travellers looking for a quieter alternative to Namba or Umeda and want a better bang for their buck. With Osaka Castle Park only about 20 minutes away by foot, it’s also a fantastic option in cherry blossom season.
Attractions in Honmachi: Utsubo-Koen Park, Chukasoba Kazura, Osaka Kigyoka Museum, Namba Shrine, Osaka Castle, Osaka Castle Park, Osaka International Peace Center, Nishinomaru Garden
Recommended hotels in Honmachi
The search for where to stay in Honmachi isn’t always easy. Since it’s a smaller neighbourhood, there’s very little inventory in Honmachi compared to other sections of Osaka.
Most top places to stay here fall within the budget to mid-range. For more selection, you’ll need to move further south towards Namba or north towards Umeda. Just expect to pay a little more.
- HOTEL MYSTAYS Midosuji Honmachi: A brand-new 3-star on the scene offering crisp, bright, and clean rooms. America-mura and Dotonbori are within walking distance while Hommachi and Sakaisuji Hommachi Station connect you to destinations further afoot.
- MOXY Osaka Honmachi by Marriott: Remarkable interior design separates this brilliant pick from the budget/mid-range pack. Like all the brethren in its chain, the MOXY invites trend-setters with its hip outlook. Extras like a walk-in rain shower help this 3-star punch well above its weight.
- St. Regis Osaka: The perfect Japanese 5-star experience, this top-notch luxury Osaka hotel hits it out-of-the-park with spacious elegant rooms and world-class amenities including the St. Regis’s signature personal butler service. From the 12th-floor skyline views at La Veduta and the rooftop Japanese garden oasis, every inch of this property is exquisite and splurge-worthy.
Tennoji
✓ Best district to stay in Osaka for quieter & more budget-friendly options outside central Osaka
Chillin’ out just east of Namba, the sprawling ward of Tennoji is a quiet alternative to the ruckus elsewhere in the centre of Osaka. Until recent years, it would hardly have been an option worth mentioning in the search for where to stay in Osaka. In many ways, Tennoji was an unwelcome throwback to a less prosperous era of Osaka’s history.
These days, however, Tennoji’s on the up and up. Driven by the 2014 opening of Abeno Harukas, a 62-floor tower rising up 300 metres as Japan’s tallest building, the area has sprouted up a barrage of shops and restaurants, drawing Osakans away from the dual downtown bubbles.
Lest we forget to mention that one of the coolest attractions in Osaka, Shinsekai, lies on the fringes of the district. This retro entertainment area thrives on the weird with a colourful carnival-like atmosphere that speaks to a bygone era. Simply walking around Shinsekai is an experience worth having—and that’s before letting its gastronomical delights hit the tip of your tongue.
Overall, Tennoji is a great choice for where to stay in Osaka for travellers undaunted of commuting for sightseeing and looking for quieter & more budget-friendly accommodations.
Attractions in & around Tennoji: Tennoji Zoo, Tennoji Park, Shinsekai, Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts, Shitennoji, Abeno Harukas Building, Abeno Harukas Art Museum, Horikoshi Shrine
Recommended hotels in Tennoji
As a “fringe” district, Tennoji doesn’t have the same concentration of places to stay as areas further north.
What you’ll uncover though when sorting out where to stay in Tennoji is often a better value that comes with sacrificing a central location. Everything from cheap hostels to luxury hotels can be found with the sweet spot swelling in the mid-range.
- Daiwa Roynet Hotel Osaka-Uehonmachi: A top-notch budget pick from a trusted national chain. Rooms are cozy & clean, and bigger than you’d expect for the price. Small extras like electronic bidet toilets and a location just minutes from Osaka-Uehonmachi Station add value to your stay.
- Hotel Trusty Osaka Abeno: A solid mid-range choice where you’ll find warmly-decorated rooms with a modern Asian attitude. Besides the great location across the street from Tennoji Station, an on-site teppanyaki invites guests to spend a quiet night with its yummy Japanese delights.
- Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka: A classy 4-star located next to Osaka-Uehonmachi Station. The bright & comfortable rooms are bigger than the Osakan mid-range would predict, loading up beautiful skyline views through its windows. Relaxing to a dip in the pool or a massage is the perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
- Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel: The only 5-star option in Tennoji. Located on the upper floors of Abeno Harukas, the tallest building in Japan, this luxury property serves up incredible city views at every turn including a 360-degree panorama on the 58th-floor observation deck. Offers perhaps the best value among Osaka’s luxury hotels.
Osaka Bay
✓ Top area to stay in Osaka for couples & families looking for a quieter alternative to central Osaka
Fed up with the trappings of central Osaka? Find your inner peace (kinda) at Osaka Bay. Although you’re still firmly within the city, the vibe around here is noticeably calmer, especially at night when the area’s several amusement parks shutter down.
Overall, Osaka Bay is one of the best places to stay in Osaka for couples and families who are keen on trading centrality for less noise and better value accommodations.
The 20- to 30-minute subway ride into central Osaka precludes enough visitors from staying here to drop prices in your favour. The quality you’ll get here for the price is unbeatable!
Attractions in & around Osaka Bay: Universal Studios Japan Theme Park, Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan), Tempozan Ferris Wheel, Universal City Walk Osaka, Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho, Nanko Bird Sanctuary
Recommended hotels in Osaka Bay
As expected with its surrounding attractions, accommodations in Osaka Bay are among the most family-friendly places to stay in Osaka. There’s not a whole lot of selection in the area with much of the focus on the mid-range sector.
What you’ll find, however, is that your yen will stretch further here. In choosing to stay here, you can fetch 4-star rooms for 2-star prices. Not a bad deal at all!
- Quintessa Hotel Osaka Bay: An absolute top-notch 4-star pushing forth crazy value in a country known for its insane accommodation prices. Rooms are spacious and draw you in with their warm & colourful decor. Ready to get a little wild? The Quintessa operates a free shuttle to scoot you to & from Universal Studios Japan during your visit.
- Hotel Keihan Universal City: A family-friendly mid-range option whose colourful carnivalesque motifs blend seamlessly with its ultra-fun neighbour. Not only is Universal Studios Japan next door, a short 2-minute walk away, you can avoid the dreaded ticket line-up by buying your tickets right at hotel reception.
- Hyatt Regency Osaka: The lone 5-star hotel in Osaka Bay that’s quite possibly the most value-laden luxury choice for where to stay in Osaka. Japan’s standard for tiny space gets shredded with the warmly-coloured spacious rooms here. To make up for its “out-there” location, the Hyatt Regency offers a twice hourly complimentary shuttle to Osaka Station.
Shin-Osaka
✓ Recommended area to stay in Osaka for day-trippers & bullet train passengers arriving later in the evening
Looking to explore Japan beyond Osaka? Staying in Shin-Osaka in the Yodogawa Ward might just be the answer. Home to the city’s main shinkansen (bullet train) terminal, this area is the perfect location for travellers looking to take on some of the best day trips from Osaka or otherwise easily escape the urban buzz.
Although there isn’t much to do in the area itself, Shin-Osaka is located on the Midosuji subway line and is just a 3 stops from Kita and 6 stops from Minami, making it a relatively convenient alternative for where to stay in Osaka.
Attractions in & around Shin-Osaka: Shin-Osaka Station, Zenkyo-ji Temple, Eki Marche Shin-Osaka, arde! Shin-Osaka
Recommended hotels in Shin-Osaka
Despite being a rather dull neighbourhood for sightseeing, Shin-Osaka has a great accommodations selection thanks to its shinkansen connections. You should have no problems finding decent accommodations in the budget and mid-range but will need to look elsewhere (like Kita & Umeda) for high-end luxury.
- hotel androoms Shin-Osaka: A brand-new hotel that is as value-laden as they come in Yodogawa Ward. Rooms here are modern and cozy, but the real treat is the property’s on-site onsen.
- Residential Hotel Hare Shin-Osaka: One of the top choices in the area, this property features clean, comfortable & larger-than-normal rooms for Japanese standards. The bullet train station is just 5-10 minutes away by foot.
- Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station: Built adjacent to the shinkansen terminal, this excellent mid-range hotel is a top choice for where to stay in Osaka for day-trippers and anyone arriving late into the evening from elsewhere in Japan. Besides the lovely contemporary rooms, guests will love the food & the views from the 19th-floor teppanyaki restaurant.
Best hotels in Osaka: Top accommodations for all budgets
Budget
Kamon Hotel Namba
Address: Chuo-ku Sennichimae 2-3-33
A small courtyard, warmed up with traditional Japanese twists, sets a soothing tone for your stay at the Kamon Hotel Namba. Even with Nippombashi Station a mere minute away by foot, this 2-star design hotel feels like an calm oasis in the midst of Osaka’s bustling Namba neighbourhood.
The twin rooms at Kamon Hotel Namba are budget-friendly, clean & comfortable, if a little snug. The artistic flair, however, is what gives this property an edge. From the guest rooms to reception, the design aesthetic is cheery and unique.
While staying here don’t miss out on the on-site restaurant, serving slurpy-worth udon noodles. And if that doesn’t float your boat, the street food delights of Kuromon Ichiba Market are only a block away.
HOTEL MYSTAYS Midosuji Honmachi
Address: Chuo-ku Honmachi 3-2-10
A young pup in the Osaka accommodations scene, HOTEL MYSTAYS Midosuji Honmachi parades its youth with a sparkly modern design that impresses from outside to in. Rooms here betray the usual tight Osakan standard, even throwing a rare soaker tub into all their rooms including their most budget-friendly offerings.
The superb location in the quieter neighbourhood of Honmachi though is what really gives HOTEL MYSTAYS Midosuji Honmachi its wings. Within a 30-minute walk you’ll be able reach everything from Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi to Namba and Umeda. For destinations further afoot, two subway stations—Hommachi and Sakaisuji Hommachi—jump in for the win a short walk away.
Hotel Vertex Osaka
Address: Naniwa-ku Ebisuhigashi 3-6-16
For travellers who can’t sit still, the buzzin’ location of Hotel Vertex Osaka is bound to kick your wayfaring adrenaline up a notch. One of the few worthy hotels amidst the carnivalesque nostalgia of Shinsekai, this newer 3-star rewards you with bigger-than-average rooms and simple modern elegance unexpected in the city’s budget market.
Although you’re a little removed from the action of Namba or Umeda, Hotel Vertex Osaka proves that more central isn’t always better. Foodies will simply love walking out the door into the electric streets of Shinsekai where your tastebuds will hum to the flavour of some of the best street food in Osaka.
To tackle Osaka attractions a little further afoot, several subway stations lie nearby including Tennoji Station, a pleasant 15-minute walk through Tennoji Park away.
Hotel Brighton City Osaka Kitahama
Address: Chuo-ku Fushimi-machi 1-1
First appearances are deceiving especially when you step into the lovely Hotel Brighton City Osaka Kitahama. This delightful 3-star struts with a luxurious and elegant gait that’s completely out of line with its budget-friendly price point. In fact, the prices of their sparkling clean and surprisingly spacious rooms run in line with cramped and far less desirable quarters elsewhere in the city.
To up the value, Hotel Brighton City Osaka Kitahama throws down classy extras like air purifiers, soaker tubs, and rain shower heads. They even offer a massage service to help you unwind after a long day out on the town. Once you throw in its central, yet peaceful, location in the Kitahama area, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything in the price range more worthy of your yen than Hotel Brighton.
Red Roof Inn & Suites Osaka Namba Nipponbashi
Address: Chuo-ku Nipponbashi 2-7-9
When you’re hammering out where to stay in Osaka, Namba locks down the front of the queue. And among its best budget offerings is Red Roof Inn & Suites Osaka Namba Nipponbashi, a delightful 3-star hotel that opened to much fanfare in 2017.
The Red Roof Inn & Suites Osaka Namba Nipponbashi dispenses with the frills in favour of an understated functional modern elegance. Rooms are clean & bright, featuring clean design lines and minimal decor for a relaxing feel.
What’s best about Red Roof Inn & Suites Osaka Namba Nipponbashi though is the location. With less than 10 minutes separating you from the culinary delights of Dotonbori and the shop-til-you-drop attitude of Namba just 4 minutes away by foot, there’s no chance you’ll ever tired of the ever-humming world around you.
Mid-range
Premier Hotel CABIN Osaka
Address: Kita-ku Minamimorimachi 1-3-19
Perhaps suffering from a slight misnomer, Premier Hotel CABIN Osaka is nowhere near as rustic or as cramped as the second part of its name would suggest. The first part, however, is dead on as a simple waltz into the lobby of this winsome 4-star will quickly confirm.
Less than a year old, the Premier Hotel CABIN Osaka lets its youthfulness shine through in its clean & quiet rooms that feature luxurious extras like soundproofing and electronic washlet toilets. The amenities are top-notch, too. Grabbing a quick morning bite at the on-site restaurant, serving up both Japanese- and Western-style items, is a fantastic way to get geared up for the day ahead.
Besides the hotel itself, the property occupies a strategic location steps away from Minami-Morimachi Station. Even if you’re not keen on undertaking the 20-minute walk into central Namba, getting around Osaka is a cinch from here.
Cross Hotel Osaka
Address: Chuo-ku Shinsaibashisuji 2-5-15
Even without its amazing location a stone’s throw from the Dotonbori area, Cross Hotel Osaka would be worth mentioning as one of the top choices for where to stay in Osaka. A colourful post-modern façade invites you into a delightfully contemporary space with hip style lurking around every corner.
The spacious and well-appointed rooms are only part of what gives Cross Hotel Osaka its strong appeal. On-site hangouts oozing with cool keep guests entertained into the night, especially the trendy 3rd-floor Bar Seagull and Shinsaibashi Lime, one of Japan’s largest “aquarium” restaurants.
For off-site fun, you’re also spoiled for choice. The central Minami location places both neon-splattered, food-crazy Dotonbori and the youthful America-mura within minutes. Unstoppable shoppers will likewise relish the chance to go broke along Mido-suji or Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street right outside the door.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier
Address: Kita-ku Nakanoshima Kita 3-4-15
Among mid-range hotels in Osaka there’s little contest for Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier charging in as one of the best. After catching the eye of Michelin’s persnickety critics three years running, this top 4-star hotel doesn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon.
The elegant rooms at Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier, more spacious than usual Japanese standards, delight guests with floaty beds and deep onsen-style soaker tubs that simply melt the stress away. To squeeze away any extra tension, in-room massages are also available.
Depending on your outlook, the location of the Mitsui Garden Osaka Premier will be either a boon or a scratch against it. Dwelling on quiet Nakanoshima, a small island at the confluence of the Dojima and Tosabori Rivers, the hotel’s about 15 minutes removed from the buzz of Umeda. To combat the inconvenience, the hotel offers a free shuttle to & from Osaka Station.
The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi
Address: Chuo-ku Nishi Shinsaibashi 1-10-24
Straddling the grey area between budget and mid-range, The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi snags travellers’ attention with a super central location and contemporary outlook. Rooms are cozier than might be expected for such a new hotel, but a handful of unique extras keeps the value in check with others in the price range in central Osaka.
For travellers keen on exploring Osaka to its fullest, The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi doles out free pocket WiFi rentals and smartphones to go. Other surprises like free ramen & drinks (even some biiru!) from 10-11pm are sure to paint a grin on your face. There’s even a free bike rental to transport you even further afoot.
Hotel Nikko Osaka
Address: Chuo-ku Nishishinsaibashi 1-3-3
Named after what is perhaps the most beautiful destination in Japan, Hotel Nikko Osaka has got a lot to live up to. With one step into this palatial mid-range hotel though, you’ll immediately see that they’ve tackled the task admirably.
Sitting firmly among the best 4-star hotels in Osaka, Hotel Nikko enchants with airy modern guest rooms fringed with contemporary & stylish furnishings and large picture windows. When your room’s big city views aren’t enough, sip cocktails to the high-risin’ panorama of the classy Sky Cruiser Lounge, hanging 100 metres above street-level on the 31st floor.
Lest we forget the fantastic location. Hotel Nikko lies just 10 minutes from Dotonbori and a block from Shinsaibashi where you’ll find all the latest brands and some of the yummiest Kansai cuisine in Osaka.
Luxury
St. Regis Osaka
Address: Chuo-ku Honmachi 3-6-12
Of all the city’s top-rated hotels, none beams with elegance as brightly the St. Regis Osaka. This exquisite 5-star hotel delights from the moment you enter the door with a sophisticated decor fused with modern Japanese sensibilities.
Each room at St. Regis Osaka is meticulously detailed, tied together with bright yet cultured accents that draw you in instantly. As you enter, plush carpeting pads your feet, offering a subtle first clue as to how this luxury property homes in on your comfort.
Luxurious sheets, woven with a 300-thread-count, invite you into a cloud-like bed where you can gaze upon Osaka’s skyline through tall picture windows. Or for an extra dash of relaxation, drift into the large soaker tub illuminated by the city lights.
Aside from all the perks of the hotel itself, St. Regis Osaka goes the extra mile by providing you with one of their world-famous personal butlers, who can secure dinner reservations at the swankiest restaurants in town or score top seats at events for you.
InterContinental Osaka
Address: Kita-ku Ofuka-cho 3-60
Got your eyes set on luxury while contemplating where to stay in Osaka? The InterContinental Osaka should be near the front of the line. This modern & elegant 5-star checks all the boxes, snagging your attention at every moment from its spacious rooms to all its top-notch amenities and location.
Entering into your room at the InterContinental Osaka, you’re greeted by contemporary furnishings, accented with soothing earthy tones, and mega views through large picture windows. Each features an en-suite bathroom replete with the requisite deep soaker tub to submerse your cares away. (If you need something a little “bigger,” take a dip in the indoor pool or let a masseuse squish away your troubles.)
Besides dreaming the night away in your comfortable quarters, don’t miss out on Pierre, a contemporary on-site restaurant serving up delectable French cuisine to 20th-floor skyline views.
The Ritz- Carlton Osaka
Address: Kita-ku Umeda 2-5-25
If a city’s lucky enough to have a Ritz-Carlton, it’ll appear in the best luxury hotels list—without fail. So, truly, it’s surprise that The Ritz-Carlton Osaka made the cut here. With its convenient location, this brilliant 5-star gem is perfectly situated to let the pleasures of this immensely interesting city easily unfold.
The design aesthetic at The Ritz-Carlton Osaka is a tad different than many of the city’s other top choices. The spacious and elegant rooms push forward a traditional European vibe rather than modern Asian sensibilities. Regal blues & purples connect everything together and create a colourful & inviting atmosphere.
Elsewhere at The Ritz-Carlton, you can melt your stresses away with a relaxing massage or a quick soaking in the spa’s hot tub. Six different dining options await on site including La Baie, the hotel’s Michelin-starred French restaurant, and Hanagatami, an inspired Japanese restaurant serving haute kaiseki cuisine with its own on-site sake sommelier.
Imperial Hotel Osaka
Address: Kita-ku Temmabashi 1-8-50
Peering out upon the Okawa River, Imperial Hotel Osaka is a delightful taste of pure grace and elegance in a quiet corner of Kita. The spacious rooms at this renowned 5-star hotel fuse together both classic and modern tangs for a refined look geared towards relaxation. Fine views over the Okawa, surging to their height during cherry blossom season, captivate even further.
Outside of the chic guest rooms, Imperial Hotel Osaka pleases the tastebuds with six on-site restaurants. To get your French fix, pop into Les Saisons, famed for its romantic city views, or let divine Japanese beef overtake your palate at Kamon, the hotel’s classy teppanyaki grill.
Conrad Osaka
Address: Kita-ku Nakanoshima 3-2-4
Through and through, there’s hardly a classier choice for where to stay in Osaka than the Conrad Osaka. This luxurious 5-star hotel flabbergasts with swoon-worth skyline views and a modern elegance unmatched among all the best places to stay in Osaka.
At the heart of the Conrad experience are spacious rooms set with ultra-stylish avant-garde decor that makes an immediate impact. Couples will love getting drenched in the deep soaker tubs, set to romantic city views shining in through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Flanked by panoramic skyline views and possessing a deeply warm ambiance, the heated indoor pool of Conrad Osaka is a step above the norm. For even deeper relaxation, don’t miss a visit to the on-site Conrad Spa where unique treatments like aromatherapy and a sake bath—yep, you heard right!—await.
While Conrad Osaka is just two quick subway stops from Umeda, where the city’s gastronomical brilliance shines, the hotel’s several on-site restaurants and lounge provide ample excuses to stick close by. Set to a 40th-floor panorama, the European and Asian fusion of Atmos Dining is perfect for a small taste of home while the teppanyaki and sushi of KURA delivers a full Osakan food experience.
Summary: The best places to stay in Osaka
Still not sure of where to stay in Osaka? Here are a couple last minute suggestions:
- Want to stay in an exciting neighbourhood without breaking the bank? The modern rooms of the new Red Roof Inn & Suites Osaka Namba Nipponbashi are excellent value, especially considering its prime Namba location.
- Got a little more to spend on a mid-range hotel? The spacious modern rooms at the 4-star Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier, set on the quieter island of Nakanoshima, are among the best in the price range. For a mid-range hotel in a more energetic area, the glamorous Hotel Nikko Osaka is always bound to impress.
- Craving the ultimate in Osakan luxury? Battening down at the St. Regis Osaka—with its signature butler service and sophisticated guest rooms—is about as fantastic a luxury hotel experience as any in the world.