In a nutshell
- You don’t know where to stay in Osaka? We’ll show you the best areas to stay in Osaka and give you our personal hotel tips.
- For first-time visitors, we recommend a hotel in Namba – here you can stay close to the most important sights. Our hotel tip: Fraser Residence.
- Umeda is a luxurious district that is just as central as Namba. Our hotel recommendation: Hotel Cordia Osaka.
- If you are looking for hotels in a more authentic area in Osaka, the Tennoji district is ideal for you. Our hotel tip: Bijou Suites Bloom.
Our Hotel in Osaka: Hotel Cordia
We stayed at the Hotel Cordia Osaka in the Umeda district during our trip to Japan and would definitely recommend it.
The price-performance ratio is great, the furnishings are modern, and the beds are comfortable. It is also very important that there is a subway station right in front of the hotel. The metro takes you quickly to all the main sights.
Where to Stay in Osaka?
If you’re only in Osaka for a short time, it’s best to stay in a hotel in the city center.
Osaka’s center is often divided into Kita (north) and Minami (south). Memorize the two names, as you will hear them more often in Osaka.
These 3 areas are very centrally located in Osaka and are ideal for accommodation:
- Namba: perfect area to stay in Osaka for first-timers and if you want to be close to lots of sights.
- Umeda: perfect, if you want to stay in a lively, modern district.
- Tennoji: authentic neighborhood and our insider tip for staying in Osaka.
By the way: there is no old town or city center in Osaka. The city’s sights and hotspots are spread out over several corners.
An overview of where to stay in Osaka on a map
For a better overview, we have drawn the city districts on a map.
Where to Stay in Namba?
Namba is perfect for first-timers in Osaka, as you can walk to the main sights and have plenty of restaurants around the corner.
Namba is located in Minami and here you will find many attractions in Osaka, such as the popular shopping street Shinsaibashi and the restaurant district Dotonbori.
The district is also great if you want to stay in Osaka near the train station. You can quickly get to other cities such as Tokyo or Hiroshima and to Osaka Airport.
Most of Osaka’s nightlife also takes place in Namba. If you like going out, you should definitely stay here, as public transport in Japan does not run at night. In most hotels, however, you won’t notice the noise.
Pros of accommodation in Namba
- The district has both hip and traditional corners
- Lots of pubs, restaurants and shopping opportunities
- Most of the sights are nearby
Cons of accommodation in Namba
- Very touristy
Our hotel recommendations for Namba
The location of the Fraser Residence right next to Namba station is great. There is a delicious breakfast and the staff are super friendly and helpful.
A cheaper option is the Cabin & Capsule Hotel J-SHIP Osaka Namba – one of the best capsule hotels in Osaka for us.
Where to Stay in Umeda?
Umeda is perfect for you if you want to stay in a modern neighborhood with many high-rise buildings and places to go shopping.
Umeda is located in Kita and is the city’s luxury district. Here you have a large selection of viewing platforms and stores.
Although Umeda is quite touristy overall, there are not so crowded areas like Nakazakicho – you’ll find lots of cool cafés and stores here.
Umeda is well-connected to all areas in Osaka and the surrounding area, as there are two major train stations here: Osaka Station and Umeda Station.
From Osaka Station you can get to the popular Universal Studios or take the JR train to Kyoto.
Pros of accommodation in Umeda
- You can get quickly to many attractions
- Large selection of restaurants and shops
- Many luxury hotels
- Not as crowded as Namba
Cons of accommodation in Umeda
- Touristy neighborhood
- Very metropolitan and not very authentic (many high-rise buildings)
Our hotel tips for Umeda
We have already introduced you to our accommodation in Osaka – the Hotel Cordia Osaka. The location is great, the rooms are beautiful and there’s free coffee in the lobby!
Alternatively, we recommend the Villa Fontaine Grand Osaka Umeda – the rooms are relatively large, the hotel is well-connected and a delicious Japanese breakfast is included.
Where to Stay in Tennoji?
Tennoji is ideal if you prefer to stay in an authentic and quiet area or if this is your second time in Osaka.
If you are tired of tourism, Tennoji is the best choice. You may not be staying right in the city center, but you are still well-connected to all the sights by public transport.
In Tennoji, you have a range of cool bars and restaurants to choose from, where locals mix with tourists. The choice of hotels in the district is small but good.
There are also some attractions in Tennoji, such as the famous Shitennoji Temple and the Tennoji Park. The zoo is great for families.
Pros of accommodation in Tennoji
- Beautiful surroundings
- Well-connected to Osaka’s sights
- Less touristy
Cons of accommodation in Tennoji
- Not so many cheap hotels
- You have a longer journey to some highlights
Our hotel recommendations for Tennoji
The Bijou Suites Bloom offer great value for money. The rooms are beautifully furnished and offer everything you need for your stay in Osaka.
FAQ About Where to Stay in Osaka
Where should you not stay in Osaka?
We advise against the Naniwa district.
Although it looks very interesting with its eighties look, it is one of the few places in the whole of Japan where you shouldn’t be out too late at night.
Be especially careful in the area around Tsūtenkaku Tower.
Is Chuo Ward Osaka safe?
Yes, Chuo Ward is a safe neighborhood in Osaka.
These were our tips on where to stay in Osaka
Have you already been to Osaka? Which area do you recommend for staying in? Let us know in the comments.