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Where To Stay In Osaka

Osaka is a big city, so it’s crucial to stay somewhere convenient. Here, we explain the best places to stay in Osaka as of January 2025, complete with a full explanation of our reasoning.

Osaka skyline with Osaka castle, landmark of Osaka city on clear blue sky background[Osaka Castle and office towers in early fall: Torjrtrx / Shutterstock.com]

Where Is The Best Place To Stay In Osaka?

The best places to stay (in order of preference) are

The Details

Here is our list of the best places to stay in Osaka. It’s based on the following reasoning

  • Access to transport is crucial. In particular, it should be close to the Midosuji subway line.
  • There should be plenty of shops and restaurants nearby.
  • Proximity to sightseeing attractions is important.
  • The neighborhood should be pleasant, safe and interesting.

Based on this and my own experience with staying in Osaka, here are the best places to stay in Osaka. At the end of this section, you’ll find a map showing exactly where these places are.

View from above of the illuminated office buildings and train station in the Kita district, Osaka, Japan, under the purple sky of the early evening [Kita district in the evening: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com]

Kita

Kita tops the list as the best place to stay in Osaka. It ticks all the boxes. Kita is Osaka’s most important transport hub and four train lines converge here (the JR Line and three private lines: Hankyu, Keihan and Hanshin). These offer quick access to other parts of Osaka, as well as Kyoto, Nara, Kobe and further afield. The Midosuji subway line also stops right in the middle of Kita.

Kita is also a huge shopping, dining and entertainment district and you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants. There are also several sights to see in Kita, including the museums of Nakanoshima, the Umeda Sky Building, and Kids Plaza Osaka. Finally, Kita has plenty of wide, clean and safe sidewalks, that make is a pleasant place to stroll around. If you can find a good hotel deal here, you’ll be happy with your choice.

Key Points

  • Positives: transport hub, great shops and restaurants
  • Negatives: can be crowded on weekdays
  • Best for: nearly everyone, those who want to explore Kansai

Our picks for the best hotels in Kita and Umeda are

Curved corner guest room in the Conrad Osaka hotel, Japan, with double bed opposite a wall-mounted TV screen and two sets of windows overlooking the nightscape high above the city [Conrad Osaka]

  • Luxury: Conrad Osaka - With stunning views of Osaka from its rooms, gorgeous spa and wellness facilities, and a fantastic collection of contemporary art incorporated into the hotel decor, the Conrad Osaka holds its own with other luxury hotels in the city. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

Curved double guest room in the Imperial Hotel Osaka, Japan, with large double bed, two comfortable armchairs, and standing reading lamp, as well as curved triple windows overlooking the nighttime buildings high above the city [Imperial Hotel Osaka]

  • Mid-Range: Imperial Hotel Osaka - Located along the Okawa River, Imperial Hotel Osaka is a classy hotel with spacious rooms, great views, and top-notch restaurants. If you’re visiting during cherry blossom season, you’ll be treated to the sight of the Okawa River banks all abloom with gorgeous sakura trees, too! Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

Basic twin room with wide bed next to window, square-patterned carpet, and glimpse of desk in the Toyoko Inn Osaka Umeda Higashi hotel, Osaka, Japan [Toyoko Inn Osaka Umeda Higashi double guest room]

Two large beds with television and wide nighttime window in a Hotel Vischio Osaka deluxe twin room, Japan [Hotel Vischio Osaka deluxe twin room]

  • Best Value: Hotel Vischio Osaka - The Vischio Osaka is a solid hotel a short walk from Osaka Station that offers comfortable rooms for rates that sometimes dip into the budget range. It’s a solid value and the location is hard to beat. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

You may also want to check out the stunning Harmonie Embrassee Osaka, which opened in 2023. And if you’re looking for a stunning new hotel with great views, check out the new Osaka Station Hotel.

For a careful selection of the best hotels in Kita, in all budget ranges, see our Kita District page.

Osaka, Japan city skyline of illuminated skyscrapers overlooking the Namba District in early evening from above [Minami district in the evening: ESB Professional / Shutterstock.com]

Minami

Minami is a close second to Kita as Osaka’s best place to stay. Minami is a major transport hub and three train lines converge here (the JR Line, the Nankai Line and the Kintetsu Line). These offer easy access to Nara and Wakayama, as well as southern Osaka. The Midosuji subway line runs right through Minami, stopping at Shinsaibashi and Namba stations.

Most importantly, Minami is a huge and vibrant shopping, dining and entertainment district. In fact, if you’re specifically here to eat and enjoy the nightlife, Minami might be a better choice than Kita.

Key Points

  • Positives: transport hub, shopping, entertainment, nightlife
  • Negatives: busy, particularly in evenings
  • Best for: young people, partiers, shoppers

Our picks for the best hotels in Minami are

Quad guest room in the Swissotel Nankai Osaka, Japan, with a double bed, and large and small singles, as well as L-shaped sofa next to a cityscape window view, and purple carpet [Swissotel Nankai Osaka]

  • Luxury: Swissotel Nankai Osaka - Towering over Nankai Namba Station, the Swissotel Nankai Osaka is a fine hotel right in the heart of the Minami action. Views from the rooms are stunning — taking in vast swathes of the Osaka/Kobe metropolis. There are some great on-site facilities and restaurants, as well. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

Double bed in an elegeant Hotel the Leben Osaka corner guestroom in Japan [The Leben corner double]

  • Mid-Range: Hotel the Leben Osaka - The Leben is an excellent and well-run hotel on the edge of the desirable Shinsaibashi district of Osaka. It’s one of those places that gets everything right and the prices are extremely reasonable given the quality. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

A hallway with a row of tall, curtained capsule rooms in the First Cabin Midosuji Namba hotel, Osaka, Japan [First Cabin Midosuji Namba]

  • Budget: First Cabin Midosuji Namba - Curious about capsule hotels but find the idea of one too claustrophobic? Try a cabin instead! The super-central First Cabin Midosuji Namba has compact, comfortable, and reasonably priced cabins - perfect for solo travellers who need a little more space than a box. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

Large double beds in front of a traditional Japanese painting of herons, next to a double bunk bed, and adjacent to a dining area in the Mimaru Osaka Shinsaibashi West family apartment [Mimaru Osaka Shinsaibashi West family apartment]

  • Family: Mimaru Osaka Shinsaibashi West - The Mimaru Osaka Shinsaibashi West is arguably the best family hotel in Osaka. It’s perfectly located in a great part of Minami, close to the subway and walking distance to many attractions. It’s a superb choice for traveling families and small groups. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

Double guest room in the Cross Hotel Osaka, Japan, with two large beds with white bedding and red sash, coffee area with machine and cups, and clean white walls [Cross Hotel Osaka]

  • Boutique: Cross Hotel Osaka - For a reasonably-priced, stylish, modern hotel with clean and comfortable rooms, Cross Hotel Osaka is just the ticket. It’s great for visitors who want to be near all the action happening in Dotonbori. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

And if you’re looking for a twist on the classic capsule hotel, check out the new Hotel Cargo Shinsaibashi.

For more details of our top hotel picks in Minami, in all budget ranges, see our Minami District page.

View of the Nakanoshima office buildings on the sandbank around Kyu Yodo river in Osaka city, Japan [Nakanoshima Island, on the north end of central Osaka: Richie Chan / Shutterstock.com]

Honmachi (Central Osaka)

If you find it difficult to choose between Kita and Minami, one solution is to compromise and stay right between them, in Honmachi (Central Osaka). Honmachi is much quieter and calmer than either Kita or Minami. It doesn’t have as many shopping and dining options, but don’t worry: there are still PLENTY of restaurants to choose from here.

If you’re a keen walker, you can easily walk to either Kita or Minami from Honmachi. And, if you don’t feel like walking, it’s not a problem, because the Midosuji subway line stops in the middle of Honmachi (at Honmachi Station) and it will get you wherever you want to go. And, since it’s not quite as fashionable as Kita or Minami, hotels tend to be slightly cheaper in Honmachi.

Key Points

  • Positives: close to both Kita and Minami, relatively quiet
  • Negatives: fewer restaurants and shops that Kita or Minami
  • Best for: anyone looking for convenience

Our picks for the best hotels in Honmachi and around Central Osaka are

Double room in The St. Regis Osaka, Japan, with large double beds, with wood-panelled desk area, and view through to the bathroom, as well as the daytime skyline view across the city [The St. Regis Osaka]

  • Luxury: The St. Regis Osaka - Somewhere between an ultra-luxe hotel and a boutique hotel, the St. Regis is an immaculate hotel right in the heart of Honmachi, just steps from Honmachi Station. It’s a great hotel for discerning travellers accustomed to more luxurious stays. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

Double room in the City Plaza Osaka hotel, Japan, with two large beds with contrasting bedding, large green velvet-style curved sofa, coffee table and chair, plus brown checked carpet [City Plaza Osaka]

Twin guest room in the Hotel Brighton City Osaka Kitahama with two large beds pushed close together, and mirrors on either side, striped carpet, and wall-mounted TV to the side [Hotel Brighton City Osaka Kitahama]

L-shaped leather sofa in the living area of a The Boly Osaka hotel suite with ceiling-to-floor window nighttime view of the Tosabori-gawa River and illuminated brick building in Japan [The Boly Osaka suite with river view]

  • Budget: The Boly Osaka - The Boly Osaka is a fantastic budget hotel located along the Tosabori-gawa River in Kita. It’s got great style, friendly staff and comfortable rooms, all for a phenomenal price. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

For our careful list of the best hotels in Honmachi, in all budget ranges, see our Honmachi District page.

View from above of the skyline of North Osaka City in summer in Kansai Area in Japan, with train lines and a bright, clear sky [Shin-Osaka Station: Lixiang / Shutterstock.com]

Shin-Osaka Area

If you want easy access to the shinkansen (bullet train) line and you still want to be within easy striking distance of downtown Osaka (via the Midosuji subway line), then the Shin-Osaka Area is a good choice. If you have business that will take you all over Japan, or you just want to really explore Japan (including places like Hiroshima, Kyoto, Himeji and Tokyo), then staying in Shin-Osaka can save you a lot of time and energy.

And, despite being at the north end of the city, you’d only be 5 or 10 minutes’ subway ride away from the major urban hubs of Osaka. And, there are plenty of places to eat and shop in and around Shin-Osaka Station. Needless to say, because it’s such an important transport hub, this area is filled with reasonable hotels.

Key Points

  • Positives: transport hub, cheap hotel rates
  • Negatives: can be rather quiet in evenings
  • Best for: business people, shinkansen riders

Our picks for the best hotels in Shin-Osaka are

Twin guest room in the Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station hotel, Osaka, Japan, with two large beds and double pillows, geometric carpet and op art panel on the wall, plus daytime view of tall buildings outside the window [Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station]

Twin guest room in the Remm Shin-Osaka hotel, Osaka, Japan, with two large beds, pushed together, beneath corner windows overlooking the city during the day, and leather comfort chair [Remm Shin-Osaka]

  • Mid-Range: Remm Shin-Osaka - Right at Shin-Osaka Station, this business hotel is definitely a step up from others in its class. It’s very comfortable, well-run and efficient. It’s the perfect choice if you need to stay near the bullet trains. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

Twin guest room in the Super Hotel JR Shin-Osaka Higashiguchi, with large bed and single upper bunk, connected by ladder, as well as TV on opposite wall, and small kitchenette area with fridge and kettle [Super Hotel JR Shin-Osaka Higashiguchi]

Triple guest room in the Shin-Osaka Station Hotel Honkan with three large, comfortable beds, with white bedding, and clean beige and white interiors [Shin-Osaka Station Hotel Honkan]

  • Family: Shin-Osaka Station Hotel Honkan - A step above most business hotels, Shin-Osaka Station Hotel Honkan has comfortable triple rooms, which are rare in Japan. This is a great choice as a base for day trips, or for an overnight stay before travel to an onward destination. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

For our other top picks, see our Shin-Osaka Area page.

Landscape of Tennoji in Abeno-ku, Osaka, with fresh greenery, skyscrapers, freeways, and mountains in the background [Tennoji area: 7maru / Shutterstock.com]

Tennoji Area

At the southern end of Osaka, the Tennoji Area is an up-and-coming shopping, dining and entertainment district that has lots of things to do nearby. And, because it’s not as fashionable as other districts, hotels rates tend to be very reasonable here. As with the other areas listed here, the Midosuji subway line stops here, so you can easily access other parts of Osaka.

Key Points

  • Positives: transport hub, cheap hotel rates
  • Negatives: some slightly scruffy areas
  • Best for: backpackers and young people

Our choices for the best hotels in the Tennoji area are

Twin guest room with two large beds, each with a luggage platform at the end, in the Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel, with minimal artwork and subtle patterned beige carpet, glass table with comfort chair and reading lamp, wall-sized windows looking over the city nightscape [Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel]

  • Luxury: Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel - Occupying the top floors of the soaring Abeno Harukas tower down in Tennoji, the Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel offers some of the best views of any hotel in Japan. But beyond that, it’s just a fantastic hotel all around, with superb facilities and staff who go the extra mile for guests. You can sometimes find rates online that put this almost in the mid-budget category, making it a very good deal indeed. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

Eccentric exterior of the Hotel Bali Tower Osaka Tennoji in Japan with huge signage, fake grass-style wall panel and faux Bali-style welcome sculptures [Hotel Bali Tower Osaka Tennoji]

  • Mid-Range: Hotel Bali Tower Osaka Tennoji - This unusual and zany Bali-themed hotel, only a short walk north of JR Tennoji Station, is on the low end of the mid-range category. The rooms are clean, stylish and well kept. The range of services and freebies for guests really sets Hotel Bali Tower Osaka Tennoji apart from the rest! Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

Twin guest room in the Miyako City Osaka Tennoji hotel, Japan, with two beds with table and radio unit between, as well as table with two chairs, and desk area with TV [Miyako City Osaka Tennoji]

For more top Tennoji hotel picks, including budget, mid-range and luxury options, see our Tennoji Area page.

Osaka Castle framed with cherry blossoms and a clear blue sky, with office skyscrapers in the background [Osaka Castle with cherry blossoms: beeboys / Shutterstock.com]

Osaka Castle Area

If you want to be away from the crowds of Osaka and fancy being near a spacious park where you can walk or run, then the Osaka Castle Area is an interesting choice. There are enough shops and restaurants here to keep you well fed, and the rest of Osaka is only short subway or taxi ride away. Because it’s slightly less convenient than other parts of Osaka, hotels here tend to be cheap.

Key Points

  • Positives: quiet, few crowds
  • Negatives: slightly inconvenient
  • Best for: older travelers, contemplatives

Our recommendations in the Osaka Castle area are

Double bed, facing a panoramic window overlooking Osaka Castle, in an elegant Double Tree by Hilton Osaka Castle guest room [Double Tree by Hilton Osaka Castle guest room]

Twin room in Hotel the Lutheran, Osaka, Japan, with two beds, dived by a small bedside table with lamp, and window-length desk area [Hotel the Lutheran]

  • Budget: Hotel the Lutheran - Situated just a minute’s walk from Tanimachi-Yonchome Station, Hotel the Lutheran is a good and inexpensive pick for those wanting to visit Osaka Castle. Rooms are larger than average for Japan! It’s also a good base for exploring the rest of the city. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

Twin guest room in the Hotel Keihan Kyobashi Grande, Osaka, Japan, with two large beds, small corner windows, armchair and coffee table, and long desk area [Hotel Keihan Kyobashi Grande]

See our Osaka Castle Area page for a strict selection of the area’s best hotels in all price brackets.

Types Of Accommodation In Osaka

Osaka has great hotels in all budget classes. If you want a real Japanese ryokan experience, we suggest staying in one of Kyoto’s great ryokan. Alternatively, you can also find many great ryokan in nearby Nara.

Hotels

Osaka has a fantastic selection of hotels, ranging from the ultra-luxe St. Regis Osaka, to the superb cherry blossom views from the Imperial Hotel Osaka, along with good value places like the First Cabin Midosuji Namba.

For our picks of the best hotels in each category, please see

See our overview on the Osaka Hotels page.

You can also check current Osaka hotel availability at Agoda.com and Booking.com

Peak Season: March-April and November

A FRIENDLY WARNING! Osaka accommodation gets booked out months in advance for busy seasons like the late March to mid-April cherry blossom season and the November fall foliage season. Book well in advance for these times.

You can check current Kyoto hotel availability during March, April and November on Agoda.com and Booking.com

Visiting Tokyo or Kyoto?

If you’re visiting Tokyo or Kyoto as well as Osaka, be sure to check out Where To Stay In Tokyo and Where To Stay In Kyoto on InsideOsaka.com’s companion websites, TrulyTokyo.com and InsideKyoto.com.

Where Are These Places Located?

  • Open the Osaka map
  • You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
  • Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
  • Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
  • If you’re using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

Osaka Vacation Checklist

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