Where to stay in Osaka Japan

Osaka is a large city and commercial center on the Japanese island of Honshu, its often overshadowed by Japan’s capital Tokyo.

It’s known for its modern architecture, nightlife and hearty street food. The historic 16th-century Osaka Castle surrounded by a moat and park with plum, peach and cherry blossom trees is a popular landmark.

Osaka is the perfect place for anyone, in particular people who love to shop should head to Shinsaibashi.

If you’re travelling with family then I would highly recommend checking out Universal Studio Japan, which made me feel like a big kid, running around with a Harry Potter wand in one hand and a glass of Butterbeer, there are plenty of places to visit in Osaka!

The subway line in Osaka making getting around super easy (and not to mention cheap!). The hotels in Osaka Japan run from cheap hostels to very expensive 5 star hotels.

We will cover off how to decide where to stay in Osaka Japan 2023, the best place to stay in Osaka, where to stay in Osaka first time, Osaka accommodation – from Hostel to Luxury including traditional Ryokan, cheap hotels in Osaka, the best neighborhood to stay in Osaka and many many more.

Namba – Where to stay in Osaka for first time traveller

Namba station is the city center of Minami “South” Osaka and is regarded as Osaka’s entertainment capital.

Areas like Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori are found within Namba. Shinsaibashi is Osaka’s shopping capital, while some of the best restaurants in the city are found in Dotonbori.

In addition, to housing some of the best shopping and dining districts in Osaka, Namba is also a cultural hub. Its where to stay in Osaka first time as its one of the main areas of Osaka.

Those who are interested in learning more about Japanese history or culture would be fascinated by several attractions in Namba such as bunkratu or kabuki performances. Namba has a bustling city vibe and has something for everyone, making it the best best area to stay in Osaka for first-timers.

Best places to stay in Namba

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Namba

• Namba Guesthouse HIVE
• 04village Namba
• The Pax Hostel
• DEER Hostel OSAKA NAMBA

Budget accommodation in Namba

• Kamon Hotel Namba
• e-stay namba
• Weekly Green In Namba
• Nisshin Namba Inn

Mid range accommodation in Namba

• Joytel Hotel Shinsekai Sakaisujidori
• Hotel Gracery Osaka Namba
• Fairfield by Marriott Osaka Namba
• Toho Hotel Namba Motomachi

Family Friendly accommodation in Namba

• Citadines Namba Osaka
• Ostay Vermillion Namba
• Namba Oriental Hotel
• Hotel S-Presso Central

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Namba

• Swissotel Nankai Osaka
• Randor Hotel Namba Osaka Suites
• Plum Hotel
• OMO7 Osaka by Hoshino Resorts

Dotonbori – Where to stay in Osaka for nightlife

Dotonbori is located within walking distance (around 10 minutes) from Nanba. Here you will see the famous Glico man sign, and neon lights which you would see all over your Instagram.

Dotonbori can be  fairly loud at night, as it’s in the heart of Osaka’s entertainment and food scene which runs until the early hours of the night. Dotonbori is best area to stay in Osaka if you want to enjoy the nightlife.

Best places to stay in Dotonbori

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Dotonbori

• Hostel Mitsuwaya Osaka
• Hostel Q
• Stay Osaka Namba
• Backstage Osaka Hostel & Bar

Budget accommodation in Dotonbori

• Kaneyoshi Ryokan
• Natural Hot Spring Midosuji Hotel
• nestay inn osaka nanbakuromon
• Dotonbori Shinsaibashi Hotel

Mid range accommodation in Dotonbori

• Candeo Hotels Osaka Namba
• Mercure Tokyu Stay Osaka Namba
• Dormy Inn Premium Namba Natural Hot Spring
• Doutonbori Crystal Hotel Ⅱ

Family Friendly accommodation in Dotonbori

• KUROMON Royal
• SARASA HOTEL Dotonbori
• Cross Hotel Osaka
• Yamatoya Honten Ryokan Osaka

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Dotonbori

• Konjaku-So Dotonbori Garden SPA Stay

Shinsaibashi – Where to stay in Osaka for Shopping Lovers

If you’re someone who loves shopping while you travel, then you have probably already heard of Shinsaibashi. The Shinsaibashi area of Osaka is its shopping capital and has been since as far back as the Edo Period, which lasted from the 17th-19th centuries.

Shinsaibashi is rather large and is divided into several sections. The up-scale Mido Suji Shopping Street is the main street of Osaka that runs straight down the middle of Shinsaibashi.

It is a well-known street in the area and is so extravagant that some might even call it the Champs-Elysees of the East.

The western section of Shinsaibashi is known as the American-Mura Village, as it is heavily influenced by facets of western culture like second hand shops and features imported goods from the west coast of the United States.

Generally, you can find anything your heart desires in Shinsaibashi as it has stores that range from vintage shops to retail stores to high-class boutiques. Make sure you visit Shinsaibashi if you’re interested in fashion.

Best places to stay in Shinsaibashi

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Shinsaibashi

• hotel atarayo osaka
• BOOK AND BED TOKYO Shinsaibashi
• W Station
• Hostel Ko-fu

Budget accommodation in Shinsaibashi

• The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi
• Hotel Kojan
• fleur Matsuyamachi
• Feel Osaka Yu

Mid range accommodation in Shinsaibashi

• Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu
• SARASA HOTEL Shinsaibashi
• Hotel Nikko Osaka
• KOKO HOTEL Osaka Shinsaibashi

Family Friendly accommodation in Shinsaibashi

• Granbell Hotel Osaka
• Hotel Sanrriott Osaka Hommachi
• Takuto Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi
• The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Shinsaibashi

• W Osaka
• Konjaku-So Shinsaibashi Rooftop SPA

Umeda – Where to stay in Osaka for tourists

One of the biggest questions is, which is the best place to stay in Osaka Namba or Umeda? And personally i think this is difficult to answer as they both have their own unique differences (to a degree).

Wondering where to stay in Osaka near train station? Both Namba and Umeda have major transport areas as well as a lot of shops and restaurants. Umeda is the best place to stay in Osaka for tourist.

Umeda has more of a modern feel to it and lacks the genuine Japanese culture vibe and where as Namba has more culture but it also has more nightlight. So really it depends what you want to do during your stay but this is the best location to stay in Osaka.

You could make Umeda where to stay in Osaka for one night and then spend the next night in Namba which is in walking distance, not too far away and compare it for yourself! There are no rules saying you have to stay in the same place during your stay!

Best places to stay in Umeda

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Umeda

• Osaka Guest House U-En
• Hostel OGK

Budget accommodation in Umeda

• Osaka Guesthouse Sakura
• Meet Me Umeda Nishi
• Capsule Inn Osaka (Male Only)
• HOTEL LiVEMAX Osaka Umeda Nakatsu

Mid range accommodation in Umeda

• Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
• Hotel Monterey Le Frere Osaka
• Hotel Binario Umeda
• Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda

Family Friendly accommodation in Umeda

• APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Umeda-eki Tower
• Nest Hotel Osaka Umeda
• ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka, an IHG Hotel
• Hotel New Hankyu Osaka

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Umeda

• The Westin Osaka
• Zentis Osaka
• Hilton Osaka Hotel
• The Ritz-Carlton Osaka

Osaka Castle – Best area to stay in Osaka for Cherry Blossoms

The Osaka castle area is known for the popular Osaka Castle (duh!). The Osaka Castle is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks as it played a major role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century.

Its the best area to stay in Osaka for people who love to learn more about culture during their holidays. It’s also extremely popular during Cherry blossom season as there are approx 5,000 cherry blossom trees along the banks of the castle and its adjoining river.

Best places to stay in Osaka Castle

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Osaka Castle

• Hostel Furoya

Budget accommodation in Osaka Castle

• Hotel Keihan Tenmabashi
• Hotel the Lutheran
• Dormy Inn Osaka Tanimachi
• Namba Shinsaibashi 10 mins Reiko guest house

Mid range accommodation in Osaka Castle

• KKR Hotel Osaka
• Hotel Keihan Tenmabashi Ekimae
• Shirakabanoyado-Osakajo
• TE Osaka Luxury Room

Family Friendly accommodation in Osaka Castle

• LUXCARE HOTEL
• Hotel Osaka Castle
• Hotel Sun White
• HOTEL MYSTAYS Otemae

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Osaka Castle

• Hotel New Otani Osaka

Tempozan – Where to stay in Osaka with Family

Tempozan Harbor Village is an area located in the Minato ward of Osaka and is perhaps the best place to bring out your inner child.

The center of tempozan Harbor Village is an amusement complex that features not only an aquarium, but also Legoland and one of the largest ferris wheels in the world.

If you’re looking for a fun attraction in Osaka, chances are you’ll find just what you’re looking for in Tempozan. Tempozan is best place to stay in Osaka for family.

Children love Tempozan, but adult visitors always have just as much fun. Tempozan is also an ideal location for shopping, as it’s home to the Tempozan Marketplace.

Legoland is actually located within Tempozan Marketplace, but the Marketplace also features over 80 retail locations and an indoor petting zoo.

If you stay in the Tempozan area of Osaka, you can expect to have endless fun all day long. Temporzan is also just around the corner from Universal Studio Theme Park.

Best places to stay in Tempozan

Budget accommodation in Tempozan

• Ocean OTR Park View Bentencho
• Guest House Rice Chikko
• The Wonder At Stay-Bentencho
• Tabist Gloire Osaka

Mid range accommodation in Tempozan

• THE SINGULARI HOTEL & SKYSPA at UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN
• Hotel Universal Port Vita
• The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan
• Bande Hotel Tenpozan Higashi

Family Friendly accommodation in Tempozan

• Hotel Universal Port
• Art Hotel Osaka Bay Tower
• LIBER HOTEL AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN
• ORIENTAL HOTEL UNIVERSAL CITY

Affordable Luxury accommodation in Tempozan

• Konjaku-So Tempozan Osaka Bay -Universal Bay Area
• Konjaku-So Bentencho Osaka Bay -Universal Bay Area

Top 5 favorites accommodation options for Osaka

❤️ Best Area first timers	Namba Osaka or Tempozan Harbor Village
💸 Best Luxury Hotel	W Osaka
👪 Best Hotel for For Families	Fairfield by Marriott Osaka Namba
🏨 Best Mid-Range Hotel	Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
🛏️ Best Budget Hotel	Hotel Keihan Tenmabashi
✨ Best Hostel	Backstage Osaka Hostel & Bar

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