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, 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.

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience.  Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

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, However, 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.

Best Places to Stay in Namba

Cheapest Hostels in Namba:
Hostel Q
Dotombori Base
Hostel 64 Osaka

Budget Hotels in Namba:
Hotel Art Inn Namba
Hotel Shinsaibashi Lions Rock
Hotel WBF Namba Inari
Grampus Inn Osaka

Mid-Range Hotels in Namba:
Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka
Hotel Ichiei (Ryokan – traditional Japanese accommodation)
Hotel Alexander Namba
Hotel Kanade

Family Friendly Hotels in Namba:
Hotel 88 Shinsaibashi
Hotel Il Cuore Namba
Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka
Red Roof Plus Osaka Namba

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Namba:
Swissotel Nankai Osaka
Hotel Nikko Osaka
The St. Regis Osaka
Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel

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). Both Namba and Umeda have major transport areas as well as a lot of shops and restaurants. 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:
Raku Hostel Osaka
HOSTEL 64 Osaka

Budget Hotels in Umeda:
Hotel Il Monte
Hotel Kinki
Hotel Livemax Umeda Doyama
Hotel Unizo Osaka Umeda

Mid range Hotels in Umeda:
Hotel Granvia Osaka
Hotel New Hankyu Osaka
Osaka Daiichi Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in Umeda:
Hilton Osaka
Hotel New Hankyu Annex
Harmonie Embrassee Osaka

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Umeda:
Intercontinental Hotel Osaka
Hotel Hankyu International
The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka
The Westin Osaka

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 Hostels in Shinsaibashi:
Hostel Namba Minami Kanon
One World Osaka Central
Raku Hostel Osaka
Osaka Hana Hostel

Budget Hotels in Shinsaibashi:
Osaka Teikoku Hotel
Arrow Hotel
Hotel Shinsaibashi Lions Rock
Business Inn Sennichimae Hotel

Mid-Range Hotels in Shinsaibashi:
Cross Hotel Osaka
Midosuji Hotel
ibis Styles Osaka
karaksa hotel Osaka Namba

Family Friendly Hotels in Shinsaibashi:
Hearton Hotel Shinsaibashi
Onyado Nono Nanba
Namba Oriental Hotel
Dormy Inn Shinsaibashi

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Shinsaibashi:
RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka
Conrad Osaka
The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka
Hotel Nikko 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.

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

Cheapest Hostels in Tempozan:
Osaka Hana Hostel
Hotel Raizan South

Budget Hotels in Tempozan:
Osaka Academia
Hotel Sobial Osaka Dome Mae
Smile hotel Namba

Mid-Range Hotels in Tempozan:
Hotel Seagull Tenpozan Osaka
The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan
Hotel Kintetsu Universal City
Hotel Keihan Universal Tower

Family Friendly Hotels in Tempozan:
Hotel Universal Port
The Singulari Hotel & Skyspa At Universal Studios Japan
Quintessa Hotel Osaka Bay
Hotel Keihan Universal City

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Tempozan:
Hyatt Regency Osaka

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 Q
Osaka Hana Hostel
Beehive Hostel Osaka
The Dorm Hostel Osaka

Budget Hotels in Dotonbori:
Zen Labo Osaka
New Japan Capsule Hotel Cabana (Male only)
Business Inn Sennichimae Hotel
Capsule Hotel Astil Dotonbori

Mid range Hotels in Dotonbori:
Holiday Inn Osaka Namba
Cross Hotel Osaka
Red Roof Plus Osaka Namba
ibis Styles Osaka

Family Friendly Hotels in Dotonbori:
Namba Oriental Hotel
Onyado Nono Nanba
Hotel Sunroute Osaka Namba
Comfort Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Dotonbori:
Swissotel Nankai Osaka
The St. Regis Osaka
Conrad Osaka
Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel

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:
Osaka Hana Hostel
Raku Hostel Osaka
Beehive Hostel Osaka

Budget Hotels in Osaka Castle:
Hotel Live Max Otemae
Osaka Castle Hotel
Daiwa Royal Hotel D-City Osaka Higashitemma
APA Hotel OsakaTanimachi

Mid range Hotels in Osaka Castle:
KKR Hotel Osaka
Hotel Sun White
Hotel Keihan Tenmabashi
Hotel the Lutheran

Family Friendly Hotels in Osaka Castle:
Premier Hotel -CABIN- Osaka
City Plaza Osaka
Hotel Monterey Lasoeur Osaka
HOTEL MYSTAYS Otemae (Ryokan)

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Osaka Castle:
Hotel New Otani Osaka
Imperial Hotel Osaka
Conrad Osaka
The St. Regis Osaka

If you’d like to save it for later, please save it to Pinterest.