Central Osaka (Honmachi and Around)

Located between the major hubs of Kita and Minami, Honmachi and its adjoining districts form the center of Osaka. There’s not much to see here, but it’s a convenient place to stay.

Tall buildings in Central Osaka

Conveniently located on the Midosuji subway line, Honmachi is within walking distance of both Kita (to the north) and Minami (to the south). It’s not the most exciting part of the city, but it’s packed with reasonably priced mid-range hotels. And, because this is an office district, there are tons of good restaurants and even a few bars here. And, if you’re a keen walker, you could even reach Osaka-jo Castle on foot from Honmachi.

Things to See and Do in Central Osaka

• Utsubo-koen Park (park)
  In a city with a noticeable lack of green spaces, Utsubo-koen Park is a blessing. Located a short walk northwest of Honmachi subway station, the park has a nice playground, fountain and some interesting statues. It’s a good place for a picnic or to check out the cherry blossoms in spring.
• Namba Yasaka Shrine (shrine)
  If you visit just one shrine in the Namba district, make it Namba Yasaka Shrine (Namba Yasaka-jinja). Its enormous lion head-shape building and cherry blossom trees dotted around the shrine grounds make it one of Osaka’s most distinctive places of worship.

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Destination

Check-in date

Mon 18 Dec 2023

Check-out date

Thu 21 Dec 2023

Places to Eat in Central Osaka

• Jibundoki (okonomiyaki, teppanyaki; moderate)
  For brilliant and creative okonomiyaki and some other dishes cooked on a teppan (iron griddle), try this excellent restaurant a short walk southwest of Honmachi Station. The name is written in English on the awning.
• Chukasoba Kazura (ramen; budget)
  Locals line up for the tasty, thick and meaty ramen here in Honmachi. The standard dish comes with hard-boiled egg and chashu (sliced pork). Look for the kanji 葛 on the sign. It’s in Awaza, southwest of Honmachi Station.
• Ramen Kasumi (ramen; budget)
  Near the west end of Utsubo-koen Park, this ramen specialist is sure to please serious meat lovers. The name is written in English on the sign. Buy your tickets from the machine when you go in.
• Sushi Hayata (sushi; moderate)
  Hayata is a decent small sushi restaurant very close to Honmachi Station. It’s a pretty good value and the fish is of good quality – just be warned that this restaurant allows smoking (we’re hoping this changes soon).
• Yoshitora (unagi; moderate)
  On the east side of Honmachi, in the direction of the castle, this hidden unagi (eel) specialist is a great place to try sublime unagi in refined and relaxing surroundings. It’s a good idea to have a Japanese speaker call in advance for reservations and to place the order. It’s down a small private walkway.
• Hajime (French; expensive)
  This Michelin three-star restaurant is considered one of the best restaurants in the city and it’s the perfect choice for a very special meal out in Osaka.
• Green Earth (vegetarian; budget)
  Green Earth is one of Osaka’s longest-running vegetarian restaurants. Its enduring popularity is no surprise: the mostly vegan food is delicious, the staff are friendly, and dining there is an altogether pleasant experience!
• Honke Shibato (unagi; moderate to expensive)
  Unagi set meals at Koraibashi’s 300 year-old Honke Shibato don’t come cheap, but it’s a meal that’s worth splashing out on.
• La Cime (French; expensive)
  For a truly special Japanese-French dinner that’s worth the money and the Michelin stars, look into snagging a reservation at the hallowed La Cime in the Hommachi district. Chef Yusuke Takada’s creations will make for a dinner to remember.
• Hakugintei (curry rice; budget)
  Hakugintei in Honmachi sees daily queues for its rich, spicy curry rice - it’s the kind of soul food that’s worth queuing for. As it’s a tiny counter seats-only place, this is best for solo diners or in twos. A must-eat for Japanese curry fans.

Eat Like A Local in Central Osaka

Want an even more adventurous eating experience where you mingle with Osaka locals? Try these places

• Futsu no Shokudo Iwama
  For cheap and cheerful homestyle Japanese cooking, Futsu no Shokudo Iwama in Namba is the place to go. It's ultra-local and ridiculously good value for money. Just don't sweat the minor things - like the mild stuffiness inside.

Recommended Hotels in Central Osaka and Honmachi

St. RegisLuxuryMore Info

Hotel BrightonMid-RangeMore Info

MYSTAYS SakaisujiMid-RangeMore Info

City PlazaBudgetMore Info

Places to Stay in Central Osaka

Budget Hotels in Central Osaka

• Tokyu Stay Honmachi
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Right in the heart of the city, the Tokyu Stay Honmachi is one of the most reasonable hotels in Osaka. It’s a simple business hotel that has all you need for a pleasant stay.

Mid-Range Hotels in Central Osaka

• City Plaza Osaka
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  With friendly staff, a rooftop spa, and open-air hot spring baths free for guest use, City Plaza Osaka in Honmachi is a great little hotel in central Osaka.
• Hotel MyStays Sakaisuji Honmachi
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  For business travellers seeking a decent hotel in Osaka, you can’t really go wrong with Hotel MyStays Sakaisuji Honmachi. Rooms here are modern and functional,
• Hotel Brighton City Osaka Kitahama
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Near Kitahama subway station and within walking distance of Osaka Castle, this hotel doesn’t have the most convenient location, but it makes up for it with larger-than-average rooms, excellent service and competitive rates.

Luxury Hotels in Central Osaka

• St. Regis Osaka
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Consistently rated one of the best hotels in Osaka, the St Regis is an immaculate hotel right in the heart of Honmachi, just steps from Honmachi Station. If you want supreme comfort right in the middle of this city, this is an excellent choice.

Where Are These Places Located?

See these places on the Inside Osaka Google map:

• 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 District Map

• Shin-Osaka Area
• Kita Area
• Central Osaka Area
• Minami Area
• Tennoji Area
• Osaka Castle Area
• Osaka Bay Area