Kita and Umeda Area

Kita (Umeda) is the daytime heart of Osaka. It’s the transport and business hub of the city and there are plenty of restaurants and attractions here. It’s also where many of the city’s hotels are located.

JR Osaka Station and Kita Area

Kita, which means “north” in Japanese, is one of the city’s two downtown hubs (the other is the Minami, or “south,” district). Kita is also known as Umeda, which is the name of one of the main train stations here. You’ll probably spend a lot of time in this part of the city. It’s just three stops south of Shin-Osaka Station on the Midosuji subway line. And, if you’re coming from Kyoto on the regular JR Line or one of the two private lines that connect the cities, you’ll arrive here.

The heart of the district is the newly rebuilt JR Osaka Station. It’s surrounded by all the city’s main department stores and many of its biggest businesses. The area is filled with restaurants that cater to the many workers in the area. There are also plenty of bars, shops and hotels. For visitors, there’s the pleasantly green Nakanoshim-koen Park, the Hep Five shopping and entertainment complex and the Umeda Sky Building.

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Fri 13 Dec 2024

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Things to See and Do in Kita and Umeda

• Umeda Sky Building (skyscraper/observation deck)
  About 10 minutes’ walk from the central north gate of JR Osaka Station, accessible by an underground walkway, the Umeda Sky Building is one of the tallest and most impressive buildings in Osaka. It’s more like two buildings connected by a bridge at the top. There’s a great observation deck at the top called the Kuchu Teien (“Garden in the Sky”) Observatory. The views from here are great, especially in the evening, although they’ve now been overshadowed by those at the Abeno Harukas Building in the Tennoji Area.
• Osaka Museum of Housing and Living (museum)
  Two stops east of Umeda and Osaka Station, on the Tanimachi subway line, the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living contains a full-size reproduction of a 1830s Edo Period shopping street. It’s a fascinating glimpse into what the city looked like before the coming of electricity and it’s highly recommended for people with an interest in history.
• Tenjimbashi-suji Shopping Street (shopping arcade)
  This 2.6km covered shopping arcade is the longest shotengai (shopping arcade) is Osaka, and that’s saying a lot because Osaka is famous for them. It’s an almost endless stretch of vaguely retro shops, restaurants and cafes.
• Kids Plaza Osaka (children’s play zone and science museum)
  For those with kids, this enormous play zone and science museum is perhaps Osaka’s top attraction. The top floor has an incredible interactive science museum, where kids can have fun while learning about science, and then there’s a giant three-floor castle that children can explore while their parents take a break on nearby benches.
• Hep Five (entertainment/shopping complex/Ferris Wheel)
  A short walk east of Umeda and JR Osaka stations, this huge shopping and dining complex is topped by a Ferris wheel that offers a great view over the city of Osaka. This 106-meter-high wheel offers an incredible view, especially in the evening.
• Nakanoshima-koen Park (park)
  About 15 minutes’ walk south of Umeda/JR Osaka Station, Nakanoshima-koen Park is a lovely and semi-green island in the middle of the Yodo-gawa River. It’s a nice place for a stroll and to escape the rush of the city. You’ll also find two museums here (see following two entries).
• Museum of Oriental Ceramics (ceramics museum)
  If you’re a fan of Oriental ceramics, this museum is a must-see. It’s relatively small but the collection is first rate. The collection includes Japanese, Korean and Chinese pieces.
• National Museum of Art, Osaka (art museum)
  This is another small museum on Nakanoshima Island, a short walk west of the above museum. The museum itself is a dynamic modern structure. The permanent collection (at least the part exhibited at any one time) is relatively small. It’s worth going if the special exhibition is of interest to you.
• Osaka Tenmangu Shrine (shrine)
  Feeling overwhelmed by too much shopping in Tenjinbashisuji? Duck out to Osaka Temmangu Shrine in the Kita district nearby - it’s an oasis of calm in the middle of a frantic, busy city. If you can, time your visit to coincide with the fabulous Tenjin Matsuri festival.
• Mint Museum Osaka (museum)
  The cherry blossoms outside the Mint Museum Osaka are great in late March and early April, but this free museum is worth a visit at any time of year.

Best Hotels in Kita and Umeda

InterContinentalLuxuryMore Info

Ritz-CarltonLuxuryMore Info

Crowne PlazaMid-RangeMore Info

Mitsui GardenMid-RangeMore Info

Places to Eat in Kita and Umeda

Kita is packed with restaurants, starting in both train stations and working out to the thousands of great little restaurants in the streets around the stations. And don’t forget that every department store has a great restaurant floor on its premises. In addition, there are some other great dining complexes in the area, including the first entry in the following list.

Budget to Moderate Places to Eat in Kita and Umeda

• Shin-Umeda Shokudogai (restaurant complex)
  Just down the escalators and to the right when coming out of Hankyu Umeda Station, this is the cheapest place to eat in central Osaka. It’s packed with tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurants that are popular with local office workers. Don't be afraid to just walk in and give one a try. They usually put the day’s special on display outside.
• Negiyaki Yamamoto (okonomiyaki; budget)
  Comfy all-ages dining and a craft beer menu, with a spotlight on okonomiyaki’s scallion-stuffed sibling.
• Gunjou (ramen; budget)
  A short walk from Tenjimbashisuji Rokuchome Station on the Tanimachi subwayline, this ramen and tsukemen (soup on the side noodles) specialist is well worth the trip from real ramen lovers. Look for the funky noren curtains in the doorway.
• Kiji (okonomiyaki; budget)
  Hidden up a staircase in the cramped Shinumeda Shokudogai dining area (roughly between Hankyu Umeda and JR Osaka Station), this tiny little okonomiyaki specialist is our favorite place to try this famous Osaka treat. It’s highly recommended!
• Kyochabana (okonomiyaki; moderate)
  Swankier dinner date spot for those ready to delve into a decidedly different depiction of the dish.
• Resshishouyumenkoubousanku (ramen; budget)
  Taking the award for the restaurant with the longest name, this restaurant also gets top marks for it’s brilliant thick-soup shoyu (soy sauce flavor) ramen. It’s an absolute must for ramen lovers. Take the Tozai Line to Shin-Fukushima Station. Look for the red noren curtains in the doorway (and there’s usually a line out front).
• Teppanyaro! (okonomiyaki; moderate)
  True blue Osaka nightlife dining with standout signature dishes.
• Soba Takama (soba; budget to moderate)
  A bit of a walk north of the Tenjimbashisuji Rokuchome Station on the Tanimachi subway line, this artisanal soba spot is one of the best soba restaurants in Kansai. There’s no English sign – look for the distinctive wooden exterior. Highly recommended!
• Yukari (okonomiyaki; moderate)
  Balance, value, and approachability – with something for everyone.
• Ginzaya (izakaya; budget to moderate)
  Want to drink and eat well on the cheap with Osakan locals? Head over to standing izakaya Ginzaya near Osaka Station to start off your night of bar-hopping. A draft beer is just JPY330, which bodes well for the evening ahead!
• Shichifukujin (kushikatsu; budget to moderate)
  Shichifukujin in Tenma is a counter seat-only kushikatsu restaurant that’s super popular with the locals. Their deep-fried skewers are fabulous, the beer is cheap, and they serve oden (simmered things) to balance out all that fried food. A great choice if you’re in the area!
• Harukoma (sushi; budget)
  With generous fish portions for their sushi at fantastically reasonable prices, it’s no wonder Harukoma in the Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Arcade sees lines out the door for lunch! Locals love this place and so will visitors
• Hanadako (takoyaki; budget)
  If you’re wandering around Shin-Umeda Shokudogai and wondering what to eat, Hanadako is an excellent choice. They nearly always have locals lining up for a taste of their famous negi-mayo takoyaki! Don’t worry if there’s a line, though: service is fast and efficient.
• Katsukura Umeda Chayamachi Branch (tonkatsu; budget to moderate)
  Katsukura’s tonkatsu is a cut above many places: the pork is excellent, and the sauce is homemade. Plus, this restaurant in Umeda serve tasty crab croquettes and chicken cutlets - perfect when not everyone wants to eat the same thing!
• Tazumura Daimaru Umeda Branch (tonkatsu; budget to moderate)
  If you’re around JR Osaka Station and craving lunch, the 14th floor of Daimaru Umeda is chock-a-block with tasty restaurants. Tonkatsu specialist Tazumura is just one of many choices on this floor - and it’s a fabulous option for pork lovers!

Moderate to Expensive Places to Eat in Kita and Umeda

• Binbiya (izakaya; moderate)
  This is such a rarity in Japan – a nonsmoking izakaya! And what a good thing that is. You can enjoy some truly refined izakaya fare here and wash it down with brilliant sake and beer. It’s in the Kita-Shinchi entertainment district. Highly recommended!
• Sobakiri Arabompu (soba; moderate)
  Not too far from the US Consulate, this artisanal soba specialist is a must for fans of real soba. It’s an austere and pleasing meal and this place does it very well.
• Tenjimbashi Aoki (sushi; expensive)
  A bit out of the way, near Tenjimbashisuji Rokuchome Station on the Tanimachi subway line, this little gem of a sushi place offers brilliant sushi for less than you’d expect, give the quality and taste. You’ll want the concierge at your hotel to call for reservations. The front is very austere, with no English sign. Look for the name 青木 written on the sign in the little illuminated alcove.
• Sushi Aoki (sushi; moderate)
  Sushi Aoki is a tiny sushi restaurant in the Fukushima area in Kita Ward serving fresh, delicious sushi at very reasonable prices. It might be a bit of a walk from the nearest station, but it’s entirely worth the extra effort!
• Takuya (tonkatsu; moderate)
  Tonkatsu (fried pork cutlets) are usually cheap workingman’s fare, but this place elevates them to high art. If you like tonkatsu, you’ve gotta try them here! It’s a short walk southeast of Umeda/JR Osaka stations.
• Iroha (kaiseki; expensive)
  In the Kita-Shinchi nightlife district, a short walk south of Umeda/JR Osaka Station, this kaiseki/kappo place deserves the star it got from Michelin. The food is superb and the presentation is beautiful. If you’re looking to try Japanese haute cuisine while in Osaka, this is a great choice.
• Épais (French; moderate)
  This fine little French place in the Kita-Shinchi district offers reasonably priced set meals for lunch and dinner. If you need a break from Japanese food while in Osaka, I recommend this place.
• Kushikatsu Bon (kushikatsu; moderate)
  If you love the deep-fried goodness of kushikatsu, then you don’t want to miss this excellent kushikatsu specialist located on the B1 floor of a building in the Kita-Shinchi district. The kushikatsu are so good here that the Michelin folks listed them in their most recent Osaka guide.
• Pierre (French; expensive)
  One Michelin-starred Pierre at the Intercontinental Hotel in Umeda is a great choice when you’re looking for a special occasion French dinner and a selection of great wines. Dinner and sweeping panoramic views of Osaka? Your romantic date night is sorted!
• Ginza Kyubey (sushi; expensive)
  High-end Edomae-style sushi in Osaka? You’d better believe it. At Ginza Kyubey in Imperial Hotel near Tenma, diners get to enjoy some great high-end sushi - with the bonus of a relatively relaxed atmosphere and English-friendly service.
• Akiyoshi Umeda Branch (yakitori; moderate)
  Akiyoshi might be a yakitori chain, but their skewers are consistently good and they have English menus, making this a tourist-friendly option. Plus, their restaurant spaces are usually larger and have comfortable tables - perfect for larger groups or the claustrophobic!
• Motomi Osaka Nishi-Umeda Branch (yakitori; moderate)
  Motomi Osaka Nishi-Umeda Branch is a gorgeous, slightly upmarket yakitori restaurant in the Kita-Shinchi near Umeda. Their chicken skewers are delicious, the surroundings are ultra-stylish, and there’s a wide selection of sake, shochu, spirits, and even a few wines. What’s not to love?
• Sumibi Yakitori Miyabi (yakitori; moderate)
  Heading over to Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Arcade for the day and need a dinner option? Look no further than Sumibi Yakitori Miyabi, a restaurant serving up all kinds of skewers and more. If you’re craving chicken hotpot or chicken ramen, this is a great place to hit up too.

Eat Like A Local in Kita and Umeda

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

• Odoru Udon
  If you're looking for a super-fast, cheap, hearty meal, udon is the way to go. Odoru Udon near Umeda Station is a great place to get your fix without the crowds.
• Tonkatsu Kobayashi
  If you enjoy your battered, deep-fried pork cutlets in atmospheric surroundings, Tonkatsu Kobayashi near Umeda Station is the place to go. It’s delightfully retro and serves up a delicious, reasonably-priced set lunch – perfect for your porcine fix.
• Sekai Ichi Hima Na Ramen-ya (The Most Deserted Ramen Bar in the World)
  Looking for ramen to warm you up without the feeling of having downed a ton of bricks? Sekai Ichi Hima Na Ramen-ya, located a hop and a skip from, Umeda serves up soulful, flavourful noodle bowls perfect for a chilly night.

Places to Stay in Kita and Umeda

Budget Hotels in Kita and Umeda

• The Boly Osaka
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  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.
• Villa Fontaine Grand Osaka-Umeda
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  The Villa Fontaine Grand Osaka-Umeda is an efficient and reasonably priced hotel a short walk from Osaka Station and Umeda Station in the Kita district. There’s a great communal bath and laundry facilities.
• Toyoko Inn Osaka Umeda Higashi
  (View on Agoda.com)
  The Toyoko Inn Osaka Umeda Higashi is a cheap, decent business hotel in the Kita district. Rooms are no-frills but they have everything you might need just to sleep here. Don’t expect luxury and you’ll be set.

Mid-Range Hotels in Kita and Umeda

• Imperial Hotel Osaka
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  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!
• ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  In the heart of the Kita-Shinchi entertainment district, this hotel is at the upper end of the mid-range price bracket and it can feel like a proper luxury hotel.
• Hilton Osaka
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Just two minutes away from JR Osaka Station on foot, the Hilton Osaka is a large Western-style hotel with all the facilities you expect from this international chain. Think fabulous city views from spacious rooms.
• Hotel Hankyu Respire Osaka
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Hotel Hankyu Respire Osaka is an efficient, comfortable and reasonably priced midrange hotel superbly located above a huge shopping and dining complex and steps from Osaka and Umeda Stations.
• Hotel MyStays Premier Dojima
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Located 10 minutes on foot from JR Osaka Station, Hotel MyStays Premier Dojima offers well-outfitted rooms that are larger than average for Japan. Being surrounded by a plethora of interesting restaurants is pretty great!
• Harmonie Embrassee Osaka
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  A visually stunning hotel in a happening area, not far from Osaka and Umeda stations, the Harmonie Embrassee is an interesting choice for those who want to be based in Kita.
• Hotel Elcient Osaka Umeda
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Located about midway between Osaka/Umeda stations and Yodoyabashi Station, the Elcient is a serviceable hotel with prices in the midrange. It’s a reasonable choice for a night or two.
• Hotel Granvia Osaka
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Literally on top of JR Osaka Station, the Hotel Granvia Osaka has the best location in Osaka for those who want easy access to transport. It’s a solid midrange hotel and it’s surrounded by shops and restaurants.
• Hotel Vischio Osaka
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  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.
• Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Located a 5-minute walk from Higobashi Subway Station, Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier has comfortable rooms at decent prices. We like the onsen hot spring bath on the 16th floor, and the complimentary shuttle service to and from JR Osaka Station makes getting to the shopping area a breeze!
• RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  With its comfortable and relatively spacious rooms, tasty breakfast, and free hotel shuttle service, among others, RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka near Nakanoshima Station gives you bang for your buck in the mid-range budget category.
• Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Located a short walk from Umeda and Osaka Stations in the Kita district, the Moxy is a design-themed upscale business hotel with a bit of a hipster feeling.
• Onyado Nono Osaka Yodoyabashi
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  The Onyado Nono is a good Japanese-style hotel located in the convenient Yodoyabashi area. The main draw here is the “onsen” and the ryokan feeling throughout.
• Aloft Osaka Dojima
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  The Aloft Osaka Dojima is a stylish and reasonably priced hotel in Dojima, a short walk southwest of Osaka Station and Umeda Station. Considering the convenient location and competitive rates, it’s a good choice for flashpackers.
• The Westin Osaka
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  The Westin Osaka is a large international-class hotel with all the facilities you expect and spacious, comfortable rooms and reasonable rates for this class.

Luxury Hotels in Kita and Umeda

• Conrad Osaka
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com.)
  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.
• Hotel Hankyu International
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  An easy walk north of Hankyu Umeda and JR Osaka Station, the Hankyu International is an excellent hotel with rates below what you’d expect to pay for rooms of this standard.
• InterContinental Osaka
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Only a 5-minute walk from JR Osaka Station, the Intercontinental is a superb luxury hotel. You wouldn’t expect anything less from this international 5-star chain! Some of the rooms offer breathtaking views of the city.
• The Ritz-Carlton Osaka
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Located around 750 metres southwest of JR Osaka Station, the Ritz-Carlton is an ultra-luxe hotel that’s worthy of the brand name.

Shopping in Kita and Umeda

• Grand Front Osaka (shopping complex)
  A huge two-part shopping mall north of JR Osaka Station, Grand Front is one of the best one-stop shopping centers in the city. In addition to all the shops, there are plenty of great restaurants.
• Osaka Station City (train station, shopping and dining complex)
  Surrounding JR Osaka Station, this huge shopping and dining complex offers an almost endless variety of things to buy and places to eat.
• Whity Umeda (underground shopping mall)
  This vast underground shopping mall, close to JR Osaka Station and even closer to Hankyu Umeda Station, is one of the largest underground shopping malls in Japan. It seems to stretch forever and you can easily get lost here – if that happens, just come up to street level and figure out where you are.
• Yodobashi Camera Umeda Store (camera and electronics store)
  Yodobashi Camera’s main Osaka store towers over the north side of JR Osaka Station. This is the best place in Osaka to buy electronics, cameras and a huge array of other things. This is also the best place in the city to buy SIM cards.
• Hankyu Umeda Main Store (department store)
  Built over Hankyu Umeda Station, this enormous department store is one of the city’s best. Don’t miss the great food floor and the great restaurants on the upper floors.
• Herbis Plaza (shopping, dining and entertainment complex)
  Herbis Plaza is a shopping, dining and entertainment plaza on the south side of JR Osaka Station. It specializes in upscale shops, but the dining options are generally mid-range or budget.

Nightlife in Kita and Umeda

While the Minami District is the main nightlife area of Osaka, there are still plenty of places for a drink or two in Kita. Here are two places to start.

• Captain Kangaroo (bar)
  A great foreigner-friendly bar on the north edge of Kita-Shinchi, this is a good spot to grab a drink, eat a hamburger and meet some locals and local expats.
• Club Piccadilly Umeda Osaka (club)
  One of the largest clubs in Osaka, this is a great place for a night out in the city with regular special events

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