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.
Where Is The Best Place To Stay In Osaka?
The best places to stay (in order of preference) are
- Kita
- Minami
- Honmachi (Central Osaka)
- Shin-Osaka Area
- Tennoji Area
- Osaka Castle Area
Osaka Holiday Essentials
- Where To Stay In Osaka: See our guide to the best areas and the best hotels to stay in Osaka.
- Things To Do In Osaka: Check this overview of Osaka activities with links to all the key information.
- Flights To Osaka: Find the cheapest flights to Osaka and flight times from scores of airlines with Skyscanner.
- Osaka Packing List: Don’t forget to take any of the essentials with our comprehensive Packing List For Japan.
- Travel Insurance: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Claim online anywhere in the world.
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.
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
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.
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.
Toyoko Inn Osaka Umeda Higashi double guest room
- Budget: Toyoko Inn Osaka Umeda Higashi - 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. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
City Plaza Osaka
- Mid-Range: City Plaza Osaka - 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. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Hotel Brighton City Osaka Kitahama
- Family: Hotel Brighton City Osaka Kitahama - 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. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
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.
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
Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station
- Luxury: Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station - The only proper luxury hotel at Shin-Osaka, this fine hotel is great for travellers who intend to use the shinkansen to explore central Japan. Rooms are relatively spacious by Japanese hotel standards - fantastic for families travelling with children. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
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.
Super Hotel JR Shin-Osaka Higashiguchi
- Budget: Super Hotel JR Shin-Osaka Higashiguchi - With a public hot spring bath, massage services, and a location 5 minutes away from Shin-Osaka Station, Super Hotel JR Shin-Osaka Higashiguchi is a very attractive and inexpensive option for budget travellers. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
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.
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
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.
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.
Miyako City Osaka Tennoji
- Convenient: Miyako City Osaka Tennoji - Directly connected to JR Tennoji Station, Miyako City Osaka Tennoji offers decent, comfortable, and larger-than-average rooms at reasonable rates. It’s a convenient choice for visitors to Osaka. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
For more top Tennoji hotel picks, including budget, mid-range and luxury options, see our Tennoji Area page.
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 Tree by Hilton Osaka Castle guest room
- Mid-Range: DoubleTree by Hilton Osaka Castle - The DoubleTree by Hilton Osaka Castle offers comfortable, modern accommodation and unique Osaka Castle views with attentive service. View on Booking.com.
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.
Hotel Keihan Kyobashi Grande
- Family: Hotel Keihan Kyobashi Grande - This hotel is great value for money. Rooms here are larger than average for Japan and well-kept. A shopping mall and train station are located right below, with myriad dining options. What else could you ask for? Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
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
- Best Osaka Luxury Hotels
- Best Osaka Mid-Range and Business Hotels
- Best Budget Osaka Hotels
- Best Boutique Hotels in Osaka
- Best Osaka Hotels For Families
- Best Value Osaka Hotels
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?
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 Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Osaka guide
- Check Osaka accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Osaka
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Osaka, Osaka to Kyoto and Osaka to Tokyo
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- View my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare flight prices and timings to find the best Japan flight deals
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
