Where to stay in Osaka first time 2024 - 7 best areas
In this article, we dive deeper into your question about where to stay in Osaka for first time traveller.
To make it as simple as possible for you as a reader, we start with an overview of all the recommended areas we cover followed by a short description.
Then, we briefly answer a few commonly asked questions:
Where to stay in Osaka first time?
Where to stay in Osaka with family?
Where to stay in Osaka for nightlife?
Where to stay in Osaka on a budget?
Where to stay in Osaka for foodies?
You can always tap on a purple link to go directly to that part of the article.
This will save you a lot of time and only read what you need to read.
Enjoy!
Overview of the best areas to stay in Osaka first time
| Name of the area in Osaka | Description of the recommended area |
|---|---|
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | These two neighboring areas combined are among the most desired areas in all of Osaka. Both are known for their great nightlife scene, bustling streets, and huge variety of shops and restaurants. You have great access to major attractions like Osaka Castle and Universal Studios Japan and you’re staying in an area with loads of entertainment, delicious street food, and shopping options. What makes it so good? Plenty of things to do, great nightlife and street food scene, convenient location. *You can click on the purple and blue links to directly navigate to that part of the article to read in-depth information about that specific area. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Aside from being another lively area and all of its shopping and entertainment options, the main benefit of staying in Namba is having direct access to this transportation hub. It’s incredibly convenient for exploring other parts of Osaka but also taking day trips to other places like Kyoto. To be clear, the area is far from boring! What makes it so good? Ideal to explore every corner, every highlight, and beyond of the city by public transport. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Being Osaka’s bustling business and commercial district, Umeda offers an abundance of shopping malls, department stores, and upscale boutiques. It’s also home to Osaka Station, making it a convenient base for those who plan to explore the wider Kansai region. Keep in mind that you’re located a tiny bit away from the several major attractions, but public transport can take you there easily. What makes it so good? Particularly great for its shopping malls and access to Osaka Station. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This area is known for its historical sites, including the beautiful Shitennoji Temple and Tennoji Park. It’s a quieter alternative to some of the more bustling districts in Osaka, yet still offers plenty of amenities and easy access to public transportation. What makes it so good? Access to the historical districts and the fact that it’s a relatively quieter area compared to the other parts. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Those who want to explore Osaka’s nightlife scene to the fullest should stay in Kitashinchi. This district is filled with bars, clubs, and restaurants, making it an ideal place to experience Osaka’s vibrant nightlife culture. You’re located near Umeda as well, which is a transportation hub, so travelling around the city is still a piece of cake. What makes it so good? The place to be for nightlife enthusiasts while still having great access to public transport to explore the city during the day. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | If you’re visiting Osaka with family or looking for entertainment options, consider staying in the Osaka Bay Area. This area is home to several fun attractions like Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and Tempozan Ferris Wheel. Keep in mind that you’re located further outside the city, but there is a direct train to the city center. What makes it so good? Great area for families with several major family attractions at your doorsteps. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Kita is home to attractions such as Osaka Castle and the Osaka Museum of History. It’s a quieter area compared to some of the bustling districts in Osaka, making it a good choice for those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere or those who want to stay as close as possible to these attractions. Keep in mind that Osaka’s public transportation system is so well-developed that you don’t have to stay so close to these attractions as you can simply take the Midosuji line or some of the other trains. What makes it so good? Relatively quiet area where you can find the famous Osaka Castle and the Osaka Museum of History. |
Where to stay in Osaka first time
The best areas to stay in Osaka for first-time visitors are Dotonbori/Shinsaibashi, Namba, and Umeda.
These three areas have the best access to public transport while staying close to several highlights.
Dotonbori/Shinsaibashi is the most vibrant one of these three and also offers a great nightlife scene and bustling streets.
Namba also offers incredible shopping and entertainment options.
Umeda is known for its abundance of shopping malls, department stores, and upscale boutiques.
Now, there are several great alternatives.
Tennoji is known for its historical sites.
Kitashinchi is the place to be for nightlife enthusiasts.
Osaka Bay Area is ideal for families who also want to visit Universal Studios, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and the Tempozan Ferris Wheel.
Kita (North) is a relatively quiet area with perfect access to the famous Osaka Castle.
All of these recommended areas have great access to public transport, but the first three are by far the most convenient of them all, especially if you’re planning to visit other cities such as Kyoto.
Where to stay in Osaka with family
The best areas to stay in Osaka for families are the Osaka Bay Area and Kita.
The Osaka Bay Area is an area built for families and family entertainment. The downside is that you’re located just a bit outside of the city itself.
Kita District is a relatively quiet area compared to the bustling areas of Osaka and you have perfect access to the famous Osaka Castle. Many families prefer to stay in this part of Osaka.
However, you can always stay in one of the three most popular areas in Osaka in general, namely Dotonbori/Shinsaibashi, Namba and Umeda.
These three areas have perfect access to public transport which makes it ideal for families to travel carefree around the city and beyond and it allows you to see most of the city.
Out of these three, Dotonbori/Shinsaibashi is the least family-friendly because you can find a proper nightlife scene here, but the nightlife scene also can be easily avoided.
Where to stay in Osaka for nightlife
The best areas to stay in Osaka for nightlife are Kitashinchi and Dotonbori/Shinsaibashi.
Kitashinchi is by far the best option for party-goers.
As you’re located near Umeda, a transportation hub, it’s also incredibly easy to visit other parts of the city during the day.
If you want more than nightlife and sightseeing alone, Dotonbori/Shinsaibashi is the better alternative.
These two areas combined are the ideal area for tourists in general and it offers a great nightlife scene too.
But we must admit that Kitashinchi’s nightlife scene is wilder.
Where to stay in Osaka on a budget
This part will be updated very soon.
Where to stay in Osaka for foodies
This part will be updated very soon.
1. Dotonbori/Shinsaibashi
Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi are known for their unique and thrilling atmosphere, filled with colorful signs, neon lights, and energetic crowds.
Shinsaibashi is one of Osaka’s premier shopping districts and offers a long stretch of covered shopping arcades with a huge variety of stores, from high-end boutiques to quirky souvenir shops.
Dotonbori is renowned for its diverse and delicious (street) food scene, with countless restaurants, street food stalls, and local eateries.
From savory takoyaki (octopus balls) to fresh sushi and mouthwatering ramen, you’ll have endless options to satisfy your taste buds.
Dotonbori comes alive after dark, with its vibrant nightlife scene offering bars, clubs, and entertainment venues catering to all tastes.
Whether you’re interested in sampling local sake at a cozy izakaya or dancing the night away in a lively nightclub, you’ll find plenty of options for evening entertainment.
Both areas are centrally located in Osaka, making them convenient bases for exploring the city’s many attractions.
From here, you have great access to iconic landmarks like Osaka Castle, the Umeda Sky Building, and the Tsutenkaku Tower, as well as neighboring areas like Namba and Umeda.
Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi are well-connected transportation hubs, with multiple subway and train lines intersecting in the area.
It’s important to understand that this is a must when choosing the right area and we made sure that every single recommended area is connected to a tourist-friendly line or even is directly connected to a major train station.
While Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi are primarily known for their shopping, dining, and nightlife, they are also home to cultural attractions such as Hozenji Temple and the Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street.
But, to see the major attractions, you always have to take a short train ride.
However, at the end of the day, after a full day of sightseeing, all you have to do is walk around the area where your hotel is located.
Because Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi have so much entertainment to offer during the night, that for most of the other recommended areas, it’s pretty hard to beat!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Osaka for first time traveller in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. Namba
Namba is located in the heart of Osaka, making it an ideal base for exploring the city’s top attractions.
From here, you can easily access iconic landmarks such as Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi Shopping Street, and Osaka Castle, as well as nearby districts like Umeda and Tennoji.
The main reason why it’s so easy to travel to each corner from here is because Namba is a major transportation hub with multiple train and subway lines converging in the area, including the Nankai Line, JR Line, and Osaka Metro lines.
This is the most important feature the area has to offer.
But there is more.
Namba is home to several shopping districts, including the famous Namba Parks and Namba City shopping malls, as well as the bustling Nipponbashi area known for its electronics and otaku culture.
You can also find a diverse culinary scene with countless restaurants, izakayas, and street food stalls offering everything from traditional Osaka cuisine to international dishes.
But to be fair, Osaka in general offers an incredible food scene and most of the central areas are simply foodie havens.
Namba is far from boring, with a decent nightlife scene and several cultural attractions, including historic temples like Hozenji Yokocho and Namba Yasaka Shrine.
Another great thing about Namba is that you can also find budget-friendly accommodation options here.
Overall, the combination of perfect access to public transport and all the entertainment the area has to offer makes Namba one of the most desired areas to stay among tourists.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Osaka for first time traveller in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. Umeda
Umeda is one of Osaka’s major commercial and transportation hubs, located in the northern part of the city.
Its central location makes it an excellent base for exploring Osaka and the wider Kansai region.
From Umeda, you can easily access popular attractions such as Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Universal Studios Japan, as well as neighboring cities like Kyoto and Nara.
The other major advantage of staying in Umeda is the fact that it’s a true shopping paradise.
Some of the most renowned shopping centres in the city are located here, including the massive Osaka Station City complex, Grand Front Osaka, and underground shopping malls like Hankyu and Daimaru.
Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion, electronics, or souvenirs, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your shopping desires in Umeda.
It’s also a true foodie paradise, with culinary highlights within each budget class.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to casual izakayas and street food stalls, you’ll have no shortage of delicious meals to enjoy during your stay in Umeda.
When it comes to accommodation options, Umeda also offers a huge variety of hotels, in all budget classes.
This makes Umeda also a budget-friendly area, but those who seek an upscale experience won’t be disappointed either.
Is there anything not to like?
The area doesn’t have a vibrant nightlife scene like Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi.
Also, Umeda is primarily a commercial and business district, which means it may lack the distinctive charm and character found in areas like Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi with their colorful streets, neon signs, and bustling markets.
But, if you want to combine shopping with superb access to public transport with hotels available in every single budget class, Umeda is a great option.
Besides, you can easily take public transport to the nightlife areas, in case you do want to explore Osaka’s nightlife (occasionally).
Some of the best hotels to stay in Osaka for first time traveller in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. Tennoji
Tennoji is home to several historical and cultural landmarks, including the iconic Shitennoji Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan.
This is a must-visit for every single tourist, but to be honest, you don’t have to stay as close to this temple because Osaka’s sophisticated public transportation system will take you here without much hassle.
So, what kind of traveller should stay here?
We believe that Tennoji is the perfect alternative area for families who seek a more relaxed area.
The area is home to several family-friendly attractions.
For example, you can easily explore Tennoji Park, which features lush greenery, ponds, and walking paths, providing a serene escape from the bustling city.
You can also find two zoos here, namely the Osaka Zoo and Tennoji Zoo.
The Osaka Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Japan and houses a wide variety of animals, including pandas, elephants, and lions.
But the area is far from boring, even though it is quieter than other areas.
You can find plenty of shopping and dining.
Make sure to explore the bustling Tennoji Mio shopping mall, which also features entertainment options, or head to the nearby Abeno Harukas building, Japan’s tallest skyscraper, for upscale shopping and dining experiences.
Just to be clear, Tennoji is a major transportation hub, so travelling to other parts is a piece of cake.
It’s just a quieter area, where you find far fewer activities like nightlife.
Simply put, if you’re travelling as a family, definitely consider staying in Tennoji!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Osaka for first time traveller in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
5. Kitashinchi
Kitashinchi is the complete opposite of the previously recommended area because this area is renowned for its nightlife and dining scene.
The district is home to numerous bars, izakayas (Japanese pubs), and restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisine, from traditional Japanese dishes to international fare.
It’s a fantastic area for visitors looking to experience Osaka’s nightlife culture and sample delicious food and drinks.
Kitashinchi is also conveniently located near major transportation hubs, including Osaka and Umeda stations, although it does not have direct access to these stations.
Generally speaking, it does make it easy for tourists to explore other parts of Osaka and the wider Kansai region, as well as travel to and from Kansai International Airport.
Kitashinchi is home to several luxury hotels and accommodations, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking upscale accommodation options and luxurious amenities.
While Kitashinchi may not be as centrally located as some other areas in Osaka, it’s still within easy reach of popular tourist attractions like Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Shinsaibashi Shopping Street.
You can explore these iconic landmarks during the day and return to Kitashinchi in the evening to enjoy its vibrant nightlife.
Is there anything not to like?
First of all, this area is pricier than most of the other areas.
Secondly, if you don’t want to explore its nightlife scene, it doesn’t make much sense to stay here, because there are other areas that have a better location.
But, if you do want to enjoy Osaka’s nightlife scene, Kitashinchi is the best option you have!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Osaka for first time traveller in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
6. Osaka Bay Area
The Osaka Bay Area is home to some of Osaka’s top tourist attractions, including Universal Studios Japan, one of the most popular theme parks in Japan.
You can also find the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan here, which is one of the largest aquariums in the world, and enjoy panoramic views from the Tempozan Ferris Wheel.
There are a lot of other entertainment venues to explore in this part of Osaka where you can enjoy shopping, dining, and other leisure activities.
One of the major perks of staying in the Osaka Bay area is the access to the scenic views of the city.
Overall, this part of Osaka is particularly popular among families, thanks to its family-friendly attractions.
While the Osaka Bay Area may be slightly removed from the city center, it is well-connected to public transportation, making it easy for you to explore other parts of Osaka and the wider Kansai region.
With the so-called Osaka Loop Line, you have great access to the city’s major highlights.
There are plenty of accommodations to find in all budget classes, from luxury hotels with waterfront views to budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels.
Is there anything not to like?
There are three things that you need to take into consideration.
First of all, there is limited nightlife.
Secondly, you are located further from the city center.
Lastly, the area is pretty commercialized and if you’re looking for more authenticity, there are better options.
But when you travel with kids and you want to combine the city’s highlights with family-friendly attractions like Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and Universal Studios Japan, it’s hard to beat the Osaka Bay Area.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Osaka for first time traveller in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
7. Kita (North) District
This part will be updated very soon.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Osaka for first time traveller in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.