The best neighborhoods to stay in Osaka are located in the Chūō-ku, Kita-ku, and Tennōji-ku districts. Here are our tips and our selection of accommodations and hotels to stay in Osaka with family, as a couple, or for solo travel.
Which area to stay in Osaka?
The Chūō-ku, Kita-ku, and Tennōji-ku districts are among the most central districts of Osaka. They are the best places to stay in Osaka during a trip. Each of these districts has its advantages.
Chūō-ku. This is the most central district. It includes must-see areas of Osaka, Namba, Shinsaibashi, and the magnificent Osaka Castle.
Kita-ku. This district is located to the north of Chūō-ku. The Umeda area is most interesting in terms of accommodations, as it is close to Osaka Station and convenient for getting around Osaka and outside the city.
Tennōji-ku. This district is located to the east of Chūō-ku. Overall, it is quieter and less touristy than its neighbor. Nevertheless, it has at least two unique things to discover: the Shinsekai district and the Shi Tennō-ji temple.
Good to know! In Japan, it is not uncommon to see hotels offering both smoking and non-smoking rooms. If you are a non-smoker, it’s preferable to book a different hotel, even if the room is advertised as non-smoking, to avoid potential smells.
Namba and Shinsaibashi (Chūō-ku): staying in downtown Osaka
The Chūō-ku district is vast. When you visit Osaka, you will inevitably explore its different parts. However, when it comes to accommodations, be aware that the area near Osaka Castle is much quieter than the Namba or Shinsaibashi areas. These two districts are must-see places in Osaka (read our article: TOP 14 things to do in Osaka). Accommodation prices are higher in this district than in other parts of Osaka.
Among the top-rated hotels in the Namba area is the Grinds Premium Hotel Osaka Namba. It is a superb place to stay in downtown Osaka!
If you need more space, the studios at Citadines Namba Osaka are perfect. The studios are spacious and beautifully decorated.
For an unforgettable stay in Osaka with your partner or family, don’t miss this 4-star hotel: Hotel Royal Classic Osaka. It is very well located and offers spacious and comfortable rooms.
Good to know! Hotels in Osaka and everywhere in Japan often offer small rooms by International standards. For example, double rooms are often 13 square meters, and the beds are semi-double, only 120 cm wide.
Umeda (Kita-ku): a lively and dynamic neighborhood near Osaka Station
Umeda is a great neighborhood to stay in Osaka. You’ll be close to the train station (convenient for arrival and departure) and well-located to visit Osaka’s main attractions or even to Nara National Park.
The Hotel Elcient Osaka offers an excellent location, just steps from Osaka Station and transportation. It’s a good place to stay in Osaka for solo travel or as a couple.
If you are looking for a hotel in Osaka with family, here is a perfect place in Umeda: Hotel Monterey Le Frere Osaka. The connecting rooms are ideal for a family stay.
Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda is one of the few hotels with spacious rooms if that’s important for you. The double rooms are 20 square meters- that’s huge for Japan! A public bath is also available on site. And the location is excellent.
For a romantic stay in Osaka, the Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA hotel is an ideal choice. It offers a room with a superb view of the city!
Tennōji-ku: A Good Alternative to More Touristy Districts
Overall, the Tennōji-ku district is less touristy than Chūō-ku or Kita-ku, except for two places: the Shinsekai neighborhood and the Shi Tennō-ji temple. Although the Shinsekai district is one of the tourist attractions in Osaka, other parts of the Tennōji-ku district are much less touristy.
If you are looking for family-friendly accommodation in Osaka, the 3 O’Clock Tennoji Hotel is a good deal. It offers outstanding value for money and is less than a 10-minute walk from the Shinsekai neighborhood.
The SHINPOIN OSAKA Hotel is an excellent place to stay in Osaka on a budget. Moreover, the rooms are quite spacious (20 square meters, which is huge for Japan!). It is located close to the Shi Tennō-ji temple.
The downtown areas of Osaka are the Namba and Shinsaibashi districts, but they are not the most peaceful parts of the city. The Umeda district is lively and the most convenient for getting around. The Tennōji-ku district is a superb alternative for staying in Osaka to discover the city from another angle, less touristy, like a local.
