The ultimate guide to where to stay in Osaka: Luxury, mid-range and budget stays.

Planning a trip to Japan and wondering where to stay in Osaka? This exciting city is known for its incredible street food, lively atmosphere and historic castle. It’s varied and interesting, with a neighborhood to suit every type of traveler. This guide will help you choose the right area and highlight some of our favorite accommodation options.

The best areas to stay in Osaka.

Deciding where to stay in Osaka? If you’re visiting for the first time, these are my top picks.

Centrally-located Namba is brilliant for transport, restaurants, shops and nightlife. Dotonbori is lively and fun, with its mix of neon lights and street food. Umeda is more of a business district, but great for transport and day trips, while Shinsaibashi will suit shopaholics and fashion-lovers. Finally, for a dose of culture and history, check out the area around Osaka Castle.

The best thing about staying in Osaka is that each neighborhood has such a unique vibe. So, wherever you choose to stay, you should allow time in your Japan itinerary to stroll around the other areas so you get a true flavor of what the city offers. No matter where you base yourself, the city’s public transport network makes exploring easy.

Tips for your Osaka stay & how to get around.

• While it may appear complicated at first, Osaka’s public transport system is fast, reliable and easy to use. I’d recommend booking a hotel close to a metro (subway) or JR station. The simplest way to get around is with a prepaid IC card (such as an ICOCA Card). Simply top it up and you can tap in at the city’s stations.

• Osaka is served by two airports. Osaka Kansai International is the larger, handling most international flights. Meanwhile, Itami handles more domestic flights. Don’t assume you’re flying from one or the other – always check. It’s easy to end up at the wrong one!

• When researching Osaka hotels, I’d recommend you pay attention to room sizes. Japanese hotel rooms are often compact. I’ve stayed in some where there’s barely room to open my luggage.

• If you’re traveling around Japan on a budget, you might enjoy the unique experience of a capsule hotel or the social atmosphere of a hostel. Many Japanese hotels also provide toiletries, pajamas and slippers, so you can pack light.

• While less common today, some properties still have designated smoking floors, so check the details before booking. Also, don’t judge a hotel by its exterior. Many of Osaka’s buildings are modern and blocky on the outside, but comfortable and welcoming inside.

The best hotels in Namba.

One of my top picks for first-timers in Osaka, Namba is a lively neighborhood packed with shops, restaurants and attractions. It boasts fascinating cultural sites too, with Hozenji Temple and Namba Yasaka Shrine close by. Being close to Namba Station, with its many metro lines, makes it easy to get around the city. Plus, you’ll be a short walk from Dotonbori’s vibrant street food scene.

R Hotel Namba South

• Best for: Solo travelers or those on a budget
• Single rooms from $53 per night

Not to be confused with the very similar-named R Hostel Namba South, R Hotel is a proper hotel. Rooms are tiny but oh-so comfy and have an en-suite bathroom. Downstairs, a modern lounge with a pool table and bar, and of course a big amenities shelf where you can help yourself.

Book R Hotel Namba South

Apa Hotel Namba Ekihigashi

• Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who want to be close to the sights
• Double rooms from $68 per night

Modern, compact rooms at budget-friendly prices make this Apa Hotel a smart choice for travelers who want great value without sacrificing on location. It’s less than a ten-minute walk from Namba Station and just a short stroll to Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, so you’ll always be close to the action.

Book Apa Hotel Namba Ekihigashi

Mimaru Osaka Namba Station

• Best for: Families & groups
• Double rooms from $329 per night

This stylish aparthotel is ideal for families or groups, with spacious apartments and suites that can sleep up to eight guests. Rooms combine beds, bunks, and futons, and include kitchenettes. For an extra memorable trip, book one of the quirky ‘board game rooms’ which is stocked with games and toys.

Book Mimaru Osaka Namba Station

& Here Osaka Namba

• Best for: Couples & families looking for a central base
• Double rooms from $198 per night

Steps from Namba Station, this trendy hotel offers everything from cozy doubles to large family rooms with bunk beds. Dotonbori is only a ten-minute walk away, so it’s a convenient option for your first trip to Osaka.

Book & Here Osaka Namba

The best hotels in Umeda.

Ready to get lost in the maze of underground malls? Head to Umeda. This modern district is one of the main hubs for Osaka’s transport network, and is a bustling destination filled with shops, restaurants and attractions. Highlights include the Umeda Sky Building with its famous open-air observation deck and the striking red Hep Five Ferris wheel.

Zentis Osaka

• Best for: City-slickers
• Double room from $110 per night

Zentis is a beautiful, sleek design hotel with light and somewhat spacious rooms with big windows that allow for uninterrupted views of Osaka. The restaurant is a stunner, too, and the bar is perfect for a relaxed nightcap.

Book Zentis Osaka

Hilton Osaka

• Best for: Couples who like the finer things in life
• Double room from $248 per night

If you’re looking for a smart hotel with lots of amenities, the Hilton Osaka has it all. Facilities include a swimming pool, gym, sauna, hot tub, and even a beauty salon, alongside several restaurants and bars. The location couldn’t be more convenient, across the road from Osaka Station and connected underground to shops and metro lines.

Book Hilton Osaka

Apa Hotel & Resort Osaka Umeda Eki Tower

• Best for: Budget-conscious travelers
• Double room from $68 per night

The Apa Hotel brand is a great choice if you’re searching for cheap hotels in Osaka. This high-rise hotel in Umeda offers a wide selection of rooms, including family and connecting options. Check room sizes when you book, as many are compact, but some boast incredible views of the Osaka skyline.

Book Apa Hotel

THE OSAKA STATION HOTEL

• Best for: Luxury-loving couples
• Double room from $481 per night

Moments from Osaka Station, this high-end hotel is a great choice for couples seeking a luxurious city escape. Along with beautifully designed rooms, you’ll find a range of drinking and dining options, including a teppanyaki restaurant offering great views over the city.

Book OSAKA STATION HOTEL

The best hotels in Dotonbori.

The postcard image of Osaka, Dotonbori is the neon-illuminated neighborhood where there’s always something happening. It’s famous for its photogenic canal, which reflects the bright lights of its fun restaurants at night.

For foodies, it’s unbeatable, with street food eateries specializing in takoyaki (octopus-filled fried batter balls), okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancakes), kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) and mochi (chewy rice cakes). The energy here is off the scale, making it ideal for younger travelers.

Hotel Forza Osaka Namba Dotonbori

• Best for: Travelers who love to be in the center of the action
• Double room from $68 per night

Located in the heart of Dotonbori, Hotel Forza offers a peaceful retreat from the hectic energy outside. Just a six-minute walk from Namba Station, it’s in an ideal location for sightseeing. Rooms are surprisingly spacious for the price too.

Book Forza Osaka

Holiday Inn Osaka Namba

• Best for: Families & couples looking for a range of amenities
• Double room from $140 per night

Steps away from Dotonbori’s neon lights and just a short walk from Namba Station, the Holiday Inn combines comfort with convenience. Rooms are practical, with options designed to suit families and couples. Parents will appreciate the extras too. Children under 12 stay free when sharing with adults, and up to four kids can dine for free in the hotel’s restaurant.

Book Holiday Inn Osaka Namba

Cross Hotel Osaka

• Best for: First-time visitors to Osaka
• Double room from $196 per night

Wondering where to stay in Osaka for the first time? Try this sleek and modern hotel close to Dotonbori and Namba Station. Rooms are well-equipped, plus there’s a highly-rated breakfast which is ideal for fueling up before a day of sightseeing.

Book Cross Hotel Osaka

Onyado Nono Namba Natural Hot Spring

• Couples & solo travelers seeking an authentic Japanese experience
• Double room from $187 per night

This hotel features Japanese décor throughout, with tatami mats, simple wooden beds and minimalist design. You’ll be expected to remove your shoes at the entrance, as per Japanese etiquette. Plus, you can relax in the on-site hot spring bath and sauna, and enjoy complimentary bowls of ramen in the evenings.

Book Onyado Nono

The best hotels in Shinsaibashi.

If you’re keen to take advantage of Osaka’s top shopping scene, book a hotel in Shinsaibashi. This is retail heaven, with its mix of luxury boutiques, kitsch Japanese fashion stores, intriguing cosmetics and technology. It’s also a short walk from Dotonbori, so you’ll have easy access to all that incredible street food too.

Book & Bed Tokyo Shinsaibashi

• Best for: Book lovers and solo travelers
• Double room from $68 per night

This book-themed hostel offers capsule-style accommodation which is ideal for solo travelers. There are books everywhere, giving the feel of sleeping in a library. Just a three-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station, it’s a convenient base for exploring the city.

Book Book & Bed Tokyo

W Osaka

• Best for: Couples planning a luxury getaway
• Double room from $387 per night

This black high-rise hotel stands out on the Osaka skyline and boasts modern and luxurious bedrooms with mesmerizing views. Wellness lovers will enjoy the neon-lit swimming pool and range of treatments at AWAY Spa.

Book W Osaka

Hotel Oriental Express Osaka Shinsaibashi

• Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who want to explore on foot
• Double room from $87 per night

A short walk from Shinsaibashi Station, this budget-friendly hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms. You’ll be close to a wide range of shops and restaurants. Plus, the bright lights of Dotonbori are just over ten minutes’ walk away.

Book Oriental Express Osaka

Bespoke Hotel Shinsaibashi

• Best for: Younger travelers looking for a central base
• Double room from $123 per nigth

With its dark, minimalist décor, Bespoke Hotel Shinsaibashi has a chic, urban vibe. As with many Japanese hotels, the rooms are compact but comfortable. You’ll be moments from some great shopping streets, stations and restaurants, making this a cool pick for younger travelers.

Book Bespoke Hotel Shinsaibashi

The best hotels near Osaka Castle.

If you’d rather stay somewhere quieter, swap the city’s bustling shopping districts for the greenery of Osaka Castle. Along with the expansive Osaka Castle Park, this area is home to several historic buildings and museums. It’s particularly special in spring with the pastel pink cherry blossom, and in fall when the leaves turn shades of red and orange.

Hotel New Otani Osaka

• Best for: Couples looking for a luxurious and romantic break near the castle
• Double room from $199 per night

This large hotel opposite Osaka Castle boasts large rooms (especially by Osaka standards!) and a huge range of dining options. There’s an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, as well as spa options. For a truly memorable experience, sip a cocktail in the Sky Lounge while taking in stunning views of Osaka Castle.

Book New Otani Osaka

Luxcare Hotel

• Best for: Families traveling on a budget
• Double room from $81 per night

Wondering where to stay in Osaka with your family? This budget-friendly hotel has a variety of room types, including family and connecting rooms. Many feature traditional Japanese touches like tatami mats and futons. Located just a short stroll from Osaka Castle Park, it offers convenient access to the city’s historic sights.

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DoubleTree by Hilton Osaka Castle

• Best for: Couples looking for a tranquil base near Osaka’s cultural sights
• Double room from $216 per night

Boasting beautiful views of both the Neya River and Osaka Castle, this large hotel is a great choice for couples visiting the city. You’ll find a range of amenities, including an indoor swimming pool, 24-hour gym, restaurant and bar. The buffet breakfast is excellent here too, as you’d expect from a reliable brand like Hilton.

Book DoubleTree

Apa Hotel Osaka Temmabashi Ekimae

• Best for: Budget-travelers looking to visit Osaka Castle
• Double room from $60 per night

This great-value APA Hotel offers a convenient base just a short walk from Osaka Castle and several nearby train stations. Rooms are compact but thoughtfully designed. There’s also an indoor onsen bath - a surprising addition for a hotel at this price point.

Book Temmabashi Ekimae