Only 3 Best Places to Stay in Osaka

Best Places to Stay in Osaka

Looking for the best places to stay in Osaka? Check out Umeda, Namba, and Tennoji!

Umeda offers great transport links and upscale shopping, Namba is perfect for nightlife and street food, and Tennoji provides a local vibe with fewer crowds.

Each area has its own unique charm—read on to find out which one suits your style best! 😊

1. Best Place to Stay in Osaka: Umeda

Umeda

Why Stay Here

Umeda is one of Osaka’s most prominent business and shopping districts, known for its excellent connectivity and modern amenities.

It’s a major transport hub, giving you easy access to the JR Lines, including the Shinkansen at Shin-Osaka Station, and the Hankyu Line for trips to Kyoto.

Umeda is also a shopper’s paradise, with large department stores like Hankyu and Daimaru, and plenty of upscale dining options.

Its network of underground malls and elevated walkways connects many key locations, making it incredibly convenient for both business and leisure travelers.

Umeda

Pros of Staying in Umeda

  • Transport Connectivity: Umeda is a transport hub with direct access to JR Osaka Station, Hankyu Umeda Station, and Shin-Osaka Station, perfect for those using regional JR passes or traveling to Kyoto, Nara, or beyond.
  • Direct Access to Kansai Airport: Umeda offers multiple direct options to Kansai Airport, including the HARUKA train, Kansaikuko Line (Kansai Airport Rapid Service), and Kansai Airport Limousine Bus, making it convenient for travelers coming in and out of the city.
  • Shopping and Dining: The area boasts large malls like Grand Front Osaka and LUCUA, high-end dining options, and a mix of international and Japanese cuisine.
  • Convenience: Underground walkways and elevated pathways connect key buildings and transit stations, making navigation easy and stress-free.
  • Business-Friendly: As a central business district with many office buildings, Umeda is ideal for business travelers.
  • Less Tourist Crowding: Compared to areas like Dotonbori, Umeda typically has fewer tourists, offering a more relaxed atmosphere.

Cons of Staying in Umeda

  • Cost: Accommodation and dining in Umeda can be on the pricey side. High-end hotels and restaurants might not suit every budget.
  • Business Atmosphere: The area’s business-focused vibe can feel less lively than more entertainment-oriented districts like Namba.
  • Noise and Crowding: While not as crowded as Dotonbori, Umeda can still get busy, especially around shopping centers and during peak hours.

Recommended Hotels

1. Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA (Booking.com | Agoda)

Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA

You’ll really like staying at Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA. I stayed here myself and found it extremely convenient.

Osaka Station

It’s directly connected to JR Osaka Station, making it easy for you to catch trains around the city.

You only need about 5 minutes to walk to Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station or Umeda Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line.

Toilet Facilities

The hotel rooms have separate bath and toilet facilities. The toilets are modern and include washlet functions.

Coin Laundry Machines

Coin laundry machines are available for washing and drying your clothes conveniently, and you can check the laundry status directly from your room’s TV.

FamilyMart

There’s a FamilyMart located downstairs, and a 7-Eleven is just a two-minute walk away.

The hotel is directly connected to LINKS UMEDA shopping mall, so it’s easy to shop or grab something to eat without even going outside.

Taxi Stand

There’s also a convenient taxi stand located downstairs. Overall, you’ll find everything close by, helping you have a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

2. Hotel New Hankyu Osaka (Booking.com | Agoda)

Hotel New Hankyu Osaka
Photo Credit: Agoda

Enjoy direct access to JR Osaka Station and Hankyu/Subway Umeda Station. All rooms have separate bathrooms and toilets, providing a spacious and comfortable stay.

2. Best Place to Stay in Osaka: Namba

Namba

Why Stay Here

Namba is Osaka’s bustling entertainment and shopping hub, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere. It’s packed with restaurants, street food stalls, and shopping options.

Dotonbori, one of Namba’s highlights, is famous for its neon lights, canal-side dining, and iconic street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

Namba Station serves as a key transit point, providing access to the Kintetsu Line for trips to Nara and Nankai Namba Station for Wakayama, making it a great base for exploring nearby regions.

It’s also near Shinsaibashi, known for its luxury shopping.

Dotonbori

Pros of Staying in Namba

  • Lively Atmosphere: Namba is full of energy, with a wide range of restaurants, street food, and entertainment options.
  • Proximity to Dotonbori: Easy access to Dotonbori’s nightlife and famous food scene.
  • Convenience for Day Trips: Close to the Kintetsu and Nankai lines, making trips to Nara and Wakayama easy.
  • Direct Access to Kansai Airport: Namba provides a direct train service to Kansai Airport via the Nankai Airport Line, offering efficient and straightforward travel, as well as the Kansai Airport Limousine Bus for added convenience.
  • Shopping Variety: Near Shinsaibashi for luxury shopping and a variety of other retail options.

Cons of Staying in Namba

  • Crowding: Namba can get extremely crowded, especially around popular spots like Dotonbori, leading to noise and congestion.
  • Less Convenient for Day Trips Outside Osaka: Compared to Umeda, Namba may require more transfers for trips outside Osaka.
  • Chaotic Environment: The lively atmosphere may not be ideal if you’re looking for a more peaceful, relaxed stay.

Recommended Hotels

1. Hiyori Hotel Osaka Namba Station (Booking.com | Agoda)

Hiyori Hotel Osaka Namba Station

I stayed at Hiyori Hotel Osaka Namba Station and found it very convenient.

I liked it a lot because it’s right in front of Nankai Namba Station, so you can easily reach Kansai Airport in just 38 minutes by the Nankai Rapid Express train.

It’s also very easy to visit Nara from here since you can take the Kintetsu-Nara Line directly from Osaka-Namba Station.

Hotel Room

The hotel rooms have a modern Japanese style with comfortable tatami flooring.

There’s even a foot massage machine in each room, which is perfect after walking around the city all day.

Popular spots like Dotonbori and Kuromon Market are just a short walk away.

Coin Laundry

The hotel also has a coin laundry on the 7th floor.

FamilyMart and Ippudo

If you need snacks or meals, FamilyMart is just a two-minute walk away, and you can reach the famous ramen shop, Ippudo, in just one minute.

2. MIMARU Osaka Namba Station (Booking.com | Agoda)

MIMARU Osaka Namba Station
Photo Credit: Agoda

Perfect for families and groups, MIMARU Osaka Namba Station offers spacious apartment-style accommodations with fully equipped kitchens. Its prime location near Namba Station allows easy access to Namba’s vibrant shopping and dining scene.

3. Best Place to Stay in Osaka: Tennoji

Tennoji Station

Why Stay Here

Tennoji is an often overlooked area with a more local vibe compared to Umeda and Namba.

It’s a significant JR hub with connections to various parts of Osaka and beyond.

The area features Abeno Harukas, Japan’s tallest skyscraper, offering stunning views and great shopping.

Tennoji is known for its more affordable accommodations and practical amenities, like supermarkets and local eateries.

It provides a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere, with easy access to major transit lines, making it perfect for travelers who want to experience both modern and traditional Osaka.

Abeno Harukas

Pros of Staying in Tennoji

  • Local Experience: Tennoji offers a more authentic experience with local dining and shopping, away from the tourist crowds.
  • Affordable Accommodations: Generally, accommodation prices in Tennoji are more reasonable than in Umeda or Namba.
  • Convenient Airport Connections: Tennoji provides convenient train options to Kansai Airport via the Kansaikuko Line (Kansai Airport Rapid Service) and the HARUKA train, making airport transfers quick and easy.
  • Major JR Hub: Well-connected through JR lines, providing easy access to other parts of Osaka and beyond.
  • Proximity to Abeno Harukas: Close to one of Japan’s tallest buildings, featuring shopping, dining, and panoramic views.

Cons of Staying in Tennoji

  • Distance from Main Tourist Spots: While it’s well-connected, Tennoji is a bit farther from popular attractions like Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi.
  • Fewer High-End Options: The area doesn’t have as many luxury shopping and dining options as Umeda.
  • Quieter Nightlife: Tennoji’s nightlife is more subdued compared to the vibrant scene in Namba.

Recommended Hotels

1. Miyako City Osaka Tennoji (Booking.com | Agoda)

Miyako City Osaka Tennoji
Photo Credit: Agoda

Located close to Tennoji Station, this hotel offers modern rooms with great views and easy access to transport and attractions, perfect for both leisure and business stays.

2. APA Hotel Tennoji-Ekimae (Booking.com | Agoda)

APA Hotel Tennoji-Ekimae
Photo Credit: Agoda

Just a short walk from Tennoji Station, this budget-friendly hotel provides compact, comfortable rooms with essential amenities, ideal for those looking for convenience and value.

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