Planning a trip to Osaka? While this vibrant city offers incredible experiences, some areas are best avoided when choosing accommodation.
From industrial zones to red-light districts, I’ve compiled a list of the 10 worst places to stay in Osaka.
These spots might leave you far from attractions, feeling unsafe, or simply disappointed. Don’t worry, I’ll share the best places to stay at the end.
Read on to ensure your Osaka adventure starts on the right foot! 😊
1. Nishinari
Are you planning to stay in Osaka? Prioritize your comfort and try to skip Nishinari. Booking a hotel here might not be a good idea, especially with the dangerous surroundings.
Nishinari is widely known as the home for many day laborers. It’s also considered a slum in Osaka, with plenty of homeless individuals.
While there are a couple of accommodations around, these are mostly basic. There aren’t recognizable features in the hotels.
At night, you might not feel comfortable and safe because of the overall vibe of the ward.
Read More: 3 Days in Osaka Itinerary: How to Do It Under $370!
2. Kamagasaki
When picking your place of accommodation, replace Kamagasaki with other districts. The area is dubbed as the country’s biggest slum. It’s the home of day laborers and homeless people.
Staying here gives you a peek at the other side of Japan — a poverty-stricken and dull environment.
This makes Kamagasaki unsuitable for tourists looking for modern accommodation.
Hotels around the district are mostly substandard ones with no remarkable amenities.
The neighborhood can also appear unsafe and unappealing. So, leave Kamagasaki from your choices and opt for other options.
Read More: Careful! 10 Tourist Traps in Osaka You Must Avoid
3. Ikuno
Ikuno might be another area you’d want to avoid during your selection. While the area offers more affordable options, it’s generally a working-class neighborhood.
Residents in the area are mostly from the Korean community in the country. In addition, the place is far from the metropolitan area.
So, if you’re exploring major attractions, the lengthy travel time can be a downer.
Public transportation is quite restricted, adding to the piling challenges. Lastly, there are no tourist spots to visit and keep you entertained.
Read More: 10 Places I Regret Not Visiting in Osaka
4. Minato
If you want a scenic district to retreat after a long day of adventure, Minato isn’t for you. Factories and warehouses are your typical view from your hotel window.
Perhaps the good side comes from its fun attractions. Here, you get to see the Tempozan Ferris Wheel and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.
As an industrial district, staying here is not the best choice. The area also lacks tourist spots for you to explore.
At night, the place transforms into a deserted hub. There are no nightlife activities to excite you.
Read More: Top 17 Things to Do in Osaka
5. Nakanoshima
The good side of Nakanoshima lies in its central location. Other than that, it’s not an ideal choice for your accommodation. The reason is due to its main purpose as a business district.
During work hours, the area is bustling with energy. Come nighttime, the place is eerily quiet. This artificial island is also boring during weekends.
There are only a few museums and dining options in the area, limiting your entertainment.
Accommodations may also be pricey. So, if you’re looking for a vibrant place to stay, choose other districts.
Read More: 10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Osaka
6. Universal Studios Japan Area
Staying near Universal Studios Japan is not a good choice, especially if your main travel destination is Osaka. The place is far-fetched from top tourist attractions.
Because of its location, it makes traveling back and forth every day. Plus, the USS Japan is touristy itself. Therefore, pricing here can be overpriced.
Most restaurants and shops cater to park visitors. Hotels are also expensive, especially in times of holidays.
The lack of authentic Japanese culture and unique spots is another thing to consider.
Read More: 15 Best Universal Studios Japan Rides to Win Your Heart
7. Tsuruhashi
Make your Osaka trip more enjoyable by picking a suitable location other than Tsuruhashi.
As Osaka’s Koreatown, the place itself is vibrant. However, it can get chaotic because of the variety of local markets.
The market scene even starts early in the morning, which may disrupt your sleep. Another reason why it’s not suitable for travelers is because of the few accommodations.
Limited English signages prove to be a challenge among tourists. In terms of location, it’s also far from the top-rated sites and landmarks of Osaka.
Read More: Kansai Airport to Osaka: The Fastest Ways to Get There
8. Osaka Castle Area
If the main highlight of your trip is the Osaka Castle, you might be thinking of staying nearby.
Unfortunately, this isn’t a practical choice. The surroundings of the castle are unappealing with little to no fun activities.
Restaurants and nightlife here are almost nonexistent. During the daytime, the area can get super busy with tourists visiting the castle. As soon as the sun sets, it becomes ultra-quiet.
Because of its proximity to the castle, hotel rates are exorbitant. Despite the high hotel prices, the quality of most accommodations is disappointing.
Read More: Osaka Castle: A Very Clear Guide with Beautiful Photos
9. Airin
Another slum in Osaka is Airin, which may not fascinate tourists. Because of its social standing, you’ll come across homeless people and unemployed ones.
You might feel unsafe while walking around, especially during nighttime. While there are a few accommodations, most of these are of low quality.
The insufficient tourist-friendly facilities make it difficult to enjoy the place. Opt for other districts with vibrant ambiance and proximity to exciting sites.
Read More: Dotonbori Osaka: 17 Best Street Foods You Must Try Out
10. Tobita Shinchi
As a red-light district, you might want to pick other destinations instead of Tobita Shinchi.
While the place can lure your curiosity, the overall ambiance here can be uncomfortable. It’s often noisy, especially during nighttime.
The limited selection of hotels makes it challenging to find a place to stay. Some accommodations have questionable reputations, adding to their downsides.
Since it’s an adult-oriented neighborhood, there are no tourist spots around. This means you’ll be traveling daily to reach famous attractions. So, might as well steer clear of Tobita Shinchi.
Read More: 10 Things Most Tourists Miss Doing in Osaka
The Best Places to Stay in Osaka
After exploring the areas to avoid, here are the top 2 spots for your Osaka stay:
1. Namba (Minami):
- Heart of Osaka’s entertainment district
- Endless shopping, dining, and nightlife options
- Well-connected by public transport
- Close to popular attractions like Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi
2. Umeda (Kita):
- Major transportation hub, with Osaka Station offering easy day trips to Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe
- Modern shopping complexes and department stores
- Variety of accommodation options for all budgets
- Easy access to Shin-Osaka Station and bullet train connections
