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Where to Stay in Osaka: 5 Best Areas + Hotels for Travellers
While I initially came for Universal Studios, my wife was only thinking about the famous jiggly cheesecake—but Osaka had way more to offer!
Unlike the headache of picking a place in Tokyo, finding where to stay in Osaka was refreshingly simpler.
But it wasn’t a cakewalk either to find a place to stay for our 3 nights and 2 days Osaka trip on budget – It is indeed third largest city of Japan.
If you’re on a budget or crave a quieter stay away from the nightlife hustle, you’ll need some tips to nail the perfect spot.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best areas to stay and accommodations in Osaka—from lively districts to quieter spots—so you can choose the right neighbourhood that suits your style and budget.
Which are the best areas to stay in Osaka?
1. Kita (Umeda) – Perfect for first timers
Kita is where you want to be if you’re a first-timer looking for a mix of convenience and a dash of history.
We stayed in Umeda for three nights and two days, and it was a breeze to explore the rest of Osaka.
We chose this as we came to Osaka from Nara late in the evening and it was easy to get to our room.
With direct train access to places like Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima, Umeda surely goes at the top of list of best areas to stay in Osaka.
Best places to stay in Umeda
2. Namba – Made for Nightlife
Namba is all about having fun in an older part of Osaka that’s got history and entertainment all mixed up.
It’s where the famous Dotonbori, known for street food, neon lights and Uncle Rikuro’s cheesecake main store, is located.
We loved exploring this lively neighbourhood but preferred staying somewhere quieter like Umeda to relax at night.
If you’re ready to dive into the action, Namba is one of the best districts in Osaka for tourists, especially for nightlife and foodies.
Best hotels Namba Osaka to stay
3. Osaka Castle Area – Best for Families
Perfect for families and those wanting to mix a bit of history with relaxation.
We explored Osaka Castle and its surrounding areas—it’s super quiet, clean, and one of the least crowded spots in the city.
The area has plenty of gardens, parks, and even some business districts, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.
Great for anyone travelling with kids or looking for some greenery as it has plenty of family-friendly hotels near Osaka Castle
Best Family friendly hotels in Osaka Castle area
4. Osaka Bay – Ideal for Universal Studios Fans
If you’re visiting Universal Studios Japan or Osaka Aquarium, this area is where you’ll want to set up base.
Beautiful waterfront hotels line the area with stunning views. Just a heads up though—most places around here aren’t really for budget travellers.
Where to stay in Osaka bay area?
5. Tennoji : Ideal for Budget Travellers
“Tennoji is one of the most budget-friendly areas in Osaka, perfect for budget-conscious travellers and families who want a mix of modern attractions and old-school vibes
From the zoo to the skyscrapers, there’s a bit of everything here.
Coolest places to stay in Tennoji, Osaka
Famous luxury Hotels in Osaka
Where to stay in Osaka as a backpacker?
As a solo traveller or a backpacker you can pick either capsule (pod) hotels or hostels in Osaka. We stayed at a pod in Tokyo and was fun.
Hostels
Best of Capsule hotels in Osaka
Unique Hotels in Osaka
Tips on finding best places to stay in Osaka
Business hotels: The best way to save money while staying in Osaka is to go for business hotels, and there are plenty to choose from. They’re ideal for both couples and families.
Capsule hotels: Osaka was the first city in Japan to introduce capsule hotels. Now, there are many! It’s great for budget solo travellers, but if it’s two of you, stay here just for the experience, as it doesn’t really save you much. Check out our capsule hotel experience in Tokyo here.
Hostels: Being a hub of nightlife and quirky spots, Osaka has a good variety of hostels to choose from. Perfect for those looking to meet fellow travellers.
Need not stay in outer neighbourhoods: In Tokyo, staying in outer neighbourhoods was a must for saving on accommodation. But in Osaka, even central areas like Namba and Umeda have budget-friendly places to stay.
Check distance to subway station: Make sure to check how far the hotel is from the nearest subway station. This was a lifesaver for us when we returned from Nara late in the evening.
Book in advance: Prices tend to rise closer to travel dates, so it’s smart to book early.
Visit during off-peak seasons: Avoid cherry blossom season and major holidays for lower rates. We visited Japan in December, and hotel prices were around 40% lower than during sakura season.
How much does a trip to Osaka cost?
As a traveller in Tokyo, you’ll need 5800 – 7300 yen per day per person on a low budget, and 8000– 14000 yen per day per person for a mid-range budget.
Low Budget Breakdown: 5800 – 7300 Yen
- Accommodation: 2640 – 4400 yen per night (hostels, dormitories)
- Breakfast: 528 yen (convenience stores, fast food)
- Lunch: 600 – 700 yen (convenience stores, cheap fast food)
- Dinner: 450 – 9000 yen (ready-to-eat meals, budget restaurants)
- Sightseeing: 450 yen (free attractions, shrines, temples)
Mid-Range Budget Breakdown: 8000– 14000 Yen
- Accommodation: 5300 – 10500yen per night (business hotels)
- Breakfast: 450 – 900 yen (coffee shops, breakfast sets)
- Lunch: 700 – 1300 yen (lunch sets at restaurants)
- Dinner: 900 – 2200 yen (regular restaurants)
- Sightseeing: 450 – 1800 yen (temples, museums)
For our 3 nights and 2 days in Osaka, we spent around 19300 yen for both of us, excluding Universal Studios tickets
How cheap is Osaka compared to Tokyo for tourists
As Japan’s third-largest city, Osaka is slightly cheaper (approximately 10 to 15%) than Tokyo for tourists.
In fact, travelling in Kyoto is cheaper than Osaka.
FAQ
Is it worth it to stay in Osaka?
Absolutely! Osaka has everything: food, history, nightlife, and easy connections to the Kansai region.
How long to stay in Osaka?
3 days is ideal to cover the main attractions, enjoy local food, and take a day trip.
Which neighbourhood to stay in Osaka?
Stay in Kita (Umeda) for convenience, Namba for nightlife, Osaka Bay for Universal Studios, Osaka Castle Area for families, and Tennoji if you’re on a budget.
What is the most convenient area in Osaka?
Kita (Umeda) is your go-to area to stay in Osaka for convenience. It’s the transport hub with easy access to Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka’s main attractions including Dotonbori.
Where to stay in Osaka with family?
Osaka Castle Area with green spaces, historical sites, and plenty of family-friendly hotels.
Where to stay in Osaka near Universal Studios?
Stay in the Osaka Bay Area for easy access to Universal Studios Japan.
Is it cheaper to stay in Osaka or Kyoto?
Kyoto is cheaper than Osaka, especially with budget accommodations and smaller dining costs.
Is it cheaper to stay in Osaka or Tokyo?
Osaka is 10 to 15% cheaper than Tokyo, especially for accommodations and dining.
Is it better to stay in Osaka or Tokyo?
Osaka wins for affordability, street food, and easygoing vibes, while Tokyo is best if you love the big city buzz. Both are different and I recommend staying in both
Is it better to stay in Osaka or Nara?
If you’re into nightlife, cool streets, funky foods, Universal Studios, and the big city vibe, stay in Osaka. But if you prefer hiking in nature, meeting bowing deer in front of historical temples in a small town, choose Nara. Personally, I suggest a day trip to Nara and at least 2 nights in Osaka
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