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Your Complete Osaka Guide: Where to Stay in Osaka, Japan

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Welcome to Osaka! Join us as we explore the best Hotels and Ryokans, and exactly where to stay in Osaka, to ensure your visit is not only central, comfortable but also FUN and memorable! Whether you seek luxury, affordability, or a taste of local life, Osaka promises to captivate. So, let’s dive into Your Complete Osaka Guide and Where YOU SHOULD Stay in Osaka!

Table of contents

What area & where to stay in Osaka

When anyone ever asks me “Where should I stay in Osaka” My answer ALWAYS is, unquestionably, Namba!

This area is where modern meets old-school charm. Smack dab in the heart of Osaka’s lively downtown, Namba dishes up everything you could crave.

Think bustling shopping streets and quirky thrift shops, alongside the neon lit nightlife, ancient temples, and street food that’ll make your taste buds dance as much as the nightlife.

Wander the alleys of Dotonbori, where neon signs light up the night and Instagram feeds.

Lastly, (if you needed even more convincing) Namba is a transportation hub—it’s your central ticket to everywhere else in the city and beyond.

Whether you’re here for the sights, the bites, or the nights, Namba’s got you covered. So dive in, make yourself at home, and let the adventure begin!

My Top 5 Hotels in Namba Osaka

My TOP 5 Hotels to stay in Namba, Osaka are all close walking distance to the famous Dotonbori and centrally located to the Train Stations.

1. The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi (Free Daily Drinks & Ramen)

Starting with my NUMBER 1 recommendation: The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi. The Bridge Hotel ticks all the boxes, it has a VERY central location and its clean and modern. BUT what sets The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi apart is ALL THE EXTRAS! I can’t say I have ever stayed at a Hotel quite like this one. It offers ALL guests FREE (nightly) happy hour, with Sake, Beer, Cocktail mixers, and Ramen. It also has all day ice cream and soft drinks for the kids. Additionally, there are free massage chairs available, which are perfect to relax after a long day of siteseeing.

One would expect the price tag to be in proportion to these added bonuses BUT it’s not. It’s a great and affordable option when staying in Osaka!!

CLICK HERE: The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi

2. Candeo Hotel Osaka Namba (Rooftop Pool)

Coming in second is Candeo Hotel Osaka Namba. The reason I particularly like this hotel other than its central location (only a 2 mins walk from Dotonbori) is its Rooftop Pool.

Nothing beats cooling off and relaxing after a day of sightseeing than a dip in an elevated pool with stunning vistas that capture the essence of this vibrant city.

CLICK HERE: Candeo Hotel Osaka Namba

3. Konjaku-So Dotonbori Garden SPA Stay (Great option for families / Groups)

Konjaku-So Dotonbori Garden SPA Stay is a great choice for those seeking a little luxury and something traditional. It is also great for famalies or groups with either a 2 or 3 bedroom Ryokan option, accommodating up to 8 guests in total.

This 5-star holiday home Konjaku-So Dotonbori Garden SPA Stay is conveniently located approximately 1km from the center, and an outdoor spa, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and all the expected modern amenities.

CLICK HERE: Konjaku-So Dotonbori Garden SPA Stay

4. APA Hotel Namba-Shinsaibashi Nishi (Budget friendly)

If you are after a BUDGET stay in Osaka then look no further than the trusted APA chain of hotels and in particular the APA Hotel Namba-Shinsaibashi Nishi

APA Hotel Namba-Shinsaibashi Nishi is centrally located, being just 550m to Dotonbori and 700m to Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street!

CLICK HERE: APA Hotel Namba-Shinsaibashi Nishi

5. Hotel 88 Shinsaibashi (Free refreshment bar)

Hotel 88 Shinsaibashi is well-placed in the restaurants, shopping, nightlife area of Osaka city center which is only 500m away. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations. What I LOVE about this hotel is it also offers a FREE refreshment bar, and Massage chairs. An extra bonus that will come in very hand for Solo, Couple or Family travellers alike.

CLICK HERE: Hotel 88 Shinsaibashi

When to Book?

I always try to book as far in advance as possible, usually aiming for 3-9 months, or even up to 12 months in advance. You will usually find the best prices, room types and range of choice, by securing your stay early.

Where to Book?

My GO-TO booking site is Booking.com

They have a biggest selection and always seem to be the cheapest in comparison to other booking sites. BONUS TIP: Once you have created a profile and completed a couple of bookings you will ‘Genius Level’ Bonuses, like cheaper rates, free breakfasts or transfers.

I also use Expedia, Airbnb and Agoda, depending on which has the best deal.

You can use this map below compare ALL your options (Zoom in and out)

Your Complete Osaka Guide

Let’s dive into your Complete Osaka Guide, your ultimate resource for navigating what to do in one of Japan’s most dynamic and captivating cities.

From must-see attractions like Osaka Castle and Universal Studios Japan to hidden gems in local neighborhoods, we’ll delve into everything you need to know to make the most of your Osaka adventure.

My 10 Day Itinerary For First Timers (Including Osaka)

CLICK HERE: Easy 10 day Japan Itinerary for FIRST TIMERS!

Easy 10 Day Japan Itinerary For FIRST TIMERS
Easy 10 Day Japan Itinerary For FIRST TIMERS

Downtown Osaka – Highlights

  • Osaka Castle – A must see Icon of Osaka
  • Dotonbori – Is the Neon lit strip filled with all the OSAKA VIBES and great food and drinks
  • Shinsaibashi-suji: Is the Shopping district, with trending shops, boutiques and thrifting stores.
  • Kuromon Ichiba Market: Try the local street food, expect to find anything from fresh seafood, sushi, takoyaki, and other local dishes.
  • Universal Studios Japan: The iconic theme park, enjoy the rides and themed activities.
  • Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: One of the largest aquariums in the world

Day trips from Osaka

  • Mount Koya (Koyasan): This was my favourite day BY FAR!! Mount Koya (Koyasan) is the centre of spiritual tranquility and cultural richness with over 100 buddist temples. Visitors start their journey to Mount Koya with a scenic train ride followed by a cable car ascent up the mountain. Upon arrival, the magical atmosphere of Koyasan envelops visitors, with its dense forests, serene temples, and ancient cemetery. Highlights include a visit to Okunoin, Japan’s largest cemetery and the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. Enjoy a traditional Buddhist vegetarian lunch (shojin ryori) at a temple lodging (shukubo), providing a glimpse into monastic life.

  • Nara: Nara, made famous from its Deer park with the friendly deer that will bow back to you. Nara has so much more to offer and is such a beautiful little town full of Japanese tradition and culture.
  • Kobe: If you are wanting a day trip to Kobe my suggestion would be to pick up a ‘Self Guided Sake Tour Map’ from the Train Station Information booth and take a walking tour of the local Sake Breweries in Naha.
  • Arashiyama: A beautiful bamboo forest, historical temples, and picturesque scenery of the Togetsukyo Bridge. Make sure you visit Tenryu-ji Temple and take a boat ride up Hozu River.
  • Hiroshima and Miyajima: Hiroshima has some of Japan’s most iconic and historic sites. Starting early from Osaka, travelers can embark on a bullet train journey to Hiroshima, known worldwide for the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, dedicated to the atomic bombing during World War II. Here, visitors can pay respects at the A-Bomb Dome and reflect on the city’s resilience and peace efforts. After exploring Hiroshima, a short ferry ride from Miyajimaguchi takes travelers to Miyajima Island, famous for its breathtaking Itsukushima Shrine and iconic “floating” torii gate. Surrounded by scenic beauty and tame deer roaming freely, Miyajima offers a serene escape into Japan’s cultural and natural heritage before returning to Osaka in the evening, having experienced a day filled with history, reflection, and awe-inspiring sights.
  • Osaka’s Bay Attractions include:
    • Universal Studios Japan
    • Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
    • Tempozan Harbor Village.
    • Ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel for incredible Osaka Bay Views

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