The Open Road Travel

Osaka ranks amongst the most popular cities to stay in Japan. However, as a bustling seaside metropolis that is like a miniature, more laid-back Tokyo, choosing the best areas to stay in Osaka isn’t always easy for everyone.

An ideal destination for anyone looking to explore Japan outside of the capital, deciding where to stay in Osaka is the first step in planning the perfect trip. That is why today I’ll be helping you to do just that.

I’ll take you through all of the best areas and explain what each has to offer potential visitors. By the end of this post, you’ll know all the best things to see and do in Osaka and where to stay in Osaka to take advantage of them.

As the second largest city in Japan by population, there’s always tons to do in Osaka. New attractions and events are popping up all the time to suit the needs of the thriving local population, something visitors can definitely reap the benefits of.

If you do manage to exhaust all the entertainment options in Osaka, it’s easy to head out to explore the neighbouring cities.

Osaka is only 15 minutes from Kyoto by bullet train, so you can easily hop between the two. Additionally, you’ll be just an hour from Nara and 20 minutes from Kobe by train.

There is evidence of habitation in the Osaka area dating at least as far back as 300bce. Palaces and shrines have been built in the region from the early centuries of the common era.

By the 5th century Osaka had already become a major port town, a status which formed the basis for its position as one of the primary economic and political centres of Japan, which it still holds today.

With sweltering summers and chilly winters, the spring and autumn months are the best time to visit Osaka for most.

You can generally expect the most comfortable, pleasant climates from March through June in the spring, and September through mid-November in the autumn.

Aside from the more agreeable weather, you may also be rewarded with Japan’s famously lovely spring and autumn blooms of colour. Osaka has plenty of leafy parks and gardens to enjoy the changing cherry blossoms, maples, and gingko trees.

If you are planning a summer vacation, then you should definitely consider visiting around the 24th-25th of July.

This is when the Tenjin Matsuri is held at Tenmangu Shrine, bringing the city centre to life with parades and fireworks. As one of the top three most important festivals in all of Japan, it’s an event significant enough to plan your dates around.

I’ve managed to narrow down the wide selection of neighbourhoods in Osaka to just the four best areas to stay in Osaka for visitors to consider. I’ll take you through a thorough overview of what makes each so appealing to help you pinpoint which is best for you.

If you’re short on time and want to maximise time spent out and about exploring the sights, Kita is ideal. Home to Osaka Train Station and with Shin-Osaka bullet train station just across the river, you’ll be launched straight into the heart of Osaka from the second you arrive.

You won’t need to worry about wasting time to-ing and fro-ing from the station to your hotel and back again. This makes Kita Ward the best area to stay in Osaka for shorter visits and it’s an especially ideal location for anyone for whom Osaka is just one stop on a wider tour of Japan.

Aside from the convenience of the transport links, Kita also boasts the benefits of being one of the most central locales of Osaka. You’ll have tons of top attractions right on your doorstep and even more in the neighbouring districts.

At the south-eastern corner of Kita is the historic Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, which dates back as far as the 10th century. Tenmangu is a beautiful shrine, and one of the most important Shinto sites in all of Japan.

It’s certainly worth visiting at any time of year, but on the 24th and 25th of July it really comes alive for the Tenjin Matsuri.

One of the three biggest festivals in Japan, the celebrations include fireworks displays and parades on both land and the river. It’s an event well worth planning your visit around.

If you want to enjoy stunning, panoramic views of Osaka, head to the shining Umeda Sky Building.

The glistening, twin-towered sky-scraper stands at 173m (568ft) tall, providing an exceptional vantage point to gaze across the whole city from the rooftop observatory. A restaurant on the 39th floor even allows you to enjoy the views along with a delicious dinner.

At the base of the Umeda Sky building is a popular entertainment complex packed with shops and restaurants. The most notable part of the complex is the Takimi Kojo “restaurant alley”, designed to resemble the Osaka of the 1920’s.

• You are staying in Osaka for a shorter visit
• Staying close to transport links is a priority
• You are visiting Osaka as a stop on a wider tour of Japan
• You want to stay right at the heart of the city
  

Best Hotel To Stay In Kita Ward - Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda

If you are looking for a stunning modern hotel with a luxury feel at a reasonable price, the Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda is perfect.

Just around the corner from Osaka Station, and just a short walk from attractions such as Umeda Sky, the hotel is excellently situated for exploring the city.

The Intergate is the epitome of contemporary comfort and is elevated by extra comforts like massage chairs and a sauna. Other communal areas include a fitness suite, swimming pool, and library lounge. An extensive buffet breakfast can be enjoyed in the onsite restaurant.

The rooms are bright, spacious, and comfortable, with modern en-suite bathrooms. Each comes equipped with air-conditioning, an electric kettle and mini fridge, and flatscreen television. Some also boast stunning city views.

Super central, Chuo Ward is the best area to stay in Osaka for first time visitors.

Located right at the heart of the city, Chuo is full of things to see and is surrounded by various other popular districts. You’ll have no trouble exploring all of the sights and excitements of Osaka from this neighbourhood.

Chuo is home to one of the city’s top attractions, Osaka Castle. Nestled in its own park at the north-east end of Chuo Ward, Osaka Castle dates back to the 16th century.

It’s been rebuilt and renovated several times over the centuries but is still one of the most significant historical locations in Japan. The complex consists of a series of moats and fortified walls and keeps interspersed with leafy gardens.

The castle itself is an impressive multileveled tower of sweeping roofs that remains one of the foremost symbols of Japan. If that’s not enough history to sate you, then head next door to the Osaka Museum of History.

The expansive museum displays exhibits on the development of Osaka from its founding all the way through to its modern-day expansion.

As one of the most central areas of Osaka, Chuo Ward as a whole is packed with shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. However, nowhere is this moreso than the vibrant Namba district.

Namba district is known for its bright lights and bustling atmosphere. With its niche shopping hubs, busy commuter stations, and plethora of bars, Namba is a hive of excitement at all hours of the day.

You Should Stay In Chuo Ward If:

• You are visiting Osaka for the first time
• You want to stay in one of the most central locations in the city
• You want plenty to see and do within comfortable walking distance
  

Hotel Fino is perfect for those who just want to get right to seeing the sights. Located right at the heart of Osaka, Fino makes the perfect base from which to explore the city. The hotel also has everything you need to relax in between running around Osaka’s attractions.

The rooms are spacious, bright, and comfortable. Air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and en-suite bathrooms are standard. Guests also have access to a fitness suite and communal lounge. The chic dining area hosts a varied buffet breakfast each morning.

If you are looking for somewhere to spend a fun-filled family holiday in Osaka, you can’t beat the Minato Ward/Osaka Bay area. It is considered by many to easily be the best area to stay in Osaka for families.

Running along the waterfront at the west of the city, you’ll be treated to a winning combination of thrilling attractions and stunning views. Something that combines both those things is the Tempozan Ferris Wheel.

Standing at 112metres (367 feet) tall, a ride over the top of the wheel offers incredible views across the city to the east and the sea to the west. At night the Tempozan Ferris Wheel is then even transformed into one of the best light displays in Osaka.

Right next door to the Tempozan Ferris Wheel is the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. One of the world’s largest aquariums, Kaiyukan is home to hundreds of species of marine animals from the arctic to the Maldives, spread over dozens of tanks and habitats.

If you’re looking for family friendly activities to enjoy in the evening, then Kaiyukan’s Night Aquarium is worth a look. From 5pm onwards the aquarium shifts the lighting and music to a more ethereal tone that makes for a wholly unique experience.

Just across the water is one of the most exciting theme parks in Japan, Universal Studios. Rides and zones inspired by big name movies and franchises will keep the whole family entertained with attractions based on their favourite films.

Minato Ward is right in the middle of the Osaka Bay area. It’s the best part from which to explore all the sights and attractions that the bay offers. You’ll need to take the metro to get to the city centre attractions, but the trains are frequent and fast, so it’s just a short journey.

Stay In Minato Ward/Osaka Bay If:

• You are planning a family holiday
• You want to have plenty of family friendly attractions and activities nearby
• You want to stay somewhere overlooking the water
• You don’t mind being just a little outside of the city centre
  

To immerse yourself in an atmosphere of high-end elegance, consider staying at the Oriental Hotel Universal City. The hotel exudes class and refinement whilst maintaining a relaxed and welcoming air.

Rooms are plush and spacious, with subtle design elements adding to a luxury feel. Air-conditioning is, of course, standard with all rooms.

Buffet meals are served in the stylish dining area. Guests can enjoy a range of dishes from traditional Japanese fare to western indulgences, such as doughnuts and waffles.

For affordable accommodation, close to the city centre, without having to compromise too much on quality, Naniwa Ward is your best bet and comfortably the best area to stay in Osaka for budget travellers.

Immediately to the south of Chuo Ward, you’ll be just a short journey from Osaka’s top attractions, whilst being just far out enough to avoid the steep city centre rates. Naniwa is also just far removed enough from the main tourist districts to avoid the worst of the crowds.

In addition to the nearby city centre attractions, Naniwa has plenty to offer of its own. With quieter streets and plenty to do, Naniwa makes a great option for families.

Tennoji Zoo, home to over 200 species of animal from across the world, is a fantastic, family friendly destination. The zoo is paired with its own museum allowing visitors to learn more about the history and evolution of the animals in the park. Overlooking the zoo is the Tsutenkaku tower.

Soaring over the surrounding buildings at 103 metres (338 feet) tall and vibrantly illuminated at night, Tsutenkaku is an iconic symbol of the area. The observation deck at 91 metres (299 feet) in the sky provides a stunning view of the city and the nearby Shinsekai area.

Shinsekai is one of the Japan’s more polarising neighbourhoods. Historically one of the shadiest areas in Osaka, at night Shinsekai is illuminated with hundreds of glowing signs, transforming into the kind of cyperpunk-esque landscape that Japan is known for.

You Should Stay In Naniwa Ward If:

• You are looking for an affordable neighbourhood close to the city centre
• You are planning a family vacation
• You want to avoid the worst of the city centre crowds
  

Hotel Amaterrace Nippombashi-higashi is the perfect example of how to work traditional Japanese features and design into a contemporary and chic hotel. Cultural elements such as shoji screen doors, tatami mats, and traditional prints are worked into spacious, modern rooms.

Guests have the option of both western style and futon beds. All rooms are equipped with televisions, air-conditioning, kitchenettes, and en-suite bathrooms. Some rooms even boast stunning views of the Tsutenkaku Tower.

Too often overlooked in favour of the capital, Osaka has tons of charm and excitement to offer all of its own. If you are looking for an urban adventure with a bit less of Tokyo’s past-paced and overcrowded bustle, Osaka is the perfect contender.

With tons to do in the city itself and even more just a short journey away, no matter how long your visit to Osaka you’ll never risk getting bored. You should now know the best areas to stay in Osaka to plan your dream travel itinerary and do just that.

Whether you’re planning a laid-back family vacation, a whirlwind sightseeing tour, or a high-octane party break with Japanese flair, there’s a corner of Osaka to welcome everyone. All you have left to do now is get everything booked, so you can experience it all for yourself.