Osaka is a big city with a huge conurbation, so it's a good idea to take the time to choose a good place to stay.
Where to stay in Osaka
As Osaka is an ideal starting point for day trips to the surrounding area, we recommend choosing a hotel near one of the transport hubs.
In the vicinity of Umeda Station
The main station for conventional JR trains (not shinkansen) is called Osaka Station and is located in an area called Umeda.
This area is one of the most unfashionable in Osaka with a large number of skyscrapers and shopping malls.
From Osaka-Umeda station you can easily reach the cities of Kobe, Kyoto and Nara, as well as more distant places. Shin-Osaka Express Station is a 10-minute JR train ride or 5-minute subway ride away, and Shinsaibashi Center is a 7-minute subway ride away.
- APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Umeda Eki Tower *** - Best value hotel with rates from 65 usd per night
- Hotel Granvia Osaka **** - large hotel with direct access from the JR train station
- Hilton Osaka Hotel ***** - top rated hotel of international chains in close proximity to the station
Near Namba station
Namba is a great location in the heart of Osaka just a 10-minute walk from the Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi districts.
Several subway lines cross at Osaka-Namba Station and the Kintetsu trains to Nara and Yoshinu National Park, Hanshin trains to Kobe and Nankai trains to Kansai Airport, Wakayama and Mount Koya start here.
- APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower *** - Best value hotel with rates from 55 usd per night
- Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka **** - quality hotel right in JR-Namba Station and at the main bus station (buses to Kansai Airport)
- Swissotel Nankai Osaka **** - one of the best value-for-money hotels in its category with direct access to Namba subway station and Nankai trains to Kansai Airport
At Shin-Osaka Station
We recommend staying near the shinkansen high-speed train station if you are spending a maximum of 2 nights in Osaka, arriving in the evening and departing in the morning.
The station is located outside the city centre, however, the subway will take you to the central Shinsaibashi district in about 12 minutes.
- Via Inn Shin Osaka *** - The cheapest classic hotel near the station with prices from 50 usd
- Courtyard by Marriott Shinosaka Station **** - quality hotel directly connected to the station
Downtown - Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi
If you don't need to stay right next to a train station, the centre of all life in Osaka is the neighbouring districts of Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, which are alive day and night.
- Hotel Forza Osaka Namba *** - A standard hotel with an unbeatable location right on the main pedestrian street of Dotonbori
- Mercure Tokyu Stay Osaka Namba **** - a quality hotel from an international chain on Midosuji's main street with great walking access to the subway and Dotonbori
Shinsekai - Tennoji
The popular historic Shinsekai district with its steel Tsutenkaku tower is connected to the modern Tennoji district with its tallest skyscraper, the Harukas 300.
Although this area does not lie directly in the centre, it is very popular for living.
There's a dense concentration of tourist attractions, and Tennoji or Dobutsuen-mae Station is a quick subway ride across Osaka.
In addition, JR trains to Kansai Airport or Nara and Wakayama also stop at Tennoji Station, as does the Kintetsu Railway to Yoshino National Park.
- Osaka Ebisu Hotel *** - A very cheap hotel in the heart of the Shinsekai district
- Spa World HOTEL&RESORT **** - a spa resort with a water park and a classic hotel
- Osaka Marriott Miyako **** - a luxury hotel right in the Harukas 300 skyscraper
Capsule hotels
Capsule hotels are very popular in Japan, ideal for quick overnight stays or to save money.
One night in a capsule hotel usually costs between 25 usd and 35 usd.
These are the top 3 capsule hotels in Osaka.
- Cabin & Capsule Hotel J-SHIP Osaka Namba - Great location just 5 minutes walk from Namba station in the city centre
- Hotel Cargo Shinsaibashi - this hotel is right in the heart of the lively Shinsaibashi district
- First Cabin Nishi Umeda - location in the modern centre of Osaka near Umeda Station
Our tip - Where we stayed
Where did we stay when writing this guide?
Swissotel Osaka Nankai ****
We chose this hotel primarily because of its unbeatable location for exploring the city and trips to Nara or Kobe, as well as for getting to Kansai and Itami airports.
Access to the hotel is directly from the Nankai Electric Railway, Kintetsu Railway and Hanshin Railway subway and train stations.
Although the hotel is in the higher price category, it definitely offers great value for money in its category.
View rates and availability for Swissotel Nankai Osaka
We would highlight the breathtaking views of Osaka from the rooms as well as the great breakfast.
Hotel rates and when to book
Compared to other Japanese cities, Osaka is quite expensive, but compared to Western Europe, North America or Australia, hotels here are noticeably cheaper.
The average local 3* hotel offers 1 night in a room for around 65 usd.
You can find better international chain hotels for prices between 100 usd and 200 usd.
Because Osaka as an urban destination is not so dependent on seasonality, accommodation prices are similar across the year. It is ideal to book a hotel at least 1 month before your trip.
