Osaka, Japan’s kitchen, is your point of entry for your trips to Kyoto and western Japan. If you are heading to the city for the first time, the best places to stay in Osaka are Namba (Minami), Umeda (Kita), Tennoji, Shin-Osaka, and Osaka Castle. These neighbourhoods of Osaka have you covered from all sides: safety, easy accessibility, best things to do, and everything else you need for a good stay in your solo travel to Osaka, Japan. 

Keep reading to know everything about these best places to stay in Osaka along with some hotel recommendations to make your trip to the third biggest city of Japan easier.

Namba, a.k.a. Minami – Best Place to Stay in Osaka for Youth

With easy access to Dotonbori, Nara, and other Osaka areas like Shin-Osaka, Namba (Minami) is one of the top places to stay in Osaka. In fact, it takes only 45 minutes to reach the Kansai Airport from Namba.

Besides being a transportation hub, Namba is also the entertainment hub of Osaka. Neon lights, street food, and shopping streets of Namba bring life to Osaka. The only downside of this place is its crowd. So, if you are particular about your stay and prefer a quieter area, Namba might not be the best choice. That said, the pros of staying in this area easily outweigh the downside. And if you actually want to explore Osaka, Namba is a favourite choice among solo travellers.

Best Things To Do in Namba:

• Enjoy the nightlife at Dotonbori – neon lights, street food, and the Glico Running Man landmark
• Take a break from urban landscapes at Namba Park 
• Offer prayers at Namba Yasaka Shrine
• See kabuki performance at Shochikuza Theatre
• Shop at Amerikamura

Recommended Stay: Swissotel Nankai Osaka and First Cabin Midosuji Namba

Umeda, a.k.a. Kita – The Most Convenient Place to Stay in Osaka for Everyone

If Namba is the go-to place for nighttime in Osaka, Umeda is for its daytime. It is the busiest area in Osaka with access to four different train lines, including the JR Line. So, if you have a JR Pass, the most convenient place to stay in Osaka is Umeda. No other place in Osaka can beat the convenience of  Shinkansen. Especially, if Osaka is your base for day trips. You can easily hop on and off for day trips. 

Apart from that, the food and nightlife of Umeda aren’t bad either. You’ll be spoiled for choices when it comes to fine dining experiences in this area. Plus, there’s a lot to do here as well.

Best Things To Do in Umeda:

• Visit Nakazaki-cho – a cool retro area with cute cafes
• Climb up the open-air observation deck on the Umeda Sky Building
• Relax at the urban green space of Grand Green Osaka
• Explore the Museum of Nakanoshima

Recommended Stay: Hotel Vischio Osaka

Tennoji Area – The Most Underrated Place to Stay in Osaka

If you want to go off the mainstream places to stay in Osaka, Tennoji is the area you should lock in. The mix of old and new, Tennoji is a major downtown hub in the southeast of central Osaka. And as the area is still developing, the stays here tends to be cheaper. The best part? All the hotspots of Osaka like Namba, Dontobori, Shinsaibashi are nearby. 

It takes only 5 minutes from JR Namba Station and only a few minutes from JR Osaka Station as well as Umeda Station to reach the Tennoji area.

Best Things To Do in Tennoji:

• Watch the best view from Osaka’s tallest skyscraper – Abeno Harukas
• Stroll around the funky neighbourhood of Shinsekai
• Wander off at Tennoji-koen park
• Visit one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan – Shitennoji Temple

Recommended Stay: Miyako City Osaka Tennoji and Hotel Bali Tower Osaka Tennoji

Shin-Osaka Area – The Ultimate Stay Option Between Osaka and Kyoto

Right at the north end of Osaka,  if you want to stay closer to the Shinkansen line and not too far from downtown Osaka, Shin-Osaka is the perfect area for you! And if you are like me who wants to find the right base between Osaka and Kyoto, this is it. Find a good deal for a decent stay and that’s it you are sorted. No longer hopping between hotels and hostels. Why? Because Kyoto is just 11 minutes away from this area. And Osaka is a 5-minute ride. Make the most of your JR Pass here. 

Best Things To Do in Shin-Osaka

There’s not really much to do here! Except hopping on and off the Shinkansen. And, of course, there are plenty of places to dine here. So, according to your budget, explore different places to eat here.

Recommended Stay: Super Hotel JR Shin-Osaka Higashiguchi

Osaka Castle Area – The Best Scenic Area to Stay in Osaka

Just a kilometer away from Namba and Umeda, the Osaka Castle area is only a short ride. And it is “the” place if you want to stay in a scenic and quieter area in Osaka. It is quite opposite to all the places I have mentioned for stays in Osaka so far. But definitely worthy of at least a one-night stay. Especially if you are a history lover.

Best Things To Do in Osaka Castle:

• Roam around the Osaka Castle
• Visit the Osaka Castle Park
• Explore Naniwa-no-Miya Palace Ruins

Recommended Stay: Hotel the Lutheran

So, Which is the Best Place to Stay in Osaka?

Well of all, there is always a constant comparison between Namba and Umeda when it comes to places to stay in Osaka. Namba is more on the young, lively and affordable side. Whereas, Umeda is more of high end and slow paced vibes. Both equally safe and accessible! That said, the rest 3 on the list are at par as well. And after weighing all the factors, it comes down to your budget to choose the right place to stay in Osaka.  

Here’s my checklist table for easier and quicker comparison:

Keep in mind these numbers can change, so before finalising, compare the prices on Booking.com and Agoda.com. Also, book your hotel in advance. Especially, if you are travelling in the peak season of Japan, i.e. spring – the cherry blossom season and autumn – the foliage season.

And if you are visiting Osaka from Tokyo or Kyoto, check out my blog posts to find the best stays there and help with your solo travel itineraries for Japan. If you have any questions, write them in the comments below.