Where to Stay in Osaka [4 Best Places for Osaka Hotels]

Where to Stay in Osaka & The Best Osaka Hotels

Learn the best places to stay in Osaka for tourists in this Where to Stay in Osaka guide. To help you decide, I’ve listed down the 4 best areas to stay in Osaka for hotels that are highly convenient for sightseeing based on my personal experience.

Where to Stay in Osaka Summary

1. The best places to stay in Osaka are Namba and Umeda.
2. Other good places to stay in Osaka are hotels near the Midosuji subway line, Osaka Castle or Universal Studios.
3. Namba and Umeda are major transport hubs with lots of shops and restaurants.
4. Stay in Namba if you love food and nightlife.
5. Stay in Umeda if your love modern cityscape.
6. The Midosuji subway line connects Namba, Umeda and Shin-Osaka Shinkansen bullet train station, making the hotels near this subway line highly convenient for tourists.
7. Osaka Castle Area is a great place to stay particularly during cherry blossoms season.

Where to Stay in OSAKA: Recommendations from Asiatravelbug’s “Personal Experience”

After having been to Osaka for 5 times, let me share my Top 5 Best Hotel Picks in Osaka. Most of which I have personally stayed at and can recommend. By sharing my personal experience, I truly hope that you’ll be able to pick the best area where to stay in Osaka regardless of the season you travel. 🙂

My personal favorite is Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka which I consider as the best place to stay in Osaka from my personal experience. I highly recommend Fraser for its spacious rooms, reasonable price and its strategic location across Namba Nankai Station! Fraser is a very popular hotel in Osaka and rooms can be limited. Consider yourself very lucky if you’re able to get a room here! Book Fraser Nankai in Booking.com or Agoda before the rooms get sold out!

Heading to Kyoto and Tokyo too? Check out Where to Stay in Kyoto and Where to Stay in Tokyo guides.

To learn the other best places to stay in Osaka, read on below for more information. 🙂

Stay Near a Subway or Train Station in Osaka

Just like Tokyo, Osaka is well covered by subways and trains which can get you anywhere easily and efficiently. The red Midosuji subway line cuts across the city and is the most convenient line in Osaka for tourists as it connects Namba downtown, Umeda downtown and Shin-Osaka Shinkansen bullet train station.

In case you are unable to get a hotel near the Midosuji subway line, just pick a hotel that is within 5-minutes walking distance to a subway or train station within the central area of Osaka, which is bounded by the circular JR Osaka Loop line.

Where is the Best Place to Stay in Osaka: Namba or Umeda?

Well, the answer actually depends on your itinerary and how you imagine your Osaka vacation to be.

• Namba – Namba and its immediate surrounding areas Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi and Nippombashi, are the best areas to stay in Osaka if your itinerary mainly revolves around Osaka’s Dotonbori Area, Nara and Kyoto. If your itinerary is mostly into food trip, shopping and nightlife, then Namba is the place to be. I personally prefer to stay in Namba and its immediate surrounding areas since I go to Osaka primarily for food and shopping.

• Umeda – Although Namba is livelier, Umeda is the most well-connected major transportation hub in Osaka. If Namba will require you some train/subway transfers to get to most major sights in the Kansai region, Umeda provides direct train/subway access to major sites in Kansai from Kyoto, Nara, Kobe up to Himeji. Shin-Osaka Station, where the shinkansen bullet train stop is located, is just one station away from Umeda’s Osaka Station perfect for those with JR Pass.

4 Best Places to Stay in Osaka

Based on my personal experience in my past 3 trips to Osaka, I can say that the best place to stay in Osaka is Namba since it is highly convenient for food, shopping and public transportation. Other recommended areas to stay in Osaka are Umeda, Osaka Castle and Universal Studios depending on your itinerary.

1. Namba (Minami / South District): Where to Stay in Osaka

In my personal opinion, Namba is the best place to stay in Osaka since great food and reasonably priced shops are all within walking distance and it exudes a Japanese vibe! I have personally based myself in Namba 2 times out of my 3 past trips in Kansai region and consider this as my favorite area to stay in Osaka. Namba is bustling day until night, making it possible for late night food trips and late night shopping. This makes Namba the best area to stay in Osaka and a very practical place to be for people who want to make the most out of their limited vacation time.

Apart from convenience for food and shopping, Namba is also very well connected by subways and trains making it a good base to get to anywhere in Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and even to Kansai airport. If your trip mainly revolves around Dotonbori in Osaka for food adventure with day trips to Kyoto and Nara, then I suggest Namba to be your base.

Why Stay in Namba:

• Great local Japanese atmosphere. Bustling nightlife especially in Dotonbori with neon lights as you see on TV.
• Easy access to reasonably priced restaurants and shops. Restaurants close very late at night and bargain store chains open 24/7.
• Good variety of mid-range (3*) and upper class (4*) hotels around the area with bigger room size compared to Japanese standards.
• Convenient for sightseeing in Osaka and for nearby day trips via subways and trains.
• Convenient for day trips to Downtown Kyoto. Gion Shijo or Kawaramachi Station in Downtown Kyoto is just 1 hour train ride away from Namba with 1 transfer.
• Direct access for day trips to Nara in 40 minutes via Kintetsu Nara railway line.
• Direct access to airport via train from Namba Nankai Station (40 minutes) or airport bus from Namba OCAT (50 minutes).
• Direct access to Shin-Osaka Shinkansen Bullet Train Station via Midosuji subway line in 15 minutes from Namba Station.
• Sights Nearby: Dotonbori and the famous Glico Man, Shinsaibashi, Kuromon Market (Nippombashi)

So Where Exactly is Namba?

Namba is the major transportation hub within the Minami (South) commercial district and is one the 2 downtown centers in Osaka, the other one being Umeda. For tourists, Namba Downtown can be loosely referred as the area covering the following sub districts which are all within 5 to 15 minutes walk from each other.

1. Namba Station – best place to stay in Namba Osaka for easy access to Kansai Airport
2. Dotonbori – best place to stay in Namba Osaka for nightlife, food and shopping
3. Nippombashi (Kuromon Market) – best area to stay in Namba Osaka for the ultimate foodie
4. Shinsaibashi – best area to stay in Namba Osaka for shopping

In this blog post, I will describe each of these sub districts in detail so you can decide the best place to stay in Osaka’s Namba area for your trip.

1.1. Namba Station: Where to Stay in Namba Osaka (Best Place to Stay in Osaka for Easy Access to Kansai Airport)

Staying within the immediate surrounding of Namba Station is the best place to stay in Osaka for easy access to Kansai Airport right in the heart of downtown. After a tiring flight, there’s no better way to start your Osaka vacation by checking into a downtown hotel that is easy to get to from the airport. Let the futuristic-looking Nankai Airport Limited Express Rapit train take you direct from Kansai Airport to Namba Nankai Station comfortably in just 40 minutes!

Namba Station is actually not a single railway hub. It is comprised of multiple interconnected subway and train lines which are between 5 to 15 minutes walk from each other.

1. Namba Nankai Station – This station is useful for airport transfers to either Kansai Airport (via train) or Itami Airport (via bus).
2. Namba Station Subway Line – There are multiple subway lines that converge here. The most important is the Midosuji subway line that connects Namba to Umeda and Shin-Osaka. Midosuji subway line is just 5 minutes walk north of Namba Nankai Station. Also, you can take the other lines here to get to other tourist sites such as Nara or Universal Studios. Subways are quite extensive in Osaka and tourists will mostly use the subway lines to get around the city.
3. JR Namba Station – You can find JR Namba Station 10 – 15 minutes walk east from Namba Station subway lines. Although the area is a bit off from the main happening area in Namba, it is just 15 minute walking distance to Dotonbori and you can find more affordable accommodations here. Even if JR Namba Station is not particularly useful for tourists, it is right beside Namba OCAT airport limousine bus hub which makes it easy to get to and from Kansai Airport or Itami Airport.

Where to Stay in Namba Station Osaka: Asiatravelbug’s Recommended Hotels

For better convenience, I highly recommend hotels that are within 5 minutes walking distance to either Namba Nankai Station or Namba Station Subway Line for tourists. Below are my recommended hotels which are within easy 3 to 5 minutes walk from these 2 stations in Namba.

• Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka (4*) – I have personally stayed at this hotel and can highly recommend Fraser Residence for its strategic location, generously sized rooms and reasonable rates. I personally think that Fraser offers the best accommodation in Osaka for family. It’s a very popular hotel and is frequently fully booked. So if you’re interested in staying here be sure to reserve your room at least 3 months in advance. All rooms come with a kitchenette and washing machine giving guests flexibility, making this the best place to stay in Osaka for families, for longer stays or for those with dietary restrictions.

Since all Studio rooms have been booked out, I stayed in a 1 Bedroom Apartment and loved its generous room size of 40 sqm. The staff were attentive, knowledgeable, and polite, and they even went so far as emailing me directions to their hotel from Namba Nankai Station a few days prior to my arrival, without me asking. The station, by the way, is just a 3-minute walk from the hotel so it’s in a very convenient location. The hotel’s daily breakfast is good, though I would recommend getting it from their restaurant partner in Namba Nankai Station where the Japanese breakfast was really tasty with generous portions. Nightly rates start at a reasonable USD 150 for the Studio (28 sqm), USD 220 for the 1 Bedroom Apartment (40 sqm), and USD 475 for the 2 Bedroom (77 sqm). Book your room today in Agoda or Booking.com before it’s gone!

• Swissotel Nankai Osaka (4.5*) – If Fraser is fully booked, the nearby Swissotel Nankai Osaka Hotel is an excellent alternative. I think this hotel is best for first timers in Osaka as it is located right on top of the Namba Nankai Station, making train airport transfers to and from Kansai Airport a breeze! I have personally stayed in this hotel during my very first trip to Japan years ago and can highly recommend it for its location and for its sweeping views. The busy lobby can be unsettling but the good room sizes, great views, and very good location more than make up for this. I recommend the 32 sqm Swiss Advantage Twin rooms which come recently renovated and start at USD 225 per night. Although a bit pricey, I think the hotel’s highly strategic location well justifies its price.

• Hotel Ichiei (3*) – If you’re looking for a hotel with a Japanese flair, Hotel Ichiei is the perfect choice in Namba downtown! This hotel is directly connected to Namba Station Midosuji Subway Line making it highly convenient for tourists to get around. For those coming from Itami Airport, the airport limousine bus stops right at the front of the hotel. The Japanese styling sets this Hotel Ichiei apart from others that focus more on a Western ambiance. Both traditional Japanese rooms with futon beds and western rooms are available at this hotel. I recommend the Modern Japanese Style room which combines western beds with Japanese style tatami floors. This room is generously sized at 36 sqm and nightly rates start at an affordable USD 150. For groups or families, you can choose one of the biggest rooms in Namba – the Suite can sleep 4 and is a massive 66 sqm, with nightly rates from USD 270.

• Namba Oriental Hotel (3*) – Even if the facilities of Namba Oriental are seen by some guests as somewhat old, the prime location and reasonable rates make up for it making it a great choice in Namba for budget travelers. This hotel is centrally located within Namba with lots of restaurants and shops right at your doorstep. Also, Namba Subway Station, Namba Nankai Station, Dotonbori and Kuromon Market are all within 5 minutes walk, making the hotel’s central location highly convenient for tourists. Nightly rates for the 23 sqm Superior Twin start from USD 135. For more space, the 32 sqm Deluxe Triple is recommended for groups of 3 or 4 and is priced starting from USD 175 and USD 190 per night respectively.

Below you can find my recommended hotels in Dotonbori, Nippombashi and Shinsaibashi. Even if these areas are within good walking distance to Namba Station, I strongly suggest that you get a cab to get to get your hotel if it is beyond 5 minutes walk from Namba Nankai Station or Namba Subway Station, or if you are unsure of your way. It is not easy to drag your luggage with you in a very busy downtown. I have seen tourists dragging their luggage up in several flights of stairs in Nippombashi subway station and can only look at them in pity. Since Namba Station is near to Dotonbori, Nippombashi or Shinsaibashi areas, the taxi cost from Namba Nankai Station will only be in the range of JPY 1000 (~USD 10), more or less depending on the traffic. I think this is the best time to make your money work for you. 🙂

1.2. Dotonbori: Where to Stay in Namba Osaka (Best Area to Stay in Osaka for Nightlife, Food and Shopping)

Just less than 10 minutes walk away from Namba Station is the lively and colorful Dotonbori, which I consider as the best area to stay in Osaka if you are into nightlife, food and shopping! Dotonbori is where you will see the famous Glico man, the giant crab sign and neon lights which all symbolize Osaka as you see on TV and in social media. Even if Dotonbori can be loud at night, it is a practical place to be in as you will be right in the pulsating heart of Osaka’s entertainment and food scene which runs until very late at night.

Where to Stay in Dotonbori Osaka: Asiatravelbug’s Recommended Hotels

• Holiday Inn Osaka Namba (3.5*) – If Fraser Nankai Osaka is fully booked, Holiday Inn Osaka Namba would be my next choice as the best place to stay in Osaka. This hotel is located in an unbeatable location at the heart of Dotonbori surrounded by endless restaurant choices. If the food in Dotonbori is not enough, you can easily continue your food adventure to Kuromon Market which is just less than 10 minutes walk away. Nightly rates are very affordable starting at USD 135 for twin and USD 175 for triple. Both twin and triple rooms are 25 sqm in size.

• Cross Hotel (3.5*) – This hotel is in a fantastic location at the intersection of the beautiful Midosuji Avenue and Dotonbori, and just a 5-minute walk to Namba Station Midosuji Line. Staff here are polite, friendly and helpful. Twin and triple rooms are both 27 sqm and nightly rates are from USD 180 and USD 225 respectively.

1.3. Nippombashi: Where to Stay in Namba Osaka (Best Place to Stay in Osaka for the Ultimate Foodie)

Located at the eastern edge of Dotonbori is Nippombashi where you can find the famous Kuromon Ichiba Market. Nippombashi is the best place to stay in Osaka for the ultimate foodie as both Dotonbori and Kuromon Market are just a stone throw’s away. Though not as famous as Tsukiji Market in Tokyo or Nishiki Market in Kyoto, Kuromon Market has risen in popularity in the recent years. The place is now bustling with tourists during daytime. I particularly enjoyed the grilled seafoods (although a bit pricey), the fresh seasonal fruits and the cheap bento box takeaways. Even if you are staying somewhere else, this place is not to be missed!

Where to Stay in Nippombashi Osaka: Asiatravelbug’s Recommended Hotel

• Nono Namba Hotel (3*) – For a unique Japanese experience close to a modern version ryokan (Japanese Style Inn), stay at the Nono Namba Hotel. Part of the Dormy Inn chain, this is a modern Japanese style boutique hotel complete with tatami mats, free access to a communal onsen bath, and free ramen nights from 9pm to 11pm. As Japanese as it sounds, you need to place your shoes in lockers provided by the hotel before entering, so don’t forget your socks! Considering the prime location and other perks included, I find the price of Nono Namba Hotel to be one of the cheapest of its category in Namba Downtown, with affordable nightly rates starting at USD 120 for a 24-sqm Superior Room good for two and USD 180 for a 31-sqm Deluxe Room good for a family of four with small children. The price of this newly opened hotel is definitely a steal and is quite unbelievable, no wonder they’re always fully booked. Book in Agoda before it’s gone!

1.4. Shinsaibashi: Where to Stay in Namba Osaka (Best Area to Stay in Osaka for Shopping)

Right above the western part of Dotonbori, you can find the main shopping area of Shinsaibashi. The 2 main shopping strips in Shinsaibashi run parallel to each other which are Midosuji avenue and Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade. Midosuji avenue is dotted by luxury stores while Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade houses more mainstream affordable shops like Uniqlo and H&M. This makes Shinsaibashi one of the best areas to stay in Osaka for tourists whose ultimate goal is to shop until they drop!

Where to Stay in Shinsaibashi Osaka: Asiatravelbug’s Recommended Hotel

• Hotel Nikko Osaka (4*) – If you love shopping, stay at the Hotel Nikko Osaka! Ideally located in the swanky Midosuji Avenue area, the hotel is steps from luxury shops and the Shimbashi Shopping Arcade. And with Shinsaibashi Subway Station directly connected to the hotel, it is easy to quickly get to other parts of the city for sightseeing. Standard Twin rooms, sized at 24 sqm, start at nightly rate of USD 175.

Read on the rest of this post if you are looking for alternative areas on where to stay in Osaka beyond Namba. Learn why Umeda, Osaka Castle Area and Universal Studios Japan (Osaka Bay Area) can be a great choice for you. In case you are also heading to Tokyo or Kyoto, don’t forget to check out Asiatravelbug’s Where to Stay in Tokyo and Where to Stay in Kyoto guides.

2. Umeda (Kita / North District): Where to Stay in Osaka

Umeda is the main business district in Osaka with towering modern skyscrapers and a good variety of department stores. Just like Namba, you will never run out of food and shopping choices in Umeda. Although Umeda lacks the local Osakan Japanese vibe offered by Namba, it offers better, easier and more direct intercity travel within Kansai region. Umeda is served by 2 adjoining major stations Umeda Station and Osaka Station, making it easy to get to anywhere in Osaka or nearby cities via train or subway often without the need for any transfers. If you love modern cityscape and if your itinerary covers a lot of day trips to different cities in Kansai region, beyond Kyoto and Nara, then Umeda is the best place to be in Osaka.

Why Stay in Umeda:

• Highly convenient for day trips to nearby cities in Kansai with direct train to Himeji, Kobe, Kyoto and Nara.
• Very close to Shin-Osaka Shinkansen Station via Midosuji subway line which is just 6 minutes ride away.
• Convenient direct train access to Kyoto. Downtown Kawaramachi and Arashiyama in Kyoto are just a little less than 1 hour away from Umeda via direct Hankyu railway.
• Convenient for sightseeing in Osaka. Osaka Castle and Namba are within 10 minutes direct train or subway ride away.
• Easy access to reasonably priced restaurants and shops.
• Good variety of luxury and upper mid-range tourist hotels around the area with bigger room size compared to Japanese standards.
• Convenient 1-hour direct access to airport via JR Kansai Rapid Airport train from Osaka Station or via Kansai airport limousine bus.
• Sights Nearby: Umeda Sky Building, Hep 5 Ferris Wheel. 5 minutes train away from Sakuranomiya Park for cherry blossoms. 10 minutes train away from Osaka Castle.

Where to Stay in Umeda: Asiatravelbug’s Recommended Hotel

• Intercontinental Hotel Osaka (5*) – One of best things about the Intercontinental are the generously sized guest rooms with amazing views! The location is also very good, being 5 minutes walk from JR Osaka Train Station and set in an area with many restaurants and shops. The large rooms are modern, bright and luxurious. The Superior Room comes at a very generous 41 sqm, and nightly rates are from USD 260 which is reasonable for a hotel of this caliber! This is a great value luxury hotel in Japan, considering that similar luxury hotels in Kyoto and Tokyo are much more expensive starting at USD 260 and USD 310 per night respectively during regular season.

• Hotel Hankyu International(4.5*) – Most of the guest rooms in Hotel Hankyu International (not to be confused with Hotel New Hankyu Osaka) are generously sized while being priced very affordably. The Superior Twin room measures 42 sqm and costs just a fraction of the price for a similar room at the Intercontinental – nightly rates are from just USD 160 here! This hotel also boasts wonderful views from all guest rooms, which are purposely situated on the 26th floor or higher, giving guests vistas over Osaka. Also, the hotel is serviced by the Airport Limousine Bus, making it simple to get to and from Kansai Airport.

• Hilton Osaka (4*) – The Hilton Osaka is in a great location in Umeda, just under 5 minutes walk from Osaka Station. Rooms are attractively furnished and decorated with Japanese influences, and there are lovely city views from many rooms especially on the higher floors. The hotel is serviced by the Airport Limousine Bus from Kansai Airport. For bus to Itami Airport or higher frequency airport bus transfers to Kansai Airport, the Herbis Osaka bus stop is just one block away. A Twin Room is sized at 30 sqm and rates here are from USD 195 per night.
  

3. Osaka Castle Area (Best Area to Stay in Osaka for Cherry Blossoms): Where to Stay in Osaka

I discovered Osaka Castle Area by chance as a place to stay when I made a last minute decision to fly to Osaka for cherry blossoms. This area is known for the iconic Osaka Castle but not really as a place where tourists will primarily base their stay since nightlife, shopping and food choices are relatively lacking compared to Namba Downtown and Umeda Downtown.

However, after staying here during the peak cherry blossoms season, all I can say is WOW – the area totally turned to a magical place from day until night surrounded by countless beautiful cherry blossom trees! Sakuranomiya Park which is located north of Osaka Castle, has a huge concentration of 5,000 cherry blossom trees by the lovely river bank, which is the most massive concentration of cherry blossom trees I’ve seen so far right within a major Japanese city. It totally blew me away! And if Sakuranomiya Park is not enough, you can continue to enjoy the cherry blossoms in Osaka Castle and in the nearby Kyoto.

Particularly during cherry blossoms season which usually happens during the first half of April, the Osaka Castle Area is very lively with lots of people having picnic under cherry blossom trees. Some parts of the area have seasonal food stalls too! As a repeat traveler to Osaka, I personally think that the Osaka Castle Area is the best place to stay in Osaka during cherry blossoms season.

When to Stay in Osaka Castle Area:

• Your itinerary is primarily to see cherry blossom sights in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara, above anything else like shopping, nightlife and food trip. Since the area is not as convenient as Namba or Umeda, the area is generally recommended for repeat travelers to Osaka or tourists who don’t plan to be in Dotonbori or Namba everyday. (However, take note that cherry blossoms are not present whole year round. Peak cherry blossoms typically only last for a week or two.)
• You need bigger room space at a cheaper price compared to downtown even during non cherry blossoms season, and you don’t really mind about the location.
  

Why Stay in Osaka Castle Area:

• Highly convenient for cherry blossom hanami and night time illumination. The best areas to enjoy cherry blossoms in Osaka are Sakuranomiya Park and Osaka Castle which are located in the general Osaka Castle Area.
• Convenient direct train access to Kyoto Downtown. Gion Shijo (Higashiyama) in Kyoto is just a little less than 1 hour train away from Kyobashi Station.
• Easy Access to Osaka Station in Umeda using the JR Osaka Loop Line.
• Bigger and cheaper hotel rooms. Since the area is off the beaten, hotels tend to be cheaper and with larger rooms compared to downtown.
• Sights Nearby: Osaka Castle, Sakuranomiya Park

Where to Stay in Osaka Castle Area: Asiatravelbug’s Recommended Hotels

• Imperial Hotel Osaka (4.5*) – Having personally stayed in this hotel, I highly recommend Imperial Hotel Osaka for tourists wishing to experience the beauty of the cherry blossom season in Osaka. Set right by river and Sakuranomiya Park, the setting is especially magical when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, illuminating the park in front of the hotel with spectacular colors from day until night. I loved having the time to enjoy hanami picnics under a cherry blossom tree in the park, but I could enjoy the views at any time from my room! The hotel itself feels luxurious and the bath amenities provided are fantastic! Although the hotel is a little secluded, the free regular shuttle to Osaka Station in Umeda more than makes up for this.

I strongly suggest that you book a Superior River View Room so your room can face the river and the Sakuranomiya cherry blossom park. During regular season, these generously sized 40 sqm rooms have nightly rates from just USD 150, and a relatively fair price starting from USD 270 per night during peak cherry blossoms. Compare this to similar class hotels in Namba which can charge a hefty price tag from USD 400 per night upwards for the same peak travel period. Lastly, in case you will stay at this hotel and have a late flight, I highly recommend you to sign-up for the Imperial Club membership card ahead of your stay in order to get complimentary late check-out until 6pm.

• New Hotel Otani Osaka (4*) – Although the hotel is older, the hotel is just a short walk to the Osaka Castle for sightseeing and is ideally placed for enjoying cherry blossom season and hanami at the castle. I recommend either the Castle View Twin Room (30 sqm) or Castle View Junior Suite which represents excellent value for money with nightly rates starting at just USD 200 and USD 250 respectively. Outside cherry blossom season, these rooms are very affordable starting at just USD 120 and USD 200 per night.

• Hotel Monterey La Soeur Osaka (3.5*) – This hotel is a practical and affordable option for tourists who want to be in the Osaka Castle Area and near Kyobashi Station. The location of this hotel makes a great central base for cherry blossom viewing. It is within walking distance of Sakuranomiya Park, Osaka Castle, and Kyobashi Station, from which you can take a train directly to Kyoto’s Gion Shijo (Higashiyama). Guest rooms are decorated in an art-deco style and offer nice views. Twin rooms are 22 sqm with fair nightly rates starting from USD 120 during regular season and USD 230 during the peak cherry blossom period.

4. Universal Studios (Best Area to Stay in Osaka for Theme Parks): Where to Stay in Osaka

If you are traveling with kids and love theme parks, the Official Hotels within Universal Studios Japan (USJ) maybe the best area to stay in Osaka for family. If USJ is not enough, Osaka Aquarium is just a short ferry ride away!

Why Stay in Universal Studios Japan Official Hotels:

• Very close walking distance to Universal Studios Japan.
• Universal Studios Japan tickets can be purchased from the hotel.
• Convenient access to Namba in 20 minutes with just 1 train transfer.
• Convenient airport transfer via airport bus from Kansai Airport or Itami Airport.
• Bigger and cheaper hotel rooms. Since the area is not in Downtown, hotels tend to be cheaper and with larger rooms compared to Japanese standards.
• Sights Nearby: Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Tempozan Ferris Wheel.

Where to Stay in Universal Studios Japan: Asiatravelbug’s Recommended Hotels

• The Park Front at Universal Studios (4*) – Located just 1-minute walk from the theme park gates, this official Universal Studios Japan hotel is perfect for families visiting the theme park. This newer hotel is modern and has a youthful vibe. Room sizes are good and one child under 6 stays free in existing beds. Standard Rooms are available as twin (at 30 sqm), triple or quad (both at 40 sqm) starting at nightly rates of USD 140, USD 170, and USD 230 respectively.

• Hotel Universal Port (4*) – Situated just a 4-minute walk from Universal Studios Japan, this hotel is designed for families. There are good sized rooms that can sleep up to 4 guests, and in this hotel, all children under 6 stay free when sleeping in existing beds. Kids will love the themed decorations around the hotel! Choose from a twin, triple or quad room, at 28 sqm, 34 sqm, and 40 sqm respectively, with rates starting from USD 120 for a standard twin, USD 145 for a superior triple, and USD 165 for a deluxe quad.

Peak Season and Saturday Surcharge for Osaka Hotels

Expect to pay at least 50% more for hotels if you will be in Osaka during cherry blossoms season (typically during the first 2 weeks of April) or autumn foliage season (typically during the last 2 weeks of November). Accommodations in Osaka can get fully sold out far in advance for peak season travel. It’s best to book Osaka hotels at least 3 to 4 months ahead. Just like anywhere in Japan, expect to pay 30% more on Saturday night stays compared to weekday stays due to surge in local tourism.

Where to Stay: Osaka or Kyoto?

Many tourists are torn on where to stay – Osaka or Kyoto? Here are some reasons why you should consider to stay in Osaka.

• While staying in Kyoto provides you a more authentic Japanese experience, Osaka offers more variety of food, shopping, nightlife, theme parks and, kid’s activities.
• Stay in Osaka if you want better variety and better quality hotels in strategic location, at a more affordable price than Kyoto. There are plenty of affordably priced downtown hotels in Namba and Umeda in Osaka.
• Also, if you plan to do day trips to a number of different places in Kansai region from Himeji, Kobe and Nara, Osaka is a better central base to stay.

Picking whether to stay in Osaka or Kyoto as base will boil down on your own personal preference, your itinerary, your budget and availability of hotels. Alternatively, if you don’t mind switching hotels and if you’re staying for a least 5 nights in Kansai region, you can always split your stay between Osaka and Kyoto to get the best of both worlds! Check out Asiatravelbug’s Where to Stay in Kyoto guide to learn the best places to stay in Kyoto.

If you have any suggestions or questions on where to stay in Osaka, please feel free to leave your comments in this blog.

Planning to Stay in Tokyo or Kyoto?

Check out Asiatravelbug’s Where to Stay in Tokyo and Where to Stay in Kyoto guides.

Have you picked the hotel where you will stay in Osaka?

Asiatravelbug recommends Agoda for best hotel rates in Osaka.

Need more time to decide where to stay in Osaka?

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