Where to Stay in Osaka: Choosing the Right Area

A major terminal where JR Osaka Station, Hankyu and Hanshin Osaka-umeda stations and several subway stations come together, making it convenient for trips to Kyoto and Kobe. Department stores, large shopping complexes and underground malls surround the stations, along with many hotels.

Best for

• ✓Those making day trips to Kyoto or Kobe
• ✓Travelers who want to go shopping
• ✓First-time visitors to Osaka

Keep in mind

The underground malls and stations are complex, and it is easy to take the wrong exit.

Nearest stations

🚉 JR Osaka Station; Hankyu and Hanshin Osaka-umeda Station; Subway Umeda Station

An entertainment district with Dotonbori, the Shinsaibashi-suji shopping arcade and Kuromon Market, where you can snack on takoyaki, okonomiyaki and more. Nankai's limited expresses to Kansai Airport and Kintetsu trains toward Nara depart from here, making it handy for the airport and Nara.

Best for

• ✓Those who want to eat their way around the city
• ✓Travelers using Kansai Airport
• ✓Anyone who wants to explore the streets at night

Keep in mind

The area around Dotonbori gets extremely crowded on weekends and in the evening.

Nearest stations

🚉 Nankai and Subway Namba Station; Kintetsu and Hanshin Osaka-Namba Station; Subway Shinsaibashi Station

Nakanoshima, between the Dojima and Tosabori rivers, has museums, the Central Public Hall and parks, and is pleasant for riverside walks. The Subway Midosuji Line makes Umeda and Namba easy to reach, and the Keihan Line connects to Kyoto.

Best for

• ✓Those who want to stay a little away from the busy entertainment districts
• ✓Anyone who wants to visit museums or stroll along the rivers

Keep in mind

As a business district, restaurants open on weekends and in the evening are limited.

Nearest stations

🚉 Subway Midosuji Line and Keihan Yodoyabashi Station; Keihan Nakanoshima Line Naniwabashi and Oebashi stations

The station served by the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen, surrounded by business hotels. The Subway Midosuji Line runs directly to Umeda and Namba with no transfers.

Best for

• ✓Travelers taking the shinkansen early in the morning or at night
• ✓Those passing through on the way to Hiroshima or Tokyo

Keep in mind

It is away from the sights and entertainment districts, so you will take the train for meals and sightseeing.

Nearest stations

🚉 JR Shin-Osaka Station; Subway Midosuji Line Shin-Osaka Station

An area with Abeno Harukas, Tennoji Zoo and Tennoji Park, within walking distance of Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku Tower. The JR Limited Express Haruka and Kansai Airport Rapid Service to Kansai Airport stop here, and Kintetsu trains run to southern Nara Prefecture.

Best for

• ✓Families who want to visit the zoo or park
• ✓Travelers using Kansai Airport
• ✓Anyone who wants to try Shinsekai's kushikatsu and other old-town food

Nearest stations

🚉 JR and Subway Tennoji Station; Kintetsu Osaka-Abenobashi Station

An area right next to Universal Studios Japan, lined with official hotels. It is easy to plan your day around the park's opening hours, and the JR Yumesaki Line connects it to Osaka Station.

Best for

• ✓Families visiting Universal Studios Japan
• ✓Those who want to spend all day at the park from the morning

Keep in mind

Sightseeing in central Osaka requires changing trains on JR lines.

Nearest stations

🚉 JR Yumesaki Line Universal City Station