When planning a trip to Osaka, knowing the best places to stay will allow you to make the most of your sightseeing time within a limited schedule. Staying in areas with easy access to each of Osaka’s tourist spots can save travel time and allow for more efficient use of your time.
In addition to exploring how many days are sufficient for enjoying a trip to Osaka, this article will introduce recommended accommodations and lodging facilities in Osaka. Check this guide out to help you have a memorable time during your trip to Osaka.
1.How Many Days Should You Stay in Osaka?
Osaka can be fully enjoyed with a stay of 2-3 days. If your schedule allows, extending your Osaka tour plan to over a week can provide a wonderful, more thorough experience.
For those with limited time, plan for a 2-3 day stay. On the first day, check out Osaka Castle to explore Japan’s history and valuable cultural properties. In the evening, visiting bustling districts such as Dotonbori allows you to enjoy Osaka’s specialties.
On the second and third days of your trip, you may enjoy visiting popular attractions and areas like the Kaiyukan Aquarium, Tsutenkaku Tower, Umeda, Namba, and Tennoji. For families or those who love games and movies, a trip to Universal Studios Japan in the Osaka Bay Area will create unforgettable memories.
If you’re planning a trip for over a week, consider exploring the Kansai area, including Kobe, Kyoto, and Nara!
2.Where are the Recommended Places to Stay in Osaka?
The recommended places to stay in Osaka are in its central areas: Umeda, Namba, Shinsaibashi, and Tennoji. Umeda, Namba/Shinsaibashi, and Tennoji have numerous tourist attractions and public transportation options, making them convenient for sightseeing and getting around.
From here, we will introduce the characteristics of Umeda, Namba/Shinsaibashi, and Tennoji, respectively.
2-1.Umeda Area
Umeda is a modern district in Osaka’s Kita area. Around Umeda Station, there are numerous commercial facilities such as Hankyu Department Store,Daimaru Department Store, and the Umeda Sky Building with its Floating Garden Observatory. Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, located in Umeda, is famous for its large festival held in July. Umeda is perfect for those who want to enjoy dining, shopping, and sightseeing all in one area.
For dining in the Umeda area, you can enjoy meals in commercial buildings or local arcade shopping streets. Umeda offers a wide variety of dining options from upscale restaurants to more affordable eateries, so you’re sure to find a place that suits your taste. Heading south from Umeda, you’ll also find Kitashinchi, an area lined with classy bars.
Furthermore, the Umeda area is a great choice for those who prioritize convenient transportation access for their stay. The railway options in Umeda include the JR lines, Hankyu Line, and Keihan Line. Staying at a hotel in the Umeda area is convenient for touring various places in Osaka and the Kansai region.
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2-2.Namba and Shinsaibashi Area
Namba and Shinsaibashi are located in Osaka’s Minami area, a place where you can enjoy local specialties and vibrant nightlife.
In the Namba and Shinsaibashi area, you’ll find Dotonbori, lined with takoyaki and okonomiyaki shops, and Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, which is filled with shops of all kinds. For tasting fresh Osaka gourmet, why not take a scroll aroundKuromon Market? If you’re looking to enjoy shopping, there’s Namba Walk,Namba Parks, and Crysta Nagahori. For a trendy atmosphere, make sure to visit Amerikamura.
For traveling to the southern part of Osaka and the Kansai region, the Namba/Shinsaibashi area is a great choice to stay in. Railways available include the JR lines, Nankai Line, andKintetsu Line. If you want to visit not only Osaka but also Nara or Wakayama, staying in the Namba and Shinsaibashi area allows for smooth travel.
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2-3. Tennoji Area
The Tennoji area is located further south of Namba and Shinsaibashi. It’s a newly developed district characterized by the coexistence of cutting-edge facilities and historic sites. On the other hand, you can experience the Showa era streetscape in Shinsekai, famous for the landmark Tsutenkaku.
A new facility in the Tennoji area is Abeno Harukas. As Japan’s tallest skyscraper, it houses a department store, an art museum, and a hotel. Around Tennoji Station, there’s Tennoji Park and Tennoji Zoo, where you can enjoy walks in nature-rich settings.
Various public transportation options are available in the Tennoji area, including JR lines,Kintetsu lines, the subway, streetcars, and buses.
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3. Where to Stay in Osaka? Recommended Hotels in Umeda
Staying in Umeda is recommended if you’re visiting Osaka. Umeda provides easy access to Osaka’s tourist spots and various areas in the Kansai region.
From here, we will introduce popular hotels in Umeda recommended for your stay. Each of the four carefully selected hotels has its unique features, so choose your accommodation according to your budget and sightseeing plans!
3-1.The Ritz-Carlton Osaka
The Ritz-Carlton Osaka is a popular luxury hotel in Osaka city. The hotel is located about a 7-minute walk from JR Osaka Station and Hankyu Railway Osaka-Umeda Station. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by doormen wearing silk hats. The interior of the hotel is adorned with 18th-century paintings and art pieces, resembling the estate of British nobility.
The room rates at The Ritz-Carlton Osaka start at around 70,000 yen. All rooms are situated on high floors, above the 24th floor, with each room being at least 40 square meters in size. You can stay in a traditional Japanese style room with beautiful tatami mats in the Japanese Suite.
The hotel also boasts a variety of restaurants and spa facilities. There are six restaurants, including the Michelin-starred French restaurant “La Baie” and the Japanese cuisine “Hanagatami.” The spa facilities include an indoor pool, spa area, and a 24-hour fitness gym.
3-2.Conrad Osaka
Conrad Osaka is located on the top floor of the “Nakanoshima Festival Tower West,” a building directly connected toOsaka Metro Higobashi Station and Watanabebashi Station. The lobby and entrance of the hotel are adorned with 389 pieces of art, allowing guests to enjoy modern art. There is also an art museum on the lower floors, so staying at Conrad Osaka means you can indulge in the arts.
The accommodation rates at Conrad Osaka start at approximately 75,000 yen. All hotel rooms are over 50 square meters, offering a panoramic view of Osaka’s cityscape and nightscape through large windows. For those who desire a special view, you can stay in a Premium View Room. Premium View Rooms offer views of the Yodo River and the scenic buildings of Nakanoshima.
You can also enjoy dining at the hotel at the buffer restaurant“Atmos Dining”.. The buffet restaurant is open from breakfast through dinner, and visitors to the restaurant can enjoy Osaka’s specialty dishes while admiring the view of Osaka through the large windows or enjoying the performance of cooking.
3-3.Nest Hotel Osaka Umeda
Nest Hotel Osaka Umeda is a business hotel located about a 7-minute walk from Umeda Station and about a 12-minute walk from Osaka Station. The hotel offers convenient access to Universal Studios Japan and the airport by train, making it a handy base for sightseeing around Osaka.
Nest Hotel Osaka Umeda offers four types of rooms: Double, Twin, Triple, and Accessible. Room rates start at 8,500 yen, making it a good choice for those looking to save on accommodation costs. The rooms are designed to be simple and calming. The beds are made by the renowned bedding manufacturer Simmons, ensuring a comfortable sleep.
3-4.Capsule Inn Osaka
Capsule Inn Osaka is located inside the “Umeda New Japan” building, approximately a 10-minute walk from Osaka Station and Umeda Station. The hotel can be accessed through an arcade from Umeda Station, so you won’t get wet on rainy days walking to the hotel.
Capsule Inn Osaka is an affordable,men-only hotel with excellent spa facilities. The accommodation rates start at about 8,000 yen, and with the payment of the accommodation fee, you can use the sauna and public bath for free. Guests can choose from capsule-type rooms, equipped only with a bed, or rooms that also include a desk and TV.
Moreover, the hotel’s restaurant operates 24 hours. With 25 different breakfast menus to choose from, you can start your day with your favorite meal before heading out to explore Osaka.
Conclusion
Osaka Prefecture is the second smallest of the 47 prefectures in Japan in terms of area. However, it has the third-largest population following Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefectures and is a popular area for tourists.
One reason for its popularity is the abundance of delicious food in Osaka. Each area, such as Umeda, Namba/Shinsaibashi, and Tennoji, is filled with tasty food and tourist spots. If you want to visit various places within a limited stay, staying in the Umeda area, which offers easy access to different directions, is an excellent choice.
*This article was created based on information available as of April 2024.
Osaka Travel Guide Written by Japanese for Beginners of Travel in Japan
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