Where to Stay in Osaka: Umeda, Namba, Shinsekai Area Guide

● Two Major Urban Centers of Osaka

Are you contemplating a trip to Osaka? Or maybe Osaka is already on your list of places to visit. Let a local Osakan help you plan your visit! We will highlight three popular areas of the city–the ambience, what you can find, safety–and share our favorite hotel options in the neighborhood♪

Osaka is the largest city in western Japan, a commercial center known for its vibrant culinary scenes covering a wide range of food from street food to all the Japanese specialty you’ve heard of, to top-notch gourmet cuisines. It is an energetic city where the latest fashion trends and all sorts of shopping, entertainment, and cultural options, including theme parks and a world-class aquarium, can be found.

The City of Osaka has two major urban centers known as “Kita” and “Minami”. Literally meaning “north”, Kita includes the neighborhoods of Umeda, Nakazakicho, and Kita-Shinchi. Minami, on the other hand, means “south” and refers to the area that includes the entertainment districts of Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori, and Namba. In addition to the two urban hubs of Kita and Minami is another popular area frequented by tourists called Shinsekai, known for the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower and the zoo.

A local Osakan writer is going to take a closer look at these three areas of Osaka and talk about accessibility, safety, and their favorite places to stay♪

● Kita (North): A Refined Commercial Center

Osaka Metro subway lines, JR lines, and multiple regional train lines (e.x. Hankyu Railway, Hanshin Electric Railway) all come together in Osaka’s busiest transportation hub, Kita. Shin-Osaka (Osaka’s bullet train station) is just a few stations away from Osaka Metro’s Umeda, Nishi-Umeda, and Higashi-Umeda Stations, and Kyoto and Kobe are easily accessible. Kita proves to be one of the most convenient and safest areas to stay in Osaka.

Department stores and commercial buildings are among the numerous high-rise buildings that surround the stations in Kita. The air is refined and chic in Osaka’s top shopping district where latest fashion trends originate. Trendy shops, giant electronic stores, and large (vertical) shopping malls stand tall above ground while underground, you will find a huge shopping area that connects multiple stations, train lines, and buildings, crisscrossing the entire area like a maze. Sometimes dubbed “Umeda dungeon,” this underground complex features excellent gourmet spots like “Whity Umeda” and Hankyu Sanban Gai. The whole area is busy with tourists and locals day and night, whether they are shopping or enjoying a drink after work♪

In addition to its shopping and gourmet scenes, Kita has seen other new developments in recent years. In 2025, the Umekita Green Place, a new urban shopping center that combines the metropolitan with nature, is scheduled to open, adding a new flavor to this evolving urban center of Osaka.

●Premier Hotel -CABIN PRESIDENT- Osaka in Umeda

★Why CABIN PRESIDENT ①: Excellent location with easy access to major tourist attractions

Premier Hotel -CABIN PRESIDENT- Osaka is only one stop away from Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line’s Higashi-Umeda Station and is adjacent to Exit 2 of the Minamimorimachi Station. Getting to Umeda and Namba is both easy and quick while other popular destinations like Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Shinsekai are all within 20 minutes by subway.

Across the street from the hotel is a 24-hour grocery store KOHYO, a perfect place to pick up a few items for the hotel stay. If you walk just couple minutes to the East, you reach Japan’s longest covered shopping street, Tenjinbashi-suji Shotengai, where you can enjoy shopping and snacking (or dining) great food♪

★Why CABIN PRESIDENT ②: A balance of stylish design and functionality, and generous hospitality at low cost

All rooms are equipped with a humidifier and an air purifier and furnished with luxury Simmons bedding and pillows from one of Japan’s leading pillow makers, Lofty, who has specialized in pillows for almost 100 years to provide quality sleep.

In order to ensure a satisfying stay for the guests, the hotel created an “Amenity Bar” in the lobby that stocks basic skin care products, facial masks, mouthwash, black tea from Osaka’s tea brand TEARTH that uses select high quality tea leaves, etc., all in addition to the already generous amenities provided in the room.

Guests staying on the Premier floors also get to enjoy alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks in an exclusive lounge, free of (additional) charge. The level of hospitality at Premier Hotel -CABIN PRESIDENT- Osaka goes beyond that of a typical business hotel and the reviews on its customer service is very high.

★Why CABIN PRESIDENT ③: The breakfast buffet

Last but not the least reason why we recommend this hotel is its award-winning breakfast buffet, featuring more than 60 Japanese and Western dishes. Winner of the “Rakuten Breakfast Festival Award” two years in a row at a national competition among lodging facilities registered with Japan’s leading hotel booking platform Rakuten Travel, this hotel’s breakfast was also ranked No. 5 nationally among hotels highly rated for its food offerings.

The chef who designed the menu wanted to provide a “memorable breakfast” for the guests and was highly selective with the ingredients in creating seasonal menus that regularly include healthy salads and smoothies, as well as sandwiches made in collaboration with a bakery cafe. Chef’s top recommendation is the breakfast steak. The award-winning breakfast buffet serves every taste and need, and is a great way to start your day♪

Premier Hotel -CABIN PRESIDENT- Osaka

【Access】	Adjacent to Exit No. 2 at Tanimachi and Sakaisuji Lines’ Minamimorimachi Station
【Location】	1-3-19 Minamimorimachi, Kita-ku, Osaka
【Google Map】	https://maps.app.goo.gl/MmMrzxGax7Yk4uq7A
【Phone】	06-6363-1201
【Price】	Approx. 10,000 yen ~ 35,000 yen per person per room per night ※ Price may change depending on season
【Accepted Credit Cards】	VISA, JCB, American Express, Diner’s Club, UC, Master Card, Discover, Union Pay
【Electronic Pay】	PayPay, Alipay
【Website】	https://cabin.kenhotels.com/osaka/english/
【Reservation】	Reserve on the official website

● Minami (South): The Bustling Entertainment District

Centered around Osaka Metro’s Namba Station, Minami is Osaka’s other urban center that encompasses the neighborhoods of Namba, Shinsaibashi, and Dotonbori. This is where you will find the famous Glico Running Man neon sign and other Osaka landmarks often seen in guidebooks while strolling the Dotonbori river walk snacking on Osaka’s cheap yet delicious street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

Families may enjoy bowling at Round 1 Sennichimae and play games at arcades here or, if you are in the mood for something more cultural, the Osaka Shochikuza Theatre and Namba Grand Kagetsu are right in the neighborhood.
Sumo fans would not want to miss the chance to experience the sumo culture at the Sumo Hall Hirakuza Osaka that opened at Namba Parks in May 2024♪

Compared to the more polished, upscale neighborhoods of Kita, Minami is a bustling entertainment district
that turns into a city of neon at night. The nightlife is extensive with countless options of izakaya, bars, and pubs. It’s a perfect spot for those who want to go deep in exploring local Osaka♪

●Hotel Royal Classic Osaka in Namba

★Why Hotel Royal Classic Osaka ①: Namba’s new landmark that combines tradition and contemporary, designed by a world-renowned architect, Kengo Kuma

Our top lodging recommendation in the Minami area is Hotel Royal Classic Osaka. Directly connected to the Namba Station (via Exit 12) on Osaka Metro’s Midosuji, Yotsubashi, and Sennichimae Lines, the location of this hotel is nothing but convenient. It is a quick subway ride to both Umeda (Osaka) and Shin-Osaka and you don’t need to worry about the last train while enjoying Osaka’s nightlife.

Designed by a famous modern architect, Kengo Kuma, the beautiful architectural design is undoubtedly one of the features of this hotel. Formerly known as Shin Kabukiza, a Kabuki traditional performing arts theatre adored by the locals for many years, the building retains the ambience of the traditional Japanese theater while Kuma fused it with contemporary architecture. Over 100 works of art are on exhibit inside what one might call this “hotel museum”, welcoming guests into a space designed not only for an overnight stay but also for an art experience♪

★Why Hotel Royal Classic Osaka ②: A pleasant stay with spacious rooms with a tablet and great amenities

Standard rooms (approx. 30 square meters) have a simple yet elegant design that reminds you of a summer villa, and all rooms–except for accessible rooms–have separate (automated) bath and toilet. Luxurious amenities like L’Occitane products, Dyson hair products, and Nespresso coffee in Premium Suites help make the stay enjoyable and comfortable.

Hotel Royal Classic Osaka has seven Suite Rooms with a Japanese ambience that boast about 78 square meters in size and is equipped with a jacuzzi and large windows overlooking the city. Guests are welcomed with fresh fruits and a complementary mini bar, a nice companion to enjoy the evening with your loved one♪

All rooms come with a tablet that guests can use to easily control the light, air conditioning, alarms, etc.

★Why Hotel Royal Classic Osaka ③: Restaurants and bars to fill you needs day or night

The breakfast buffet at Hotel Royal Classic Osaka offers an excellent menu to start the day. Chefs prepare fresh food in front of guests in a live kitchen, including eggs cooked to order, daily specials, and sweets.

At restaurant Yurayura, buffet-style lunch and dinner featuring meat dishes are served. Guests enjoy various meat dishes freshly prepared in front of them by chefs in Yurayura’s live kitchen♪

In the evening, original cocktails and mocktails await guests at Bar & Lounge Kumokumo on the top floor of the hotel. The elegant lounge bar with a magnificent view of the city offers a sophisticated time worth experiencing, perhaps to top off the night out in Minami♪

Exterior of Hotel Royal Classic Osaka

【Access】	Directly connected to Namba Station via Exit No. 12 on the Midosuji, Yotsubashi, and Sennichimae Lines
【Address】	4-3-3 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka
【Google Map】	https://maps.app.goo.gl/cgC5UxDK9QQ8VSBN8
【Phone】	06-6633-0030
【Price】	Approx. 38,000 yen ~ 55,000 yen per person per room per night ※ Price may change depending on season
【Accepted Credit Cards】	VISA, JCB, American Express, NICOS, Master Card
【Website】	https://hotel-royalclassic.jp/en/
【Reservation】	Reserve on the official website

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● Shinsekai: The Good Ol’ Osaka

Shinsekai is well known for Tsutenkaku Tower, one of Osaka’s landmarks, and Osaka’s favorite Janjan Yokocho alley that takes you back in time. The area has always thrived as a place Osakans go for fun, and is home to live performance theaters, movie theaters, arcades with video games and smart balls (similar to pinball), mahjong parlors, shogi Japanese chess parlors, a shooting gallery, and sentō public bathhouses and spas.

With people coming and going from their choice of recreation to another, Shinsekai is also a great place to grab a quick bite that is both good quality and cheap. Streets lined with Osaka’s favorite kushikatsu shops, jun-kissa classic coffee houses, and old school candy shops are a place to be for many tourists who are seeking an Osakan gourmet experience♪

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At night, the Tsutenkaku tower glows and Shinsekai turns into a nightlife district with colorful neon lights and warmly lit chochin paper lanterns. Many friendly Osakans come here to enjoy the night and engage in conversations with fellow patrons they meet, making Shinsekai a great spot for visitors to engage locals.

●WAQOO Shitaderamachi Inn

★Why WAQOO Shitaderamachi ①: A contemporary Japanese temple lodging that offers Buddhist meditation and sutra transcription workshops

WAQOO Shitaderamachi is located about a 6-minute walk from Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line’s Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station Exit No. 5 or Sakaisuji Line’s Ebisucho Station Exit No. 1-A.

Tennoji, where the hotel is located, is the next neighborhood over (walking distance) from Shinsekai and is known for the cluster of over 80 temples in the area. While these temples may not be as famous or grand as the temples in Kyoto and Nara that have thousands of visitors every day, you can experience the solemnness and the culture of temples supported by the commoners of Osaka over generations.

WAQOO Shitaderamachi nestled among countless temples is not an ordinary hotel. It is in fact a shukubo* and offers various workshops to help connect with the local culture and communities. Guests at WAQOO Shitaderamachi can choose to experience shakyo, a Buddhist practice of tracing the sutras, shabutsu, a Buddhist practice of tracing a picture of a Buddhist images, and more. More information on these workshops can be found on their website.

*What is shukubo?
Shukubo refers to overnight lodging facilities in temples and shrines. In recent years, more and more temples and shrines are offering shukubo to the public as a way to help tourism.

★Why WAQOO Shitaderamachi ②: A modern Japanese tatami room experience

Guest rooms at WAQOO Shitaderamachi combines the ambience of Japanese aesthetics with the comfort of Western facilities. Guests get to relax on the tatami floor after a busy day of exploring the city and rest in the low platform beds at night♪

★Why WAQOO Shitaderamachi ③: Shojin-ryori Buddhist cuisine is healthy, vegan, and halal

Breakfast

Dinner

As a shukubo temple lodging, WAQOO Shitaderamachi serves shojin-ryori–Buddhist cuisine–at breakfast and dinner. (※Advance reservation is required for shojin-ryori.)
Closely tied to Buddhism and eaten by trainee monks who strictly follow the religious precepts, shojin-ryori is made only with plant-based ingredients such as vegetables and tofu and uses no animal products like meat or fish.

This special cuisine has great health benefits and full flavors and, since no animal products are used, it is suitable for vegans♪ Try it once and I think you’d be pleasantly surprised.

WAQOO Shitaderamachi

【Access】	About 4 mins walk from Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station Exit No. 5 on the Tanimachi Line About 6 mins walk from Ebisucho Station Exit No. 1-A on the Sakaisuji Line
【Address】	2-5-12 Shitaderamachi, Tennoji-ku, Osaka
【Google Map】	https://maps.app.goo.gl/QUMFrMyXci9pbcAAA
【Phone】	+81-6-6775-7020
【Price】	Approx. 7,000 yen ~ 20,000 yen per person per room per night ※ Price may change depending on season
【Accepted Credit Cards】	VISA, MasterCard, JCB, American Express
【Website】	https://waqoo-shitadera.com/en/
【Reservation】	Reserve on the official website

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Osaka offers so much to do and see. In all honesty, a few days’ stay is not enough to see it all. My recommendation for enjoying Osaka to your heart’s content even with a short stay is to stay at a comfortable lodging and take advantage of the convenience of Osaka Metro to travel around the city. Enjoy Osaka!