where to stay in Osaka

Question

I am looking to book accommodation in Osaka for two nights in October. We will be arriving by train from Kyoto. Where is the best area to stay if only in Osaka for a couple of days? Any suggestions for good, budget/moderately priced hotel. (We are a couple in our 60's). I have tried to search on Tripadvisor, but not sure where to start, as I don't know which part of Osaka to be looking at.

Dave R · Accepted Answer

Namba = https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4001.html

Shibuyakko · Answer

Namba is crazy busy and the station is huge and packed (several stations in one complex). It's a fun area to stay if you want to stay in the thick of it and have lively nightlife. It's not for everybody, though, especially if you're a mature adult who prefers something more peaceful.

What is your budget in yen per night?

wen1707 · Answer

Would like to stay around or under 20 000 per night, if it can be done. But do want to be somewhere reasonably central for walking and transportation.

wen1707 · Answer

Willing to go a bit over that if needed. I am not even sure where (which station) we arrive in Osaka, as likely coming from Kyoto, but won't get JR pass, as not cost-effective for our travels. But we also will be heading to Hiroshima from Osaka, so need to access the appropriate train station for that. We are looking at costs in places weekdays and weekends, so could flex the order (I.e. Tokyo, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Osaka or Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka). Not sure which of Kyoto, Hiroshima or Osaka best to avoid on weekend.

Dave R · Answer

https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/pass/kansai_hiroshima/ = this pass should be considered.

Shibuyakko · Answer

How long do you stay in each city? Do you have to stay in Osaka for 2 nights? You could add 2 nights to Kyoto if you don't have specific plans in Osaka. You can visit on a day trip from Kyoto as the two cities are only 30 minutes from each other. That will save you a hotel change. Something to think about.

If staying in Osaka for two nights, the Osaka Station/Umeda area will be ideal. Your budget needs to be increased if you don't want to stay in a business hotel (budget hotels are called "business hotels" in Japan).

All cities are busier on weekends but avoid Kyoto. It's always mobbed on weekends. Hotels cost more on Saturdays, too.

wen1707 · Answer

I very much appreciate all of your insights. We have 4 nights booked in Kyoto currently. Thought about staying longer and day tripping to Osaka, (which we still may choose to do) but also thought it would be interesting to stay in Osaka for a night or two rather than going back and forth (I know there are pros and cons of each.) Now I have an idea in which area to look for accommodation. Any specific hotel suggestions (at lower end of moderate or best "business" hotels)?

Also mulling going to Hiroshima from Kyoto and then to Osaka last, before we fly out of Tokyo. Because it is closer than Hiroshima to Tokyo, would be able to take morning bullet train from Osaka to Tokyo and still be at Haneda in time to fly out late afternoon. That would have us avoid both Kyoto and Osaka on weekend, but would land us in Hiroshima on the weekend.

Shibuyakko · Answer

Since you have 4 nights in Kyoto, staying in Osaka for 2 nights is a good idea. I grew up in Osaka and I can tell you that is a fun city that has totally different vibe from Kyoto. I recommend doing Kyoto-Hiroshima/Miyajima-Osaka-Tokyo. That'll break a long journey from Hiroshima to Tokyo. Taking the Shinkansen to Tokyo from Osaka on your day of departure is not an issue.

You have to spend a weekend somewhere and Hiroshima is not that bad on weekends. You can avoid school field trips at Peace Memorial Park/Museum which is a great thing. When a large number of students come into the museum at the same time, it can be unpleasant, to say the least.

I'll post appropriate hotels in a minute.