Osaka thrills with vibrant street food culture, historic castles, and dazzling neon-lit districts. Dive into bustling entertainment hubs like Dōtonbori, feast on sizzling takoyaki and savory okonomiyaki, and glide through the city aboard the efficient Osaka Metro—begin your adventure with this guide!
Best Districts to Stay in Osaka
Namba/Shinsaibashi
Best for shopping, street food, and first-time visitors. The heart of Osaka's entertainment with endless shopping streets, food alleys, and easy access to Dōtonbori.
- Swissôtel Nankai Osaka: Price from AU$ 333. Directly connected to Nankai Railway and Namba Station. Features panoramic city views and an indoor pool.
- Hotel Nikko Osaka: Price from AU$ 196. Steps from Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade and Dōtonbori. Rooftop restaurant with river views.
Umeda
Best for business, modern luxury, and transport convenience. The commercial hub with high-end malls, skyscrapers, and major train connections.
- InterContinental Osaka: Price from AU$ 420. Connected to Grand Front Osaka Mall. Floor-to-ceiling windows and Michelin dining.
- Hilton Osaka: Price from AU$ 377. Direct access to Osaka Station. Rooftop bar and executive lounge.
Tennoji
Best for culture, park access, and fewer crowds. An up-and-coming area with green spaces, historic temples, and great skyline views.
- Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel: Price from AU$ 358. Located in Japan’s tallest building. Infinity pool and observation deck access.
- Miyako City Osaka Tennoji: Price from AU$ 124. Connected to Tennoji Station and Abeno Harukas. Modern and family-friendly.
Getting to and Around Osaka
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Osaka is served by two main airports: Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka International Airport (ITM). KIIX is located approximately 50 kilometers southwest of central Osaka on an artificial island, and is the primary international gateway to the region. It handles most overseas flights and select domestic services. ITM is known as Itami Airport, it's situated about 15 kilometers northwest of the city center. Primarily serving domestic routes and short-haul international flights to East Asian destinations.
Consider staying at one of these hotels near the KIX airport.
Hotel Name | Estimated Price | Distance from HND | Key Amenities |
First Cabin Kansai Airport | From AU$ 86 | 0.27 km | Wi-Fi in Public Areas, luggage Storage, soundproof rooms, free Wi-Fi |
Kansai Airport Washington Hotel | From AU$ 67 | 5.83 km | Free Private parking, airport shuttle pick-up, fitness room, airport shuttle drop-off. |
Click to find more hotels near the KIX Airport.
Find More to Match Your Travel Style in Osaka
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- Modern Skyline & Family Fun, City views + kid-friendly entertainment, infinity pool & rooftop views → Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel (Price from AU$ 358)
- Luxury & Urban Elegance, where contemporary design meets panoramic cityscapes, sky garden & rooftop bar → Conrad Osaka (Price from AU$ 676)
- Cultural Charm & Traditional Vibes, Historic atmosphere with modern comforts, samurai-themed rooms & tea ceremonies → Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier (Price from AU$ 219)
Final Osaka Hotels Booking Tips
- Book Osaka Hotels Like a Local – secure your room 3–5 months ahead for the busiest travel periods: Cherry Blossom Season (late March–early April), Golden Week (late April–early May), and Autumn Foliage Season (November). Always check the hotel’s official website for exclusive packages or upgrades.
- Navigate Osaka’s Quirks Smartly. Note that Osaka’s subway and trains stop running around midnight; if you're enjoying the nightlife in Namba or Uranamba, budget ¥2,000+ (AU$20+) for a taxi back. Book Early During Peak Seasons – hotels fill quickly during holidays, school breaks, and major events.
- Choose Transit-Friendly and Value-Conscious Locations. Skip overpriced tourist traps in Shinsaibashi and consider staying near Honmachi (central, with access to Midosuji Line) or Tennōji (well-connected, more affordable). First-time visitors may prefer: Namba (lively, shopping, food, nightlife), Umeda (modern, transport hub, department stores), Shin-Osaka (convenient for bullet train travellers)
- You can book flights and hotels through Trip.com, and don't forget use Trip.com promo code to unlock 8% off.