Wondering where to stay in Osaka with family?
Japan’s third-largest city and a hub of culture, food, and entertainment.
As you step into this vibrant city, you’ll immediately be drawn to its bustling streets, towering skyscrapers, and historic landmarks.
Osaka offers an irresistible blend of old and new, where ancient temples and shrines stand alongside modern architecture and cutting-edge technology.
Whether you’re here to indulge in delicious street food, explore the city’s rich history and culture, or simply immerse yourself in the local way of life, Osaka has something for everyone no matter how old you are.
So, we’ve come up with what we believe are the best areas to stay in Osaka with family.
Each recommended area comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, which we all discuss in this article.
With that being said, let’s jump straight to our recommendations.
In brief:
Where to stay in Osaka with family?
The best areas to stay in Osaka with family are Umeda, Namba, Shin-Osaka, Tennoji, and Bay Area.
Central areas like Umeda, Namba, and Shin-Osaka are ideal for their location and the great access to public transportation.
It allows you and your family to travel throughout the city without much hassle.
The areas Tennoji and Bay Area are ideal for families as they provide several family-friendly activities and attractions, including the Osaka Zoo and Universal Studios Japan.
In the next paragraphs, we dive much deeper into each recommended area.
Overview of best areas to stay in Osaka with family
Below, you find a table with an overview of all the recommended areas along with a short explanation of what makes that area so special. You can tap on one of the green links to go immediately to that recommended area, or just continue reading the article.
| Best areas to stay in Osaka with family | What’s so special about the area? |
|---|---|
| 1. Umeda | Transportation hub with excellent access to various tourist attractions, ideal to easily move around. |
| 2. Namba | Bustling district that is known for its lively nightlife, shopping, and dining options, with several family-friendly attractions nearby. |
|
Ideal to move around the city and take day trips to nearby cities such as Kyoto or Nara. |
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| 4. Tennoji | Popular among families due to its proximity to the Osaka Zoo, Shitennoji Temple, and Tennoji Park. |
| 5. Bay Area | Newer development in Osaka, with several family-friendly attractions such as the Universal Studios Japan theme park and the Osaka Maritime Museum. |
How to get around in Osaka with family?
Osaka has an extensive subway system that is affordable and efficient. It is the easiest way to travel around the city and access various tourist attractions.
You can purchase a one-day pass or rechargeable IC card for convenient and cost-effective travel.
We highly recommend using the metro as much as possible as none of the other forms of transportation can compete against the benefits.
When visiting other cities, like Kyoto, you can use the JR trains. These trains also take you to Osaka’s suburbs.
The best areas to stay in Osaka with family are:
1. Umeda
This area is a transportation hub with excellent access to various tourist attractions. It has numerous shopping centers, restaurants, and hotels suitable for families.
This part will be updated very soon.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Osaka with family in this area are listed below:
2. Namba
Namba is a bustling district that is known for its lively nightlife, shopping, and dining options. It also has several family-friendly attractions such as the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and the Tsutenkaku Tower.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Osaka with family in this area are listed below:
3. Shin-Osaka
If you are planning to take day trips to nearby cities such as Kyoto or Nara, staying in Shin-Osaka is a great option as it is a major transportation hub with convenient access to the Shinkansen bullet train.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Osaka with family in this area are listed below:
4. Tennoji
This area is popular among families due to its proximity to the Osaka Zoo, Shitennoji Temple, and Tennoji Park. It also has a large shopping complex, the Abeno Harukas, with an observation deck that offers a panoramic view of the city.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Osaka with family in this area are listed below:
5. Bay Area
The Bay Area is a newer development in Osaka, with several family-friendly attractions such as the Universal Studios Japan theme park and the Osaka Maritime Museum. It also has plenty of shopping and dining options, as well as several hotels that cater to families.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Osaka with family in this area are listed below:
Map of the best areas to stay in Osaka with family
The next image is a map of the best area to stay in Osaka with family including its highlights. The image is in high resolution so you can easily zoom in to see all the details.
A map will follow soon.
There you have it, our recommendations for where to stay in Osaka with family.