Where to Stay in Osaka

Northern downtown hub around Osaka and Umeda stations with huge department stores, offices, bars and restaurants. Very convenient for transport and coworking, with easy train access across Kansai.

Lively southern downtown with neon signs, canal-side bars and famous street food streets. Energetic base if you like nightlife and being in the middle of the action, but noisy and touristy until late.

Area around the Shinkansen station north of the centre. Less atmospheric but extremely practical for those moving around Japan often. Many business hotels, some serviced apartments and direct links to Kyoto, Tokyo and Hiroshima.

Mixed district south of central Osaka with Abeno Harukas skyscraper, big shopping malls and older alleys around Tsutenkaku Tower. Good if you want cheaper rents than Umeda with plenty of local food options.