Finding where to stay in Osaka for families with kids can be a headache. That’s why, in today’s article, I will share with you what I believe are the best areas to stay in Osaka with family (including a map) and the best family-friendly hotels in Osaka for all budgets.
Osaka is a major city located in the Kansai region of Japan and is approximately 400 kms west of Tokyo. It is one of Japan’s largest cities and serves as a significant economic and cultural hub.
Osaka is home to various cultural and historical landmarks, including Osaka Castle, a famous Japanese castle with a rich history, and Dotonbori, a lively entertainment and shopping district known for its neon signs and street food.
The city is renowned for its unique and delicious cuisine. Some of its famous dishes include takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers). The city is often referred to as the “Kitchen of Japan” due to its culinary contributions.
Osaka has an extensive subway system, buses, and railways, making it easy to navigate the city. It is also served by two major international airports: Kansai Airport and Osaka Airport (Itami Airport).
Osaka has a vibrant cultural scene with numerous theaters, museums, and entertainment venues. The city is known for its traditional performing arts, such as Bunraku puppetry and kabuki theater.
The city has a strong sports culture and is home to several professional sports teams, including the Hanshin Tigers (baseball) and Gamba Osaka (soccer). It has also hosted international sporting events, such as the 2007 World Championships in Athletics.
Is Osaka a good place to visit with family?
Yes, Osaka is an excellent destination for family travel. This vibrant Japanese city offers a blend of cultural experiences, theme parks like Universal Studios Japan, and delicious street food.
Families can explore historic sites like Osaka Castle, enjoy shopping in Dotonbori, and indulge in diverse culinary delights. Osaka’s welcoming atmosphere and family-friendly attractions make it an ideal choice for a memorable trip.
Where to stay in Osaka for families with kids?
The best areas to stay in Osaka for families with kids are the Osaka Bay/Universal Studios area, Umeda (Kita), Namba (Minami), Tennoji, and Shin-Osaka.
These areas are very popular tourist neighborhoods, so your family will have access to plenty of things, all within walking distance or a short train ride away.
Your choice will depend on your family’s interests and priorities. If you want a mix of attractions and convenience, Umeda or Namba would be suitable.
If you prefer a quieter atmosphere and are interested in history and culture, consider Tennoji. If you plan to do a lot of day trips by Shinkansen, Shin-Osaka is a practical choice.
Osaka Bay is ideal if you want to focus on attractions in that area such as Universal Studios Japan and enjoy bay views. Be sure to book accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Osaka for families. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Osaka, especially for families. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in Osaka have been carefully selected by me, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them. If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
5 Best areas to stay in Osaka with family:
1. The Osaka Bay/Universal Studios area
Osaka Bay Area is one of the best areas to stay in Osaka for families, especially if you plan to visit attractions in this area, such as Universal Studios Japan and the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.
The Osaka Bay Area is home to some of the city’s most popular family-friendly attractions, including Universal Studios Japan and the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Staying in this area allows you to be close to these fun destinations.
You can enjoy scenic views of Osaka Bay from this area. It offers a different atmosphere compared to the bustling city center, providing a more relaxed and scenic environment.
There are shopping complexes like Tempozan Harbor Village, which offer a variety of shops and restaurants, making it convenient for family dining and shopping.
Compared to the city center, the Osaka Bay Area tends to be less crowded, which can be a welcome change, especially if you prefer a quieter atmosphere for your family stay.
One potential drawback is that the Osaka Bay Area is a bit farther from the city center and other popular attractions like Dotonbori and Umeda. But it is well-connected to public transportation, so you can easily reach the city center by bus.
Best places to stay in Osaka Bay/Universal Studios for families with kids:
- Luxury ($$$): The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Osaka Midosuji, a great 5-star hotel, welcomes children of all ages, children 6 years and above will be charged as adults at this hotel. Great location, close to the train station.
- Mid-range ($$): Oriental Hotel Universal City, popular 4-star family-friendly hotel, located in the Osaka Bay district of Osaka, right next to Universal studios, plenty of restaurants nearby.
- Budget ($): Marina Sunrise Osaka Bay, great children-friendly accommodation, located close to the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and Osakaku station.
2. Umeda (Kita)
Umeda is a vibrant and convenient area to stay in Osaka, and it’s well-suited for families who want easy access to shopping, dining, entertainment, and transportation.
Umeda is one of the city’s major transportation hubs and commercial districts, and it offers a wide range of attractions and conveniences.
Umeda is located in the heart of Osaka and is well-connected to various parts of the city. Osaka Station, a major transportation hub, is located in Umeda. From here, you can easily access trains, subways, and buses to get around the city and day trips to Kyoto and Nara.
Umeda is home to some of Osaka’s most famous shopping destinations, including Osaka Station City and the underground shopping mall called “Whity Umeda.” You’ll find an abundance of shops and boutiques for all your shopping needs.
There is an extensive selection of restaurants, from casual eateries to upscale dining, offering a wide variety of Japanese and international cuisines. It’s a great place to explore the local food scene.
Umeda has several entertainment options, including theaters, live music venues, and nightlife spots. The Grand Front Osaka complex offers cultural events and exhibitions.
Best places to stay in Osaka in Umeda (Kita) with family:
- Luxury ($$$): The Ritz-Carlton Osaka, 5-star family-friendly hotel, centrally located a 7-minute walk from JR Osaka Station, 5-minute walk from Nishi-Umeda Subway Station. It has a Michelin starred French restaurant and spacious rooms for families. Children 12 years and above will be charged as adults at this hotel.
- Mid-range ($$): Hotel Granvia Osaka-JR Hotel Group, 4-star children-friendly hotel, located directly above JR Osaka Train Station, right next to Daimaru Department Store. Short train ride from Shin-Osaka Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Station and Universal Studios Japan.
- Budget ($): APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Umeda-eki Tower , 3-star kid-friendly accommodation, featuring spacious family rooms, easy access to Hosei-ji Temple, Hankyu Men’s Osaka, and Tsuyu no Tenjinja Shrine. Short taxi ride to Osaka Shinkansen and local trains.
3. Namba (Minami)
Namba is an exciting and convenient choice for families looking to experience the energetic side of Osaka. Namba is one of Osaka’s major transportation hubs, so you’ll have quick access to subway lines, JR lines, and buses, making it convenient for day trips.
Namba is famous for its shopping streets, including Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori. You’ll find a wide range of shops, from high-end boutiques to affordable stores. It’s an excellent place for family shopping and finding souvenirs.
Namba is a food lover’s paradise. You can sample Osaka’s famous street food in Dotonbori, try local specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, and enjoy a wide variety of international cuisine. There are plenty of family-friendly restaurants to choose from.
Namba offers a plethora of entertainment options. You can watch a live performance at the Namba Grand Kagetsu theater, enjoy the vibrant nightlife, or take a stroll along the Dotonbori Canal to see the iconic Glico Running Man sign.
While Namba is known for its modern attractions, you can also explore historic sites like Hozenji Temple and Kuromon Ichiba Market, where you can experience traditional Japanese culture and cuisine.
Namba has a wide range of accommodations, including family-friendly hotels and apartment rentals. You can easily find options that cater to the needs of families, such as larger rooms and amenities for children.
Namba is well-connected to major tourist destinations within Osaka, such as Osaka Castle, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and Universal Studios Japan. Many of these attractions are just a short train or subway ride away.
Best places to stay in Osaka in Namba (Minami) with family:
- Luxury ($$$): Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, 5-star family-friendly accommodation, welcome children of all ages, located in a prime location in Osaka, close to Namba Station, Kamomecho Park and Nipponbashi Park.
- Mid-range ($$): Citadines Namba Osaka, popular children-friendly and good value for money hotel, centrally located, easy access to major attractions and main train stations.
- Budget ($): Grids Premium Hotel Osaka Namba, family-friendly accommodation, featuring family rooms, close to Namba Station, Motomachi Naka Park, Orange Street, Glico Man Sign and Kamomecho Park.
4. Tennoji
Tennoji is a good choice for travelers, including families, who want to explore historical sites, enjoy a mix of modern and traditional experiences, and have good access to transportation for day trips.
While still a lively urban area, Tennoji tends to be less crowded and hectic than places like Umeda and Namba, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere.
Tennoji is home to some significant historical and cultural attractions, including Shitenno-ji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples, and the Abeno Harukas skyscraper, which offers panoramic views of the city.
Abeno Harukas skyscraper is not only an observation deck but also features a department store, an art museum, and a hotel. It’s a convenient and impressive place to explore.
Tennoji has its fair share of shopping malls, including Abeno Q’s Mall and Tennoji Mio. You’ll find a variety of dining options, from local eateries to international cuisine.
Tennoji has its own train station, Tennoji Station, which connects you to various parts of Osaka and beyond. It’s a convenient hub for exploring the Kansai region.
Best places to stay in Osaka in Tennoji for families with kids:
- Luxury ($$$): Randor Hotel Namba Osaka Suites, 5-star family-friendly hotel, conveniently located close to the Denden district and the metro station.
- Mid-range ($$): Hot Spring from Deep Water Osaka Hinode Hotel Nipponbashi, great hotel for families, short distance from Tsutenkaku and Shinsekai.
- Budget ($): Centrage Ark Ueshio, 3-star children-friendly accommodation located 5-minute walk from Tanimachi 9-chome Subway Station, 6 minutes walk from Osaka-Uehonmachi Station, where you can catch an airport limousine bus from Kansai Airport and Osaka Itami Airport.
5. Shin-Osaka
Shin-Osaka is an ideal choice for travelers who plan to use the Shinkansen frequently for intercity travel and prioritize convenience over a bustling city atmosphere. It’s particularly suitable for business travelers and those looking for a quieter stay.
Shin-Osaka is primarily known for its transportation infrastructure, including the Shin-Osaka Shinkansen (bullet train) Station. If you plan to explore other cities in Japan, such as Kyoto, Hiroshima, or Tokyo, staying in Shin-Osaka provides easy access to the Shinkansen and other train lines.
Compared to the bustling city center areas like Umeda and Namba, Shin-Osaka offers a quieter environment. This can be appealing for travelers who prefer a more tranquil atmosphere.
Shin-Osaka has many business hotels, which can provide comfortable accommodations at reasonable prices. These hotels often cater to business travelers but are suitable for tourists as well.
If you plan to take day trips to nearby cities or attractions, Shin-Osaka’s central location and access to transportation make it convenient for returning to your hotel at the end of the day.
While Shin-Osaka is well-connected by train, it is not in the heart of central Osaka. You will need to take the train to reach popular tourist areas like Dotonbori or Osaka Castle.
Best places to stay in Osaka in Shin-Osaka with children:
- Luxury ($$$): Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station, 5-star family-friendly hotel, 1-minute walk away from JR Shin-Osaka Station.
- Mid-range ($$): karaksa hotel grande Shin-Osaka Tower, very popular children-friendly hotel, featuring family rooms, close to TKP Shin Osaka Ekimae Conference Centre, Hinode Minami Park and Hinode Park.
- Mid-range ($$): Ostay Shin-Osaka Hotel Apartment, great 4-star hotel, short walk from Yamaguchi Honcho Park, easy access to Shin-Osaka Marunouchi Building Annex, Hinode Minami Park and Nakajimasosha Temple.
In conclusion, the Osaka Bay/Universal Studios area, Umeda, Namba, Tennoji, and Shin-Osaka are the best places to stay in Osaka for families with kids. These areas offer plenty of family-friendly accommodation options and activities for children of all ages.
I also wrote an article about Osaka for first-timers, you can check it at Where to stay in Osaka for first time. In that article, I shared the place where I stayed in Osaka.
There you have it, my recommendations for the popular areas and neighborhoods that you can stay during your family trip to Osaka. I hope you found my article helpful and enjoy your holiday!