Where to Stay in Osaka for First Timers? Trip Planning FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Planning Your Osaka Trip

Where to stay in Osaka for first timers?

For first-time visitors, the best area to stay is Namba (Minami). Namba is the vibrant heart of Osaka’s entertainment, food, and shopping culture—home to iconic sights like the Dotonbori Canal and Shinsaibashi-suji shopping arcade. Crucially, it’s also a primary transportation hub with direct access to Kansai Airport (KIX), making your arrival and departure stress-free.

Is it better to stay near Namba Station or Umeda when visiting Osaka?

Both Namba and Umeda (Kita) are excellent choices, but they offer different experiences. Umeda is a major business district, fantastic for luxury shopping and connections to Kyoto via the JR lines. Namba, however, is the center of food, fashion, and nightlife, offering a more “classic” Osaka experience. For tourists, especially first-timers, Namba is often recommended due to its direct airport access and walkability to Dotonbori. Swissôtel Nankai Osaka is the only 5-star hotel located directly atop Nankai Namba Station, offering the best of this convenience.

What restaurants are a must-try in Osaka?

Osaka is known as “Japan’s Kitchen,” and you must try the local specialties like Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and Kushiage (deep-fried skewers) in the Dotonbori area. For a more elevated experience, Osaka is also famous for its fine dining. We recommend trying a world-class Teppanyaki (like our restaurant, Minami), a traditional Japanese Kaiseki (Hana-Goyomi), or a stunning rooftop restaurant with panoramic city views (Table36).

What is the fastest and easiest way to get from Kansai Airport (KIX) to the hotel?

The easiest way is by the Nankai Rapid Airport Express train. It’s a 34-minute, non-stop journey that arrives directly at Nankai Namba Station. Swissôtel Nankai Osaka is uniquely convenient as it is located directly above the station; you can reach our lobby via an elevator from the train platform without ever stepping outside.

What is there to do within walking distance of Namba Station?

Namba is a walker’s paradise. From the hotel, you are only a 5-10 minute walk from:

• Dotonbori: The iconic canal with its giant Glico Man sign and endless street food.
• Shinsaibashi-suji: Osaka’s premier covered shopping street.
• Kuromon Market: A lively market, perfect for fresh seafood and local produce.
• Den Den Town: The centre for electronics and “otaku” culture.

Does the hotel have a good view of the city?

Yes. As one of the tallest buildings in Namba, our upper-floor guest rooms offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Osaka skyline. You can also enjoy a spectacular, unobstructed view from our rooftop restaurant and bar, Table36, located on the 36th floor.

What is the best way to take a day trip to Kyoto or Nara from the hotel?

Our location at Namba Station makes day trips incredibly easy.

• To Nara: The Kintetsu railway line offers a direct train from Namba Station to Nara, taking approximately 40 minutes.
• To Kyoto: You can take a short subway ride from Namba to Umeda or Yodoyabashi station to catch a direct express train to Kyoto.

What wellness facilities does the hotel offer for guests?

We offer a complete wellness destination at our Pürovel Spa & Sport. This includes a fully equipped, state-of-the-art fitness centre, an indoor swimming pool with a relaxation whirlpool, a Japanese bath, and a full-service spa offering a range of alpine-inspired treatments and massages.

Can the hotel accommodate families traveling with children?

Absolutely. We offer a range of spacious rooms and suites that are ideal for families, including connecting rooms. Our team is also happy to provide extra amenities for children, and our central location makes sightseeing with little ones much more convenient.

Can the hotel concierge help with restaurant reservations or event tickets?

Yes, our multilingual concierge team is a key part of the 5-star experience. They are experts on the city and can assist you with securing reservations at in-demand restaurants, purchasing event or attraction tickets, and helping you plan the perfect Osaka itinerary.