Spend Your Time Like the Locals! 10 Rental Properties Convenient for Sightseeing in Osaka
Although there are many hotel and inns in Osaka, the appeal of renting private residences is that you get to live like the locals right? When choosing a private residences, there is a broad range of choices based on the number of people, your travel goals, budget etc. Here are 10 recommended private residences that are useful when visiting Osaka’s major sightseeing areas.
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If you’re searching for temporary rental properties in Japan then we recommend STAY JAPAN!
In recent years, just like many other places in the world, the use of private residences as temporary lodging has been increasing in Japan. Although there are lots of sites that showcase these rental properties, the one that has been garnering attention in Japan is the property matching site “STAY JAPAN” that offers the kind of experiences that you can only have in Japan. From unique properties that offer things like farming and fishing experiences to single houses, guesthouses with public baths, old Japanese-style houses and more, they have a large number of unique properties registered on the site and you can find a reasonably-priced lodging that suits you.
A big appeal of this site is that it only deals with rental properties that meet the certified standards required by each local municipality so both guests and hosts can use it with peace of mind. When you visit Japan, please make good use of this site!
This time we’ll be introducing some recommended properties from the property rental site STAY JAPAN that are convenient for sightseeing in Osaka, close to major tourist areas, and lets you spend your time just like a local.
Official HP: stayjapan.com
※This article is a collaboration with STAY JAPAN.
1. SJ Osaka Central 1001
From here you have excellent access to both of Osaka’s large terminal stations, Umeda and Namba!
This property is situated between Umeda and Namba in the Motomachi area, Osaka’s business district. There are 3 different lines running in Motomachi Station so it’s extremely convenient for getting to some of Osaka’s biggest tourist spots. It’s recommended as a base for sightseeing. The attraction of this property is that the entire apartment building is managed by STAY JAPAN. As a result, there’s a proper reception area so you can also enjoy some of the conveniences of a hotel. The natural, Scandinavian-style rooms have a clean, bright atmosphere with a favorable reputation.
【Nearest station】
- 5 minute walk from Awaza Station on the Chuo line.
- 9 minute walk from Motomachi Station on the Yotsubashi line.
2. SJ Apartment Osaka Namba A
An excellent location within walking distance from Osaka’s pivotal tourist spots, Namba and Dotonbori!
Located in the Shimanouchi area, famous as a “gourmet town” with Chinese and Korean food restaurants, there are also many restaurants close by that are highly rated on restaurant review sites. It’s also appealing for having easy access to Osaka’s main tourist spots. Up to 5 people can lodge here so it’s recommended for groups or people thinking of taking their family sightseeing. All the room interiors have a bright atmosphere.
【Nearest station】
- 8 minutes from Nipponbashi Station
- 16 minutes from Namba Station
3. Luxurious Guesthouse close to Umeda and Shin-Osaka N6
This place is within walking distance to one of Osaka’s central tourist spots, Umeda, and also to Japan’s longest shopping street, Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street.
It’s appealing due to its convenient for transport and its location in a bustling, fun neighborhood. It has a modern, apartment-style construction and because it allows you rent out the entire room, you can ensure your privacy and comfort!! At the nearest station is one of Osaka’s popular French toast specialty shops, Cafe Fate, which is recommended for breakfast and as a coffeehouse.
【Nearest station】
- 5 minute walk from Tenjinbashisuji Rokuchome Station on the Tanimachi line.
4. KEN HOUSE Osaka Castle/Private Floor/Japanese Style
From here it’s a 15 minute walk to Osaka Castle and a 30 minute train ride to Universal Studios Japan. It's also close to easy to access places like Umeda, Shinsaibashi, Namba, Tennoji and more.
The rooms are all private Japanese-style tatami floor and guests can enjoy a variety of experiences unique to Japan, such as bedding using futons, wearing a kimono (available for outings, 1,000 yen) and more. There is wireless LAN inside the rooms and free pocket WiFi as well as free bicycle rental so it’s perfect for anyone who wants to fully enjoy comfortable Osaka living just like the locals!
【Nearest station】
- 10 minute walk from JR Tamatsukuri station
- 5 minute walk from Tamatsukuri subway station
5. 38 Apartment A - Near Namba and Nippombashi 2F: Where up to 9 people can lodge
Just a minute’s walk from the nearest station and within walking distance to Dotonbori, Kuromon Ichiba Market, and Namba, making it a convenient base for sightseeing in Osaka.
This lodging is in a corner of a quiet, old temple town where you can fully enjoy the atmosphere of old-time Japan. The entire floor can be privately rented and is 85 square meters with a modern living and dining room along with a Japanese-style bedroom. This spacious property can house up to 9 people. It’s recommended for groups and anyone thinking of traveling with their family. It’s all well equipped with amenities like an electric kettle, microwave, and more so it’s suitable for longer stays as well.
【Nearest station】
- 1 minute walk from Tanimachi Kyuuchome Station on the Tanimachi line
6. Astel Plaza - Easy access to Osaka Castle Umeda etc: A private room with maximum occupancy of 9 people.
This lodging is an entire house that boasts a sprawling floor space of 162 square meters.
This is a luxury space with a high ceiling, marble-accented living room, and spiral staircase. There are 4 bedrooms, 3 toilets and so spacious that up to 9 people can stay with room to spare. One of the appeals is that it is located in Osaka’s leading Koreatown Tsuruhashi where you can enjoy yakiniku (grilled meat) at great value prices. From this property, it’s also easy to access famous tourist places like Namba and Tsuutenkaku.
【Nearest station】
- Astel Plaza - Easy access to Osaka Castle Umeda etc
7. Viva Sun - Easy access to Namba Kobe and Nara 1F
From the nearest subway station Imazato Station, it’s just 3 minutes directly to Osaka’s leading tourist spot, Namba. It’s also easy to access areas like Kobe and Nara with just 1 train!
This property is recommended for those who are staying for a longer period of time and want to enjoy not just Osaka but sightseeing in Nara as well. In this reasonably-priced guest house with it’s modern interior, there are a total of 5 bunk beds that can accommodate a maximum of 15 people. Another good point is that the nearest convenience store is just a minute away on foot.
【Nearest station】
- 8 minute walk from Imazato subway station
8. South Garden 1 - Close to Namba Kuromon Market Zepp
Namba and Kuromon Ichiba Market are in walking distance!!
The room has a calm interior decorated in earth tones. It’s also fully equipped with household devices and amenities. It’s popular for its optimum location, just a 3 minute walk from the nearest Ebisucho Station. Areas like Osaka’s tourism center Namba, the electric town Nipponbashi and Kuromon Ichiba Market are all closeby and if you pass through the shopping street in front of the station then the famous Tsutenkaku is right there! Why don’t you take the time to enjoy some of Osaka’s retro Showa atmosphere?
【Nearest station】
- 3 minute walk from Ebisucho station on the Osaka Municipal Subway Sakaisuji Line
- 9 minute walk from Namba station on the Nankai line
9. Intercity Yuhigaoka 1 - Near Tennoji and Tsutenkaku
It’s just a 10 minute walk from here to Tennoji Station which is close to Shitennoji Temple, as well as Tsutenkaku and Kuromon Ichiba market. It has great access to the Namba area as well.
It is in a calm, residential area with shrines, temples, elementary schools, middle schools and high schools in the neighborhood. Around the nearest station has convenience stores and supermarkets so it’s extremely convenient for daily living during your stay. The bright rooms are equipped with various household devices and amenities like an electric kettle, microwave, and the like. You can stay there as if it’s your own house.
【Nearest station】
- 5 minute walk from Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station on the Osaka Municipal Subway Tanimachi Line
- 10 minute walk from Tennoji Station on the Osaka Municipal Subway Midosuji Line
10. SJ Apartment Osaka Sakai Ishizugawa 402
It’s well located just a 2 minute walk from the nearest station. It is located in Osaka’s second largest city, Ishizugawa, which has many historical spots and is 16 minutes away from Namba by train.
The room is a newly built condominium in a corner of a shopping street and the neighborhood has many restaurants, convenience stores, 100 yen shops and more, making it quite convenient. The layout is roomy with a kitchen, bath and toilet so you can be comfortable during your stay. If you stretch your legs and go around a bit, then we recommend you visit Emperor Nintoku’s tomb, the old townscapes and other historical sightseeing spots.
【Nearest station】
- 2 minute walk from Ishizugawa station on the Nankai line.
※The properties which we just introduced have all been authorized by local municipalities.
Here are some recommended sightseeing spots which you can access easily from the above rental properties!
・Umeda
PIXTA
Osaka's premier downtown area which has JR Osaka Station, the Hankyu subway, and Hanshin Umeda Station.
[Properties with Convenient Access]
1.SJ Osaka Central 1001 / 3.Private room type: Guest House N5 with excellent access to Umeda, Shin-Osaka. / 4.KEN HOUSE Osaka Castle/Private Floor/Japanese Style
・Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street
PIXTA
About 600 shops stand side by side here in Japan’s longest shopping street. From delicious yet cheap foods to miscellaneous goods, you can buy a little bit of everything here.
[Properties with Convenient Access]
3.Luxurious Guesthouse close to Umeda & Shin-Osaka N6.
・Namba
PIXTA
This bustling area has a shopping street that is to the north from the Takashimaya Honten. Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi are also close by. Walking this long shopping street from Namba to Shinsaibashi is a standard sightseeing route.
[Properties with Convenient Access]
1.SJ Osaka Central 1001 / 2. SJ Apartment Osaka Namba A / 4.KEN HOUSE Osaka Castle/Private Floor/Japanese Style / 5. 38 Apartment A - Near Namba and Nippombashi 2F / 6. Astel Plaza - Easy access to Osaka Castle Umeda etc: A private room with maximum occupancy of 9 people. / 7.Viva Sun - Easy access to Namba Kobe and Nara 1F / 8. South Garden 1 - Close to Namba Kuromon Market Zepp/ 9. Intercity Yuhigaoka 1 - Near Tennoji and Tsutenkaku / 10. SJ Apartment Osaka Sakai Ishizugawa 402
・Osaka Castle
PIXTA
Osaka Castle was constructed by Shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the Azuchi-Momoyama period (approx. 1558-1600). Surrounded by bountiful greenery, this is a staple tourist spot.
[Properties with Convenient Access]
4.KEN HOUSE Osaka Castle/Private Floor/Japanese Style
・Dotonbori
PIXTA
When you’re talking about Osaka, this is the place that everyone thinks of! The overly-decorated signboard is the most popular spot for tourists.
[Properties with Convenient Access]
1. SJ Osaka Central 1001 / 2. SJ Apartment Osaka Namba A / 4. KEN HOUSE Osaka Castle/Private Floor/Japanese Style/ 5. 38 Apartment A - Near Namba and Nippombashi 2F / 6. Astel Plaza - Easy access to Osaka Castle Umeda etc: A private room with maximum occupancy of 9 people. / 7.Viva Sun - Easy access to Namba Kobe and Nara 1F / 8. South Garden 1 - Close to Namba Kuromon Market Zepp/ 9. Intercity Yuhigaoka 1 - Near Tennoji and Tsutenkaku / 10. SJ Apartment Osaka Sakai Ishizugawa 402
・Kuromon Ichiba Market
PIXTA
This is a market for professional purveyors in Osaka’s Nipponbashi. Shops dealing with fish, vegetables, meat and more stand side by side here in Osaka’s kitchen.
[Properties with Convenient Access]
5. 38 Apartment A - Near Namba and Nippombashi 2F / 8. South Garden 1 - Close to Namba Kuromon Market Zepp/ 9. Intercity Yuhigaoka 1 - Near Tennoji and Tsutenkaku
・Tsuruhashi
PIXTA
Koreatown is located here in Osaka’s shitamachi (working class neighborhood). There are many delicious yakiniku (grilled meat) shops and the area is known as a mecca for cuisine.
[Properties with Convenient Access]
・Tsuutenkaku
PIXTA
This observatory tower is a well-known tourist attraction in Osaka. In the area there are many of Osaka’s famous kushikatsu (fried skewers) restaurants.
[Properties with Convenient Access]
6. Astel Plaza - Easy access to Osaka Castle Umeda etc: A private room with maximum occupancy of 9 people. / 8. South Garden 1 - Close to Namba Kuromon Market Zepp/ 9. Intercity Yuhigaoka 1 - Near Tennoji and Tsutenkaku
・Nara Park
PIXTA
This is Nara’s representative tourist attraction. The park grounds which spans a range of 4km from east to west and 2km north to south has lots of deer and is dotted with many designated national treasures and registered World Heritage properties like Kofukuji Temple, Todaiji Temple and much more.
[Properties with Convenient Access]
Reference this article when you’re visiting Osaka to find the best lodging and enjoy your trip to the fullest!
The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.
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