An expert analysis based on customer reviews and knowledge of Osaka
The sunrise in Dotonbori, Osaka. Photo: RW Sinclair
Introduction
Finding the right hostel in Osaka can be pretty tough. Which area is best? How much should you expect to pay? And which hostels have the best reviews? Another point to consider is how different are hostels in Japan compared to other countries? Mostly the news is very good, the standards for cleanliness and privacy are much higher in Japan, so hostel experiences here can be very nice. For solo travellers, however, good reviews are even more important because Japan's hostel culture often misses the social aspect that is normal in most other countries.
So to make things easier, we've analyzed thousands of customer reviews on Booking.com to determine the absolute best, highest-rated hostels in Osaka.
The filters we've personally applied are:
- A minimum average review score of 8 out of 10
- A minimum of 100 reviews
- We've focused on the 4 best areas for accommodation in Osaka: Dotonburi, Namba, Tennoji, and Osaka-Umeda. These areas are known for their vibrant nightlife, diverse shopping, and easy access to major train stations.
Our listing for each place has a convenient summary including the:
Description
Highlights
Price Range
Review Score
Review Example
The 8 Best Hostels In Osaka
(Sorted by rating & number of reviews)
The Pax Hostel  ─ 9.1
Osaka Guest House U-En ─ 8.9
Hostel OGK ─ 8.6
The Imano Osaka Hostel  ─ 8.3
Hostel Chillax ─ 8.2
The Hive Guesthouse ─ 8.1
Kimi to Ichigo Cafe & Hostel ─ 8.0
The Miyabi Hostel ─ 8.0
Honourable Mention
Hostel Q Osaka  ─  7.8
1. The Pax Hostel - Tennoji
The highest-rated hostel on our list is the Pax Hostel in Shinsekai, Tennoji. This hostel is located in the amazing and charming Shinsekai area next to Tennoji Park. Shinsekai is famous for its restaurants, shops, and the 103-meter tall Tsutenkaku Tower. This area is the perfect balance for those who want to get away from the usual tourist traps without compromising on the vibe and atmosphere that Osaka is famous for. The hostel is renowned for its super friendly and social atmosphere.
• Highlights:
─ Right next to the Tsutenkaku Tower.
─ Super friendly and social atmosphere.
─  Located in the amazing and charming Shinsekai area.
• Price Range: $30 - $50 per night
• Google Review Score: 9.1 ★ (300+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"I think this was just the best hostel I've ever been to. The staff, the people, the events, the food, the style, the warmth, the facilities, everything was in a class of its own, especially the people factor, something not easy to find in Japan. They truly made my time in Osaka unforgettable."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2. Osaka Guest House U-En - Osaka Umeda
Located in Central Osaka, just one stop from Osaka Station, the Osaka Guest House U-En is a super convenient and stylish hostel. It has an amazing cafe on the first floor that you can use as a late-night chill space once the common room closes at 10pm. Comfy pod-style beds, friendly staff, and a sociable atmosphere make this place super popular.
• Highlights:
─ Centrally located just one stop from Osaka Station.
─ Pod-style beds for peace and privacy.
─ An amazing cafe that doubles as a late-night chill space.
• Price Range: $25 - $50 per night
• Review Score: 8.9 ★ (1000+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"I’ve come here already four times, and it’s one of my favourite hostels! Comfortable beds with curtain, shelf, light, socket and personal locker. Shower rooms are big, with shelves, shampoo and shower gel. Big beautiful lounge available until 10pm, after 10pm you can use the space in the cafe on the first floor. Friendly staff, just a very beautiful hostel and a lovely cafe."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
3. Hostel OGK - Osaka Umeda
The Hostel OGK is the most conveniently located hostel in Osaka for travelling, it's only a 5-minute walk the Osaka Station. This makes it easy to travel literally anywhere and has lead it to become one of the most popular hostels in Osaka. The area is perfect for shopping, restaurants, and exploring the city. Their common area is open 24hrs which is a huge plus for a hostel, making it the perfect place to socialise and meet new people. They have regular activities and even have a WhatsApp group for social activites.
• Highlights:
─  The most convenient location for travelling, only a 5-min walk from Osaka Station.
─  An awesome common area that's open 24/7.
─  Super social with regular activities and a WhatsApp group.
• Price Range: $25 - $60 per night
• Review Score: 8.6 ★ (2000+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"Loved my stay here! Super nearby to Osaka station, like a 5-minute walk so it’s very convenient if you wanna explore literally anywhere by train - so much food and shopping and activities around. Great amenities! Staff are so friendly and wonderful. Comfy beds! A fun common area with different activities that is open 24hrs a day, with a special Japanese tatami area. I met some cool people there! They even have a WhatsApp group for social activities! Overall honestly 10/10!"
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
4. Imano Osaka Shinsaibashi Hostel - Dotonburi
The Imano hostel brand is located all over Japan and always receives positive reviews. The Imano Hostel in Shinsaibashi is located in the party district of Namba, only a 15-minute walk from Dotonbori, so it's perfect for experiencing Osaka's nightlife while still remaining peaceful when it comes time to sleep. The hostel has a bar and restaurant that receives a lot of praise for its breakfast, and people are often impressed with the cleanliness and comfy beds.
• Highlights:
─  Only a 15-minute walk from Dotonbori.
─  Perfect for experiencing Osaka's nightlife.
─  Comfy beds, relaxing bar, and a good breakfast.
• Price Range: $25 - $40 per night
• Review Score: 8.3 ★ (1300+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"The staff were super friendly and very helpful, the rooms were clean as were the bathrooms. Beds are very comfortable. Nice modern hostel, and the bar area was cozy and a great place to catch a drink or some food. Location was close to Dotonbori and the big food market."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
5. Hostel Chillax - Dotonburi
Hostel Chillax is located right on the river, just a 10-minute walk from Dotonbori. It's popular for it's relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, with a small outdoor chill space that overlooks the river. The metro station is only 5 minutes walk away making it easy to travel around Osaka. Guests often praise the comfy beds, easy-going atmosphere, and friendliness of the staff and other guests.
• Highlights:
─  First floor has a bar, outdoor terrace, and chill music.
─  Only a 10-minute walk to Dotonbori.
─  Only a 5-minute walk to the metro station for easy travel around Osaka.
• Price Range: $20 - $30 per night
• Review Score: 8.2 ★ (1300+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"Very welcoming environment with an emphasis on comfort for rest or travel. It was easy to talk with other guests as a solo traveller. Beds were very comfy with good mattresses and soft bedding. Amazing staff and vibes, super chill and friendly. Feels like being in a house with friends. The location is the best you can ask for in Osaka: walking distance to Dotonbori and connected with metro trains to all the other points of interest.
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
6. Namba Guesthouse Hive
The Namba Guesthouse Hive is nicely located between the Tetsukyo Tower and Namba. This location makes it perfect for exploring the different sides of Osaka, and it's above a metro station which makes travelling a breeze. There's huge praise for the social vibe and many people find it easy to make friends here. A 10-minute walk will get you to either Tsutenkaku Tower or the heart of Namba, and a 20-minute walk brings you to Dotonbori.
• Highlights:
─  Nicely located between Tsutenkaku Tower and Namba.
─  Located above a metro station for easy access to all the attractions in Osaka.
─  Really easy to make friends and a great area for walking around and exploring.
• Price Range: $25 - $40 per night
• Review Score: 8.1 ★ (900+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"The facilities were very good in the dorms and the rooms were very clean! The beds had a privacy curtain and a light and charging port in each one. The staff were very friendly and the kitchen and social area had good cooking amenities. The WiFi worked well and the social area was nice to meet people or get some work done. The location was good, right above a station!"
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
7. Cafe & Hostel Kimi to Ichigo
If you want to be in the centre of the party district of Dotonbori, then this is the perfect hostel. The Cafe & Hostel Kimi to Ichigo is super popular and doubles as a nice cafe specialising in strawberry (ichigo) treats. It's known as one of the best-located hostels for nightlife in Osaka, you'll be within a 5-minute walk of both Dotonbori and Namba. Despite the incredible location, they insist on keeping their rates as low as possible, making this one of the best-value hostels in Osaka.
• Highlights:
─  An amazing location for nightlife in Osaka.
─  Between two metro stations for easy access to all the attractions in Osaka.
─  Located just a 5-minute walk from Dotonbori and Namba.
• Price Range: $15 - $40 per night
• Review Score: 8.1 ★ (900+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"The location was the best part about it. Super close to everything and was extremely convenient. The staff were very friendly, attentive and helpful. I liked the free beverages and miso soup. The lounge area was comfortable and good to work or eat in. Busy area surrounded by bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
8. Osaka Namba Hostel Miyabi
The Miyabi Hostel has become renowned for its kind and friendly owner who's always making sure his guests feel welcome and have a great time in Osaka. It's located just 5 minutes from Namba and 10 minutes from Dotonbori. The atmosphere is fun and sociable, and there's even a rooftop for hangouts and drinks.
• Highlights:
─  Fun and sociable atmosphere with a cool rooftop hangout space.
─  Only a 5-minute walk to the metro station for easy travel around Osaka.
─  Located just a 5-minute walk from Namba and 10 minutes from Dotonbori.
• Price Range: $25 - $45 per night
• Review Score: 8.1 ★ (300+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"Would definitely recommend this hostel. Staying here is really fun thanks to the charismatic owner. He’s a funny, welcoming, sociable guy who really brings people together at the hostel. He’d always get a pot of coffee going for everyone in the morning. Sometimes he made waffles too. In the evening, if he cooked something (e.g. takoyaki) he would share it around and would also sometimes share beers and stuff too. The dorm, bathrooms etc. were all pretty standard. Cleanliness was decent. There is a nice roof space for socialising. The showers are located on the ground floor past the common area - i.e. not on the dormitory floors. So it's lacking a little privacy, but I quickly got used to it and it wasn’t a problem at all. Lovely hostel"
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
Honourable Mention
1. Hostel Q Osaka
The most supreme location on the river right in Dotonbori, the Hostel Q Osaka is one of the most popular hostels in the whole city. Don't be deterred by the average review score, the vast majority of negative reviews are from many years ago and were complaints regarding cleanliness - this has mostly been resolved, with hardly any negative reviews in the past 18 months. The Hostel Q Osaka is incredible for partying around Namba, making new friends, socialising, and having convenient access to everything. On top of all this, it's super cheap, making it one of the best-value hostels in Osaka.
• Highlights:
─  Fun and sociable atmosphere, perfect for partying and making new friends.
─  Amazingly cheap, one of the best-value hostels in Osaka.
─  Incredible location with Dotonbori right on your doorstep, and just a 5-minute walk from Namba.
• Price Range: $20 - $40 per night
• Review Score: 7.8 ★ (1300+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"The location is unbeatable, and while I was expecting cleanliness to be an issue based on other reviews I read, we found the place to be really clean. Excellent value for money, it's nothing fancy but totally worth it, and we would stay there again easily for the prime location. Mattresses were pretty thin butthat's common in Japan. The windows seal and make the room fairly noise proof so we didn't hear a lot of street noise and the hostel provides ear plugs. There is a nice lounging area for socializing."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
