Commonly labelled as an expensive destination, some travellers may be unwilling to pay for a pricey room or bed just for a night in Japan. However, as much as we want to get a cheap place to stay, it is important to find one that’s value for money because of its location, amenities or environment.
During our visit to the Kansai region in Japan, we took a significant amount of time scrolling through hundreds of rooms and apartments on accommodation engines. To save you the hassle, we’ve put together a list of the best value-for-money places in Osaka.
All of these costs less than $50 per night, with fairly central locations. Comfort and cleanliness are also assured!
At the same time, you might find our Osaka, Kyoto and Nara budget guide handy when planning your trip to the Kansai region in Japan (:
9) Ark Hostel
Clean, fluffy, spacious beds and thick curtains for privacy. The staff are really friendly and speak sufficient english to recommend places around the hostel. Toilets and showers are clean and even stocked with hair dryers (not allowed after 11pm). The Ark Hostel is located 2 minutes walk from Higobashi Station and has really fast wifi!
However, the reception at Ark Hostel closes at 10pm so don’t miss your chance to check-in for the night!
Price: Dorms from S$43.77
Address: 1 Chome-15-11 Edobori, Nishi Ward, Osaka Prefecture 550-0002, Japan
Check-in: 3pm – 10pm
Things to note: Personal lockers are available but you will have to bring your own locks.
8) Hostel Mitsuwaya Osaka (ホステルみつわ屋大阪)
One of the perfect places to sleep in for people who values cleanliness, the hostel Mitsuwaya Osaka provides a range of facilities that include free laptop loans and fast speed wifi (sufficient for streaming movies). Their dorm beds are very spacious, and have curtains for added privacy. It is situated near Nipponbashi and Tanimachi station!
However, remember to get your cash ready!
Price: Dorms from S$40
Address: 2 Chome-5-15 Kawarayamachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka Prefecture 542-0066, Japan
Check-in: 3pm – 10pm (reception is open 24 hours)
Things to note: The hostel strictly only accepts Japanese yen at the counter so pay online if you intend to pay by Credit Card. Minimum age for guests at 18.
7) Drop Inn Osaka
10 minutes walk from JR Osaka Station, the Drop Inn Osaka hostel houses friendly staffs that can speak English – no sign languages needed! It has security lockers, wifi and the place is very clean. Plenty of shower cubicles are available for guests and their dormitory rooms are great budget travelling options.
Price: Dorms from S$40.00
Address: 6 Chome-12-13 Fukushima, Fukushima Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan
Check-in: 3pm – 11pm
Extra Charges: 8% sales tax to be paid upon arrival
6) Capsule Hotel Asahi Plaza Shinsaibashi
Upon reaching the capsule hotel entrance, you will have to store your footwear in the lockers provided and later use the keys to “exchange” for your luggage locker keys. A set of sleep wear is also given and towels are provided as well. We loved the unique sleeping environment and experience under $40!
While we loved the constantly flowing hot public baths and saunas here, it might not be the best option for those who are uncomfortable with public showering — individual shower cubicles are not available.
Price: Dorms from S$39
Address: 2 Chome-12-22 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 542-0086, Japan
Check-in: After 2pm
Extra fees: ¥200 per luggage if it doesn’t fit in the cabin baggage sized locker
5) Osaka Hana Hostel
Located near Shinsaibashi shopping street and Shinsaibashi station, this Osaka Hana hostel is probably one of the most centrally located place to sleep in, despite its very affordable price. Free luggage storage is also available before and after check-in.
Price: Dorms from S$38.62
Address: 1 Chome-8-4 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 542-0086, Japan
Check-in: 3pm – 10pm
Things to note: Arrival outside reception hours should be notified in advance.
4) Khaosan World Namba Hostel
One of the most perfect locations, the Khao San World Namba hostel is a mere 3 minute walk from JR Namba Station and a short distance away from Dotonbori food street. Each sleeping space is rather private and quiet and wifi is available.
However, it is good to note that there are only mixed dorms in this hostel and only single gender amenities are available on each floor.
Price: Dorms from S$37
Address:1-2-13 Motomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 556-0016, Japan
Check-in: 3pm – 10pm
Things to note: Guests in dorms have to be more than 18 years old
3) Guesthouse U-en (ゲストハウス由苑)
Expect friendly staff and clean surroundings when you step into this 100-year old townhouse. Some rooms are traditionally furnished and there is a big common area for guests to mingle. Osaka station is just a 15 minutes walk away~ For budget travellers, this is a good place to experience a semi-traditional housing.
However, as the building is made of wood, there may be sound proofing issues. Wifi connection speeds also differ across rooms.
Price: Dorms from S$35
Address: 2-9-23, Fukushima, Fukushima-ku, Osaka, Japan
Check-in: 3pm – 10pm
Things to note: Child sharing of beds are allowed for private rooms only and limited to one child and one adult per bed.
2) J-hoppers Osaka Guesthouse
3 minutes walk from JR Fukushima Station, this hostel is convenient and easy to find. You can find dormitories priced under $35 here, definitely a steal! The hostel also organises optional events for their hostel guests everyday – a definite plus point if you are travelling solo. Staffs are also able to speak fluent English.
However, it is important to note that they do not have lockers in their dormitory rooms. Guests are required to access floors via stairs, so skip this hostel if you are carrying huge luggages!
Price: Dorms from S$32.18
Address: 4-22, Fukushima 7-chome, Fukushima-ku, Osaka-City, Osaka, Japan
Check-in: 3pm – 10pm
Things to note: Arrival outside reception hours should be notified in advance.
1) Blue 2 Central Rainbow House, Airbnb
This Airbnb room is a 15 to 20 minutes walk to Dotonbori — good value for money if you want to save on transport. It is equipped with wifi access and you can request the host to pick you up from the train station! No more finding your way through unreadable signages.
However, do note that the elevator only works from level 3 to 5. This suggests that you will have to take the stairs up 2 levels for access to the elevator.
Price: S$29 (for 1 person)
Check-in: After 3pm
Extra people: $20/person (up to 2 guests in total)
Extra Charges: $6 cleaning fee and $195 security deposit
With so many budget accommodations in Osaka under $50 to choose from, maybe it’s time to book your flight to Osaka! For other ways to keep your budget low, check out our Osaka budget guide for things to do, what to eat and getting around efficiently!
Have you slept in other amazing accommodation under $50 in Japan? Share with us in the comments below!