All work and no play is no way to spend your time in Osaka. Business might be the reason for your visit, but you’d be remiss not making some time to experience Osaka’s legendary nightlife and street food between work hours. The locals do it best, frequenting corner bars, whiskey lounges, clubs and street-food markets while still wearing their business attire.
With more than 400 million annual visitors to HotelsCombined, we’ve ditched the board meeting and discovered the best of Osaka’s nightlife and street-food scenes. Don’t worry, we’ve also tracked down the best luxury hotels for business travellers in Osaka too, so you’ll have a place to rest before doing it all again.
Why You Should Stay in Namba
Looking for high energy and a friendly business crowd? Namba’s izakaya bars and underground market attract a bustling throng of workers and visitors. Namba’s nightlife also extends deeper into the evening, with a mix of old and young revellers in its lively nightclubs. You can also frequent cocktail lounges, check out a rugby-themed tavern and delve deep into the local whiskey scene.
Must-Do Namba Experiences
- Play darts or sip cocktails on the outdoor patio at Little Long Beach.
- Pair Japanese craft beer with traditional sushi and tempura at Yuzu no Komachi.
- Browse some of Japan’s best-quality meat, vegetables and fruit at the underground Kuromon Ichiba
Top Luxury Business Hotels in Namba
Swissotel Nankai Osaka
Perched above Namba Station and the Namba City shopping mall, the sophisticated Swissotel Nankai Osaka has almost 550 contemporary rooms with work desks, city views, king-size beds, “handy” smartphones and Nespresso machines. You can upgrade to an Executive room for access to complimentary breakfast, snacks and newspapers in the Executive Club Lounge.
On-site dining comprises five restaurants, one lounge and a bakery, including the Minami teppanyaki restaurant, Tavola36 buffet and bar and the Swiss Gourmet bakery. The 11th-floor Pürovel Spa & Sport boasts a fully-equipped gym, indoor pool, Jacuzzi, Japanese-style bath and five treatment rooms. There are also over 15 flexible meeting rooms with state-of-the-art presentation technology.
Nearby Nightlife & Street-Food Dining
- The Hearth Board Game Bar and Cafe (350 metres)
- Namba Grand Kagetsu (500 metres)
- Bar Evo Osaka (650 metres)
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 242 – USD 743
Guest Rating: 8.9
Address: 5-1-60 Namba, Chuo, Osaka, Japan
The St. Regis Osaka
The St. Regis Osaka is renowned among HotelsCombined visitors for its on-site dining options, including creative Northern Italian fare at La Veduta, French bistro flavours at Rue d’Or and top-shelf liquor at The St. Regis Bar. The 14th-floor Iridium Spa offers indulgent treatments, while the state-of-the-art gym lets you work out while enjoying the city vistas.
You’ll notice luxurious touches in the guest rooms and suites, including Japanese-style baths, rainforest showers, Kyoto silks and pillow-top beds. All of the rooms have city views, but the Matsu Suite is particularly opulent with its separate living and dining areas and butler service.
Nearby Nightlife & Street-Food Dining
- Osaka Salon Bar (900 metres)
- Orix Theater (1 kilometre)
- Osaka Station City (2.4 kilometres)
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 388 – USD 3,846
Guest Rating: 9.6
Address: 3-6-12 Honmachi, Chuo, Osaka, Japan
Hotel Location
Why You Should Stay in Umeda
Umeda is a bustling business district filled with numerous choices for shopping, dining and nightlife. Centred around the revamped Osaka train station, Umeda delivers a range of craft beer bars and cocktail lounges. It also has a blend of Western-style, teppanyaki and Indian restaurants, while the minimalist Japanese eateries serve delicious local specialties.
Must-Do Umeda Experiences
- Sip beers and dig into a juicy hamburger while enjoying rock and hip-hop at Captain Kangaroo.
- Try the sumptuous tonkatsu pork cutlets at Tonkatsu, Kyouyasai Dazumura.
- Dance to DJs or watch live bands at the cinema-cum-club, Club Piccadilly Umeda Osaka.
Top Luxury Business Hotels in Umeda
Hotel Hankyu International
Reminiscent of a medieval-era European residence, Hotel Hankyu International is adorned with antique furnishings throughout its lobby and many of its nine on-site dining establishments. You’ll find a tea lounge, sophisticated bar and restaurants serving sushi, traditional Kyoto cuisine, teppanyaki and tempura dishes.
There are a range of rooms and suites for a variety of budgets, all of which have city vistas. The Junior Suite is ideal for business travellers wanting a separate lounge room, work desk and window-side bath for an affordable price. Save money with a Deluxe Double or upgrade to an Executive Suite for vintage decor.
Nearby Nightlife & Street-Food Dining
- Shin Umeda Shokudogai (750 metres)
- Bar Islet (1.3 kilometres)
- Umeda Food Hall (550 metres)
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 184 – USD 591
Guest Rating: 9.1
Address: 19-19, Chayamachi, Kita-ku, Kita, Osaka, Japan
The Westin Osaka
The Westin Osaka offers a variety of facilities for relaxing after a busy day, including the Acupuncture Salon, body treatment rooms, an indoor pool, saunas and a well-equipped gym. The on-site dining is also very tempting, such as Cantonese fare at Imperial Palace, tempura meals at Hanano and delectable high tea in the Lobby Lounge.
Soak up views of Osaka through wide windows in all of the rooms, which also have signature Heavenly Beds. Stay on the Executive Club Floor for complimentary hors d’oeuvre, cocktails and breakfast in the Executive Club Lounge. Alternatively upgrade to a suite for added luxuries, such as Japanese furnishings, separate living rooms and a grand piano.
Nearby Nightlife & Street-Food Dining
- The Symphony Hall (600 metres)
- Shin Umeda Shokudogai (1.1 kilometres)
- Bar Hiramatsu Umeda (1.2 kilometres)
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 278 – USD 1,057
Guest Rating: 8.4
Address: 1-1-20 Oyodonaka, Kita, Osaka, Japan
Hotel Location
Why You Should Stay in Shinsaibashi
Within Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s main shopping district, you’ll find a haven of unique restaurants, bars and nightclubs. The neighbourhood is centred around the covered Shinsaibashi-suji shopping street, which is bordered by Irish pubs, state-of-the-art nightclubs and DJ-led cocktail lounges. The multicultural restaurants offer Chinese, Brazilian, American and Turkish cuisine, among others.
Must-Do Shinsaibashi Experiences
- Indulge in traditional Chinese dumplings and Peking duck at Chugoku-sabo 8 Shinsaibashi.
- Drink cocktails and dance to celebrity DJs at Ghost Ultra Lounge.
- Try Japan’s famed Kuroge Wagyu beef, aged over more than 50 days, at Tajimaya Shinsaibashi.
Top Luxury Business Hotels in Shinsaibashi
Cross Hotel Osaka
The sophisticated Cross Hotel Osaka caters to business travellers with its Superior Double room on the Comfort Floor, which boasts an LCD TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, tea sets and a work desk. On the Cross Floor, you can upgrade to an Executive room with premium bath amenities and a coffee machine or stay in The Cross Suite for a separate living room and jetted bath.
All-day fresh fare is available at Terrace & Dining Zero, a concept restaurant with an open kitchen that lets you watch the chefs preparing your meal. After a long work day, kick back with a whiskey, wine or beer in the on-site bar or visit the Cave de Vin for an intimate wine tasting with a sommelier.
Nearby Nightlife & Street-Food Dining
- Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street (190 metres)
- Music Club Janus (650 metres)
- Tajimaya Shinsaibashi (550 metres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 225 – USD 388
Guest Rating: 9
Address: 2-5-15 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo, Osaka, Japan
Karaksa Hotel Osaka Namba
Enjoy a hassle-free stay at Karaksa Hotel Osaka Namba, which boasts high-speed Wi-Fi, multilingual staff, video calling services and a parcel delivery service. The bright and sunlit restaurant is perfect for starting your day off with a sumptuous breakfast buffet inspired by Western dishes, including crepes and scrambled eggs.
Natural furnishings create a peaceful ambience in the cosy rooms. The Semi Double Room is ideal for business travellers with its plush bedding, work desk and shower bath. You’ll find a range of restaurants outside the hotel, including a crab house, yakitori shop and the Eggs ‘n Things breakfast restaurant.
Nearby Nightlife & Street-Food Dining
- Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street (260 metres)
- Ghost Ultra Lounge (170 metres)
- Shinsaibashi Muse Hall (550 metres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 151 – USD 572
Guest Rating: 9
Address: Chuo-ku Nishishinsaibashi 2-9-13, Chuo, Osaka, Japan
Hotel Location
Why You Should Stay in Dotonbori
Dotonbori features one of Osaka’s best bar and restaurant districts along the Dotonbori Canal. Here, positioned among the bright billboards, ramen restaurants and takoyaki stands are found alongside intimate whiskey bars down narrow alleyways. Nightlife here is more focused on bar hopping and the occasional night out at one of the theatres.
Must-Do Dotonbori Experiences
- Watch a culturally-charged show at the Osaka Shochikuza Theatre.
- Try the delicious takoyaki at Dotombori Konamon Museum.
- Enjoy cheap beer, videogames and live DJs at Voyager Stand Osaka.
Top Luxury Business Hotels in Dotonbori
Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka
Since opening in 2009, the modern Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka has been winning over business travellers with its exceptional catering and hi-tech equipment in its numerous meeting and conference rooms. Along with an on-site art gallery, the Sanno Art Museum, the hotel offers French cuisine at Escale, teppanyaki at Kobe and sumptuous Japanese specialties at Zuientei.
The guest rooms are inspired by the luxury and elegance of England and feature hi-tech inclusions, such as “handy” smartphones with unlimited internet. All of the rooms also have comfortable coil spring mattresses, cotton pyjamas, fridges, air purifiers, work desks and views over the city skyline.
Nearby Nightlife & Street-Food Dining
- Voyager Stand Osaka (600 metres)
- Kyushu Ramen Kio Dotonbori (600 metres)
- Dotombori Konamon Museum (850 metres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 232 – USD 1,130
Guest Rating: 8.5
Address: 1-2-3, Minatomachi, Naniwa, Osaka, Japan
Holiday Inn Osaka Namba
A short stroll across the Dotonbori Canal, Holiday Inn Osaka Namba provides that consistent Holiday Inn level of service and luxury. The Universal Room is ideal for business travellers with its flat-screen TV, fridge, humidifier, work desk and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Along with an on-site convenience store and on-site parking, the hotel serves a delicious breakfast buffet every morning that combines Japanese and Western delicacies. You can also visit Restaurant BARKT on the weekends for authentic Japanese dinners or a gastronomic journey through world-renowned wines.
Nearby Nightlife & Street-Food Dining
- Kushikatsu Daruma Dotombori (140 metres)
- Okonomiyaki Mizuno (180 metres)
- FIJI BAR Osaka (75 metres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 161 – USD 459
Guest Rating: 8.5
Address: 5-15 Souemonchō, Chuo, Osaka, Japan
Hotel Location
Why You Should Stay near Osaka Castle
Not only does staying near Osaka Castle place you close to one of Japan’s most iconic historical landmarks, but it also keeps you within arm’s reach of a handful of popular bars and restaurants. These local institutions offer a more laid-back nightlife with high-quality Japanese dining and nationally-recognised spirits and beers.
Must-Do Osaka Castle Experiences
- Chat with friendly bartenders while sipping whiskey at Bar W.
- Dine on modern Japanese cuisine within Osaka Castle at Restaurant Raspberry with Moon Bar.
- Eat sumptuous teppanyaki dishes at Five Stations.
Top Luxury Business Hotels near Osaka Castle
Hotel New Otani Osaka
Nestled on the Johoku River overlooking Osaka Castle Park, Hotel New Otani Osaka is highly regarded for its inviting outdoor and indoor pools, state-of-the-art fitness club with personal trainers, shuttle bus services around Osaka and gift shop. The hotel is part of a shopping and dining hub home to various bars and Western and Japanese restaurants, including the French-inspired Sakura and Kenzan sushi bar.
Business travellers can reserve one of the hotel’s customisable meeting or function rooms, which come with catering and hi-tech equipment. The Deluxe Single Room is perfect for solo travellers with its work desk and city views, while the Superior Junior Suite offers a separate living room and Osaka Castle views. You can also opt for a suite with traditional Japanese furnishings, such as tatami mats and futons.
Nearby Nightlife & Street-Food Dining
- Restaurant Raspberry with Moon Bar (1.4 kilometres)
- Takahiro Ramen (400 metres)
- Takoyaki Doraku Wanaka Osaka Castle Park (300 metres)
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 252 – USD 627
Guest Rating: 8.9
Address: 1-4-1 Shiromi, Chuo, Osaka, Japan
Imperial Hotel Osaka
Positioned along the O River slightly north of Osaka Castle, Imperial Hotel Osaka captures impressive city views from its extravagant guest rooms and suites. The entry-level Standard room features a double bed, tea and coffee facilities and a work desk, while the Deluxe room also offers newspapers, kimonos, Japanese tea and river views. Upgrade to a suite if you want a separate living room furnished with leather lounges.
This hotel provides glamorous ballrooms and banquet halls for a range of occasions, including conferences. You can also take advantage of the well-equipped Business Center or enjoy some well-earned leisure at the golf range and putting green, 25-metre-long indoor pool, Jacuzzi, mist sauna or tranquil relaxation room.
Nearby Nightlife & Street-Food Dining
- Chicago Rock blues bar (1.2 kilometres)
- Kogaraya (650 metres)
- Bar 203 (1 kilometre)
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 344 – USD 2,205
Guest Rating: 9.3
Address: 8-50, Temmabashi 1-Chome, Kita, Osaka, Japan
Hotel Location
Why You Should Stay in Tempozan
The waterfront Tempozan neighbourhood is best-known for the Tempozan Harbor Village, a popular dining and entertainment complex. When it comes to dining, Tempozan Marketplace features a range of affordable eateries, while Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho food theme park showcases numerous Osaka specialties. Keep an eye out for a couple of cocktail and yakitori bars.
Must-Do Tempozan Experiences
- Try Osaka favourites like takoyaki, kushikatsu, ikayaki and rice curries.
- Ride the 112.5-metre-tall Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel for panoramic Osaka vistas.
- Enjoy live music and beer in Piano Bar Kiyomi.
Top Luxury Business Hotels near Tempozan
Hyatt Regency Osaka
Connected to Tepozan by a bridge, Hyatt Regency Osaka is a self-proclaimed “urban resort” that’s encircled by the Asia Pacific Trade Center and Intex Osaka exhibition hall. You’ll find convenience and comfort in the modern rooms and suites, almost all of which offer complimentary breakfast, tea and cocktail service in the Regency Club Lounge.
The 1 King Bed Deluxe is our pick for its gallery-style windows, city views, king-size bed, mini bar and deep-soaking bath. Visiting during summer? Enjoy a meal on the rooftop garden, Pergola, which is known for its Hawaiian-style beer garden and barbecue. You can also indulge in Japanese cuisine at Irodori or beers and cocktails at Manhattan Bar.
Nearby Nightlife & Street-Food Dining
- Tempozan Marketplace (3.7 kilometres)
- The ATC 2F katsudon restaurant (700 metres)
- Izakaya Furusato Tempozan (3.6 kilometres)
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 251 – USD 1,343
Guest Rating: 8.1
Address: 1-13-11 Nanko-Kita, Suminoe, Osaka, Japan
The Park Front Hotel At Universal Studios Japan
The Park Front Hotel At Universal Studios Japan is only one minute’s walk from Universal Studios Japan, which is perfect for combining business with hours of theme park fun. The hotel has three floors of accommodation: Standard, Superior and Luxury. The Luxury Floor offers rooms with window-side baths, Espresso machines, hygienic slippers and sitting areas.
Part of the Universal Citywalk Osaka shopping mall, the hotel is also surrounded by a wealth of restaurants and has easy access to the rest of Osaka via trains from Universal-City Station. The hotel’s third floor has a range of shops and eateries, including a candy store, Eggs ‘n Things breakfast restaurant and Wolfgang Puck Pizza Bar Osaka.
Nearby Nightlife & Street-Food Dining
- Piano Bar Kiyomi (6.5 kilometres)
- Saizeriya (130 metres)
- Tempozan Marketplace (6.4 kilometres)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 258 – USD 325
Guest Rating: 9.2
Address: 6-2-52 Shimaya, Konohana, Osaka, Japan
Hotel Location
Mix Business with Pleasure in Osaka
With lively local bars, street-food hubs and a variety of Asian and Western restaurants, Osaka is the perfect city for appreciating some downtime after work. Few cities in the world emphasize the pleasures of finishing work as much as Osaka. These street-food and nightlife hotspots offer a range of sightseeing opportunities as well as luxury hotels catering to business travellers with meeting rooms, in-room work desks and on-site dining.
Where will you stay in Osaka? Let us know in the comments below.
Featured image: Aerial view of Osaka Skyline| ISTOCK – NIKADA
