World-class shrines, awesome nightlife and mind-blowing street food – Osaka is a world-class travel destination! This city is brimming with friendly locals and a diverse food scene – my ultimate fave is Takoyaki – these GOLDEN balls of CREAMY goodness… I’ll stop there and let you find out for yourself, words do not do them justice.
But while it might seem like it’s off the beaten map, Japan’s third-largest city is a tourist hotspot and has hundreds of registered hostels. This is exactly why I wrote this list of the best hostels in Osaka!
Backpacking and travelling to Japan is one of the greatest travel experiences you can have, but it can also be a confusing and expensive country.
In this ultimate guide, I break down Osaka’s hostel scene according to YOUR travel needs, so you can find the Osaka hostel of your dreams.
So whether you are looking to party or sleep, travelling as a couple or solo, this list of the best hostels in Osaka will help you. I aim to get you to book your hostel quickly so you can enjoy Osaka and its amazing sights and sounds ASAP.
Let’s dive into the best hostels in Osaka…
Photo: @audyscala
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Osaka
- Best Overall Hostel in Osaka – Pax Hostel
- Best Hostel in Osaka for Solo Travelers – The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi
- Best Cheap Hostel in Osaka – Hostel Q
- Best Party Hostel in Osaka – Backstage Osaka Hostel & Bar
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Osaka – J-Hoppers Osaka
Photo: @audyscala
The 5 Best Hostels in Osaka
In case you’re backpacking Japan and on your way to Osaka right fkkn now and need a place to stay with no time to read… I have picked these hostels because of their top locations, their value for money, and their facilities as my top five hostels in all of Osaka.
1. Pax Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Osaka
- Dorm (mixed): From $28
- Address: 1-20-5 EBISU-HIGASHI NANIWA-KU, OSAKA, Osaka, Japan
As the most recommended hostel in Osaka, the list simply wouldn’t be complete without Pax Hostel, which has a solid rating. Osaka’s backpacker hostels do not get better than this!
The aesthetic which features wooden decor and artsy designs couldn’t be more inviting, and the best part is that there’s both a cafe and a record store on site! You’ll be only seconds away from Tsutenkaku Tower, which is known as the symbol of Osaka, and other top attractions are nearby, too.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- One of the most stunning hostels in Japan
- Delicious cafe
- Comfy and spacious beds
Pax Hostel is known for its welcoming atmosphere and incredibly friendly staff who go above and beyond for guests. While this isn’t one of those crazy party hostels, the social vibes make it easy to meet other travelers.
Your options at Osaka’s best hostel include 4-bed female dorms and 10-bed mixed dorms, all at low, backpacker-friendly prices. Each spacious, capsule-style dorm bed includes private security lockers, a lamp, 3 electric outlets, a mirror, a hanger, and even earplugs.
Add in lightning-fast wifi, a vibrant kitchenette, and a convenient location, and you’ve no doubt got yourself the very best hostel in Osaka.
2. The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi – Best Hostel in Osaka for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $24
- Private Room: From $87
- Address: Shimanouchi 1, Ch?me, 14-29, Osaka, Japan
Located in the center of Osaka, The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi is within walking distance of everything you could want from your Osaka itinerary. The hostel has a shared lounge and a bar, perfect for solo travelers looking to meet other like-minded backpackers.
You can choose between dorm rooms and private rooms, though dorms are cheaper. Selected rooms come with a kitchenette with a fridge and a stove. For those looking to save money while they’re backpacking Osaka, you can cook your own meals using the huge kitchen and lounge on the 2nd floor.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Only 1.6 miles from Osaka Castle
- Great for meeting other travelers
- Large kitchen and communal area
The dorms have capsule-style beds, each with a reading light and storage for your belongings. There are also female dorms for any female solo travelers not wanting to mix. Each dorm comes with a bathroom with high-tech facilities.
Private rooms are in a traditional Japanese style. The room options range from twin to double to triple and family rooms, all with a private ensuite bathroom.
3. Hostel Q – Best Cheap Hostel in Osaka
- Dorm (mixed): From $21
- Private Room: From $47
- Address: 2-6-9 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan
Who doesn’t love a cheap hostel? Hostel Q beats out all of Osaka’s other hostels on price, without compromising on quality. It’s a no brainer that it’s the best cheap hostel in Osaka.
My favorite features of Hostel Q have got to be its convenient location (public transport is within walking distance!) and it’s on site bar. You’ll also find a common area perfect for meeting fellow travelers or getting some work done, along with a fully functioning kitchen for all your cheap culinary needs.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- In the heart of Dotonburi
- Welcoming staff
- Unbeatable prices
The broke-backpacker-approved prices are what really make this hostel stand out–you’ll be seriously hard-pressed to find anything cheaper anywhere in Osaka! There’s also free coffee and tea available around the clock, along with takoyaki, a delicious Japanese street food snack.
Choose between female dorms or mixed dorms, or for just a tiny bit more money, you can enjoy the comfort and seclusion of a private room (with a shared bathroom) for what might just be the very best price in Japan!
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Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI4. Backstage Osaka Hostel & Bar – Best Party Hostel in Osaka
- Dorm (mixed): From $19
- Private Room: From $74
- Address: 1-2-20 Kozu, Chuo ku,Osaka, Osaka, Japan
Located within a few minutes from the party district of Osaka, Backstage Osaka Hostel & Bar is one of the best youth hostels in Osaka and a perfect place to have a great time with other travelers.
The bunk beds are super comfortable for a good night’s sleep and the hostel’s bar and café on the ground floor is the best place to make a few friends over a pint of beer. Afterward, take the party to one of the famous bars and clubs located close by or hit a one of the epic festivals in Japan.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- On site bar
- Artsy murals
- Comfy beds
Close to Osaka hotspots like the Castle and Namba, you’ll be right in the center of it all during your stay. You’ll be staying in a 12-bed mixed dorm room, which features wooden accents and memory foam mattresses.
Cozy as can be while still being a crazy party hostel, this is THE place to meet other travelers. Never mind the fact that some of the city’s best drinking spots are all within walking distance!
5. J Hoppers Osaka – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Osaka
- Dorm (mixed): From $20
- Private Room: From $28
- Address: 3-10-12, Shimaya, Konohana-Ku, Osaka, Japan
If you’re traveling to Osaka while living the digital nomad life, then J Hoppers Osaka Universal is the ideal place for you.
Not only is it out of the city center in a quieter location, about a 15-minute walk to Universal Studios Japan, but it’s also conveniently located close to the metro so you can get to all the best places to visit in the city.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Stunning loft-style beds
- Bicycle rentals
- Budget hostel
What makes this the best hostel for digital nomads is the free Wi-Fi throughout the hostel, shared PCs and a workspace in the communal area. Plus there’s a large communal kitchen that has been fitted with a microwave, toaster, coffee maker, rice cooker, cooking utensils, and tableware. I know you know a major way to stick to your travel budget is to cook for yourself so get to it.
And while free breakfast might not be on offer, unlimited coffee and Japanese tea is available to all travelers at J Hoppers Osaka Universal. The high-tech bathrooms include soap and shampoo, so you can save some money on toiletries. You can choose between dorm beds and private rooms. Dorm beds come with large, soft beds complete with personal reading lights, plugs, and curtains for privacy.
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It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Osaka Hostels
In case you didn’t quite find what you were looking for in my top three picks, here are some more great Osaka hostels!
6. Imano Osaka Shinsaibashi Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $28
- Private Room: From $68
- Address: 1-13-28 Kitahorie,Nishi-ku,Osaka, Osaka, Japan
Imano Osaka Shinsaibashi Hostel is just three minutes walk from the Yotsuyabashi Station and nine minutes from the Shinsaibashi Station. This nice hostel is in an epic location, tucked away from the bustling streets of Osaka but not too far from Osaka’s main attractions.
There are laundry facilities at Imano Osaka Shinsaibashi Hostel as well as free wi fi – it’s a prime location to recharge and reset. Book yourself one of their bunk beds and find out for yourself!
The bunk beds at Imano Osaka Shinsaibashi Hostel have an interesting configuration in the private rooms, meaning three friends can fit comfortably into a double room. The dorm rooms also have bunk beds and sleep between six and twelve travellers.
7. &And Hostel Hommachi East
- Dorm (mixed): From $29
- Private Room: From $61
- Address: 2-3-14, Tokiwamachi, Osaka-Shi Chuo-Ku, Osaka, Japan
&And Hostel Hommachi East is a five-minute stroll from Osaka Castle in a high-tech hostel full of luxury amenities and design features. The dorms are large but the pod-style beds make this hostel in Hommachi East feel spacious. Each bed has a light and power outlet and a space for your luggage.
For solo travellers and digital nomads, there is a spacious common area and workspace with an epic view of the city. There’s plenty of opportunity to meet people in the common areas, you can link up and plan to hit the bustling streets together! If you need to rinse and repeat, there are laundry facilities at &And Hostel Hommachi East too.
8. Backpackers Hotel Toyo Osaka
- Private Room: From $55
- Address: 1-3-5, Taishi, Nishinari, Osaka, Japan
In a prime location with staff striving to make you feel at home away from home, Backpackers Hostel Toyo does just that. From doing your laundry in their laundry facilities to the self-catering facilities you’re free to use. There’s free wi fi too so you can stream your heart out when you need to kick back after hitting Osaka’s main attractions.
While there isn’t any free breakfast, step out onto the bustling streets (or hire a bike) and take your pick from the epic options around. Backpackers Hotel Toyo is a nice hostel with private rooms pretty much the price of dorms.
9. Air Osaka Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $24
- Private Room: From $51
- Address: 2-9-19, Kitakagaya, Suminoe-ku, Osaka, Japan
This sweet hostel is perfect for you if you want to experience authentic Japanese culture and character. The staff speak a variety of languages so you’re likely to be able to ask directions or advice in your mother tongue – always a plus! Air Osaka Hostel is in a prime location too, only a minute away krom the nearest metro stop and a 10 minute train ride to Namba centre.
That’s not to say you need to leave the area to enjoy your surroundings though, this Okasa hostel is a couple of blocks back from the water of Osaka Bay. There are galleries and cafes in the area that are really worth exploring, the area is beautiful and slightly off the beaten track. There are supermarkets and convenience stores nearby too if you want to take advantage of the kitchen and cook for yourself.
10. Shin-Osaka Tomato Guest House
- Dorm (mixed): From $15
- Private Room: From $41
- Address: 2-7-4 Nishi Nakajima, Yodogawa ku, Osaka, Japan
One street back from Yodokawa Park and the river, Shin-Osaka Tomato Guest House is in a convinent location and a great budget accommodation option. Just a 10 minute walk from the nearest station, Nakajima Station in north Osaka. While there isn’t a free breakfast, there’s a convenience store down the road and a kitchen for you to use.
11. Roots Hostel
Roots Hostel is one of the best party hostels in Osaka and is highly affordable. For less than $15 you get to enjoy high-speed internet, stay in a comfy bunk, and get a chance to make a lot of new friends. The rooms here are decorated with a clean-cut design, making it easily one of the coolest hostels in Osaka.
With a “’no curfew” policy and its location within a couple of kilometers from the party central of Osaka, Roots Hostel guarantees you a great time. That’s why it’s one of the best overall and one of the best party hostels in Osaka. Make sure you visit one of the legendary Izakaya’s in Okasa, the best place to eat street food.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Osaka
Everyone needs good hostel travel insurance so get yours. No need to stress about surprise events on the road!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About Hostels in Osaka
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Osaka.
What to Pack for your Osaka Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Osaka??
Hostel room price in Osaka ranges from $15-30 USD/night for a dorm room (mixed or female-only). A private room costs $35-90 USD/night. This is more than you’d typically pay in some countries but there are epic vending machines to snack at to help save that cash.
What are the best hostels in Osaka for couples?
The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi is an ideal hostel for couples in Osaka. The rooms are comfy, with private ensuite bathrooms, and a great location in the centre of Osaka.
What are the best hostels in Osaka near the airport?
Backstage Osaka Hostel & Bar, my pick for best party hostel in Osaka, is 18.7 km from Osaka Itami Airport. Talk to these guys when you book for advice on airport transfers.
Final Thoughts on Osaka’s Hostels
That’s the end of my guide to the top hostels in Osaka! I hope my guide helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure. Whatever hostel you book, I am sure you will have an awesome time exploring all the many things to do in Osaka.
If you’re ever unsure, I always suggest going for my overall favorite place to stay in Osaka, Pax Hostel. They offer comfy beds, modern furnishings, a state-of-the-art kitchen, a bar, and communal space to meet other travelers, and even a record shop.
What more could you want? Maybe somewhere a bit more budget friendly? In that case book in at Hostel Q, the best option for saving pennies and still having it all.
Time to get out there and explore Osaka on a budget–plenty of backpacker-friendly accommodation awaits! Wherever you stay, I’m sure you’ll love all of the wacky and wild that osaka has to offer.
If you think I’ve missed anything , hit me up in the comments. I’d love to chat.
Photo: @audyscala
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Japan for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Osaka covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Osaka if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Osaka before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Japan to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
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