Osaka is Japan's second city in size but in terms of energy, excitement, and cuisine Osaka is on equal footing with Tokyo. And unlike Tokyo, Osaka's most interesting and walkable neighbourhoods are concentrated in a relatively small area in the center of the city. As long as you base yourself relatively close to the center, you virtually can't go wrong when it comes to your surroundings.
Thanks to Osaka's clean and efficient metro, there's no need to base yourself close to any favorite attraction. One can get from one side of the city to another in fifteen or twenty minutes, making a thorough and enjoyable exploration of this fascinating city a simple task regardless of one's choice of accommodation.
For a true immersion in Osaka's unique and dynamic street environment, there's no better choice than Namba. The entire area around one of Osaka's largest metro stations is filled with restaurants of every description, shopping streets, and countless forms of entertainment
Just a few blocks north of Namba is Dotonbori, one of the most frenetic and intense pedestrian areas in the world let alone Japan.
If you aren't planning a long stay in Osaka it may be more convenient to stay in Kita, which is the area around the Osaka railroad station. Many travellers arrive and depart from Osaka Station. Kita is somewhat more upscale than Namba and has a huge conglomeration of malls and food courts as well as sophisticated restaurants and several major museums.
If you're one of those rare travellers to Osaka who prefers peace and quiet, the areas around Osaka Castle in Chuo Ward and the neighbourhoods of Tennoji and Ikuno to the east of the centre are much more residential and sedate.
@zzlangherhans has toured the globe with his family, having visited over 55 countries. He writes about their journeys on his excellent blog - Fledgling Explorers
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