The Kita (キタ, "North") district, also known as Umeda (梅田), is one of Osaka's two main city centers. It is located around the large station complex that comprises Osaka and Umeda stations. Kita's counterpart is Minami (ミナミ, "South") around Namba Station. Besides being Osaka's busiest transportation hub and a bustling business district, Kita also offers an abundance of shopping, dining, lodging and entertainment, including several department stores and an expansive network of underground shopping malls.

The Umeda district has been undergoing a major facelift over the past years, and more improvements are scheduled to happen. JR Osaka Station was transformed from one of Japan's darkest and most cramped into one of the country's most pleasant. Furthermore, the expansive freight rail yard north of the station is being redeveloped into a new, modern city district. A first part of the huge redevelopment project was completed with the opening of the Grand Front Osaka complex in 2013 and the second part, Grand Green Osaka, is currently being opened step-by-step and expected to be completed in 2027.

  • Osaka Station City
    Shops: typically 10:00 to 20:00
    Restaurants: typically 11:00 to 23:00
  • Grand Green Osaka
  • Grand Front Osaka
    Shops: typically 11:00 to 21:00
    Restaurants: typically 11:00 to 23:00
  • Umeda Sky Building
    Observatory Hours: 9:30 to 22:30
    Observatory Admission: 2000 yen
  • Kitte Osaka (JP Tower)
    Shops: 11:00 to 20:00
    Restaurants: typically 11:00 to 23:00
  • Department stores
    Hours: typically 10:00 to 20:00
  • HEP (Hankyu Entertainment Park)
    Hours: 11:00 to 21:00 (Ferris wheel and restaurants until 23:00)
  • Underground shopping
    Hours: typically 10:00 to 22:00
  • Shopping arcades
    Bars and restaurants typically open from 17:00 until after midnight
  • Kitashinchi District
    Kitashinchi comes to life after 18:00
  • Nakazakicho District
    Cafes and shops are open all day, typically from around 11:00

Getting there and around

The Osaka/Umeda station complex is the busiest in western Japan, shared by four different railway companies. It consists of multiple separate stations:

  • Above ground:
    • Osaka Station (Japan Railways; includes some underground tracks)
    • Osaka-Umeda Station (Hankyu Railway)
  • Underground:
    • Osaka-Umeda Station (Hanshin Railway)
    • Umeda Station (Midosuji Subway Line)
    • Nishi-Umeda Station (Yotsubashi Subway Line)
    • Higashi-Umeda Station (Tanimachi Subway Line)

From Shin-Osaka Station

4 minutes, 180 yen by frequently departing JR trains. Alternatively, the Midosuji Subway Line takes 6 minutes and costs 240 yen.

From Namba Station

8 minutes, 240 yen by Midosuji or Yotsubashi subway lines.

How to get to and around Osaka

Hotels around Osaka

Top rated in Kita (Umeda)
Budget:
    • InterContinental Hotel Osaka by IHG
      Luxury
      Only a 5-minute walk from JR Osaka Train Station, InterContinental Osaka is located at the Grand Front Osaka. This 5-star hotel boasts 5 dining options, a 24-hour fitness centre and an indoor swimming pool. Free WiFi is available at the entire property and guests can enjoy refreshing massages during their luxurious stay. Umeda Station on the Midosuji Line is a 7-minute stroll from the hotel. Offering views of Osaka city from the 20th floor, Pierre restaurant serves exquisite contemporary French dishes. All Day Dining serves a buffet with various international dishes, drinks are available at Adee Bar and Lounge. Osaka InterContinental Hotel is a 10-minute drive from Osaka Castle and a 20-minute drive from Universal Studios Japan. Shin Osaka Station and Namba Station are both a 15-minute train ride away. Kansai International Airport is a 60-minute express train ride from JR Osaka Station.
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    • The Ritz-Carlton Osaka
      Luxury
      Featuring a classic European-style decor, The Ritz-Carlton Osaka is conveniently located just a 7-minute walk from JR Osaka Station and a 5-minute walk from Nishi-Umeda Subway Station. This hotel boasts 5 dining options including a Michelin starred French restaurant, as well as a large meeting room. Elegantly decorated, spacious rooms are all located on the 24th floor and above. Rooms feature a stunning view of varying heights. Guests staying in the Club rooms have access to the exclusive Club Lounge. JR Shin Osaka Shinkansen (bullet train) Station is a 3-minute train ride from JR Osaka Station. Lively Namba and Dotonbori area can be reached within a 7-minute subway ride.
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    • Hotel Hankyu International
      Luxury
      Situated in Osaka and with Catholic Osaka Umeda Church reachable within 400 metres, Hotel Hankyu International features concierge services, non-smoking rooms, a restaurant, free WiFi throughout the property and a bar. This 5-star hotel offers an ATM and luggage storage space. The accommodation offers room service, a 24-hour front desk and currency exchange for guests. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. The rooms have a wardrobe. Guests at Hotel Hankyu International can enjoy an American or an Asian breakfast. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Tsunashikiten Shrine Otabisha, Tomishima Shrine and Umeda Station. Itami Airport is 19 km from the property.
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    • Harmonie Embrassee
      Mid-range
      Situated in Osaka, Harmonie Embrassee offers free WiFi access throughout the property. This 4-star accommodation is located just a 3-minute walk from Hankyu Umeda Station and a 10-minute walk from JR Osaka Station. Each spacious room have a modern decor with a wardrobe and flat-screen TV. Guests can find an electric kettle, refrigerator and coffee machine in all rooms. Each bathroom is equipped with a bath and shower. Guests will find bathrobes as well as a hairdryer and free toiletries. Luggage storage service is available for guest's convenience. Trouser press service is available for free. A Full English/Irish breakfast is served daily at the property. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant featuring French cuisine as well as an on-site cafe overlooking a garden terrace and city views. Namba Station is a 17-minute train ride away. Tsutenkaku is a 30-minute walk and train ride away. Shitennoji is 33 minutes away by walk and train from the hotel. Osaka Itami Airport is a 30-minute train ride, while Kansai International Airport is a 70-minute bus ride away from Harmonie Embrassee.
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    • The Westin Osaka
      Luxury
      Featuring an acupuncture salon, 4 dining options and spacious rooms with city views, the Westin Osaka is just 5 minutes from Osaka Station on the free shuttle. Each softly lit, soundproofed room has a pleasant modern decor and features a satellite LCD TV and a minibar. Panoramic windows let in plenty of light and show off the skyline views of Osaka. The marble en suite bathroom has a separate bath and shower stall, and deluxe bath amenities. The Westin is right next to the Umeda Sky Building, with its Floating Garden Observatory. It is a 20-minute taxi ride to Osaka Castle and the Dotonbori shopping area. The on-site fitness centre can be accessed for a fee, and includes a sauna, hot tub, running track and fitness room in addition to the indoor pool. The concierge and 24-hour front desk stand ready to assist you. Decorated in Sukiya style, Japanese restaurant Hanano has individual corners for teppanyaki and tempura. Stunning Ming-style decor and authentic Cantonese specialties are on offer at Imperial Palace. Amadeus serves western cuisine. Blue Bar pours cool cocktails in the evenings.
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    • Hotel Hankyu GRAN RESPIRE OSAKA
      Luxury
      Hotel Hankyu GRAN RESPIRE OSAKA is well located in Osaka, and features a fitness centre, free WiFi and a restaurant. The property is close to several well-known attractions, 400 metres from Lucua Osaka, 600 metres from Herbis Plaza ENT and 800 metres from Herbis Plaza. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage space and currency exchange for guests. Guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a coffee machine, a bidet, free toiletries and a wardrobe. Each room has a private bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer and slippers. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Popular points of interest near Hotel Hankyu GRAN RESPIRE OSAKA include Osaka Station, Osaka Station City and Grand Front Osaka. Itami Airport is 16 km away.
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    • Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda
      Luxury
      Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda is ideally set in the centre of Osaka, and features a fitness centre, free WiFi and a restaurant. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The property is close to popular attractions like Osaka Station City, Jizoji Temple and Octopus Pine. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a wardrobe, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. A buffet breakfast is available at Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Herbis Plaza ENT, Herbis Plaza and Kitanosaurus. Itami Airport is 18 km from the property.
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    • Villa Fontaine Grand Osaka Umeda
      Luxury
      Attractively situated in the Osaka Station, Umeda, Yodoyabashi, Hommachi district of Osaka, Villa Fontaine Grand Osaka Umeda is situated 400 metres from Taiy?-ji Temple, 300 metres from Hokai-ji Temple and 300 metres from Honden-ji Temple. This 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom. The property is 300 metres from Hankyu Men's Osaka, and within 1.1 km of the city centre. All units in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. The rooms in Villa Fontaine Grand Osaka Umeda are fitted with a flat-screen TV and a hairdryer. The accommodation can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area. Popular points of interest near Villa Fontaine Grand Osaka Umeda include Umeda Station, Hosei-ji Temple and E-ma. Itami Airport is 18 km from the property.
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    • Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
      Luxury
      Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA has a fitness centre, garden, a restaurant and bar in Osaka. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The property is 300 metres from Grand Front Osaka, and within 1.3 km of the city centre. A buffet breakfast is available at the hotel. Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA offers a sun terrace. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Knowledge Capital, Lucua Osaka and Umeda Station. Itami Airport is 19 km from the property.
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    • DEL style Osaka Shin Umeda by Daiwa Roynet Hotel
      Luxury
      DEL style Osaka Shin Umeda by Daiwa Roynet Hotel is conveniently located in Osaka, and has a restaurant, free WiFi and a bar. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Osaka Station is less than 1 km from the hotel and Kochiin Temple is a 8-minute walk away. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum, Umeda Sky Building and Kuchu Teien Observatory. Itami Airport is 18 km from the property.
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Osaka Restaurants

Recommended in Osaka
    • Oryori Miyamoto
      Japanese (Kaiseki)
      Awarded Two Stars in 2024 - A renowned kaiseki restaurant that has earned two stars on a prestigious global gourmet site for over 10 consecutive years. While preserving the traditions of Japanese cuisine, the chef窶冱 unique and innovative touch subtly shines through in the dishes, attracting food enthusiasts from all over the world.
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    • Sushiroku
      Sushi
      Awarded One Star in 2024 - A cozy, family-run restaurant managed by a husband and wife. They are deeply committed to perfecting their shari (sushi rice) and use two types of vinegared rice tailored to complement each topping. Since 2019, the restaurant has consistently earned stars.
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    • Kitashinchi Kushikatsu Bon
      Kushikatsu
      A restaurant that elevates Osaka's soul food, kushikatsu, to a luxurious level. Skilled chefs meticulously prepare each skewer using carefully selected premium ingredients such as Chateaubriand and foie gras. The skewers are fried in a custom copper pot using a unique oil blend based on cottonseed oil, enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
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    • OIMATSU Tempura Suzuki
      Tempura
      A renowned tempura restaurant led by a master chef who honed his skills at prestigious establishments, including The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka. Guests can savor exquisite tempura made with premium ingredients such as Japanese Black Wagyu fillet and Chateaubriand. The restaurant features a pristine white-wood counter, with lacquered vermillion trays set before each seat, the vibrant hue adding an elegant and festive touch to the entire space.
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    • Sushidokoro Kurosugi Shinkan
      Sushi
      The branch of the star-awarded Sushidokoro Kurosugi offers a more affordable way to enjoy its exceptional flavors. Ingredients are sourced together with the main restaurant, where they are prepared before being brought to this location to be crafted into dishes.Guests can savor outstanding sushi alongside a wide selection of sake that is always available.
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    • Kassen Iritani
      Japanese (Kaiseki)
      The head chef honed his skills at the star-awarded Naniwaryori Yu and served as the executive chef at the second branch of the equally star-awarded Oimatsu Kitagawa. He showcases his expertise by sourcing the freshest seafood from across Japan, offering dishes such as fresh sashimi and fragrant charcoal-grilled delicacies. The head chef also holds a sommelier certification, providing a wide selection of wines ranging from classic labels to rare finds.
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    • Konoha
      Japanese(Kaiseki), Tempura
      Awarded One Star in 2024 - The head chef, with 16 years of training at a long-established traditional restaurant, expresses the seasonal flavors of each passing season through dishes based on a broth made from premium kombu (kelp). Their signature tempura stands out with a delicate batter enriched with extra egg yolks for a rich and indulgent flavor. The tableware, carefully selected, includes exquisite pieces such as Kutani porcelain and Wajima lacquerware.
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    • Sushi Hoshiyama
      Sushi
      Awarded One Star in 2024 - This restaurant is popular for offering authentic Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi without modern interpretations or creative twists. The head chef trained extensively at a star-awarded sushi restaurant in Osaka before establishing his own place. The restaurant is also highly regarded among fellow sushi chefs, boasting many fans within the industry.
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    • YUNiCO
      Italian
      Awarded One Star in 2024 - Run by a chef who trained for 10 years at RISTORANTE HiRo, operated by the renowned Hiromi Yamada, featured in numerous media outlets. Guests can enjoy the thrill of watching high-quality ingredients, including Kyoto's traditional vegetables and fresh seafood from Awaji, being prepared right before their eyes across the counter.
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    • Sushi Haku
      Sushi
      In an elegant space that perfectly embodies the term "a hidden retreat for adults," guests can savor exquisite sushi. With presentations that delight not only the palate but also the eyes, each visit offers new discoveries and moments of awe. On the second floor, a bar is available where guests can enjoy a relaxing post-meal time with sake or wine.
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Experiences around Osaka

Top rated in Osaka