Set at the heart of Japan's Kansai region, Osaka Prefecture is a fascinating part of an enthralling country. Dominated, of course, by the city of Osaka itself, the wider region fuses deep historical roots with a strongly food-focused culture. Many of the best places to stay in Osaka Prefecture are hip urban hotels, but our list also includes some intimate hideaways — as well as luxurious bases in the bustling districts of Umeda and Namba, perfectly poised for exploring the area’s top attractions.
Osaka Prefecture boasts a wealth of intriguing cultural and historic sites, including the stunning 16th-century Osaka Castle, which is particularly impressive during the annual cherry blossom season. Families should make a bee-line for Universal Studios Japan or the expansive Kaiyukan Aquarium. The buzz of Osaka is wonderfully balanced by hikes to magical Minoh Falls, or cycling and trekking through colourful autumnal forests.
Delve into the Osaka Prefecture’s spiritual past at 593 CE-built Shitennoji, one of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples. Venture further afield to the ancient Koyasan mountain complex in neighbouring Wakayama, for a day spent discovering one of Japan's most sacred Buddhist sites. Traditional Japanese hospitality can be experienced at the ryokan inns of Sakai or Kishiwada, where floors are covered in woven tatami matting and guests can sink into classic onsen baths, or in the historic merchant town of Jinaimachi in Izumi. Round off big days of discovery with delicious evenings at some of the best places to stay in Osaka Prefecture — the region’s food is famous for good reason!
