One night in Osaka
 

Dear Fodorites,
We will be staying one night in Osaka after a 2 week trip in Japan; we'll have 24 hours there before flying out. My question is: what is the best neighborhood to stay in for one night? I'm inclined toward Namba as it seems to be the center of restaurants, shopping, people watching. Even though it sounds loud and over-stimulating (!), we are interested in getting the feel for the city in limited time. I want to be near a train station so we can easily get ourselves to airport the next day.
Also, what would you do with 24 hours in Osaka?
Thanks in advance!

<<what would you do with 24 hours in Osaka>>

Well, you don't have that time. You have your arrival to the end of that evening and then you're going to bugger off for the airport the next day.

Stay near Osaka station because that will (1) get you all the transport options you'll ever need, (2) set you up for your train to the airport the next day.

From your hotel at Osaka station, go to Osaka castle, which is a rebuild that now houses a variety of exhibits regarding the Tokugawa Dynasty and its founding shogun. The Tokugawas ruled Japan from the early 1600s to the 1870s. The Meiji Restoration started after the Meiji Emperor, Mutsuhito, ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne in 1868.

When it starts getting late afternoon or early evening, go to the Umeda building and its observatory deck for views of the city. You can get from Umeda to Namba in about 15 minutes or so by train.

I presume you will be flying out of KIX. You didn't say how you plan to get there - with JR, or Nankai, or bus....

But 3 of the best places to see at night are:

1) Dotonbori - This is a lively place and has some great food for you to try - if you haven't had any yet, try some of the takoyaki (octopus dumplings). From evening the whole area lights up and it is a must see place.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COJ_MeXbeow

2) The Umeda Sky Bldg - This is a 10-15 minute walk from Umeda Station, and offers one of the best night views over the city. Try and get there just before sunset and watch the city change from day to night. There are different views depending on which direction you are facing, and the rooftop view is excellent if the weather cooperates.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb1wuyAGgyQ

3)The Abeno Harukas Bldg - This building is only about 3 years old, and from the 60th floor up gives you a view like you're in outer space. It is completely different from the view from the Umeda Sky Bldg, so if you have the chance, see both. And if you want to enjoy the killer view all night, just a few floors down from the observation floors you can actually get a hotel room - a few hundred bucks, but still way cheaper than what other cities would make you pay for the same view.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AyUZmGbW8g

Thanks for your suggestions and tips. I'm thinking of staying at a hotel next to Kitahama station, sounds like it's midway between Osaka Station and Dotonburi, so we'll have easy access to both. We will probably take JR to airport the next day as I think we'll have a JR train pass. If we don't get a train pass, wouldn't that still be the best way to get to KIX airport?

Namba would work - you can take a Nankai train from there to KIX. It is only ¥920 and 44 minutes. There is also a limited express with reserved seats for ¥1430 abd 36 minutes. That train also has a "Super seat" for an additional ¥210.

Taking Nankai from Namba would save both time and money vs taking JR from Osaka station.

You would have a transfer between Kitahama and KIX.

You could look into the availability of an airport bus that picks up at your hotel or nearby.

I recommend visiting Spa World. It's great.

When will you be in Osaka?

>midway between Osaka Station and Dotonburi, so we'll have easy access to both

I don't know why you care about easy access to Osaka station. Access to Osaka station from Kitahama is not that easy. You'd have to transfer between subway or Keihan to JR.

From Kitahama you can take Keihan Main Line to Kyobashi and then the JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service for KANSAI AIRPORT from Kyobashi. It goes via JR Osaka.

Just want to chime in that while many tried to dissuade us from staying in Osaka, we really enjoyed our time there. Have fun.

Again, thank you for all your suggestions and tips. I guess I'm a bit overwhelmed and confused by all the different transportation options in Osaka. I think I need to study up on the whole system.

I should add that we are arriving in Osaka by train, after hiking the Kumano Kodo trail. We are leaving the next day from KIX. That may make some difference with your transportation suggestions.

Hi mermaid2020, would you mind my asking about what shoes you will be hiking the KKT in? I too will be hiking it after arriving in Osaka May 20th and I'm torn on what type of boots/shoes to bring. I have trail running shoes but not sure if I need actual hiking boots with ankle cover. thx for your post, took some notes for my day in Osaka. JenV

No, it only matters where you are staying Osaka as far as getting to KIX goes. Kitahama subway to Tengachaya then Nankai train to the airport is your best route. Or Namaba to the airport on Nankai. Those are faster and cheaper than using JR. If your JR Pass is still valid then using it is a matter saving ¥1,430 but will likely take longer.

Your original inclination, to stay in Namba, is a good one. You can walk to Dotonbori. It is a transport hub (three train lines and three subways lines) and there is a quick and inexpensive train that goes directly to the airport (the Nankai ones I mentioned above). Am sure you would also have airport bus options.

When are you in Osaka?

Hi Jen,
I'd like to discuss Kumano Kodo more with you, especially since you're going so soon. I've been trying to organize our October trip, with the help of the Kumano Tourism Bureau, but I still have lots of questions. I'll probably just wear trail running shoes, even though I think shoes/light boots w/ankle support are recommended b/c of uneven surface. For the same reason, trekking poles also recommended.
My email address: [email protected]. I'd love to find out how you planned your trip, and ask you a few questions about transportation/lodging.