CHECKinn Osaka Shinimamiya

A vibrant city where adventure and rich culture await travellers from all around the world. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, Osaka is definitely one to add to your list. Coffee lovers, you’ll rediscover your love for caffeine, while foodies can eat their hearts out with all kinds of delicious delicacies. Get dizzy looking up at the futuristic sky-scrapers and explore the underground world of markets within the metro stations.

You’ll find unique hostels in Osaka, even one with a slide! Or, if you are looking for a more traditional experience, then perhaps a hostel that hosts a traditional Japanese tea ceremony every night is more up your alley. Choosing to stay in a Osaka hostel, you’ll find yourself with an array of options from traditional Japanese bedding to the normal bunk-bed dorms. Not to mention the exceptionally clean standard and friendly staff you’ll be greeted with upon arrival.

You’ll find hostels in Osaka located throughout different parts of the city. For those looking to be right in the middle of the action, there are plenty of hostels located in the city centre. Those who enjoy being a bit further out might prefer to stay in areas such as Matsubara, Hirata and Toyonaka. Stay just a few minutes’ walk from Universal Studios Japan, or beside Osaka Castle which is handily close to the main Osaka train station too.

Osaka is much more than just a bustling city. You’ll find yourself with a wide variety of things to do and explore, that cater to a lot of different kinds of backpackers. Craft beer lovers, the Osaka Schochikuza Theatre is for you! While foodies can dive right into all of your food dreams with delicious Japanese dishes. Osaka aka the ‘Kitchen of Japan’ won’t disappoint your taste buds (just keep an open mind). Those seeking culture can visit the Shitennoji – the first Buddhist temple in Japan. A trip to Minoo National Park shouldn’t be missed with stunning picturesque views overlooking a waterfall. Don’t forget to explore Dotonbori too, this road is the centre of Osaka culture.

Despite its size, you’ll be surprised by the number of transport options to get around, making your stay simpler than a non-Japanese speaker would think (apart from the language barrier, of course). Osaka is well connected to Kansai airport, plus numerous other cities, such as Kyoto, that might be of interest to backpackers whilst in Japan. Getting a Kansai Thru Pass will come in handy if you plan on using public transport such as subways, railways and buses throughout the Kansai region. There are also bus services, although it’s important to note that these are more expensive than the subway. Other transport options for getting around include cycle tours, walking and an aqua metropolis aka a water taxi.