Kita and Umeda

Kita (Umeda) is the vibrant heart of Osaka – a district full of energy, major transport hubs, business centers, restaurants, and tourist attractions. It’s one of the most convenient areas to stay in the city thanks to its excellent selection of hotels and easy access to everything.

The name Kita literally means “north” in Japanese and, along with Minami (“south”), it represents one of Osaka’s two main downtown areas. Umeda is another name for Kita and includes one of the city’s busiest train stations — a place you’ll likely visit often. The area is only three subway stops south of Shin-Osaka Station on the Midosuji Line. If you arrive from Kyoto by JR or a private railway line, this is your main terminal. The district’s centerpiece is the newly renovated JR Osaka Station, surrounded by massive department stores and major corporate offices.

Kita offers endless restaurants catering to local office workers, along with numerous bars, shops, and hotels. You can also enjoy the greenery of Nakanoshima Park, the HEP Five shopping and entertainment complex, and the stunning Umeda Sky Building.

Things to Do and See

Umeda Sky Building
Located about a 10-minute walk north of JR Osaka Station through an underground passage, this is one of Osaka’s most iconic skyscrapers. Its two connected towers feature the Kuchu Teien Observatory (“Floating Garden Observatory”) on top, offering spectacular panoramic views — especially at sunset. Though newer viewpoints like Abeno Harukas now rival it, the Sky Building remains one of the most romantic spots in the city.

Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
This fascinating museum recreates a full-scale Edo-period merchant street from the 1830s. Visitors can experience what life was like before electricity — from detailed buildings to shops and everyday items. It’s a must-visit for history lovers.

Tenjimbashi-suji Shopping Street
At 2.6 km long, this covered shopping arcade is the longest in Osaka — which says a lot, given the city’s love for shopping streets. It’s a retro paradise of shops, restaurants, and cafes that seems to go on forever.

Kids Plaza Osaka
A massive science and play museum designed for children. The top floor features a hands-on science area, while the main attraction is a three-story play castle where kids can explore while parents relax nearby.

HEP Five
Just a few minutes east of Umeda and JR Osaka Stations, this huge shopping and dining complex is topped by a 106-meter-high Ferris wheel offering breathtaking night views of Osaka.

Nakanoshima Park
About a 15-minute walk south of Umeda/JR Osaka Station, this half-green island in the Yodogawa River is a peaceful spot for a stroll or picnic. It’s home to two major museums — the Museum of Oriental Ceramics and the National Museum of Art, Osaka.

Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
A serene oasis in the Kita district, this shrine is best visited during the spectacular Tenjin Matsuri Festival, one of Japan’s most famous summer festivals.

Where to Stay in Kita/Umeda

Budget Hotels

• Toyoko Inn Osaka Umeda Higashi

Mid-range Hotels

• Imperial Hotel Osaka
• ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka
• Hilton Osaka
• Hotel MyStays Premier Dojima
• Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier
• RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka
• Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda
• The Westin Osaka

Luxury Hotels

• Conrad Osaka
• Hotel Hankyu International
• InterContinental Osaka
• The Ritz-Carlton Osaka

Shopping in Kita and Umeda

Grand Front Osaka
A massive shopping and dining complex just north of JR Osaka Station. It consists of two main buildings filled with top-brand stores and excellent restaurants for every taste.

Osaka Station City
A sprawling shopping and dining area surrounding JR Osaka Station. With countless shops and cafes, it’s a perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon.

Whity Umeda
One of Japan’s largest underground shopping malls, located beneath Osaka and Hankyu Umeda Stations. It’s easy to get lost here — but that’s part of the fun. If you do, just pop up to street level to reorient yourself.

Yodobashi Camera Umeda
Osaka’s main electronics megastore, located on the station’s north side. Great for gadgets, cameras, and SIM cards.

Hankyu Umeda
This top-tier department store above Hankyu Station features excellent restaurants and an impressive food floor — a must for food lovers.

Nightlife in Kita and Umeda

While Minami remains Osaka’s main nightlife district, Kita still offers plenty of great spots for a drink.

Captain Kangaroo
A fun, foreigner-friendly bar in northern Kita-Shinchi — great burgers, beer, and conversation with locals.

Club Piccadilly Umeda Osaka
One of Osaka’s biggest nightclubs, known for its lively events and themed parties — a great place to experience Osaka’s electric nightlife scene.