I recently spent a week living the digital nomad life in Osaka—and it was incredible!
In this post, I’ll share everything: the guesthouse I stayed at, my work setup, and weekend getaways around the Kansai area.
If you're thinking about using Osaka as your nomad base, this might be just the inspiration you need!
Stay: “Guest House 樂 -Luck-” Was an Unexpected Gem
I stayed at a cozy guesthouse called Guest House 樂 -Luck-, located in the heart of the Namba area.
The biggest surprise? Free, unlimited access to a full-on massage chair!
From the moment I checked in, I was being pampered. By the end of the week, I was so relaxed I could barely move (in the best way possible 😄).
My Work Setup: Chill and a Bit Chaotic (in a Good Way)
I mainly worked from the common area—either at the table or on the couch.
It wasn’t a silent coworking space: there were other travelers and staff chatting, and the environment was almost entirely English-speaking (most people were international).
If you need total quiet to focus, it might not be ideal.
But personally? I loved the vibrant, international vibe. It felt like working from a mini global village.
Prime Location: Walking Distance to Namba & Dotonbori
One of the best parts of staying here was the location.
Being able to walk to Dotonbori and Namba made everyday feel like an adventure.
Need a break? Step outside, take a stroll through downtown Osaka, and soak up the atmosphere. Bliss.
Weekend Getaways Around Kansai
🚗 Awaji Island & Tokushima Day Trip
I hopped in a friend’s car and we headed to Awaji Island and Tokushima. It’s a bit tricky without a car, but the freedom of having wheels was worth it.
Here are some of the highlights:
- Tako Senbei no Sato: All-you-can-eat rice crackers—yep, for free!
- Izumo-an: Famous for its onion dipping noodles. Imagine crushing a whole deep-fried onion into your bowl. Mind-blowing.
- Uzunooka Onarutokyo Memorial Hall: Amazing views + tons of quirky onion-themed souvenirs.
- Ōtsuka Museum of Art (Tokushima): Life-sized reproductions of world-famous masterpieces. It honestly felt like stepping into another country.
- Awaji Island SA – Shirasu Don: A simple rice bowl topped with fresh whitebait, but it was so good. Don’t underestimate Awaji cuisine!
🌸 Kyoto: Cherry Blossoms & Shrines
In Kyoto, I grabbed some local sake and dumplings for just 100 yen at the station, and even tried grilled quail (…photo not included for your peace of mind).
A hike through rows of torii gates was both mystical and soothing—nature and tradition in perfect harmony.
The weather was gorgeous, and walking around felt amazing.
After that, I visited Kiyomizu-dera—my first time since middle school! Cherry blossoms were just starting to bloom, and spring was in the air. 🌸
To wrap up the day, I strolled along the Takase River with a matcha soft serve in hand. Pure bliss.
🦌 Nara: Nostalgia and Deer
Of course, I couldn't skip Nara Park!
I got to hang out with the friendly deer, visit historic temples, and just enjoy the peaceful vibe.
It brought back memories of my school trip days—and the cherry blossoms and sunshine made it a perfect, wholesome day.
Before heading back, I stopped by Mahoroba Daibutsu Pudding for their soft-serve ice cream with honey. Highly recommend it!
A Bit of Sightseeing in Osaka, Too
Naturally, I made time to explore the city I was living in!
- Tried some incredible takoyaki in Dotonbori—4 pieces for just 300 yen. What a find!
- Took a walk around Shinsekai and the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower
→ Totally retro, Showa-era vibes. Snapped some photos while I was there! 📸
Final Thoughts: Osaka is a Nomad’s Dream Base for Kansai Travel
Honestly, this nomad week in Osaka exceeded all expectations.
✅ Major Kansai destinations like Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe are all within an hour by train
✅ Budget-friendly accommodation
✅ Perfect base for short weekend getaways
“Work in Osaka, explore Kansai on the weekend” might just be the ultimate lifestyle.
I’m already thinking about going back in another season! 🍁❄️🌸☀️
