Osaka & Kyoto – the final word Kansai showdown. On one facet, you’ve received Osaka: the fashionable and oh-so-vibrant kitchen of Japan. It’s a metropolis the place neon indicators and the aroma of takoyaki preserve the vitality alive. On the opposite facet, there’s Kyoto: serene, elegant, and dripping in historical past, with temples, tea homes, and that magical previous Japan allure.
However right here’s the million-yen query: the place must you keep? And which space specifically? What motels have we tried? We’ll reply all these on this article, so learn on.
This video will likely be all about resort and hostel places, and for those who’re on the lookout for a spot to remain in Osaka, attempt KLOOK and use our promo code THEPOORTRAVELERKLOOK to attain as much as P300 OFF or TPTKLOOK5 to seize P500 OFF on motels. Redeem your P500 low cost voucher right here! ✅
Which is the higher base: Osaka or Kyoto? It’s really fairly simple to reply, but it surely’s not clear lower. The reality is, as in most if not all circumstances, which is best relies on your itinerary. If a lot of the points of interest you’re visiting is in Osaka, then keep in Osaka. In case your itinerary is dominated by Kyoto websites, why make it sophisticated? Keep in Kyoto.
However after getting picked a metropolis, the higher query is: WHERE IN KYOTO? Or WHERE IN OSAKA?
In concept, so long as you’re close to a practice station, you’re already profitable. Osaka and Kyoto’s public transport sport is top-tier, and most points of interest are conveniently close to a station or bus cease. However—and it is a large however—not all areas are created equal. Some spots are simply far more sensible or thrilling relying in your plans.
And as soon as once more, the perfect district relies on your itinerary. Are you right here to soak in all of the Osaka goodness and nothing else? There’s an space for that. Planning day journeys to locations like Kobe or Nara? Yep, there’s a spot for that. Or perhaps you’re all about that shinkansen life, going to farther locations however staying in Osaka as your base. Guess what? There’s an ideal space for that too.
So what are these areas? Let’s begin with Osaka.
Namba & Dotonbori
Location: Chuo Ward
Should you’re on the lookout for a vibrant and high-energy space to remain, Namba and Dotonbori needs to be in your listing. That is Osaka’s frenetic leisure and procuring district, bursting on the seams with locals and vacationers alike.
Dotonbori is a vacation spot by itself and is commonly included in any Osaka first-timer’s itinerary. It primarily refers to this road, flanked with eating places, meals stalls, and retailers, working parallel the canal of the identical identify. The well-known Shinsaibashi arcade can also be simply across the nook.
Namba can also be a transportation hub. Its map is peppered with practice stations, a few of which have the identify Namba, that are operated by totally different railway corporations.
- Namba Station, which is a part of the Nankai Railway and Osaka Subway community.
- JR Namba Station, which is operated by JR West.
- Osaka Namba Station, which serves Kintetsu and Hanshin trains.
Though on the map, they stand simply subsequent to one another, whenever you’re on the bottom, they are often fairly complicated particularly for vacationers. And they’re 5 to 10 minutes aside on foot.
The Osaka Metropolis Air Terminal (OCAT) can also be situated right here. It’s a hub, the place you’ll discover buses going to and coming from different prefectures. I often catch a bus right here when going to Hiroshima or Tottori.
Pink Roof Inn & Suites Namba
Right here in Namba Space, we tried staying at Pink Roof Inn & Suites Namba. It’s laborious to categorize this resort when it comes to value level. Its reasonably priced on offpeak weekdays however means too costly on different days. Its least expensive room, good for two friends, can go as little as JPY 9000 (PHP3300, USD 60) offpeak, however on peak season weekends, it does go over and JPY 29,000 (PHP 10,600; USD 183.75).
It’s been years since we final stayed right here. I keep in mind it being nice, which is sweet as a result of I might have remembered if we encountered one thing dangerous. However what stands out to me essentially the most is its location. While you’re staying right here, you’re shut to coach stations and OCAT, and Dotonbori is simply across the block. There are additionally a whole lot of eating spots. However there are different cheaper properties across the space.
Umeda & Osaka Station Space
Location: Kita Ward
Kita Ward (or North Ward) is Osaka’s bustling enterprise district with the eye-catching Umeda Sky Constructing and the Hep-5 Ferris Wheel dominating its skyline. However most significantly, it’s right here that you just’ll discover Osaka Station and Umeda Station, two of Osaka’s busiest and most linked practice hubs, which is why it’s typically considered town’s beating coronary heart, at the very least so far as tourism is worried.
Should you’re staying near Osaka Station or Umeda Station, a lot of the points of interest inside the metropolis will simply be a straightforward practice experience away. Even for those who plan on visiting Kyoto, Kobe and Nara, it’s additionally supreme as there are direct trains from both of those stations. And for those who’re on a multi-city journey in Japan and your subsequent cease is Tokyo, you’ll additionally discover buses certain for the capital right here.
We’ve tried taking a Willer Bus when going to Tokyo. Its terminal is good on the base of the Umeda Sky Constructing.
First Cabin Hanshin Nishiumeda
Due to its central location, properties right here within the Umeda space are at all times in demand and the prices are larger than in most different components of town. In actual fact, we have now by no means actually stayed inside its borders. However we have now lined First Cabin Hanshin Nishiumeda, which is technically simply exterior, however you received’t actually really feel it. It’s only a 12 minute stroll from Osaka Station, and a tad longer to Umeda Station. However the closest is Fukushima Station.
First Cabin is a well-liked chain of capsule motels. At its core, it’s a capsule resort however is finished in a extra refined vogue. The interiors are trendy, glossy, and impeccably neat. It’s designed in a means that mimics a luxurious plane, with business-class and first-class capsules. An in a single day keep can go as little as ¥4300 (USD 27, PHP 1585) per particular person in lean season. You may as well keep for just a few hours if that’s all you want.
Resort Hanshin Osaka
We’ve additionally stayed at Resort Hanshin Osaka, which can also be exterior the bounds of Umeda, however nonetheless shut sufficient. That is for these with a much bigger finances and need a correct relaxation and rest within the resort room. A room for two friends can go as little as JPY 11,700 (USD 75, PHP 4300).
It takes delight in having pure scorching spring in every room, making certain that you’ve a soothing time throughout your keep. Additionally they have spa services if you wish to degree up your unwinding. The most effective half, some rooms have an superior view of town, with the Umeda Sky Constructing taking middle stage.
Shin-Osaka Station Space
I’m the kind of traveler who doesn’t thoughts making a number of practice transfers UNLESS after I’m carrying heavy baggage. That is why I choose staying at a resort that’s near a practice station that has a direct line to my subsequent or earlier cease.
Which brings us to Shin-Osaka Station, to not be confused with the beforehand talked about Osaka Station. SHIN means new in Japanese, and this station was constructed a lot later.
Similar to Osaka Station, SHIN-Osaka Station serves numerous practice strains, too, with one large distinction. On high of the common trains, SHIN-Osaka can also be a Shinkansen Station, one thing that the opposite will not be. So for those who plan on visiting different prefectures or cities on a day journey by bullet practice OR for those who intend to take the shinkansen to your subsequent cease, the realm surrounding the Shin-Osaka Station is good.
APA Resort Shin-Osaka Ekimae
On our final Osaka journey, we stayed on this space, particularly at APA Resort Shin-Osaka Ekimae. Eki means station in Japanese, and mae means in entrance of. And this resort is basically near the station, only a small block away.
A room right here can value as little as JPY 9400 (USD 60, PHP 3470) per evening, good for two friends.
APA Resort is without doubt one of the hottest finances resort chains in Japan, and when staying at any of their branches you possibly can anticipate just about the identical. Small, cozy rooms, however squeaky clear and cleverly designed.
The ambiance right here could be very totally different. Not like Namba and Umeda areas, it’s quiet right here, however you’ll discover a number of comfort shops and quick meals eating places across the block.
Different Areas in Osaka
We’ve got additionally tried staying at different districts in Osaka, like Tennoji and Nishinari Ward. But it surely’s been a protracted, very long time since and no matter we have now to say may not be related right now. However our motels then had been all near a practice or subway station and we didn’t run intro any drawback.
Seek for extra Osaka Accommodations!
However there’s yet another factor I wish to focus on.
Kyoto Station Space
We get a whole lot of messages from our viewers and readers asking for recommendation about the place to remain in Osaka, and often, the very first thing I ask is, “What’s your itinerary?” And plenty of occasions, I discover that a lot of the points of interest on their itinerary weren’t in Osaka however in Kyoto. So right here’s one thing to think about too:
To be clear, Kyoto Station is NOT in Osaka, however in Kyoto, a very separate metropolis and separate prefecture. But when most websites that you just wish to see are in Kyoto, then why not keep in Kyoto as an alternative. Specifically, the realm surrounding Kyoto Station is a handy alternative.
Kyoto Station, very like Osaka Station, is a brilliant well-connected hub, linking Kyoto to different cities and prefectures. And you may as well catch each metropolis buses and inter-city buses right here. To not point out the sheer variety of procuring and eating institutions across the space.
APA Resort Kyoto Ekikita
We’ve got tried staying at APA Resort Kyoto Ekikita, which is only a five-minute stroll away from Kyoto Station. It’s compact and budget-friendly and we had a typical APA Resort expertise. On offpeak days, a room can go as little as JPY 8400 (PHP 3000, USD 53), good for two friends.
Resort New Hankyu Kyoto
One other resort we tried is Resort New Hankyu Kyoto, which is located proper in entrance of Kyoto Station. The room right here is nearly twice the dimensions of APA Resort however at a better price, in fact. When you’ve got a much bigger finances and also you need a larger room, contemplate Resort New Hankyu.
The value of a room for 2 right here ranges from JPY 9750 (PHP 3595, USD 62) in offpeak weekday to JPY 36,000 (PHP 13,270, USD 229) in peak season weekend.
Ok’s Home Kyoto Hostel
Should you’d somewhat keep at a hostel, contemplate Ok’s Home Kyoto. It’s been years since we final stayed right here, however evaluations, it looks like it’s nonetheless a good place to remain. It’s 10 minutes away on foot from Kyoto Station. It’s finest for backpackers, particularly these touring solo!
They provide dorm beds and personal rooms. However observe that personal rooms don’t have any ensuite rest room. It’s shared with the remainder of the friends. Listed below are the charges, as of this writing:
- Dorm mattress
JPY 2350 (PHP 863, USD 15)
per particular person - Personal room (good for two pax)
JPY 6485 (PHP 2380, USD 40)
Or JPY 3243 (PHP 1190, USD 20) per particular person
Resort MUSUBI KYOTO Karasuma Nanajo
One other place that we have now tried in Kyoto is Resort MUSUBI KYOTO Karasuma Nanajo. I do know it’s a mouthful. It’s probably not a resort, however extra like an condominium advanced. I wasn’t certain if we should always embrace it right here as a result of once we stayed right here, it operated below its earlier identify. However now, it has been renovated and renamed.
However I’d be remiss if I don’t point out it as a result of we actually had an excellent keep right here, and that was BEFORE the renovation. The one draw back is, it’s probably not that near Kyoto Station, 12-15 minute-walk away. Gojo Station is nearer, though once we stayed right here, we nonetheless used Kyoto Station more often than not as we actually take pleasure in strolling across the metropolis.
Seek for extra Kyoto Accommodations!
That’s all for now. Bear in mind, plan sensible, journey protected, and make each journey WORTH IT!