Osaka & Kyoto – the final word Kansai showdown. On one aspect, you’ve obtained Osaka: the trendy and oh-so-vibrant kitchen of Japan. It’s a metropolis the place neon indicators and the aroma of takoyaki hold the power alive. On the opposite aspect, there’s Kyoto: serene, elegant, and dripping in historical past, with temples, tea homes, and that magical previous Japan attraction.
However right here’s the million-yen query: the place must you keep? And which space specifically? What lodges have we tried? We’ll reply all these on this article, so learn on.
This video will likely be all about resort and hostel areas, and in case you’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 lodges. Redeem your P500 low cost voucher right here! ✅
Which is the higher base: Osaka or Kyoto? It’s really fairly simple to reply, however it’s not clear reduce. The reality is, as in most if not all circumstances, which is healthier is determined by your itinerary. If many of the sights you’re visiting is in Osaka, then keep in Osaka. In case your itinerary is dominated by Kyoto websites, why make it difficult? 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 sights are conveniently close to a station or bus cease. However—and it is a massive 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, one of the best district is determined by 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 possibly 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
In the event you’re on the lookout for a vibrant and high-energy space to remain, Namba and Dotonbori needs to be in your record. 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 avenue, flanked with eating places, meals stalls, and outlets, working parallel the canal of the identical title. 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 title Namba, that are operated by totally different railway firms.
- 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, while 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 positioned right here. It’s a hub, the place you’ll discover buses going to and coming from different prefectures. I normally catch a bus right here when going to Hiroshima or Tottori.
Crimson Roof Inn & Suites Namba
Right here in Namba Space, we tried staying at Crimson Roof Inn & Suites Namba. It’s arduous to categorize this resort when it comes to worth level. Its inexpensive on offpeak weekdays however method too costly on different days. Its most cost-effective 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 bear in mind it being nice, which is nice as a result of I might have remembered if we encountered one thing unhealthy. However what stands out to me probably the most is its location. If you’re staying right here, you’re shut to coach stations and OCAT, and Dotonbori is simply across the block. There are additionally loads 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 simply’ll discover Osaka Station and Umeda Station, two of Osaka’s busiest and most linked practice hubs, which is why it’s typically thought to be town’s beating coronary heart, a minimum of so far as tourism is worried.
In the event you’re staying near Osaka Station or Umeda Station, many of the sights throughout the metropolis will simply be a simple practice experience away. Even in case you plan on visiting Kyoto, Kobe and Nara, it’s additionally excellent as there are direct trains from both of those stations. And in case you’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 excellent 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 greater than in most different elements of town. In actual fact, we’ve by no means actually stayed inside its borders. However we’ve coated First Cabin Hanshin Nishiumeda, which is technically simply outdoors, 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 lodges. At its core, it’s a capsule resort however is completed in a extra refined trend. The interiors are fashionable, modern, and impeccably neat. It’s designed in a method 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 can too keep for just a few hours if that’s all you want.
Lodge Hanshin Osaka
We’ve additionally stayed at Lodge Hanshin Osaka, which can also be outdoors the bounds of Umeda, however nonetheless shut sufficient. That is for these with an even bigger funds and desire a correct relaxation and leisure within the resort room. A room for two friends can go as little as JPY 11,700 (USD 75, PHP 4300).
It takes satisfaction in having pure scorching spring in every room, guaranteeing that you’ve a calming time throughout your keep. In addition 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 heart stage.
Shin-Osaka Station Space
I’m the kind of traveler who doesn’t thoughts making a number of practice transfers UNLESS once I’m carrying heavy baggage. This is the reason I favor 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 traces, too, with one massive distinction. On prime of the common trains, SHIN-Osaka can also be a Shinkansen Station, one thing that the opposite is just not. So in case you plan on visiting different prefectures or cities on a day journey by bullet practice OR in case you intend to take the shinkansen to your subsequent cease, the realm surrounding the Shin-Osaka Station is good.
APA Lodge Shin-Osaka Ekimae
On our final Osaka journey, we stayed on this space, particularly at APA Lodge Shin-Osaka Ekimae. Eki means station in Japanese, and mae means in entrance of. And this resort is absolutely 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 Lodge is likely one of the hottest funds resort chains in Japan, and when staying at any of their branches you may count on 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 have now additionally tried staying at different districts in Osaka, like Tennoji and Nishinari Ward. However it’s been an extended, very long time since and no matter we’ve to say won’t be related in the present day. However our lodges 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 one more factor I wish to talk about.
Kyoto Station Space
We get loads of messages from our viewers and readers asking for recommendation about the place to remain in Osaka, and normally, the very first thing I ask is, “What’s your itinerary?” And plenty of instances, I discover that many of the sights 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 totally separate metropolis and separate prefecture. But when most websites that you simply wish to see are in Kyoto, then why not keep in Kyoto as a substitute. Specifically, the realm surrounding Kyoto Station is a handy alternative.
Kyoto Station, very similar to Osaka Station, is a brilliant well-connected hub, linking Kyoto to different cities and prefectures. And you can too 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 Lodge Kyoto Ekikita
We have now tried staying at APA Lodge 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 Lodge expertise. On offpeak days, a room can go as little as JPY 8400 (PHP 3000, USD 53), good for two friends.
Lodge New Hankyu Kyoto
One other resort we tried is Lodge New Hankyu Kyoto, which is located proper in entrance of Kyoto Station. The room right here is nearly twice the dimensions of APA Lodge however at a better charge, after all. If in case you have an even bigger funds and also you desire a greater room, take into account Lodge New Hankyu.
The worth 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.
Okay’s Home Kyoto Hostel
In the event you’d slightly keep at a hostel, take into account Okay’s Home Kyoto. It’s been years since we final stayed right here, however taking a look at opinions, it looks as if it’s nonetheless a good place to remain. It’s 10 minutes away on foot from Kyoto Station. It’s greatest for backpackers, particularly these touring solo!
They provide dorm beds and personal rooms. However be aware that personal rooms haven’t any ensuite toilet. 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
Lodge MUSUBI KYOTO Karasuma Nanajo
One other place that we’ve tried in Kyoto is Lodge MUSUBI KYOTO Karasuma Nanajo. I do know it’s a mouthful. It’s not likely a resort, however extra like an condominium complicated. I wasn’t positive if we must always embody it right here as a result of after we stayed right here, it operated beneath its earlier title. 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 important keep right here, and that was BEFORE the renovation. The one draw back is, it’s not likely that near Kyoto Station, 12-15 minute-walk away. Gojo Station is nearer, though after we stayed right here, we nonetheless used Kyoto Station more often than not as we actually get pleasure from strolling across the metropolis.
Seek for extra Kyoto Accommodations!
That’s all for now. Keep in mind, plan sensible, journey protected, and make each journey WORTH IT!
