Both Kyoto and Osaka are popular places to visit in Japan. But since they’re only a short train ride from each other, is one better than the other? And if you want to visit both, which one should you stay in?
I’ve visited and stayed in both Osaka and Kyoto quite a few times now, and while I love both cities, they are very different. If you have enough time to visit both, I would recommend doing so. However, it’ll leave us with the question of whether it’s better to stay in Kyoto or Osaka and take day trips from there.
Unfortunately, there is no one correct answer. Whether you should stay in Osaka or Kyoto completely depends on your budget, your preferences and how much time you have in Japan. Either way, this guide will compare the two cities below and advise on what to do in different situations. Hopefully, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision about what city to visit and where to stay.
Kyoto vs Osaka? Let’s find out where you should stay.
Osaka Castle
Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto
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Even though they are located near each other, Kyoto and Osaka are very different cities. As the train between these cities only takes around 30 minutes, it’s possible to book a hotel in one of them and take day trips to the other. That leaves the question of whether you should stay in Osaka or Kyoto.
Choosing between Kyoto and Osaka is a very personal choice because the cities are so different from each other. Further down this article, we’ll go into more detail about the differences and the pros and cons, but here is a quick overview to help you make a choice:
Staying overnight in a city instead of doing a day trip gives you the perfect opportunity to explore some of the most popular sights early in the morning (before the big crowds show up) and experience the evening atmosphere.
Because both cities have so many different things to offer, I would recommend staying a few days in Osaka and a few days in Kyoto. This way, you get to experience the best of both worlds. This is especially true as Osaka has such great nightlife, and staying in Kyoto gives you the chance to see some of the popular sights early enough to avoid the massive crowds.
However, we’re aware that staying in both cities may not be an option for you. If you’re on a tight schedule and want to see as much as possible during your time in Japan, it’s better to pick one city over the other. That way, you won’t waste time between check-out and check-in in new hotels, and you won’t have to drag your suitcase to a new city (using a luggage delivery service like Yamato could help here!).
Some people aren’t the biggest fans of Osaka as they think it’s “just another big city”, but I personally love it! I’ve spent quite a few weeks in Osaka over the years, and the welcoming atmosphere, the cheaper accommodation and the easy access to other cities/towns/areas are a big plus of staying here.
However, if you are visiting Japan for the first time and money isn’t as much of a roadblock, Kyoto may be a better choice. The traditional atmosphere and the option to stay overnight in a traditional ryokan can add a lot of value to your trip. It is worth mentioning that Kyoto has been struggling with overtourism in recent years, so crowds are hard to avoid in the main areas, plus hotel prices have increased a lot.
If you’re planning on taking day trips, Osaka could be a better choice as it’s located closer to popular spots like Nara, Kobe, Himeji, Hiroshima and Koyasan. It’s still possible to visit these from Kyoto, of course, but some extra travel time will have to be accounted for. From Kyoto, it is quicker to get to some other spots, like Uji. So again, it’ll depend on the rest of your itinerary.
Kinkakuji in Kyoto
As I already quickly mentioned above, I personally like staying in Osaka. It may feel a bit like Tokyo, as it’s another big Japanese city, but it’s much more accessible and less overwhelming compared to the capital. The people of Osaka are very friendly, and the street food is amazing! Plus, from Osaka, you can easily make a lot of amazing day trips, which can take longer than coming from Kyoto.
Here are the main pros and cons of staying in Osaka compared to Kyoto.
Dotonbori Osaka at night
Namba Shrine
Dotonbori
We have a full guide on where to stay in Osaka, which includes the best areas and hotels for different budgets and travel styles. For a quick overview, it’s best to either stay in the Namba area (close to Dotonbori, which is great in the evening!) or the Umeda/Kita area (close to the train station, perfect for day-tripping).
My favourite hotel near Namba is The Bridge Hotel. As it’s only a few minutes from Dotonbori on foot, but still in a quiet area, the location is perfect. My favourite thing about staying here was their free ramen event. Every evening, you can get a free bowl of ramen and enjoy it with a beer or sake (also free!). The rooms are also a decent size, which is always a plus in Japan.
Book The Bridge Hotel
Explore Other Osaka Hotels
Kyoto is one of the most popular places to visit in Japan. The beautifully preserved geisha district attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists to the city. I love Kyoto! So much so that I even got married there, but seeing how crowded it has gotten in recent years is alarming. It’s hard not to recommend visiting Kyoto on a first trip to Japan, as it’s such a beautiful place, but overtourism has become a problem here.
Staying in Kyoto can still be a magical experience, especially if you choose a traditional ryokan as your accommodation. Since Kyoto has gotten so busy, it’s best to show up as early as possible to the main highlights, which is much easier when you stay overnight.
Here are the main pros and cons of staying in Kyoto instead of Osaka:
Fushimi inari taisha in Kyoto
Kiyomizudera
Higashiyama
We’ve got a full guide about where to stay in Kyoto. In it, we’ve broken down the best areas in Kyoto along with the best hotels for different budgets.
As a quick overview in this guide, Candeo Kyoto is one of my favourite hotels in the city. We stayed here during our elopement, so it’s got a special place in my heart. The mix of traditional and modern is perfect, and the public baths are a big plus. A more traditional ryokan option is Yasaka Yutone Kyokoyado, which is located in the old geisha district.
If you’re looking for something a bit cheaper, I really enjoyed my stay at En Hotel. Despite being a budget-friendly modern hotel, the rooms are pretty large, and there is a common area where you can relax and bring your own snacks/drinks.
On one of our most recent trips, we also tried Fujiya Ryokan as a budget option for a more traditional stay. It was perfect! Close to the train station, inside a traditional building. The bathrooms are shared, but we didn’t have any issues with it (especially for the price we paid per night, it was very cheap for Kyoto standards!). The futons were already made up for us when we arrived, plus the house cat came to say hi before we went to sleep!
Deciding whether to stay in Osaka or Kyoto is a tough decision and not one with a simple answer. It’s a very personal choice, depending on your preferences, budget and plans. Both cities can be a great choice for different types of travellers.
If you have the option to stay in Kyoto for a few days and stay in Osaka for a few days, I would definitely take that opportunity.
However, if that’s not possible, Osaka is a cheaper, more modern option with lively nightlife, however, there isn’t a lot to do in the city. Kyoto is much more traditional and atmospheric, but it comes with a price tag, and the city quiets down at night.
Whichever city you choose, you’ll be sure to have a great time! You can easily visit both as they’re only a short train ride away. Happy travelling!
I’ve visited and stayed in both Osaka and Kyoto quite a few times now, and while I love both cities, they are very different. If you have enough time to visit both, I would recommend doing so. However, it’ll leave us with the question of whether it’s better to stay in Kyoto or Osaka and take day trips from there.
Unfortunately, there is no one correct answer. Whether you should stay in Osaka or Kyoto completely depends on your budget, your preferences and how much time you have in Japan. Either way, this guide will compare the two cities below and advise on what to do in different situations. Hopefully, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision about what city to visit and where to stay.
Kyoto vs Osaka? Let’s find out where you should stay.
Osaka Castle
Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto
Kyoto vs Osaka – Overview
Even though they are located near each other, Kyoto and Osaka are very different cities. As the train between these cities only takes around 30 minutes, it’s possible to book a hotel in one of them and take day trips to the other. That leaves the question of whether you should stay in Osaka or Kyoto.
Choosing between Kyoto and Osaka is a very personal choice because the cities are so different from each other. Further down this article, we’ll go into more detail about the differences and the pros and cons, but here is a quick overview to help you make a choice:
| Kyoto | Osaka | |
| Atmosphere | Traditional areas, but much more touristy | Modern, fun and friendly |
| Best food | Standard Japanese cuisine | Known for its amazing (street) food |
| Tourist attractions | Lots to see for tourists in Kyoto. You could easily spend 3-4 days here. | Less than in Kyoto, possible to see the highlights in one day |
| Price | More expensive | Often much cheaper |
| Popular day trip options | Possible day trips, but most go through Osaka so it’ll add some time to the journey. It is easier to get to some other spots, like Uji and Kinosaki Onsen. | Quicker access to popular day trips like Kobe, Himeji, Nara, Wakayama, Hiroshima, etc. |
| Accommodation types | Option between regular hotels and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) | Mostly regular hotels |
| Nightlife | Very quiet, but there are still things to do in Kyoto at night. It’ll just be much quieter than in Osaka. | Vibrant, many bars and street food are available in Osaka at night |
Should You Stay in Kyoto or Osaka?
Staying overnight in a city instead of doing a day trip gives you the perfect opportunity to explore some of the most popular sights early in the morning (before the big crowds show up) and experience the evening atmosphere.
Because both cities have so many different things to offer, I would recommend staying a few days in Osaka and a few days in Kyoto. This way, you get to experience the best of both worlds. This is especially true as Osaka has such great nightlife, and staying in Kyoto gives you the chance to see some of the popular sights early enough to avoid the massive crowds.
However, we’re aware that staying in both cities may not be an option for you. If you’re on a tight schedule and want to see as much as possible during your time in Japan, it’s better to pick one city over the other. That way, you won’t waste time between check-out and check-in in new hotels, and you won’t have to drag your suitcase to a new city (using a luggage delivery service like Yamato could help here!).
Some people aren’t the biggest fans of Osaka as they think it’s “just another big city”, but I personally love it! I’ve spent quite a few weeks in Osaka over the years, and the welcoming atmosphere, the cheaper accommodation and the easy access to other cities/towns/areas are a big plus of staying here.
However, if you are visiting Japan for the first time and money isn’t as much of a roadblock, Kyoto may be a better choice. The traditional atmosphere and the option to stay overnight in a traditional ryokan can add a lot of value to your trip. It is worth mentioning that Kyoto has been struggling with overtourism in recent years, so crowds are hard to avoid in the main areas, plus hotel prices have increased a lot.
If you’re planning on taking day trips, Osaka could be a better choice as it’s located closer to popular spots like Nara, Kobe, Himeji, Hiroshima and Koyasan. It’s still possible to visit these from Kyoto, of course, but some extra travel time will have to be accounted for. From Kyoto, it is quicker to get to some other spots, like Uji. So again, it’ll depend on the rest of your itinerary.
Kinkakuji in Kyoto
Pros and Cons of Staying in Osaka
As I already quickly mentioned above, I personally like staying in Osaka. It may feel a bit like Tokyo, as it’s another big Japanese city, but it’s much more accessible and less overwhelming compared to the capital. The people of Osaka are very friendly, and the street food is amazing! Plus, from Osaka, you can easily make a lot of amazing day trips, which can take longer than coming from Kyoto.
Here are the main pros and cons of staying in Osaka compared to Kyoto.
Pros of Staying in Osaka
- Overall, accommodation is much cheaper in Osaka.
- Osaka lights up at night, and the nightlife is amazing. There are countless bars and street food vendors to visit at night, giving you a whole new experience in Japan.
- Also known as the “nation’s kitchen”, Osaka is THE place for foodies in Japan. You can find the best food and drinks here and it doesn’t have to be expensive.
- People from Osaka are known to be very friendly and much more approachable than in other cities in Japan.
- Depending on what your plans are in Japan, many popular day trips in the Kansai Area are easier to reach from Osaka.
- If you’re planning on visiting Universal Studios Japan, staying overnight in Osaka allows you to get to the park bright and early.
Cons of Staying in Osaka
- There aren’t as many tourist attractions in Osaka. One or two days may be enough to see all the main sights. Kyoto has a lot more and also has a much more traditional atmosphere, which is something many tourists appreciate.
- It’ll be tough to avoid crowds at popular places in Kyoto, as you can’t get there super early. Even though the train doesn’t take too long, to avoid crowds at places such as Fushimi Inari Taisha, you want to get there around 6–7 am.
- Most hotels in Osaka are regular modern hotels. If you want to stay in a traditional ryokan, you won’t be able to find many here. Kyoto has lots more available.
Dotonbori Osaka at night
Namba Shrine
Dotonbori
Best Hotels in Osaka
We have a full guide on where to stay in Osaka, which includes the best areas and hotels for different budgets and travel styles. For a quick overview, it’s best to either stay in the Namba area (close to Dotonbori, which is great in the evening!) or the Umeda/Kita area (close to the train station, perfect for day-tripping).
My favourite hotel near Namba is The Bridge Hotel. As it’s only a few minutes from Dotonbori on foot, but still in a quiet area, the location is perfect. My favourite thing about staying here was their free ramen event. Every evening, you can get a free bowl of ramen and enjoy it with a beer or sake (also free!). The rooms are also a decent size, which is always a plus in Japan.
Book The Bridge Hotel
Explore Other Osaka Hotels
Pros and Cons of Staying in Kyoto
Kyoto is one of the most popular places to visit in Japan. The beautifully preserved geisha district attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists to the city. I love Kyoto! So much so that I even got married there, but seeing how crowded it has gotten in recent years is alarming. It’s hard not to recommend visiting Kyoto on a first trip to Japan, as it’s such a beautiful place, but overtourism has become a problem here.
Staying in Kyoto can still be a magical experience, especially if you choose a traditional ryokan as your accommodation. Since Kyoto has gotten so busy, it’s best to show up as early as possible to the main highlights, which is much easier when you stay overnight.
Here are the main pros and cons of staying in Kyoto instead of Osaka:
Pros of Staying in Kyoto
- There is a lot to do in Kyoto, so if you’re planning to visit Kyoto for a couple of days (or more), staying in Kyoto makes it much easier for you to go about your day. This way, you don’t have to constantly travel to Kyoto for multiple day trips. You can take a day trip to Osaka, where the main sights can easily be seen in one day.
- Kyoto is one of the best places to stay in a traditional ryokan. Staying in a traditional inn can add a lot to your time in Japan, and something I highly recommend!
- If you stay in Kyoto, you can get to the most popular sights early to avoid the crowds. Places like Fushimi Inari and the Geisha Districts get very crowded during the day and it’s hard to visit early if you’re staying in Osaka.
Cons of Staying in Kyoto
- Because Kyoto is so popular with tourists, accommodation is more expensive than in Osaka. If you’re on a budget, staying in Osaka may be a better option.
- Kyoto has become incredibly crowded in recent years. Overtourism has caused a lot of struggles in the city, which can impact your own trip negatively.
- Even though Kyoto gets busy during the day, the nightlife is pretty non-existent. However, there are still some great things to do in Kyoto at night.
Fushimi inari taisha in Kyoto
Kiyomizudera
Higashiyama
Best Hotels in Kyoto
We’ve got a full guide about where to stay in Kyoto. In it, we’ve broken down the best areas in Kyoto along with the best hotels for different budgets.
As a quick overview in this guide, Candeo Kyoto is one of my favourite hotels in the city. We stayed here during our elopement, so it’s got a special place in my heart. The mix of traditional and modern is perfect, and the public baths are a big plus. A more traditional ryokan option is Yasaka Yutone Kyokoyado, which is located in the old geisha district.
If you’re looking for something a bit cheaper, I really enjoyed my stay at En Hotel. Despite being a budget-friendly modern hotel, the rooms are pretty large, and there is a common area where you can relax and bring your own snacks/drinks.
On one of our most recent trips, we also tried Fujiya Ryokan as a budget option for a more traditional stay. It was perfect! Close to the train station, inside a traditional building. The bathrooms are shared, but we didn’t have any issues with it (especially for the price we paid per night, it was very cheap for Kyoto standards!). The futons were already made up for us when we arrived, plus the house cat came to say hi before we went to sleep!
Osaka or Kyoto – Conclusion
Deciding whether to stay in Osaka or Kyoto is a tough decision and not one with a simple answer. It’s a very personal choice, depending on your preferences, budget and plans. Both cities can be a great choice for different types of travellers.
If you have the option to stay in Kyoto for a few days and stay in Osaka for a few days, I would definitely take that opportunity.
However, if that’s not possible, Osaka is a cheaper, more modern option with lively nightlife, however, there isn’t a lot to do in the city. Kyoto is much more traditional and atmospheric, but it comes with a price tag, and the city quiets down at night.
Whichever city you choose, you’ll be sure to have a great time! You can easily visit both as they’re only a short train ride away. Happy travelling!