First time trip to Japan in late May. I only have 4 full days to split between Osaka and Kyoto and possibly a half day before heading to the airport.
I like the food/shopping/nightlife that I hear about Osaka, but also definately want to visit the sights in Kyoto.
These are the options I’m considering:
* Base in Osaka the whole time, with 2 day trips to Kyoto
* Good for late night food and activities
* Base in Osaka 2 nights, check out early morning, leave luggage in lockers, and rebase in Kyoto for the other 2 nights
* Good for a rounded experience at the cost of having to move hotels
Another option is to base in Kyoto the whole time, but I hear many places close quite early.
What are thoughts on either option? If I were to day trip, what areas should I look for hotels/BnBs?
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My flexible itinerary:
* Kyoto
* Philosopher’s Path
* Hōkan-ji Temple
* Kiyomizu-dera Kitasomon
* Fushimi Inari
* Kyoto
* Osaka Aquarium
* Osaka Castle
* Namba Yasaka Shrine
* Shopping (Nipponbashi Denden, Shinsaibashisuji, etc.)
* Dotonbori
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by Clandestines
1 comment
If you’re interested in Dotonbori, etc. I would rule out staying in Kyoto for the entire time. Osaka is much more lively at night. Dotonbori attracts a lot of people and there’s lots of food options etc.
The only thing to keep in mind with day trips to Kyoto is that it’s quite spread out. So there will be a fair amount of additional travel when you get there. As long as you plan accordingly, and don’t mind longer days, you should be fine with staying just in Osaka.
If you’re planning to day trip, etc. I’d stay fairly close to Osaka station.