Traveling to Kyoto + Osaka + Tokyo for about 9 days end of November with my husband and I have a bit of dilemma. We are flying into ITM directly, and originally the plan was to stay at the Osaka for one night and then the next day go to Kyoto for 2 more nights. However, does it make more sense to just stay in Kyoto the whole time and make an afternoon/night trip to Osaka instead? Pros/cons of each? We don’t want to be inefficient on our trip so suggestions are welcomed!
Option 1:
Day 1- Fly into ITM at 730 am — check into W Osaka — go to Namba to transfer luggage —Osaka castle (not super tied to this) –Dontoburi at night (must do)
Day 2 – Go to Nara directly in the morning — check into Kyoto hotel at night
Day 3 – Continue adventures in Kyoto and then check out day 4 to move over to Tokyo
OR
Option 2:
Day 1- Fly into ITM at 730 am — Go to Kyoto directly and try to check into Royal Sanjo — Nishiki market and Gion at night
Day 2 – Go to Nara directly in the morning — go to Osaka in the afternoon to check out and Dontoburi at night — train back to Kyoto (should I book tickets in advance for this?)
Day 3 – Continue adventures in Kyoto –and then check out day 4 to move over to Tokyo
*Kyoto question: if we go with option2 where can we do luggage transfer services with Yamato? On their website, it seems like Osaka is the only Kansai option available?*
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4 comments
Option 2. You don’t have much time in Kansai and option 1 is just wasting a ton of time moving between hotels. The train between Kyoto and Osaka doesn’t need to be booked and takes less than an hour. Trains general stop running at midnight.
Yamato has a branch in ITM and should be able to deliver to your hotel. You should check but most hotels are happy to receive your stuff. It won’t be same day though, according to the Yamato website, the ITM counter doesn’t have same day delivery. If you’re also looking for delivery from Kyoto to Tokyo, check with your hotel… many hotels have pick up at the hotel itself and will help you with the paperwork, although it may be with a different company.
Kyoto and Osaka are close enough and transport links very good. No need to move hotels.
To get from Kyoto Station to Namba station, the main area in Osaka where Dotonbori Bridge is, it’s about an hour of transit time. If you don’t plan on staying out late past the train schedule, then you can just stay in Kyoto instead of switching hotels.
I’d split if possible, more time to Kyoto