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Travelling to Japan for eleven days in May. Stay in Kyoto or Osaka other than Tokyo?
Heading to Japan with my wife for the first time in May. We're having trouble deciding whether to stay in Osaka or Kyoto. We'll stay in Tokyo for about 5 days and then Osaka or Kyoto.
Not interested much in nightlife or partying. But we do enjoy a good cocktail bar and good food. Also planning a day trip to Nara. Any other recommendations about day trips along with any other tips would be appreciated. The amount of places to explore in Japan seem to be endless and I am quite sure we will be planning multiple trips in the future.
But I want this one to be special because it is also our first wedding anniversary. Thanks guys.
I saw your original post and had it saved it up since the last few months. Been telling my wife about how amazing that post was every time we sit down and do some research, so thanks a lot. Thank you for the general tips and recommendations.
The Nestay Inn that you linked is not available around my travel dates unfortunately so will take a look at some other places. My wife wants to stay in Shibuya, Shinjuku or Asakusa. But I am still leaning towards Otsuka. Also I've heard there's been a shortage of Suica cards so looking into alternatives.
If you have an iPhone AND a non visa credit card you can just use the apple wallet suica. Otherwise for android you need a Japanese google account.
I've just come across your reply by chance. Thank you for the general tips ! I’m going to need them in a few months for my first trip to Japan.
Love your recommendations, I am using it as a draft to outline our trip. I notice you don't recommend anything north of Tokyo. Is their a reason or do you have recommendations? We're considering two weeks.
My husband suggests self mummified monks in Sakata if you want to see something Wierd . He recommended the coast on the Sea of Japan. Sendai is a city he recommends with a local specialty of beef tongue. Fireworks in Niigata if you are there then. National parks and onsens. @fastpicket
Also Aomori
If you can go to Hokkaido, do it, it’s a beautiful and unique place, even to the rest of Japan. And that’s in all seasons, although of course it’s known for snow. It’s out of the way though. Has some of the best food in Japan, and that’s saying something.
In terms of like Sendai or Aomori, there’s plenty of cool things to do and see but it’s probably not right for first time Japan visitors.
They're only about half an hour away from each other on the train, so whichever you choose won't exclude the other.
Osaka is great and there's tons to do, but it feels like more of a concrete jungle than Tokyo. Kyoto is more picturesque and has a lot more "old Japan" so might be more appealing to explore if you've already stayed in Tokyo. There's also the option to stay in a traditional townhouse in Kyoto, if you don't need hotel services.
I guess just as a subjective counterpoint to the current top post, I really love Kyoto. I think it just has a charm that Osaka and Tokyo don't. There are a lot of tourists, although I'd note most of them are Japanese - you'll often see throngs of school children, for instance, at the more famous shrines. Doesn't necessarily make it better, but is at least a different experience if you're thinking of a case where the Eiffel Tower has more English than French speaking people around it.
If you just go a bit further you often lose the crowds. For example, Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto, but if you keep going down the path you'll get to a more forested area, with a cemetery and an another little shrine that no one goes to.
Or Otagi Nenbutsu, which could come right out of Princess Mononoke or something, and has just a handful of tourists at any time because it's so off the beaten path.
On the other hand, I found Osaka pretty whatever. It's a slightly wilder and looser Tokyo. The main thing you'll notice is that people stand on the right side of the escalator. Things like Dotonbori are fun, I guess, but it feels like to me just general Asian city fare, nothing I couldn't see in Seoul, or Shanghai or something.
I just like Kyoto. I think it has a uniquely janky Japanese feel to it. It's nice to walk around in.
Thank you for your impressions. I think we'll end up staying in both places for a bit.
You should have waited one year and asked your wife to marry you in Japan. Just like I did ;D Japan is truly a special place to me.
Honestly, if you could go 3 weeks instead of 2 weeks, that would the best duration in my view. 2 weeks is enough to see the major attractions, but I think it is one of those trips where you "run" to see everything, and you don't have time to wind down.
I did around 22 days, and it was the best decision I've done, since I was able to see the major attractions, some extra bonus side trips, and also time to just relax and go to some hip places like a local. I think that was one of the nice feelings I had. It really felt I was living there.
With two weeks only, we need to be pragmatic: I think you only have time to visit Tokyo and Kyoto, and then one side trip from Kyoto (definitely Nara or Himeji castle) and one side trip from Tokyo (definitely Nikkō). If you really want, you can maybe fit Yokohama/Kamakura for one afternoon. But honestly, Kamakura deserves a full day at least.
Regarding Osaka, I wouldn't go there with 2 weeks. I really liked Dotonburi, but Tokyo is more interesting in my view, even though food culture in Osaka is awesome.
For travelling in Japan, the JR Rail Pass used to be a no-brainer, but not any more. They jacked the prices astronomically, so I think you need to investigate exactly what is cheapest at the moment.
Hyperdia was the app for commuting between subways and trains, but it seems it closed down. You need to search what is used now.
Regarding resources, japan-guide is the best website around. I even check it still regularly for the travel blogs / reports. They have everything there, opening hours, prices, etc. Even to read info about Shinkansen, Japan culture, history, types of food, religion, JR passes, all is there, believe me.
Airbnb used to be the way to go, in terms of sleeping. But Japan cracked down hard on Airbnb and I think 70% of the market disappeared overnight. So, maybe hotels are the best options now. Nevertheless, staying at least one night in a Ryokan is really worth it. Just be aware, Kyoto is the worst place for them just because they are more expensive there. (I preferred to try one in Hakone)
Last but not least, get a SIM card (no calls) just for the internet. I would say that is basically mandatory in how helpful it is. eConnect used to be good but maybe a little bit expensive. So, I actually I went with bmobile, it was cheaper, but sometimes I would have some problems with network. But worked fine most of the time. Not sure how much did they improve in these last 8 years (has it been that long???!!! 😫 ). But I there are many other companies for this. I simply chose what friends chose when they went there.
For inspiration and see some cool photos, I can recommend you the website of one of my friends when he went in two different times:
My friend is actually right now posting photos of his third trip on his personal blog mutelife ;) And then, you have my photos in my Flickr if you want to see, I did an album day by day :)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tiagoalexandresilva/albums/
Sorry, I don't have the time to write a fancy comment. You know kids, life ;D
Spring and fall are the most popular for blossoms and momiji, but I love summer in Japan the most. It's extremely hot and humid. The sun in Japan feels much stronger than it does in the US for some reason. But the festivals and fireworks shows are in full swing. Everyone walking around at night in yukata is so magical to me.
Thank you for the advice! We're considering October or November. We live in a place that gets very hot during the summer already so I don't think a hot humid trip really appeals to us, but the festivals at night do sound delightful.
Haha I asked my wife to marry me in Barcelona. I can understand how special Japan must be for you because Barcelona is the same for us. Thank you so much for all the suggestions. I will look through the links over the weekend.
After living in Kyoto a few years and truly falling in love with it like no other place I've been, I think it would be a tragedy to stay in Osaka over Kyoto for your first time in Japan with a limited amount of time. Osaka offers very little that Tokyo doesn't have. Since you are disinterested in night life, there is no problem going to Kyoto and visiting Osaka for a day (or half a day) it's only 45 minutes away. There are parts of Kyoto where tourists concentrate, but if you go to less popular areas there are plenty of quiet and peaceful things to do and see.
If you decide to stay in Kyoto, I don't recommend staying by Kyoto station. Even though you may have a JR Rail pass and Kyoto station is the best place to access JR lines, the station is on the southern edge and there's just not much around it except the most touristy kinds of restaurants. Try to stay north of Gojodori and south of Oikedori to be very centrally located.
Yeah we do enjoy cocktail bars. But I've never been someone who likes to be out post 11-12 am.
So Kyoto might be good for us. Will definitely take a look at the Gojodori area.
My very first post on Tildes was this very same question! Feel free to look through the thread for some ideas
From that thread, I'd honestly say that this tour was probably one of my favorite experiences, the tour guide is fantastic and it's a really nice way to experience drinking with locals.
I really loved Kyoto myself, I stayed there for 2 or 3 days and it definitely didn't feel like enough. I was able to do the major big things like the shrines, bamboo grove, and monkey park, as well as Mt. Fushimi, but I was alone so I got to just kinda do whatever I felt like. I really did like Kyoto a lot though. Osaka honestly I felt like I could have done a day less of, and I was only there for 2 days. I didn't go to Universal there which could have added a day, but it felt like most of what I wanted to do would be covered by being in Tokyo. I'm trying to head back by the end of the year again though so keep us updated on your trip!
Yes I did comb through your post yesterday. Was very helpful. Thanks mate.
We stayed in Kyoto and really enjoyed a day trip to Himeji castle.
I enjoyed Kyoto
My wife was just talking about this place. Will definitely visit. Also do you think Mt Fuji is worth visiting? We're thinking about adding a day in Tokyo so that we can do a day trip to Mt Fuji.
I can't speak to Fuji. I didn't see it.
Japan is great. Have a great time
I haven't been to Osaka to compare but Kyoto is incredible, in a very different way to the vastness of Tokyo. Obviously go up the tower, but that's a given in any city with a tower, I always think. If you go to one place in Kyoto make it Ryoan-ji temple, which was the highlight of my entire trip to Japan. Get there early, as the doors open - it's well worth dragging yourself out of bed for. Probably the most tranquil place I've ever been. Nishiki market is also worth a visit, but I always go to markets (Tsukiji in Toyko good too, but more touristy) because I love a market. There are some lovely gardens and temples around Kyoto, if that's your jam. I have never been much into gardens but Japan does them very, very well and I enjoyed them a great deal.
If you want a very special meal in Kyoto, Kichisen is worth the money - although it is a LOT of money. I'm not sure about how easy it is to book from outside Japan (we had an agency make all our restaurant bookings in advance, some places are a bit funny about taking bookings)
If you can get a table at Salmon and Trout in Tokyo, that's also worth the trip. Sit at the bar.
Adding the links to my list. Kichisen and Salmon and Trout both look amazing, thank you. There seems to be way too much to do overall in Japan. Can already see myself planning another trip here soon.
Alternative take: stay in Kobe. It's a nicer city and you can get to both Osaka and Kyoto very easily. It's a lot more chill and has great food.
Personally I don't recommend staying in Kyoto, but that's just me.
Also, most conbeni food is usually not healthy at all, unless you make a conscious decision to get salad type things, or noodles with basic dressings (not ramen). Most foods are usually high sodium and high calori.
Another recommendation for Kobe. I regret that I only did a day trip there.
I spent 3 weeks in Japan last year and it's been my favorite trip ever.
I have to hold myself back from writing a novel about all the awesome things we saw but I think you're on the right track if you have Nara on your list (feeding the deer in the middle of the city was an absolute highlight!).
If nightlife is not your thing, I'd recommend Kyoto over Osaka. Osaka is good at the extreme sensory-overload type of neon sign aesthetic but Tokyo can provide that as well. Kyoto is temple city. You can soak in "modern" Japan in Akihabara and I found the quiet streets of Kyoto a nice contrast. Try walking a day along the "philosopher's path" and check out the most famous temples and houses with gardens along the way, those gardens are breathtakingly beautiful.
As for other day(ish)-trip recommendations: We spent two days in Hakone where we treated ourselves to a stay in a traditional ryokan. It's expensive but a very beautiful and unique experience. A sliding door to a private garden, an 8 course kaiseki meal, a private onsen. A big surprise for me (since I'm not that big of an art museum guy) was the Hakone Open-Air Museum. It's sculptures placed in a large, hilly area, with a few buildings in-between (including a huge Picasso pavilion). With the mountains in the back, it was really beautiful.
Kyoto has more historical building than Osaka (the old Imperial palace, for starters). If you're more into culture /history than food / shopping, it's something to take into account.
Not that you cannot shop not eat good food in Kyoto though ! Some additional recommendation
Yes I am expecting a lot of rush anywhere we go. Fingers crossed I guess.