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2019
4
November
Is it more convenient to stay in Kyoto or Osaka for easy access to Hiroshima and Nara?
4
November
Question:
Humans say...
Adrian
Hey Laura, I did almost the exact same trip in 2016. I would definitely recommend splitting your time between Kyoto and Osaka, maybe even spending 1 night in Hiroshima? Start from the furthest place and work your way back towards Tokyo. (Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo) Nara is close to both Kyoto and Osaka, so easy to do a day trip out.
Eric
When I went I stayed in Kyoto and did day trips from there. You can get more time in Hiroshima if you take the bullet train.
Melanie
Invest your time in Kyoto if possible. Many wonderful spots as day trips or an over night but Kyoto would be the best home base. Such a magical city.
Ngoc
I went in oct, osaka was my base and i did day trips to hiroshima, kyoto and nara it was great
Ava
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Barbara
Kyoto and Osaka are very close together. If you are hoping to book a hotel, may I suggest you do it ASAP as the Rugby world Cup is on and it is already getting difficult to find hotels during Sept/Oct. we managed to book and a reasonable one in Kyoto last weekend for that time and it wasn’t easy. Have a great time. Oh, and if you are planning on using trains, look into getting them from home as a railcard is cheaper if purchased outside Japan.
Kerop
My wife and I did same cities back in November. We landed in Osaka stayed 2 nights. Took bullet train to Hirosima and stayed overnight in there.we did the histocal site isits first day and went to the island next day. Stayed 4 nights in Kyoto and did a day trip to Nara. Then head out to Tokyo for 5 nights.
My recomendation would be max 2 nights at Osaka. Spend more time in Kyoto. Lots of shrines to visit. We had kobe beef in Kyoto and it is defibetely overrated. Did one night traditional japanese style Ryokan accomodation. You need to reserve your JR seats for bullet train only. Otherwise you will not get the best available time.
If you are planning taking pictures with nobody at the background, you need to be at the sites at 6AM as it gets super crowded.
Fish market in Tokyo has moved to a new place. If you want to watch live tuna actioning, you need to be there latest 5 AM.
We stayed at japanese pod style hotel for two nights just for experiance.
You will have blast in there. Japanese pancake places requires reservation and they only serve 2 to 4 reservation in limited hours. If you want to have that experiance you either need to be there early in the morning to secure your reservation or give up on that dream.
Brooke
I just got back from a Japan trip a month ago. Stay in Kyoto. It's beautiful and not as crazy as osakavegas. Close enough to Osaka for a great day trip, but there is also so much to do outside the city. Kyoto was fantastic and from there you can check out the bamboo forest and the monkey sanctuary. Also Hiroshima is just a train ride away.
Pearlie
From Tokyo international airport, take a train to Kyoto, the old capital of Japan. You should try the Japanese Style Roykan Yuan. Then take a day trip to Hiroshima.and Osaka . While in Tokyo, don't forget to take a bullet rain to Mt.Fuji. Also try the train, the subway and bus and you will realize Toronto and Hamilton is so far behind. You have to have a ticket , otherwise you will never be able to leave the station.
Allan
Osaka is a central rail hub from which you can go anywhere. I stayed in osaka day tripping everywhere. Then stayed in Tokyo for a few days before leaving. Tokyo was my least favourite actually so enjoy the little places and walk as much as you can.
Shaleen
You should try to go for the memorial service in Hiroshima on August 6. It's kind of crazy in town at that time, but the lanterns are so beautiful. Also, we watched a baseball game in Hiroshima when we went in 2016, that was the highlight of the trip!
Patrick
I’ve lived here for three years and I say stay in Osaka, you can get to Nara, Kyoto, and Kobe a lot quicker that way
Cherice
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A.I. says...
Planning Your Kyoto-Osaka Trip: One Base or Two?
Visiting Kyoto and Osaka during your 10-day trip to Japan in August is a fantastic idea! With a JR pass and plans to explore Hiroshima and Nara as well, you'll have plenty to see and experience. The question is, should you stay in one city or split your time between Kyoto and Osaka?
Option 1: Staying in Kyoto
Kyoto is an excellent choice for your base, as it's a cultural hub with numerous temples, shrines, and historical sites. It's also well-connected via public transportation, making it easy to take day trips to Osaka, Nara, and even Hiroshima (with a bit more travel time).
Pros:
- Immerse yourself in the traditional Japanese atmosphere
- Explore Kyoto's rich cultural heritage at your own pace
- Convenient access to Nara and day trips to Osaka
Cons:
- Longer travel time to Hiroshima
- Less time to experience Osaka's vibrant city life
Option 2: Splitting Time Between Kyoto and Osaka
If you want to experience both the traditional charm of Kyoto and the modern energy of Osaka, splitting your time between the two cities could be a great option. This way, you'll get a taste of both worlds and minimize travel time between the cities.
Pros:
- Experience the contrasting atmospheres of Kyoto and Osaka
- Easier access to Hiroshima from Osaka
- Opportunity to explore both cities in-depth
Cons:
- Packing and moving between accommodations can be inconvenient
- Potentially higher accommodation costs for staying in two cities
Recommendation
While both options have their merits, considering your plans to visit Hiroshima and the convenience of the JR pass, I would recommend splitting your time between Kyoto and Osaka.
Here's a suggested itinerary:
- Spend the first 3-4 days in Kyoto, exploring its temples, shrines, and cultural sites. Take a day trip to Nara.
- Spend the remaining 2-3 days in Osaka, immersing yourself in its vibrant food scene, shopping districts, and modern attractions. From Osaka, take a day trip to Hiroshima.
By dividing your time between the two cities, you'll get the best of both worlds and minimize travel time to your desired destinations. Additionally, Osaka's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring nearby areas like Hiroshima.
Whichever option you choose, your trip to Japan promises to be a memorable one, filled with rich cultural experiences, delicious cuisine, and unforgettable adventures!
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Laura
We are going to Japan in August for 10 days, flying in and out of Tokyo. We have about 5-6 days to spend in Kyoto and Osaka. We will have a JR pass and want to do side trips to Hiroshima and Nara. Would it be better to stay in one place (if so, which city) or would it be better to split our time between Kyoto and Osaka and stay in both cities? I’d love to get your suggestions. Thanks for your help!