welcome to osaka

how to get to osaka

KANSAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT is the largest airport in the KANSAI AREA located in OSAKA. It’s inexpensive to fly into Osaka from all parts of Japan vs SHINKANSEN (bullet train) due to the recent price increase of the bullet trains. I do prefer Shinkansen over flying for convenience however it is more financially wise to fly. Shinkansen from SHINAGAWA (Tokyo) to OSAKA STATION is about $120 USD ONE WAY while flights roundtrip is $80-$100 USD roundtrip. Now I do think everyone should take the Shinkansen at least ONCE in their life while in Japan just to experience it all but thats it. It just doesn’t make sense to me financially to spend that much money. You also have the option to purchase the JR Pass for 7 or 14 days and cost for the 7 day is $350 USD. You can use the Shinkansen and any JR Line unlimited within the 7 day period.

If you decide to take the Shinkansen and have the budget, take the GREEN CAR. It’s basically the “first class” although it may not look like it. I prefer this as it’s really empty, more quiet and the air doesn’t feel as stuffy. It’s roughly an extra $30-$40 USD one way for Green Car. If it isn’t in your budget, economy is perfectly fine and comfortable though it usually is more congested with passengers. The economy seat configuration is 3:2 vs Green Car 2:2. Below are sample images from Google for seat configuration.

should I stay in osaka, kyoto or nara?

LOCATION AND HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS

Osaka, Kyoto, Nara. Where should I stay? Although I’m not the biggest fan of extremely busy areas, I think Osaka is best. There is SO much to do in Osaka and Kyoto and Nara can be done easily in a day for the most part. It will be roughly a 45 minute train ride from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station for about $4-$5 USD meanwhile Osaka Station to KINTETSU NARA STATION (towards NARA PARK) is 50 minutes at $5-$6 USD. There’s a ton of street food, places to explore and lots of bars nearby!

As for hotels in Osaka, you should stay near DOTONBORI Street. That’s where all the food, bars and fun is. I would stay a couple blocks away from there that is walking distance or you can stay at a place thats a station or two away. Either way, you’ll want to be near as theres so much food to try there. I’ve included a few hotel req’s but also the Airbnb I stayed at which had 3 bedrooms. A fantastic Airbnb for bigger groups! Don’t forget to click on the photos that are linked (they are labeled) to official hotel websites so you can check rates!

airbnb for a big group

A FEW STATIONS AWAY BUT WORTH THE SPACE

This Airbnb took me by surprise. Large, spacious and within a short distance to Dotonbori, a 10 minute train ride with the station being nearby as well. The first floor has a tatami room with 3 tatami bed mats with a half bath (toilet and sink) steps away. Second floor is the main living room and kitchen area. Has essential kitchen needs such as pots/pans plus cutlery and plates/bowls. There are 2 small couches with a coffee table and tv. The 3rd floor has the last 3 remaining bedrooms with 1 of the bedrooms having 2 twin beds! A great bonus is if you’re renting a car, it comes with a parking spot! Please click the AIRBNB LINK below to see the listing!