Lots of those that journey to Japan for the primary time go to Osaka. It serves as the first gateway to Kansai Area and it has lots to supply to vacationers. Together with that, vacationers additionally usually go to Kyoto on the identical journey since it’s Osaka’s neighboring metropolis. These two neighboring cities make for a really colourful Japan journey.
Osaka has a vibrant and trendy vibe. It’s identified for its avenue markets, leisure districts, and a haven for meals lovers. In the meantime, Kyoto transports vacationers to a extra old style world that showcases Japan’s heritage. You possibly can discover historic temples, go to conventional teahouses, and spend time in beautiful gardens. With a mix of outdated and new, these two locations will certainly offer you an unforgettable journey.
And in case you’re planning a visit to Osaka and Kyoto, we’ll share with you frequent errors vacationers commit so you possibly can keep away from them. We even have a separate article the place we record down the journey planning dos and don’ts and social fake pas or issues which are thought-about impolite and disrespectful in Japan.
Osaka & Kyoto Journey Errors
1. Dangerous Timing and Large Crowds
Kansai area is undoubtedly one in all Japan’s hottest locations, and it’s no shock that lots of its iconic websites get actually crowded, particularly on weekends and through peak seasons. In the event you’re visiting well-known spots in Osaka and Kyoto like Osaka Fort, Common Studios Japan, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Higashiyama, and Kiyomizu-dera, you possibly can count on massive crowds in case you don’t plan forward.
The trick to beating the crowds is straightforward: stand up early! The sooner you arrive, the less individuals you’ll encounter. Because the day goes on, extra guests flood the sights. So, if you wish to bag that good Instagram shot with out photobombers, set your alarm and get there earlier than everybody else.
That mentioned, it’s additionally vital to keep in mind that most guests have a tendency to stay to particular areas of those websites. For instance, at Fushimi Inari Shrine and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, crowds collect close to the doorway, however in case you stroll additional into the positioning, it’s a lot quieter. At Osaka Fort, there are hidden spots that many overlook, making for good photograph alternatives with out the crowds.
Common Studios Japan is infamous for being packed, with lengthy wait occasions, particularly on weekends. However do you know that college subject journeys are usually scheduled on Mondays and Tuesdays? So, in case you can keep away from these days, attempt to go to on a Wednesday or Thursday for a extra relaxed expertise. In the event you can’t assist however go to on these peak days, attempt to get there early and hit the Harry Potter sights first, as these are likely to have the longest traces.
Nonetheless, not each crowded spot is a dealbreaker. For locations like Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, we really benefit from the vitality that comes with a little bit of crowd. The festive vibe provides to the appeal of those bustling districts, so don’t stress if there are individuals round — simply soak all of it in and benefit from the full of life environment!
2. Dismissing Osaka Superb Go
In the event you’re visiting Osaka for the primary time, the Osaka Superb Go is an absolute must-have! This all-inclusive sightseeing go is available in 1-day and 2-day variations, and it’s filled with worth. Notice: In the event you go for the 2-day go, hold it thoughts that it must be used on two consecutive days.
With the Osaka Superb Go, you’ll get limitless entry to the subway, tramway, and bus methods in Osaka, which is ideal for exploring town with out worrying about transport prices. However what makes this go much more value it’s the free entry to many main sights, together with the long-lasting Osaka Fort Foremost Tower, the Umeda Constructing’s Floating Backyard Observatory, HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel, Tombori River Cruise, Dotonbori Tour, and extra.
The 1-day go prices round JPY 3500 (P1333), whereas the 2-day model is priced at JPY 5000 (P1905). It’s an excellent deal, particularly when you think about that simply the ticket for the Umeda Sky Constructing Observatory alone is JPY 2000, and the Tombori River Cruise prices JPY 1500. The Osaka Fort Museum additionally prices JPY 600. In the event you plan on visiting these three sights, you’d be spending JPY 4100! However with the Osaka Superb Go, you get all of that plus limitless transportation, making it a significant bang in your buck.
You may get the Osaka Superb Go right here!
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3. Utilizing the Flawed Go
Except for the Osaka Superb Go, the Kansai Area presents a number of different vacationer passes, every catering to totally different journey wants. One of the best go for you actually will depend on your itinerary, so let’s break it down a bit. Every go has its nuances, so it’s vital to decide on one which matches your journey plans.
In the event you’re primarily staying inside Osaka Metropolis, the Osaka Superb Go is your finest wager. However in case you’re exploring past town, including different passes just like the JR West Kansai or Kansai WIDE Go may make it easier to maximize your time and finances. For a clearer image, consult with the desk under to see which go suits finest along with your itinerary.
In the event you’re solely planning to discover the Kansai Area, which incorporates cities like Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and extra, the JR West Kansai Space Go is a good possibility. It is available in 1 to 4-day variations, however take into account that the utilization days should be consecutive. This go is ideal if many of the locations you wish to go to are close to JR stations, because it solely works on JR Traces.
Nonetheless, in case your goal locations are largely alongside non-JR traces equivalent to Hankyu, Hanshin, Kintetsu, or Keihan, the Kansai Railway Go (previously often called the Kansai Through Go) is the higher selection. It covers nearly the identical areas because the JR go, however the main benefit is that you simply don’t need to apply it to consecutive days, making it extra versatile in your itinerary.
In the event you’re planning a day journey or a two-day go to to Kyoto from Osaka, the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Go is an effective selection. It really works on Keihan Traces, which join Osaka and Kyoto. The draw back is that there’s no Keihan station close to Arashiyama, so that you’d want to purchase a separate ticket to achieve that space. Nonetheless, with this go, you possibly can simply go to Gion District and Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Now, if Arashiyama is a must-visit for you and also you’re coming from Osaka, then the Hankyu-Hanshin One-Day Go is the higher possibility. This go additionally works for touring to Kobe, making it a handy selection in case you’re planning to go to each cities in in the future. Nonetheless, in case your itinerary consists of Okayama, Tottori, and even Takamatsu, then you definately’ll want the JR West Kansai Broad Space Go (emphasis on WIDE), which covers a wider space.
There are many different passes out there, and we now have a separate article the place we talk about them in additional element. The passes are undoubtedly value it, however since every one has its limitations, it’s uncommon to discover a single go that covers each attraction in your itinerary. With this in thoughts, don’t let the passes dictate your journey. If there’s a spot that you simply actually wish to go to however isn’t coated by your go, simply purchase a separate ticket. In spite of everything, you’re already in Japan, so take advantage of your journey and go wherever your coronary heart takes you!
4. Complicated Practice Stations
Many prepare stations in Osaka have similar-sounding names however are operated by totally different railway corporations and serve various kinds of trains. This may be actually complicated, particularly while you’re in a rush or navigating via crowded areas.
Take Namba, for instance. There are three essential stations right here:
- Namba Station: served by Nankai Railway and Osaka Subway
- JR Namba Station: operated by JR West
- Osaka Namba Station: serviced by Kintetsu and Hanshin Railways
On a map, these stations appear to be proper subsequent to one another, however in actuality, they’re fairly far aside. Strolling from one to a different takes time, and in case you’re in a rush and go to the unsuitable station, you would possibly miss your prepare.
One other frequent mix-up occurs between Osaka Station and Shin-Osaka Station. Regardless of their related names, these are two utterly totally different stations, they usually’re not shut to one another. The important thing distinction? Shin-Osaka Station serves Shinkansen or bullet prepare, whereas Osaka Station doesn’t. The phrase “shin” means “new” in Japanese, and on this case, Shin-Osaka is the newer station.
When you’ve got a bullet prepare to catch, ensure that to go to Shin-Osaka Station. And when you’re there, keep in mind that the Shinkansen has its personal separate entrance, so verify the indicators rigorously and enter the proper gate.
5. Sticking to Trains and Taxis
Osaka and Kyoto have intensive prepare networks, and most sights are simply accessible by prepare. Nonetheless, not all websites have prepare stations close by. In Kyoto particularly, a number of the most vital landmarks are finest accessed by bus reasonably than by prepare.
Two UNESCO World Heritage Websites in Kyoto are removed from prepare stations. The primary is the Golden Pavilion or Kinkaku-ji Temple, which isn’t alongside any main prepare line. One of the simplest ways to achieve it from Kyoto Station is by taking Bus #205 from the B3 bus terminal in entrance of the station. REMINDER! Simply watch out to not board the RAPID 205 bus, because it doesn’t cease close to the temple.
One other main web site that’s removed from the prepare traces is Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The closest prepare station, Kiyomizu-Gojo Station (Keihan Line), is a 25-minute stroll away. In the event you’d reasonably minimize that point in half, take a bus as an alternative. The closest bus cease, Gojozaka, is just a 12-minute stroll from the temple. When you nonetheless need to stroll uphill, it’s a lot shorter than coming from the prepare station. Plus, the Higashiyama district alongside the way in which has a number of sights to take pleasure in. In the event you’re coming from Kyoto Station, take Bus #206 or Bus #86 to achieve Gojozaka.
Utilizing Kyoto’s metropolis buses is sort of easy. Most buses have two doorways: one on the entrance, close to the motive force and one other on the again or center. Usually, you board via the rear door. Most buses cost a flat fare, so that you don’t have to faucet your IC card or take a ticket when boarding. Whenever you’re able to get off, exit via the entrance door, the place you’ll pay utilizing an IC card or money. Notice: In the event you select to pay in money, ensure that to have the precise quantity, as no change is given.
If the bus has just one door, all the time let passengers exit first earlier than you board.
As for taxis, we haven’t tried taking one in Osaka or Kyoto as a result of they’re costly. The one factor we are able to let you know is that the doorways open mechanically, which is fairly cool!
6. Staying within the Flawed Space
Osaka and Kyoto provide many nice districts for vacationers, and basically, so long as your lodging is close to a prepare station within the metropolis middle, you’ll be wonderful. The prepare system right here is intensive and dependable, making it simple to get round. Nonetheless, every district has its personal professionals and cons, so selecting the best space will depend on your journey plans.
As talked about earlier, Osaka is the standard base for vacationers exploring the area. Listed below are the favored areas:
Kita Ward
Kita Ward (North Ward) is a best choice for vacationers. This district is house to Osaka Station and Umeda Station, two of the busiest and most well-connected stations within the area. Many contemplate this space the guts of Osaka, particularly by way of transportation and procuring. In the event you plan to go to Kyoto, Kobe, or Nara, staying in Kita Ward is good as a result of these locations are simply accessible from right here. Plus, long-distance buses to Tokyo additionally depart from this space. The draw back? Inns right here are usually costlier as a result of prime location. Nonetheless, in case you discover the interior components of the district, you possibly can nonetheless discover some inexpensive lodging.
If you’re planning to remain on this space, listed below are a number of the top-rated properties based on on-line consumer evaluations.
Minami Ward
One other unbelievable space is Minami Ward (South Ward), which incorporates Namba and Dotonbori, two of essentially the most vibrant and tourist-friendly areas in Osaka. If you wish to be near Dotonbori’s neon lights, avenue meals, and nightlife, guide a resort on this space. Minami Ward can also be a transportation hub, with a number of prepare stations and the Osaka Metropolis Air Terminal (OCAT), the place you possibly can catch buses to different prefectures like Tottori or Hiroshima.
If you’re planning to remain on this space, listed below are a number of the top-rated properties based on on-line consumer evaluations.
Close to Shin-Osaka Station
In the event you plan to take the Shinkansen or bullet prepare a number of occasions and use Osaka as your base, staying close to Shin-Osaka Station is a brilliant selection. On a latest journey, we stayed at APA Resort, simply a few blocks from Shin-Osaka Station, and had an excellent expertise. The world is quiet, however there are many comfort shops or konbini and fast-food eating places close by, making it a sensible possibility for vacationers.
If you’re planning to remain on this space, listed below are a number of the top-rated properties based on on-line consumer evaluations.
Seek for extra Osaka Inns!
7. Standing on the Left on the Escalator
In Japan, there’s an unwritten rule on the subject of utilizing escalators, and it differs by area. In most components of Japan, together with Tokyo, individuals stand on the left aspect, leaving the proper aspect open for many who wish to stroll or overtake. Nonetheless, in Kansai Area, it’s the alternative — individuals stand on the RIGHT aspect, and those that wish to stroll or overtake use the left.
The origin of this regional distinction is unsure, however one principle means that it dates again to the Osaka Expo in 1970. In response to an article from nikkei.com, organizers adopted the worldwide customary of standing on the proper for escalator etiquette, and the follow has continued in Kansai ever since. Whereas some query whether or not that is the true purpose, what’s vital is that in most of Kansai area, individuals typically stand on the proper when utilizing an escalator.
Nonetheless, Kyoto is one notable exception. In contrast to the remainder of Kansai, locals in Kyoto want to face on the LEFT, like in Tokyo. However in actuality, escalator etiquette in Kyoto Station could be complicated as a result of some individuals stand on the left whereas others stand on the proper. This could be as a result of massive variety of vacationers from totally different areas, resulting in combined practices.
To keep away from making errors, the very best method is to look at the individuals round you while you step onto an escalator. The aim of this etiquette is to maintain one aspect open for many who have to stroll or are in a rush. So, if everyone seems to be standing on the proper, do the identical. In the event that they’re standing on the left, observe go well with. This fashion, you possibly can mix in seamlessly and keep away from blocking people who find themselves speeding.
8. Not Exploring Wider and Additional
We’ve talked about earlier that almost all vacationers are likely to flock to a selected spot of a web site. For instance, in Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, a variety of guests keep close to the doorway and don’t enterprise farther in. However there’s a lot extra to Arashiyama than simply its well-known bamboo grove.
Proper subsequent to the bamboo forest is Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. And but, each time we go to, we discover that whereas the bamboo grove is packed, the temple itself stays comparatively quiet. It’s an excellent place to take pleasure in some peace, however on the identical time, we are able to’t assist however suppose that many vacationers are lacking out on seeing this vital historic web site.
Past the temple, Arashiyama has much more to supply. The Togetsukyo Bridge is a scenic landmark value visiting, whereas Nonomiya Shrine and Horinji Temple provide extra cultural experiences. You can too embark on a yakatabune boat tour, which takes you on a serene journey down the Oi River. The views are breathtaking, particularly throughout autumn, when the foliage is in full show. In the event you’re fortunate, you would possibly even see a paddling of geese gliding throughout the water. The tour prices round JPY 4000 for 2 individuals, with an extra JPY 1000 per further individual, which could really feel a bit expensive, however the expertise is effectively value it.
Equally, in case you go to Osaka Fort, many guests solely keep exterior to take photographs. Whereas that’s not essentially a mistake, getting into the citadel is extremely really helpful. Inside, you’ll discover displays showcasing Osaka’s wealthy historical past, and it offers you a deeper appreciation of the landmark past simply its beautiful exterior. The doorway charge is JPY 600, however when you have the Osaka Superb Go, entry is FREE.
And when you have extra time and finances, don’t restrict your self to simply Osaka and Kyoto — particularly if it’s not your first time visiting. These cities are unbelievable, however in addition they function jump-off factors to different superb locations. Take into account exploring Kobe, Himeji, Nara, Wakayama, Shiga, and Mie. In the event you’ve been to Osaka a number of occasions, making an attempt out these less-visited cities offers you a contemporary perspective on Kansai’s various magnificence.
9. Limiting Your Meals Choices to Konbini and Quick Meals
Japan is a type of nations the place comfort shops and supermarkets provide an abundance of scrumptious and inexpensive meals. You’ll discover pre-cooked meals that aren’t solely budget-friendly but additionally surprisingly tasty. Nonetheless, whereas it’s tempting to depend on these choices, it’s vital to discover a stability between grocery retailer meals and eating at native eating places. In spite of everything, Osaka is taken into account “Japan’s Kitchen“, and Kyoto boasts a powerful variety of Michelin-starred eating places.
Exploring Japan’s meals scene doesn’t need to be sophisticated. Generally, all it takes is opening your Google Maps app to find a unbelievable native restaurant close to your resort. This fashion, you possibly can totally recognize Japan’s wealthy meals tradition. In the event you’ve had your fill of ramen, strive switching issues up with a bowl of udon or soba. And whereas takoyaki is a must-try Osaka avenue meals, don’t cease there. Step into an okonomiyaki restaurant to expertise why it’s an Osaka icon and learn the way Kyoto’s betayaki and negiyaki differ from Osaka’s model.
In the event you’re on the lookout for a extremely really helpful meals spot, head to Endo Sushi close to the port. It was the primary sushi bar we ever visited in Japan, and even after a number of journeys, we nonetheless can’t overlook it. In reality, we make it a degree to go to nearly each time we’re in Osaka.
10. Underestimating the Climate
We’ve explored the Kansai Area in all 4 seasons, and the distinction is stark. We’ve skilled getting all sweaty in the summertime and have felt the biting chilly of winter, particularly when venturing past Osaka.
In the event you’re visiting throughout summer time, significantly in July or August, put on gentle, breathable clothes to remain snug, particularly in case you plan on exploring the outside. The warmth and humidity could be intense, so dressing appropriately will make it easier to take pleasure in your journey with out feeling overwhelmed by the climate.
For a winter journey, correct outerwear is important, particularly in case you plan on climbing or snowboarding. There are various sorts of jackets, and the very best one will depend on your chilly tolerance and luxury degree. When you’ve got a excessive tolerance for the chilly, chances are you’ll not want too many layers. Nonetheless, in case you’re somebody who will get chilly even from air-con, count on that you simply would possibly want a puffer jacket together with warmth tech innerwear.
In the event you’re exploring town in winter, select a jacket that’s simple to take off, as trains and indoor institutions are well-heated. A cumbersome jacket that’s tough to take away can develop into inconvenient when consistently transferring between the chilly open air and heat indoor areas. Dressing well for the season ensures you keep snug and take advantage of your Kansai journey!
Have Peace of Thoughts Whereas Touring!
Getting a journey insurance coverage is optionally available, however we extremely advocate this, particularly when touring overseas. Journey could be unpredictable, and although we hope we’ll by no means use it, having it offers us peace of thoughts in case of surprising delays, cancellations, or emergencies.
For worldwide locations, contemplate PGA Sompo’s TravelJOY Plus insurance coverage. You possibly can GET IT HERE. Don’t overlook to make use of WORTHIT for a particular inexpensive charge.
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2025 5 10 – First uploaded