Kyoto & Osaka over Easter

Posted by marigold (543 days ago)

I am planning to visit the Kyoto & Osaka area over Easter for about 4 days & 4 nights. If I buy a package, they will stick me in a hotel in either Osaka or Kyoto. Which is the better city to stay in? 1) Will I be able to take in Kyoto in a non-overnight day-trip or 2) would it be better to stay in Kyoto and do a day trip to Osaka?

3) OR do you recommend that I book my own hotels and stay 2 nights in each city rather than rush around?

Thanks in advance,
marigold

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by dss (542 days ago)

International airport is at Osaka and you can do Kyoto as a day trip. I remembered that it is < 1hr travel between the 2 cities using the train; < HKD100 for return trip.
- hired cab for a day's Kyoto sightseeing is about HKD2000, but network of buses do support the sightseeing sites, but so much relaxing if using the cab's services.

You will lose too much time with Option 3 ( packing, checkin/out, commute from hotel A-B etc)

(I am based in Unspecified)

Posted by Taps (541 days ago)

From Osaka go direct to Kyoto, and stay there including a visit to Nara.

Bus tour is more interesting, tour guides are very competent and will answer all query including the best restaurant to go.

Join a a package tour, saves headache.

(I am based in Guangzhou)

Posted by english speaking travel agent (540 days ago)

Package tours are cheaper and less hassle for the traveller. You can get a cheaper package that consists of airfare and hotel only, without sightseeing tours. This gives you the leeway to explore at your own pace and at a cheaper cost. Make sure that your tour is franked with the Travel Industry Council levy. It will be of use to you should your trip go awry.

We suggest that you stay in one area if you plan to stay for only 4 days. Japan is an expensive place to be commuting around, only to see a place for a few minutes, and then jet off to the next tourist spot.

Relax and enjoy your vacation, and then schedule another trip to another place at a later date.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by marigold (539 days ago)

Thanks for all your replies. I think that based upon your input, that I will opt to stay in Kyoto for the entire time. I have 2 remaining questions:

1) Are the major tourist spots in Kyoto and Osaka easy to get to via public transport (without taking 3 hours on some bus)?

2) Has anyone taken a day tour of Osaka leaving from Kyoto?

Thanks,
marigold.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Taps (538 days ago)

There is a castle in Osaka with long history but the original was burnt during the civil war.
Except for takoyaki and some pancake(Japanese style), what is there to see unless you want to go shopping.

If you want culture, history and refined cooking (some can be expensive), may I suggest Kyoto and Nara, if you're awash, a lightning visit to Tokyo.
And stay in minshuku/ryokan, both Japanese-style accomodation.
Indulge in a complete vegetarian meal, it is heavenly.

Or a set lunch in Kyoto Mitsukoshe dept. store ran by famous chef, queue, go early, worth the wait.
Normally some cost a fortune elsewhere, inquire from your hotel for complete info.

Or visit onsen(hot-spring), worth the experience and money.
There are some between Kyoto and Kobe(Arima onsen).

You pay a high price a Japan, but seldom you'll be dissapointed.
Nothing like going somewhere and go home not any better.

(I am based in Guangzhou)