Planning your trip to Osaka and Kyoto and wondering where to stay?
I’ve stayed at five amazing hotels that made my visits comfortable and memorable.
Each hotel has unique features like easy transport, cozy rooms, and fantastic nearby attractions.
Let me share my experiences with you so you can find the perfect place for your stay. 😊
1. Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
a. Hotel Overview
- Location: Modern, comfortable hotel located centrally in Osaka’s lively Umeda district.
- Transport: Directly connected to major train stations, making it easy to explore Osaka or visit nearby cities like Kyoto.
- Convenience: Surrounded by shopping malls, restaurants, and attractions within easy walking distance.
b. Transportation Access
- JR Osaka Station: Directly connected to the hotel and only a 3-minute walk away, making it easy to get around Osaka and nearby cities.
- Other Nearby Stations: Osaka Metro Umeda Station, Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station, and Hanshin Osaka-Umeda Station are all within a short 5-minute walk. These stations offer convenient access to various parts of the city.
- Airport Limousine Bus: Convenient bus service near the hotel takes you directly to Kansai International Airport in about 50 to 60 minutes.
- JR Haruka Express Train: You can take the JR Haruka Express from JR Osaka Station, reaching Kansai International Airport in around 45 minutes.
- Train to Kyoto: From JR Osaka Station, you have direct access to Kyoto Station via JR Special Rapid Service, taking about 30 minutes. This makes day trips to Kyoto very easy.
- Taxi Stand: There’s a convenient taxi stand right at the hotel’s entrance, perfect if you’re traveling with heavy bags, coming back late at night, or need quick transportation around Osaka.
c. Nearby Attractions and Shopping
- Nearby Shopping and Leisure: The Grand Front Osaka shopping mall is just a 2-minute walk away. The newly opened Grand Green Osaka, offering shopping, dining, and pleasant green spaces, is also nearby.
- Sightseeing Spots: Umeda Sky Building is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Osaka Castle is about 15 minutes away by JR train, and the lively Dotonbori area is around 10 minutes by metro.
d. Accommodation Comfort
- Room Style: Modern rooms with comfortable western-style beds. Room sizes vary from doubles (~19 m²), twins and triples (~25 m²), to larger family rooms (~47 m²).
- Room Facilities: Separate toilet and bathroom, reliable high-speed Wi-Fi, bathtub, refrigerator, electric kettle, room safe, and comfortable beds.
e. Hotel Facilities
- Laundry Facilities: The hotel provides easy-to-use coin-operated laundry machines open 24 hours a day. The best part: You can conveniently check which laundry machines are available from the TV in your room.
- Convenience Stores: FamilyMart and a supermarket are conveniently located directly downstairs in the LINKS Umeda shopping complex. There’s also a 7-Eleven just a short walk away.
- Check Prices: Agoda | Booking.com
2. Hiyori Hotel Osaka Namba Station
a. Hotel Overview
- Hotel Type: Hiyori Hotel Osaka Namba Station is a comfortable, mid-range hotel designed for convenience and relaxation.
- Location Advantage: Located right near major stations like Nankai Namba and Osaka-Namba, it’s perfect for travelers exploring Osaka or taking day trips.
- Atmosphere & Style: Modern and welcoming rooms that blend western comfort with subtle Japanese touches, making it feel both practical and cozy for visitors.
b. Location & Accessibility
- Namba Station Access: Just about a 3-minute walk from Nankai Namba Station. You also have quick access to Osaka-Namba Station, where you can directly take the Kintetsu-Nara Line for an easy day trip to Nara.
- Kansai International Airport: Catch the direct Nankai Rapi:t express train from Namba Station and you’ll arrive in about 38 minutes. It’s straightforward and hassle-free, even if you have luggage.
- Taxi Stand: Right outside Nankai Namba Station, a quick and convenient option when you’re returning late or when traveling with heavy bags.
c. Nearby Attractions & Convenience
- Dotonbori Area: Just a 10–15 minute walk from the hotel. Great place to try local foods, do some shopping, or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at night.
- Kuromon Ichiba Market: Around 10 minutes by foot. Perfect spot for tasting fresh sushi, seafood, fruits, and other snacks.
d. Accommodation Comfort
- Room Types: Rooms are modern Western-style with comfy beds and Japanese tatami flooring. They’re cozy and practical, sized about 16–22 m², suitable for couples or small families.
- Sleep Quality: Rooms include comfortable Simmons mattresses and high-quality pillows, ensuring you’ll get restful sleep after sightseeing.
- Room Amenities: Handy foot massagers in each room to soothe tired feet, reliable high-speed Wi-Fi, air purifier/humidifier, and a small fridge for drinks and snacks.
- Bathroom Layout: Most rooms have separate toilet and bath areas, which means two people can easily use the bathroom at the same time.
e. Hotel Facilities
- Laundry Room: Coin-operated washing machines and dryers available 24 hours within the hotel. Detergent is automatically included, making laundry easy and convenient.
- FamilyMart Store: Located just beside the hotel. Open 24/7, ideal for grabbing quick meals, snacks, drinks, toiletries, or other small necessities.
- Nearby Restaurants: The famous ramen restaurant Ippudo is right next door. There’s also a McDonald’s directly across the street. Within a short walk to Dotonbori, you’ll find many more food options, including sushi bars, local eateries, cafes, and pubs.
- Check Prices: Agoda | Booking.com
3. The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan
a. Hotel Overview
- Location: A modern hotel located right next to Universal Studios Japan’s main entrance, offering unbeatable convenience if you’re visiting the park.
- Rooms: Offers spacious and comfortable rooms suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers.
- Facilities: On-site conveniences include a 24-hour Lawson store, coin laundry machines on each guest floor, dining options, and a small fitness area.
- Transportation: Easy access to Universal City Station and straightforward transport options to Kansai International Airport (KIX).
b. Location & Accessibility
- Universal Studios Entrance: You’re just a 1–2 minute walk away from Universal Studios Japan, ideal for easy park access, quick breaks, or early entry.
- Universal City Station: Only a 2-minute walk to JR Universal City Station. From here, you can reach Osaka Station in about 10 minutes and popular areas like Dotonbori in around 30 minutes.
- Kansai International Airport (KIX): Simple access by direct airport bus (about 75 minutes) or train (around 1 hour with transfers). The bus stop is just a short 5-minute walk from the hotel.
- Uber Availability: You can conveniently book a taxi through Uber, and your driver will pick you up at the hotel’s entrance on the 2nd floor.
c. Accommodation Comfort
- Room Types and Size: Most rooms are spacious Western-style rooms, around 30–42 m². If you prefer a traditional feel, the hotel also has a few Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats and futons.
- Bed Comfort: The beds are clean and comfortable with firm mattresses. Ideal if you prefer firm support for a restful sleep.
- Bathroom Facilities: Bathrooms include a separate bathtub and shower area, modern toilets with washlets, and essential toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrushes, razors, hairdryers, pajamas, and slippers.
d. Hotel Facilities
- Laundry Facilities: Coin laundry machines are available on each guest floor (4th–28th floors). They’re easy to use, detergent is included, and you can easily check your laundry status on your phone by scanning the hotel’s provided QR code.
- Convenience Store (Lawson): A 24-hour Lawson store is conveniently located right inside the hotel. You can easily buy snacks, breakfast items, drinks, toiletries, and other essentials anytime.
- Dining Options: The hotel has its own buffet restaurant called “Akala”, and a Tully’s Coffee shop. Just steps away, Universal CityWalk Osaka offers many food choices including sushi restaurants like “Sushiro”, ramen shops like “Fujin Raijin”, cafes, and international eateries such as Hard Rock Café and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
- Check Prices: Agoda | Booking.com
e. Recommendation
- Perfect for USJ Visits: This hotel is an excellent choice if you plan to visit Universal Studios Japan, as it’s located right next to the park entrance.
- Less Convenient for City Exploration: If you’re not visiting USJ, the hotel might feel a bit distant from popular Osaka attractions like Dotonbori. In that case, staying closer to downtown would be more convenient.
4. Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi
a. Hotel Overview
- Modern & Comfortable: Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi is a modern, stylish hotel located in Kyoto’s lively city center. It’s known for clean and comfortable rooms.
- Convenient Location: Perfectly placed near shopping areas, restaurants, and major transport links, making it ideal for exploring Kyoto.
- Suitable for All Travelers: Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, this hotel provides a comfortable and convenient base for your Kyoto trip.
b. Location & Accessibility
- Downtown Area: You’re staying right in Kyoto’s lively shopping and dining center, close to Nishiki Market and Teramachi shopping arcade. It’s a perfect spot for exploring the city easily.
c. Transportation
- Train & Subway Stations: Just a short 7-minute walk to Shijo Subway Station (Karasuma Line) and Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station (Hankyu Line).
- Karasuma Station (Direct to Osaka): A 5-minute walk from the hotel. You can take the Hankyu-Kyoto Line directly to Osaka-Umeda Station without any transfers. Super convenient for traveling between Kyoto and Osaka.
- Underground Walkway: You can use the underground walkway at Exit 11, which connects directly to the hotel. Handy during rainy weather.
- Airport Travel: Getting to Kansai International Airport takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Take the JR Haruka Express train directly to Kyoto Station, then a short subway ride to Shijo Station. Or, grab a taxi from Kyoto Station straight to the hotel in about 10–15 minutes.
- Bus Stops: Bus stops are conveniently located near the hotel. You can easily catch buses from here to popular attractions like Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji.
- Taxi Availability: Taxis are easy to find along nearby Shijo Street. This is convenient for quick trips around town.
d. Accommodation Comfort
- Room Types: Rooms are modern, comfortable, and Western-style with cozy beds. Standard rooms are compact but well-organized (about 18 m²), making good use of space. Larger options like twin, triple, or family rooms are also available.
- Room Amenities: Your room includes free high-speed Wi-Fi, a fridge, an electric kettle, and a handy foot massager (perfect after sightseeing).
- Bathroom Setup: Bathrooms have separate toilet and shower areas, making it easy when you’re sharing.
e. Hotel Facilities
- Laundry Room: The hotel has coin laundry machines that are easy to use, with detergent included automatically. You can check your laundry status on your phone by scanning the hotel’s provided QR code.
- Nearby Convenience Stores: FamilyMart is right next to the hotel, and there’s a 7-Eleven directly across the street. Both are open 24 hours, perfect for snacks, drinks, toiletries, and quick meals anytime.
- Alternative Laundry Option: If the hotel’s coin laundry machines are fully occupied, you can head to GuruLaundry They have plenty of machines, and you can also check the machine status from your phone.
- Eating Out: Lots of great restaurants nearby. Try popular ramen spots like Ramen Sen-no-Kaze, Kyoto Engine Ramen, and Ichiran Ramen. For tasty beef cutlets, visit Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu. Nishiki Market is just 3 minutes away, great for street food. The nearby Ponto-chō and Kiyamachi areas have cozy cafes, restaurants, and bars too.
- Check Prices: Agoda | Booking.com
5. Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae PREMIER
a. Hotel Overview
- Hotel Type: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae PREMIER is a modern, comfortable hotel conveniently located near Kyoto Station, perfect for both sightseeing and easy travel around Kyoto.
- Atmosphere: It offers a relaxing atmosphere, blending Western-style comfort with subtle Japanese touches, ideal for travelers looking to experience Kyoto in comfort.
- Ideal For: Great choice for first-time visitors, couples, families, or solo travelers who want convenience, comfort, and good facilities.
b. Location & Accessibility
- Kyoto Station: Just a 3–4 minute walk through an underground passage from JR Kyoto Station’s Central Exit, very convenient if you’re carrying luggage or during bad weather.
- Airport Access: Easily reachable from Kansai International Airport by the direct JR Haruka Express train (about 75 minutes) or by airport bus (around 90 minutes).
- Taxi Stand: There’s a convenient taxi stand right beside the hotel, perfect for quick trips or returning late at night.
c. Nearby Attractions
- Kyoto Tower: Located just across the street, only a 3-minute walk away, perfect for quick sightseeing, shopping, and dining.
- Nearby Temple: Higashi Honganji Temple is just a quick 2-minute walk away, ideal for easy sightseeing.
- Famous Landmarks: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is easy to reach by direct train from Kyoto Station (about 40 minutes). Fushimi Inari Shrine is also conveniently accessible, only around 15 minutes by train.
d. Accommodation Comfort
- Room Types: Rooms are modern and comfortable, mostly Western-style, available in various sizes from around 18 m² to larger rooms of 24–40 m².
- Beds: Large and comfortable beds ensure a restful sleep, although they are slightly firm, which is common in Japan.
- Wi-Fi and Outlets: Reliable high-speed Wi-Fi is available in every room, along with easy-to-use universal charging points beside your bed.
- Bathrooms: Clean, roomy bathrooms with separate toilet and bath areas, featuring deep bathtubs and rainfall showers, giving you a relaxing experience after a busy day.
e. Hotel Facilities
- Laundry: 24-hour self-service coin laundry machines available on-site, with automatic detergent dispensing, helpful for refreshing your clothes during your stay.
- Convenience Store: FamilyMart is less than a 2-minute walk away, and Lawson is also nearby.
- Breakfast and Meals: Nearby Kyoto Yodobashi mall has many restaurants offering grilled meat, sushi, hot pot, cafes, and more. It’s an easy and convenient place for meals close to the hotel.
- Local Dining: Kyoto Station’s “Ramen Street” is just a short walk away, ideal if you want to sample regional ramen dishes. Other eateries, including conveyor-belt sushi and cafes, are found in Kyoto Station’s Porta mall.
- Check Prices: Agoda | Booking.com
