Kyoto vs. Osaka: Where to Stay & Which to Visit

Are you planning a trip to the Kansai region of Japan and wondering whether it’s better to stay in Kyoto or Osaka? Then you’re in the right place!

If Tokyo is the cultural hub of the country, then Kyoto is its cultural heart. There’s simply no comparable alternative to Kyoto’s rich history, picturesque shrines, and atmospheric streets, which is why I always recommend staying in Kyoto for any Japan trip. That said, even though Kyoto wins in the battle of Kyoto vs. Osaka, the two cities are so close to each other that there’s no reason not to visit both cities.

Continue reading to discover why Kyoto surpasses Osaka and learn how you can visit both cities when staying in Kyoto.

Kyoto vs. Osaka Comparison Chart

	Kyoto	Osaka
1. 🗼 Sightseeing	- Historic temples & shrines (e.g., Kiyomizudera, Fushimi Inari) - Traditional streets (e.g., Gion) - Bamboo groves (e.g., Arashiyama)	- Modern architecture & museums (e.g., Umeda Sky Building, teamLab Osaka) - Theme Parks (e.g. Universal Studios Japan)
2. 🤳🏻 Photo Spots	The top sightseeing places in Kyoto (and the city in general) is picturesque at any time of year and anytime of day.	- Dotonbori area at night - Tsutenkaku Tower at night - Osaka Castle in spring
3. 😎 Atmosphere	Calm, serene, & traditional	Urban, modern, energetic (especially at night), quirky
4. 🌸 Seasonality	Beautiful in all seasons, especially during cherry blossoms in spring & autumn colors in fall	- Festivals like Tenjin Matsuri in summer - Illuminations in winter
5. 🍣 Food	- Kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal) - Matcha (green tea) - Yudofu (tofu dish)	- Takoyaki (octopus balls) - Okonomiyaki (savory pancake) - Crab
6. 🛍️ Shopping	Traditional crafts, kimonos, & souvenirs from historic sites	Lots of shopping districts offering a range of goods, especially in the Shinsaibashi, Namba, & Umeda area
7. 💃🏻 Nightlife	Quiet & more subdued (e.g., bars in Pontocho alley)	Vibrant with lively street food vendors in Dotonbori & karaoke clubs in Namba
8. 🚅 Transportation	Limited JR subway lines outside of Kyoto Station, lots of walking	Extensive subway system with both JR & private rail lines
9. 🗾 Day Trips	Similar to Osaka but closer to Nara	Similar to Kyoto but closer to Himeji & Hiroshima
10. 💰 Budget	Pricier due to high-volume of tourists & traditional accommodations (ryokan)	More affordable with a wide range of budget options, especially for accommodation and food

Why is it Better to Stay in Kyoto vs. Osaka?

Because Kyoto and Osaka are so close together, I’d highly recommend staying in both if you’re spending a week in Japan or more. This provides the best way to take advantage of the early hours in the day and then go on to experience Osaka’s nightlife.

That said, if you had to pick, I’d recommend staying in Kyoto unless you’re (1) super budget-conscious and (2) you crave going out at night.

I’ll provide more detail on the top 10 factors you’ll want to consider when making your decision to stay in Kyoto or Osaka but the #1 reason why you should stay in Kyoto is because there are simply more things to do. By staying in Kyoto, you’re able to more efficiently sightsee around the city. Also, if you’re a photographer, staying in Kyoto allows you to take advantage of golden hour in the morning to get those great shots of the city in soft lighting with minimal crowds.

Panoramic view of Kyoto with foliage in the foreground and the pagoda in the background to the right

If you’re also visiting Tokyo on your Japan trip, staying in Kyoto offers a striking contrast to the vibrant city atmosphere of the capital. Kyoto, with its tranquil gardens, historic temples, and traditional tea houses, provides a serene and culturally rich counterpoint to Tokyo’s high-energy urban vibe.

💡 NOTE: If you do plan on staying in Kyoto, book your accommodations early. Our most recent trip to Japan ended up being a last-minute decision so by the time we got around to looking for hotels, we got priced out of Kyoto. We ended up staying in Osaka, which I didn’t enjoy because we spent most of our days in Kyoto.

Top 10 Things to Consider When Choosing Between Kyoto and Osaka

To help plan your trip to Japan, I’ve put together a comprehensive list of best things to consider so you can make a well-informed choice between Kyoto and Osaka based on your travel preferences and interests.

1. 🗼 Sightseeing in Kyoto vs. Osaka

⭐ BEST SIGHTSEEING: Kyoto, no contest. There is no real rival to sightseeing in Kyoto so you won’t find a comparable experience in Osaka. It’s simply unmatched.

Sightseeing in Kyoto

Kyoto’s unparalleled sightseeing stems from its deeply rooted history and cultural significance. The city boasts an impressive 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each breathtaking in their own right.

You won’t want to miss out on Fushimi Inari, with its iconic torii gate pathway, or the majestic Kinkaku-ji, whose gilded towers aptly earns it the name the “Golden Pavilion.”

There’s not only so much to see in Kyoto but it’s equally fun to wander around and explore. Walking through the peaceful Arashiyama Bamboo Forest or the narrow streets of Gion District are also highlights that you’ll want to add to your list of things to do in Kyoto.

In comparison, while Osaka is known for its bustling Dōtonbori area, the city lacks the profound historic and cultural depth found in Kyoto.

Picture of the streets of Gion with the tower of Yasaka - a 5 story Buddhist pagoda - in the background.

Sightseeing in Osaka

Osaka is a modern city that’s more like Tokyo than Kyoto. It doesn’t have the same history as Kyoto but it doesn’t need to because people are drawn to Osaka for its quirky and lively atmosphere.

Although Kyoto is home to many of Japan’s most iconic sites, Osaka is not without attractions of its own. There’s Osaka Castle, which is a replica of the original castle built in the 16th century. You can also spend the day at the newly opened Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan.

Or if you are looking for cultural things to do, pay a visit to Sumiyoshi Taisha (one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines) and Shitennoji Temple (one of the country’s most ancient temples).

In the evening, head to Nagai Park to check out the teamLab Botanical Gardens Osaka outdoor museum before finding delicious street food in the lively Dotonbori area, known for its neon-lit billboards and delicious street food.

All that said, compared to Kyoto’s profound cultural heritage reflected through its buildings, shrines, and streets, Osaka’s attractions are comparatively fewer and less culturally immersive.

Dotonbori at Night alongside the Osaka canal with the Glico Running Man sign in the background

A purple ovoid that's changing colors in response to the wind and people's movements at teamLab Botanical Gardens Osaka

2. 🤳🏻 Photo Spots in Kyoto vs. Osaka

⭐ BEST PHOTO SPOTS: Kyoto. Kyoto’s cultural heritage, old charm, and lasting beauty provide tons of photo spots that best capture the allure of Japan.

Photo Spots in Kyoto

Kyoto is a dream destination for photography enthusiasts. With its ancient temples, traditional tea houses, and atmospheric streets, there are so many postcard-worthy photo spots in the city. It’s also a city you’ll want to revisit every season so you can see the colors change throughout the year. Here’s a short list of the best photo spots in Kyoto:

Fushimi Inari Shrine – famous shrine complex that’s known for its vermilion torii gates
Kinkaku-ji – Zen Buddhist temple whose top floors are covered in gold leaf, making for a spectacular reflection in the Mirror Pond below
Gion District – also known as the geisha district, Gion is where you’ll be able to capture the essence of Kyoto’s historical charm including its machiyas and maikos
Kiyomizu-dera Temple – the wooden terrace of Kiyomizu-dera provides a panoramic view of Kyoto that’s especially beautiful during cherry blossom season or fall
Philosopher’s Path – peaceful walk along the canal that’s perfect for capturing the cherry blossoms in spring
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – one of Japan’s most visited bamboo forests
Kifune Shrine – located in the northern hills of Kyoto, this shrine is famous for the red wooden lanterns that line the path of the entrance. It’s one of the best places to visit in Kyoto in the winter
Nijo Castle – 17th century castle surrounded by lots of green space that’s absolute exquisite during spring (cherry blossoms), fall (fall foliage), and late winter (plum blossoms)
Tofuku-ji Temple – Zen temple that’s famous for its stunning fall colors
Ryoanji Temple – Zen temple that’s best known for its rock garden

Path through Arashiyama Bamboo Forest lined with tall, green bamboo stalks

Close-up of pagoda of Kiyomizudera illuminated at night with a sakura tree in bloom in the foreground

Photo Spots in Osaka

While Osaka doesn’t have as many photo spots when compared to Kyoto, here are some of the best you’ll find in the city:

Dotonbori – the essence of Osaka, known for its vibrant neon lights and the iconic Glico Running Man sign
Shinsekai District – capture the charm of old Osaka with the Tsutenkaku Tower in the background. Best captured at night when the tower lights up purple.
Osaka Castle – a replica of the original 16th century castle, this is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Osaka
Kuromon Ichiba Market – bustling covered food market with over 100 stalls and vendors selling produce, seafood, fresh meat, and street food
Minoo Park – outdoor park with a picturesque waterfall and scenic footpath that is especially breathtaking in fall
Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine – Shinto shrine known for its red, arched bridges
Namba Yasaka Shrine – colorful green shrine featuring a gigantic lion’s head stage

3. 😎 Atmosphere in Kyoto vs. Osaka

⭐ BEST VIBES: Kyoto, though this depends on personal preference. If you’re looking for a more traditional, peaceful atmosphere, then Kyoto is the place for you. If you’re looking for an urban environment, then you’ll likely prefer Osaka. I’d personally pick Kyoto because there’s something especially unique about the historic charm of the city. In contrast, Osaka doesn’t stand out among other large, metropolitan cities like Tokyo.

Atmosphere in Kyoto

Kyoto possesses a serene and timeless quality that Osaka just doesn’t match. This ancient capital is home to over 2,000 temples and shrines, any one of which will make you feel like you’ve transported back in time to old Japan.

But the allure of Kyoto goes beyond the sightseeing. It’s the peaceful moments of having matcha in a traditional tea house, walking down stone paths lined with cherry trees, or getting lost in the lantern-lit streets of the historic Gion district that make the city feel truly enchanting.

Atmosphere in Osaka

Osaka has a more energetic vibe that’s characteristic of a larger city. The Dotonbori area in particular comes alive at night, with the canal illuminated by the neon lights and the air filled with the lively shouts of Takoyaki vendors.

However, if city vibes are your thing, then you’re better off visiting Tokyo. With its high rise buildings, bustling shopping districts, and diverse range of restaurants, Tokyo simply offers the variety you’d expect in a city compared to Osaka.

That said, if you’re looking for an urban pulse (aka not the quietude of Kyoto) in a laid-back environment (aka not the stimulation of Tokyo), then Osaka is the city for you.

4. 🌸 Kyoto vs. Osaka Based on Seasonality

⭐ BEST CITY FOR ALL SEASONS: Kyoto. Unlike Osaka, Kyoto offers a unique experience for all seasons. From the cherry blossoms of spring to the fall foliage of autumn, Kyoto’s natural beauty changes with each season that never gets old.

Seasons in Kyoto

Kyoto with its distinct seasons offers a one-of-a-kind experience throughout the year.

In spring, Kyoto transforms into a breathtaking spectacle as cherry blossoms beautify its sites and streets. Kiyomizudera and Maruyama Park are especially great places to see the cherry blossoms in their full bloom. Summer brings traditional festivals like Gion Matsuri which lasts a full month, while autumn unveils an incredible kaleidoscope of reds and golds, especially at Tofuku-ji Temple.

Once it becomes winter in Kyoto, the city transforms into a peaceful snowscape that is best appreciated at Kifune Shrine.

Full view of Kiyomizudera in the winter, with what's left of the red, fall foliage in the foreground

Seasons in Osaka

Unlike Kyoto which showcases dramatic shifts in scenery with cherry blossoms in spring and fall leaves in autumn, Osaka’s urban environment remains relatively constant. Yet despite the city’s ever present high-rise buildings and neon lights, there are places that are better suited to certain times of the year.

In the spring, Osaka Castle and the castle grounds are a great place to admire the cherry blossoms while Minoo Park is ideal for fall.

Tenjin Matsuri is one of Japan’s three major festivals, with a traditional boat procession, fireworks, and parade floats. This is one event you won’t want to miss if you’re visiting Osaka in the summer.

As we near Christmas, Midosuji Street lights up with winter decorations and light installations that create a festive ambiance throughout the city.

5. 🍣 Food in Kyoto vs. Osaka

⭐ BEST FOOD: Osaka for most food options, preferences, and budgets. Here, you can find street food stalls and casual restaurants serving local specialities like Osaka-style okonomiyaki and takoyaki. However, I’m personally biased because my favorite steak meal and curry croquette are both in Kyoto.

Food in Kyoto

Kyoto is known for its refined and delicate cuisine.

The city’s food scene is epitomized by the art of kaiseki, a traditional multi-course meal that showcases classic dishes, seasonal ingredients, and culinary skills. However, kaisekis are the equivalent of Western haute cuisine and often come with a hefty price tag.

Like other cities in the Kansai region, you’ll also find wagyu beef. My favorite restaurant in Japan (and favorite steak place of all time) is Steak Otsuka, which is just a 15-minute walk from the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

Kyoto is also famous for its matcha. There are many renowned tea houses in the city where you can sample different varieties of matcha, which is often added to classic Japanese sweets.

However, if you’re looking for casual eats in the city, you won’t find the same variety of inexpensive, hearty fare as in Osaka.

Picture of 2 wagyu set meals side-by-side. Each plate of meat is served with dipping sauces, salad, and rice. Menu of Steak Otsuka in the back.

Food in Osaka

Osaka’s food scene is vibrant and boisterous, offering a stark contrast to the refinement of dining in Kyoto. Known affectionately as the “nation’s kitchen,” Osaka holds a legendary status in Japan’s food culture and is famous for its variety, affordability, and street food culture.Its streets are lined with food stalls serving up local favorites such as okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and crab, providing an authentic and accessible taste of the city. In contrast to Kyoto’s upscale dining scene, Osaka’s food scene is welcoming, versatile, and caters to a wide range of tastes and budgets.

6. 🛍️ Shopping in Kyoto vs. Osaka

⭐ BEST SHOPPING: Osaka. Osaka is a shopping paradise with a winder selection of trendy boutiques, international stores, and luxury brands.

Shopping in Kyoto

When it comes to shopping in Kyoto, you’re more likely to discover a world of artisanal crafts that truly embody local craftsmanship and delicacies. It’s all about embracing the unique and handcrafted items rather than mass-produced fashion.

Nishiki Market and the streets around Kiyomizudera house quaint stores selling quality handmade goods and delightful matcha-infused treats. Fun fact: Kyoto is home to 2 Sumikko Gurashi cafe-stores, one near Ginkakuji and the other near Kiyomizudera. If you’re a fan of the adorable characters of Sumikko Gurashi, you won’t want to miss this.

Your best bet for one stop shopping is at Aeon Mall while you’ll find luxury goods at the Takashimaya and Daimaru department stores. That said, it’s no question that Osaka is the better choice for contemporary fashion or bargain items. You’re much better off spending your time exploring more of Kyoto rather than shopping since there’s so much more to see and do in the city.

Shopping in Osaka

Compared to Kyoto, Osaka’s shopping scene is undeniably more diverse and cosmopolitan.

The city combines high-fashion districts like Shinsaibashi-Suji and Namba Ebisu Bashi-Suji with the quirky vibes of Dotonbori. Here, you can easily go from hunting for luxury brands to exploring unique street-style boutiques. And let’s not forget about the array of underground shopping centers, malls, and high-end department stores you’ll find in the Umeda district.

So whether you’re looking for the latest trends or vintage treasures, Osaka is the better choice for fashion lovers on a mission.

7. 💃🏻 Nightlife in Kyoto vs. Osaka

⭐ BEST NIGHTLIFE: Osaka by default. I wouldn’t say Kyoto’s completely dead at night but much of the city turns quiet. If you want tranquility, Kyoto is better for you but otherwise Osaka has more things to do at night.

Nightlife in Kyoto

Nightlife in Kyoto is undeniably quieter when compared to Osaka. The evening hours are more about quiet contemplation and low-key socializing that is best enjoyed by those who appreciate a peaceful evening stroll or an intimate conversation over sake.

Most streets turn silent after sunset, apart from a few hubs like Pontocho Alley, a narrow street lined with traditional shops and restaurants that has a quaint, old-world feel. Kiyamachi Street runs parallel to Pontocho and has the largest concentration of bars and clubs in the city, but these pale in comparison to the vibrant nightlife scene in Dotonbori and Umeda in Osaka.

Nightlife in Osaka

While more low-key than what you’ll find in Tokyo, nightlife in Osaka is more vibrant and lively than what you’ll find in Kyoto.

The bustling Dotonbori district is filled with neon-lit streets where you’ll find packed crowds at the eateries, bars, and karaoke clubs lining the canal. Just a stone’s throw away is the energetic Namba district, offering even more of that vibrant atmosphere.

If you’re in the mood for a retro feel, make sure to explore Shinsekai. You’ll be transported to a bygone era while strolling through its streets that also provides a spectacular view of Tsutenkaku Tower illuminated in purple.

So whether you’re looking for late night eats or places to karaoke all night long, there are so many more nightlife options in Osaka compared to Kyoto.

Shinsekai district with Tsutenkaku Tower in the background.

8. 🚅 Getting Around in Kyoto vs. Osaka

⭐ BEST PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Tie. Each public transportation system has their pros and cons. In Kyoto, the subway network is easier to navigate but less extensive so you’ll spend more time walking around from place to place. In Osaka, it’s harder to navigate the metro because the line between JR operated trains and local services is hard to distinguish. That said, you do have the option to purchase a day pass for unlimited use of the local train lines, which greatly reduces the need for you to figure out how to pay when making frequent transfers.

Public Transportation in Kyoto

Kyoto’s subway network is generally foreigner-friendly and easy to navigate.

The two JR lines that operate in Kyoto are the JR Nara line and the JR Sagano line. Between the two lines, you’ll be connected to main attractions like Fushimi Inari Shrine and Arashiyama.

You can access other parts of the city using local trains on the Karasuma Line (which runs north to south) and the Tozai Line (runs east to west), which are also easy to use but are not covered by the Japan Rail pass.

However, it’s important to note that the two lines don’t really intersect. This means if you’re coming from a spot that’s connected to the JR line, chances are you’ll be far from a local subway train station. Luckily, the city is so beautiful you won’t mind the walk or exploring by bus.

Public Transportation in Osaka

Public transportation in Osaka is extensive but more confusing to navigate when compared to Kyoto.

The primary Japan Rail line in the city is the JR Osaka Loop line. While this line does connect to local trains, it’s not always clear which services can be access with a JR pass and which need to be paid for separately. Additionally, most popular attractions are scattered across different lines, adding to the confusion as you’ll need to frequently transfer from line to line and service to service.

If you do decide to get around Osaka by train, it’s worth getting a day pass in addition to your JR pass to get unlimited use of local lines.

9. 🗾 Day Trips from Kyoto vs. Osaka

⭐ BEST JUMPING OFF POINT FOR DAY TRIPS: Osaka is slightly closer to the popular day trip spots from the Kansai region. However, you really can’t go wrong with staying in either Kyoto or Osaka for day trips and preference will come down to whether you want to be slightly closer to Nara (Kyoto) or Hiroshima & Himeji (Osaka). In reality, you’re really only saving about ~30 minutes of time so any place you want to day trip from Kyoto is possible to do from Osaka and vice versa.

Day Trips from Kyoto

The most popular day trips from Kyoto are Nara, Hiroshima, and Osaka.

From Kyoto, you’re just an hour away from Nara with its magnificent temples and free-roaming deers. Hiroshima is about 1.5-2 hours away (depending on the shinkansen) where you can admire the resilience of the city post-World War II. It’s also the jumping off point if you want to visit the famous Miyajima Shrine.

And of course, if you do decide to stay in Kyoto instead of Osaka, rest assured that you don’t have to miss out on visiting Japan’s third largest city – just spend the day there instead!

Close up of Nara deer with temple in the background

Day Trips from Osaka

Similarly, Osaka is a great home base to visit Nara and Hiroshima. Nara is slightly further away, taking a little over an hour. On the other hand, Hiroshima is slightly closer at under 1.5 hours by shinkansen.

Himeji Castle in Himeji is another great day trip option from Osaka, where you can visit one of Japan’s best examples of feudal architecture. And of course, it’s super easy to take day trips to Kyoto if you decide to stay in Osaka.

View of the roofs inside Himeji Castle, with the Main Keep as the main subject

10. 💰 Kyoto vs. Osaka Budget

⭐ MORE BUDGET-FRIENDLY: Osaka. While the activities you do will change the cost of traveling in either city, generally Osaka is more budget-friendly than Kyoto. There are a variety of affordable hotels to choose from, as well as a variety of low cost street food, making it easier to find something at a lower price range.

Cost of Kyoto

The biggest difference in terms of cost when staying in Osaka or Kyoto is accommodation.

In general, hotels are more expensive in Kyoto than in Osaka. This is in part because the city is more touristy but also because there’s a higher demand to stay in ryokans. These traditional Japanese inns are often located in the most scenic parts of Kyoto and are designed to maintain the authentic parts of Japanese hospitality culture. Many ryokans will also offer in-house kaiseki dinners, which increases the overall cost.

It’s a once in a lifetime experience but comes with a price tag that isn’t feasible for everyone.

Cost of Osaka

In contrast to Kyoto, accommodation in Osaka tends to be more budget-friendly. The less touristy nature of the city means hotel prices are more affordable and there are a wider range of hotels to choose from.

Additionally, Osaka has more street food options, all of which are significantly more affordable compared to a traditional kaiseki meal in Kyoto.

Kyoto is right for you if…

you want to see Kyoto’s top highlights, which has no substitute in Osaka
you appreciate the tranquility and charm of traditional Japanese culture and want to experience elements of it like staying at a ryokan or having a kaiseki dinner
you enjoy scenic beauty and are traveling during spring or fall
you don’t mind being in a touristy environment

Osaka is right for you if…

you plan to visit Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan
you’re on a tighter budget
you prefer street food to high-end dining
you want a less touristy environment
you want more interactive experiences as opposed to traditional sightseeing

Kyoto and Osaka Itinerary

If you’re looking to visit both cities, consider spending 3 days in Kyoto and then 1-2 days in Osaka. Here’s a sample 5-day Kyoto and Osaka Itinerary for first-timers regardless of the season. Depending on the time of year, you can always swap out activities that are better suited for when you’re visiting:

Day 1: Head to Kiyomizudera Temple first thing in the morning to get the best views of the city and streets of Kyoto. Depending on the season, take a walk down the Philosopher’s Path before spending the rest of the day exploring the Gion district.
Day 2: Get to Fushimi Inari in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy a quieter hike up the mountain through the iconic red torii gates. Then, make your way to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove where you can also grab some lunch at Steak Otsuka nearby.
Day 3: Explore Kinkakuji and then head to Nijo Castle or another temple of choice. This is also a great day to take a day trip to Nara.
Day 4: Take the shinkansen to Osaka and spend the day either exploring the city or visiting Universal Studios. In the evening, head to teamLab Botanical Gardens before grabbing a bite to eat at Dotonbori.
Day 5: Spend the day at Himeji or Hiroshima before heading back to the Shinsekai district for the evening. Don’t forget to capture the Tsutenkaku Tower in purple.

FAQs About Kyoto vs. Osaka

How many days to spend in Osaka vs. Kyoto?

The number of days to spend in Osaka versus Kyoto depends on your interests. If you’re more into historical sites, spend more days in Kyoto (typically around 3). For those interested in modern attractions and street food, dedicate 1-2 days for Osaka.

How many days to spend in Kyoto AND Osaka?

If you plan on visiting both Kyoto and Osaka, you’ll want about 5 days. It will be busy but 5 days is enough time to explore without feeling too rushed. Spend 3 days exploring Kyoto’s historical sites, and then 1-2 days in Osaka.

Should I spend more time in Kyoto or Osaka?

This will greatly depend on your preferences and interests but I’d personally pick Kyoto for its history and beauty. However, if you plan on doing more shopping or nightlife, then Osaka might be better for you.

Should I stay in Kyoto or Osaka first?

Starting your trip in Kyoto is a good idea as it allows you to sightsee and immerse yourself in its ambiance first. Then, you can switch gears and enjoy the bustling city life in Osaka. If you decide that there’s more you want to see in Kyoto, you can always take a day trip or 2 while you’re staying in Osaka.

Should I skip Osaka?

If you’re tight on time and already planning to visit Tokyo, consider skipping Osaka. Tokyo offers a similar urban experience with vibrant nightlife, endless shopping, and an extremely convenient transportation system. That said, Osaka’s unique culture and incredible street food are definitely worth a visit if you have the time.

Final Thoughts on Kyoto or Osaka

It’s undeniable that both Osaka and Kyoto are worth visiting if you have enough time. But if you’re overwhelmed with planning your first Japan trip or short on time, I’d recommend staying in Kyoto and spending most of your time there.

Kyoto has an unparalleled and timeless beauty that Osaka just can’t match. Don’t get me wrong – Osaka is an amazing city that has that big city life feel. But for me, I love how Kyoto feels like a city from another era. Beyond its breathtaking sites, I really appreciate the slower-paced atmosphere more than anything else.