Kyoto vs. Osaka: Which Should You Visit?

If you’re debating whether you should visit Kyoto vs. Osaka on your next Japan trip, this guide can help you decide which is the best choice for your travel style and preferences. 

Kyoto and Osaka are among the top places to visit in Japan. We’ve been to both, so I can tell you from personal experience that both are worth exploring and deserving of a spot in your Japan itinerary.

But we understand that not everyone has the time to take a long trip. Or maybe you prefer to stay put in one hotel rather than bopping around from place to place while you’re on vacation.

Whatever your reasons, you’re here because you’re trying to decide whether to visit Kyoto or Osaka. And we are here to help!

The truth is that Kyoto and Osaka are two very different cities, so you’ll want to read each section of this article carefully to see which one resonates with you in each category.

Spoiler Alert: If you want to just jump straight to the point and see our personal pick between Kyoto vs. Osaka, click here!

Kyoto vs. Osaka: Where should you travel?

• Which one to stay in?
• Kyoto vs. Osaka at a glance
• Similarities & differences
• History & Culture
• Weather
• Food
• Budget
• Landscapes
• Landmarks
• Things to Do
• Transportation
• Accommodations
• Crowds
• Which is more family-friendly?
• How much time do you need in each?
• Our opinion: Kyoto vs. Osaka
• Itineraries for Kyoto vs. Osaka

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Which one to stay in: Kyoto vs. Osaka?

Ideally, you can spend a few nights in both Kyoto and Osaka on your trip, as they are truly different cities and expose you to totally different sides of Japan. We think it’s kind of cool to base yourself in each to really get different experiences.

However, if you’d prefer to move hotels less often, you may want to choose just one city to base yourself in. They are really close (under an hour apart by train), so you could technically stay in one and take a day trip to the other.

If that’s what you’d like to do, we suggest basing yourself in Kyoto.

This is because taking a day trip to Kyoto would not at all be sufficient. Things in Kyoto are very spread out and you’d have to really pick and choose if you only have a day there. 

On the other hand, the main sights in Osaka could be seen in a day. 

Personally, we think there are a lot of cool things off the beaten path in Osaka you can experience if you have a few days, but you can still get a good taste for it on a day trip. 

Kyoto is much more iconic and has more attractions you’ll want to get to early (to avoid the crowds). This means your experience will be much better if you’re actually spending the night here rather than doing it as a day trip. There aren’t as many attractions you need to arrive at super early in Osaka, making it a much better choice for a day trip, if that’s how you need to break up your time.

Pros of staying in Kyoto

• More iconic places to see and things to do
• More culture & history
• More beautiful during momiji/sakura seasons
• Unique and memorable accommodations (like ryokans)
• You can get to top attractions early and avoid crowds

Cons of staying in Kyoto

• More expensive
• More touristy
• Worse public transportation, and many things are spread out
• Many restaurants require reservations or a long wait
• Not as much nightlife (there are some cool cocktail bars though)

Pros of staying in Osaka

• Cheaper
• Easier to get around via public transportation
• Less international tourists
• Lots of inexpensive street food options
• Good nightlife scene

Cons of staying in Osaka

• Further from the iconic sights
• Less things to do
• Not nearly as picturesque

Kyoto vs. Osaka at a glance

Use this table to quickly see how these two cities compare in the following categories. Keep reading for detailed explanations (sprinkled with insider tips!), as well as our personal picks.

Similarities & differences between Kyoto and Osaka

Before we dive into personal opinions, let’s go over the facts and compare the similarities and differences between Kyoto and Osaka.

Size

In terms of area, Kyoto is more than three times the size of Osaka City.

• Kyoto: 319.62 square miles (827.8 km²)
• Osaka: 86.1 square miles (223 km²)

Population

Despite covering less ground, Osaka’s population is nearly twice that of Kyoto.

• Kyoto: 1.47 million
• Osaka: 2.69 million

Good to know: Osaka is Japan’s third largest city by population.

Elevation

• Kyoto: 260m average
• Osaka: 143m average

History and culture of Kyoto vs. Osaka

Both Kyoto and Osaka have, at different points in history, been Japan’s capital city. While Osaka developed into a dynamic urban center, Kyoto retained much of its old-world charm.

Osaka is known for vibrant nightlife, approachable locals, and a fantastic street food scene. We ended up liking Osaka a lot more than we expected to, but it doesn’t have the same allure as Kyoto.

Kyoto boasts traditional architecture and well-preserved historic districts like Gion and Higashiyama, as well as some of the most interesting and beautiful temples and shrines in all of Japan. 

Our winner: Kyoto, by a landslide

Kyoto is often called the “cultural capital of Japan”, and for good reason. It is absolutely packed with history and culture, and Osaka just truly can’t compare.

Weather in Kyoto vs. Osaka

Overall, there’s no drastic difference in the weather in Kyoto vs. Osaka. But you came here for a comparison, so here it is:

Despite having similar average temperatures, Kyoto’s seasons can feel more extreme because of the city’s geography. 

Kyoto is nestled in a basin, surrounded on three sides by mountains that trap moisture and block air currents. 

As a result, summers feel a bit hotter in Kyoto due to the high humidity and absence of Osaka’s coastal breezes. Winters, on the other hand, feel colder in Kyoto as chilly winds come sweeping down from the mountains.

Our winner: Osaka for weather, but Kyoto for momiji/sakura

With lower humidity and slightly less rainfall, the weather in Osaka tends to be slightly better than Kyoto.

That said, Kyoto has more green space, so things like momiji (fall foliage), sakura (cherry blossoms), and dustings of snow are more picturesque in Kyoto than in Osaka, which is more dense with buildings.

You can find more details on regional weather patterns across the country in our guide to the best time to visit Japan.

Best Time to Visit Japan: When to Go & When to Avoid!

Food in Kyoto vs. Osaka

Both cities have truly excellent food scenes. 

There’s a big street food scene in Osaka, as well as plenty of authentic, cheap, hole-in-the-wall spots where locals hang out.

Kyoto, on the other hand, has a lot of world-renowned restaurants and memorable dining experiences, many of which require reservations.

Good to know: Many proper restaurants in Osaka require reservations too, but you’ll have to compete with far fewer tourists.

Another thing to point out is Kyoto has an increasing culture of “Instagram” cafes and restaurants, meaning even if they don’t take reservations, you should expect a long wait.

Japanese foods to try

There’s so much more to Japanese cuisine than just sushi and ramen! Don’t get me wrong, we love sushi and ramen. But after 3 trips to Japan and lots of eating very important research, we’ve expanded our horizons.

Before we share our winner for this category, read up on foods to try in Japan so you know what to look for when you get there.

What to Eat in Japan: 45 Foods to Try + Tips for Eating in Japan!

Our winner: Close call; If we have to choose, we’d say Kyoto 

Kyoto has more truly memorable experiences, but Osaka feels more local and has more down-to-earth restaurants and street food.

Fun fact: Osaka’s famed foodie scene has earned it the nickname “kuidaore no machi”, or “town where people eat until they are bankrupt”.

Budget for Kyoto vs. Osaka

Generally speaking, Japan can be a pretty expensive place to travel. But there are plenty of ways to save money if you know where to look.

Hint: Start by looking at our money-saving tips for traveling Japan on a budget!

Osaka is a great place to visit if you’re traveling in Japan on a budget. You can easily find affordable accommodations, like hostels or capsule hotels, and you can save lots of money by eating at cheap mom-and-pop restaurants or filling up on street food. You may even be able to snag a deal by flying into Osaka instead of Tokyo.

On the flipside, if you’re staying in posh hotels or spending your days at Universal, you can easily spend a lot more.

Kyoto is much more touristy, so you can expect to pay more for just about everything. Though there are lots of cheap (sometimes free!) things to do in Kyoto, like visiting temples and shrines, there are far fewer budget options when it comes to food and accommodations. You’ll also spend more on transportation, as Kyoto’s main attractions are pretty spread out.

Our winner: Osaka

With easy access to cheap accommodations, food, and public transportation, Osaka is much more budget-friendly than Kyoto.

Related reading: Japan Travel Cost

Landscapes in Kyoto vs. Osaka

Kyoto is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in Japan. Traditional architecture blends seamlessly with natural surroundings, including cherry and maple trees that are breathtaking in the spring and fall.

Some of Kyoto’s top tourist attractions are embedded in nature, such as the orange torii gates snaking their way up a mountainside at Fushimi Inari Shrine, or the wide, glassy pond that reflects a mirror image of the Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-ji Temple.

Osaka, on the other hand, is more urban, with modern architecture and views that would more appropriately be described as cityscapes.

Nature is harder to find in Osaka. If you don’t believe me, take a look at Google Maps and you’ll see just a few small splashes of green dotted throughout the city and along the river.

Psst! If you’re visiting Osaka and need a little nature break, head to the Nishinomaru Gardens surrounding Osaka Castle, or take a day trip to Minoo Park.

Our winner: Kyoto

Kyoto’s green space and traditional architecture make for more beautiful landscapes than Osaka’s urban sprawl.

That said, while Kyoto’s landscapes may look serene in photographs, know that it can get very crowded.

Landmarks in Kyoto vs. Osaka

Kyoto is home to more than 400 shrines, 1,600 temples, and 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Among them are some of the most famous landmarks in all of Japan, such as Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kinkaku-ji Temple. 

While Kyoto’s top landmarks exude history, culture, and tradition, Osaka’s are largely modern, like the buzzy Dōtonbori neighborhood and the LED-lit Tsūtenkaku Tower.

Our winner: Kyoto

Kyoto’s landmarks are more iconic, more picturesque, and more numerous than Osaka.

Fun things to do in Kyoto vs. Osaka

Which has more to do: Kyoto or Osaka?

Both Kyoto and Osaka offer plenty of memorable experiences, and either could be a good choice depending on your interests.

Kyoto offers endless opportunities to engage in traditional cultural experiences, such as participating in a tea ceremony, staying in a ryokan, or learning the ancient art of calligraphy.

Conversely, Osaka is ideal for nightlife and modern entertainment, with amusement parks, arcades, street food, and izakaya.

Our winner: Kyoto

This is somewhat a matter of personal preference, as some people could probably spend several days at Universal Studios alone and not get bored. But if we’re looking at quintessential Japanese experiences and sightseeing, Kyoto has a lot more to offer.

Getting around in Kyoto vs. Osaka

Japan as a whole is known for its superior public transportation, from city metros to the Japan Rail system.

Osaka is a very well-connected city, and public transportation is affordable and efficient. There are also plenty of bike lanes, making a bicycle rental another viable (and fun!) way to get around.

In Kyoto, the top attractions are very spread out and public transportation is not as extensive. Sometimes we’d end up walking for 45 minutes between sites because a bus would have taken just as long.

Our winner: Osaka

It’s much easier to get around in Osaka vs. Kyoto. Osaka’s city center covers less ground, so the main sights are closer together. Plus, Osaka has 8 subway lines compared to Kyoto’s 2.

Driving in Japan

On our most recent visit to Japan, we rented a car for part of our trip. We loved the convenience and freedom of having our own wheels and highly recommend renting a car in Japan if you want to get off the typical tourist path and visit more remote towns.

That said, we would skip the rental car for your time in Kyoto or Osaka. Driving in the city can be stressful (especially since you’ll be driving on the left!) and parking can be expensive. And with easy access to public transportation, it simply isn’t necessary to have your own vehicle in the city.

Accommodations in Kyoto vs. Osaka

You can find a range of accommodations in both Kyoto and Osaka, from a bed in a hostel dorm to a suite in a luxury hotel. You’ll also find Airbnbs in both cities, which also run the gamut from basic to bougie.

Psst! Find out our secrets to choosing a great Airbnb every time. We’ve got it down to a science!

Generally speaking, you can expect most accommodations in popular Japanese cities like Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo to be pretty small—most affordable accommodations, that is.

In Osaka, you could lean into this by booking a capsule hotel for a unique Japanese experience.

Our winner: Kyoto

Though Osaka has more budget options (like capsule hotels), Kyoto has more unique and memorable stays that are an experience in themselves.

Crowds in Kyoto vs. Osaka

Which is more popular with international tourists: Kyoto or Osaka?

Kyoto sees an incredible amount of tourists each year, and while the top attractions are popular for a reason (and should be seen at least once in your lifetime), the crowds can get old fast. 

Narrow streets packed like sardines and queueing for photos in front of iconic landmarks? Not really my thing.

That said, there are definitely plenty of hidden gems in Kyoto that most tourists miss. In fact, we share our top suggestions for getting off the beaten path in our Japan Hidden Gems Itinerary.

Our winner: Osaka

Kyoto feels way more touristy than Osaka. 

You can get off the beaten path in both, but you’ll find far more international tourists in Kyoto. Kyoto’s lower population also makes the tourist crowds seem more apparent compared to Osaka.

Important note: Kyoto has had issues with overtourism, prompting new rules that ban tourists from some private streets and prohibit photography in certain areas of Gion. If you’re in the area, please respect these rules as they protect locals’ privacy and way of life.

Which is more family-friendly: Kyoto vs. Osaka?

On our third trip to Japan, we traveled with our daughter, who was 2 years old at the time. We didn’t go to Osaka on that trip, so we can only speak from personal experience with a child in Kyoto. But we spent quite a bit of time in Osaka a few years earlier (pre-children) and don’t think there’s anything that makes it not family-friendly.

Between the two, Osaka has better sidewalks for strollers than many parts of Kyoto (where you’ll often find cobblestones and staircases). 

But you’ll likely see more families in Kyoto because it draws more tourists overall. This means that finding family-friendly accommodations and restaurants is perhaps a bit easier.

Osaka has more of a nightlife scene, which may feel limiting (or give you FOMO) if you’re traveling with children.

All that said, I wouldn’t say you should skip Osaka if you’re traveling with kids. It’s just that Kyoto is perhaps a bit more family-friendly overall. 

This might be an unpopular opinion, but we’re of the mindset that most places can be great destinations to travel with little ones. Kids live everywhere in the world, after all!

Tips for traveling in Japan with kids

We have a whole guide to help you plan the perfect family trip to Japan. It’s full of practical tips and advice, including:

• Helping your little one adjust to a different time zone
• Where to buy diapers in Japan (it might not be where you’d expect!)
• Toddler-approved Japanese foods
• Fun, family-friendly activities (and which ones you should skip)

Japan With Kids: Don’t Plan a Family Trip Without Reading This!

Our winner: Kyoto

It may be slightly easier to find family-friendly activities and accommodations in Kyoto, whereas Osaka has more nightlife.

Round-up of the winners

Are you keeping score? 

If you want to see how Kyoto and Osaka compare on all categories in one place, here ya go:

• History & Culture Kyoto
• Weather: Osaka for weather, but Kyoto for momiji/sakura
• Food: Very close call, but Kyoto if we have to choose
• Budget: Osaka
• Landscapes: Kyoto
• Landmarks: Kyoto
• Things to do: Kyoto
• Transportation: Osaka
• Accommodations: Kyoto
• Crowds: Osaka
• Family-friendly: Kyoto

Note: I hope you read the descriptions of each category so you can see why we chose the winner and what the differences are. In most categories, they are very close, and choosing a winner was hard. Plus, our personal preferences might differ from yours, so definitely read those descriptions!

How much time do you need in Kyoto vs. Osaka?

If you’re visiting Japan for the first time, I’d definitely recommend devoting more time to Kyoto than Osaka. 

The thing is, you could truly spend a lifetime in each and still not see everything.

This is our personal recommendation:

• Kyoto: 4 nights (3 full days, 1 devoted to exploring Arashiyama)
• Osaka: 3 nights (1 full day + 1 day trip to Nara)

But at a minimum, here are our recommendations:

• Kyoto minimum: 3 days, ideally 4
• Osaka minimum: 1 day (as a day trip from Kyoto), ideally 2 days

Have even less time? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered, too – jump here to find out how to see as much as you can in as little as 2 days per city.

Our personal opinion: Kyoto vs. Osaka

Kyoto and Osaka really are very different cities. 

One of the only similarities between them is location, as they’re both part of the Kansai region. Other than that, it’s like comparing apples to oranges. 

Personally, we like Kyoto better because it is objectively more beautiful, has more culture and history, and is home to more iconic sites.

That said, Osaka is cheaper, less packed-to-the-gills with tourists, and has better public transportation. 

They are definitely both worth checking out as they are completely different sides of Japan. At a minimum, hopefully you can stay in one city and take a day trip to the other (our rec is to stay in Kyoto and day trip to Osaka). 

However, if this is your first trip to Japan and you truly only have time for one city, pick Kyoto as it is home to far more iconic sites. Kyoto often tops peoples’ “favorite cities in Japan” and it’s easy to see why.

Itineraries for Kyoto vs. Osaka

Depending on your schedule, perhaps you only have a week in Japan. And, especially if it’s your first time, you probably want to visit a few different cities. (This was the case for our first trip to Japan!)

I personally have bad FOMO and find it really hard to skip any must-see sights, let alone an entire city. If you can relate, then keep reading…

We’ve taken our favorite experiences in both Kyoto and Osaka and distilled them down to the very top sights that can be seen in just 2 days per city. 

So if you absolutely cannot choose between Kyoto vs. Osaka, be sure to save these bite-sized itineraries!

2 Day Kyoto Itinerary: Iconic Sights + Expert Tips!

2 Day Osaka Itinerary: Iconic Sights + Expert Tips!

Want the perfect Japan itinerary planned for you? 

If you don’t have a ton of time to spend planning your Japan itinerary (or you just don’t find travel planning fun), we’ve got something you might be interested in… 

We created the ultimate done-for-you Japan itineraries that are packed full of all sorts of tips we’ve gathered from 3 trips to Japan as well as literally hundreds of hours of research (no exaggeration). 

We will have both off-the-beaten path routes as well as a classic itinerary that hits the top attractions (perfect for your first visit to Japan!).

Click above and we’ll send you our complete 2-week classic Japan itinerary, filled with tips and advice, including the highlights of Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Osaka, Kyoto and more!

And if this isn’t your first trip to Japan, or you’re just not as excited about seeing all the typical tourists sights. We’ve got something for you too…

We created the ultimate Japan hidden gems itinerary based on our personal travels around the country and it is available now! In this 3-week itinerary, we get off-the-beaten-path to see the “real” Japan, where there are fewer crowds and more unique things to see and do. Click above to check out the hidden gems itinerary!

Japan Packing List

Be sure to download our complete packing list for Japan! It’s packed with good suggestions and insider tips to help plan your Japan trip. And it’s completely FREE, so why not!?

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More resources for traveling in Japan

We have TONS of resources on travel in Japan and destinations throughout the country. Check out our Ultimate Japan Travel Guide for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below!

• Japan Trip Planner: How to Plan Your First Trip to Japan
• Japan Rail Pass: Where to Buy & Is It Worthwhile?
• Helpful Japanese Words & Phrases (to know before traveling!)
• Japanese Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts
• Expert Tips for Visiting Japan
• What to Wear in Japan (+ What NOT to Wear!)
• Japan Packing List: 50+ Things You Can’t Forget (+ FREE checklist!)
• Japan Travel Cost: Exactly How Much is a Trip to Japan?
• Foods to Eat in Japan: Guide to Japanese Cuisine

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We want to hear from you!

Still trying to decide whether you should visit Kyoto or Osaka? Have more questions that we didn’t cover in this article? Let us know in the comments below and we will do our best to get back to you!