Japan hotels (Kyoto or somewhere else between Tokyo and Osaka); private onsen?

[Glider_]

Hi All,

Only a week away from our first trip to Japan and I've left an important part very late.. the entire middle of the trip! We have a fortnight in Japan, starting in Tokyo for the robotics expo for a week (staying at The Park hotel), and we have a few days in Osaka (Hilton) before leaving, but we haven't planned anything in between yet.

I was thinking of spending a couple of days in Kyoto, at a more traditional Japanese style hotel. It must have a private bathroom, and I'd love if it had a private onsen. I'm keen to hear any recommendations people might have from their own experience.

I'm also open to alternative ideas if Kyoto is better done as a day trip from Osaka and there's a gem of a place & hotel to see somewhere else between Tokyo & Japan. Since Tokyo & Osaka seem frenetic, I was thinking a more traditional, quiet and scenic experience. Budget would max out at about AUD$300pn.

 

[junbugging]

I stayed in one of the Yama-no-Terrace rooms here and liked it. About half an hour away from Kyoto itself.

Guest Rooms|Sumiya Kiho-an,Kyoto

 

[Daver6]

If you have a JR pass, then accessing Kyoto from Osaka is 10 minute train ride on the shinkansen. You can easily spend several days in Kyoto though, so you'd probably make that trip a few times.

We stayed at the Hyatt Regency in Kyoto which is relatively central, but still a bus a short bus ride from the main train station. Getting around Kyoto is generally done on a bus.

 

[Katie]

There are heaps of onsen hotels/ryokan in Hakone and outside Odawara, south of Tokyo (about 30mins by shinkansen). We only managed to spend one day in Kyoto, commuting from Osaka. Definitely try to time a visit to the Imperial Palace when one of the free walking tours is on offer!

 

[Denali]

We spent 9 days in Kyoto and it wasnt enough... apparently, we are "temple" people. Loved them.

As someone said above, you can do Osaka to Kyoto in 10-15min but I enjoyed staying in Kyoto. When in Gion about 5-6pm onwards, take time to wander the back streets and you will see Geisha heading out for their appointments. Dont stop them, dont talk to them but they are simply stunning. You usually hear them before you see them.

If time permits, a trip to Hiroshima and I hope the fall colours are still there for your visit, it will be stunning if they are.

Japan is the only place I think I want to see in every season, I hope you have a great trip.

 

[Glider_]

Wonderful suggestions, thanks!

 

[Glider_]

When in Gion about 5-6pm onwards, take time to wander the back streets and you will see Geisha heading out for their appointments...

Thanks for the tip on Gion, we've decided to stay a few days in Kyoto and have found these places which are intriguing:
About us | Machiya Residence Inn
And are about to book this one:
Koyu-an | Kyoto Holiday House | Machiya Residence Inn

Exceeds the budget, but seems really special and we sometimes stretch when the accommodation is more than just your everyday hotel

 

[Quickstatus]

Ok folks. I’m looking for hotel accom recommendations in Tokyo

Never been there
I’ll be there Feb 7-8 then Feb 17-20
In between will take train to Niigata

 

[Spongbob]

I agree that Kyoto needs a few days, rather than a single day trip. Just getting tickets for the palace tour and then taking the tour is a full day.

 

[Quickstatus]

Ive decided to add Kyoto 3 nights.
Are there authentic Ryokans in Kyoto?