GUIDES
Guides
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about where to stay in Osaka and Kyoto, from the team that runs the homes. Numbers are calculated live from the homes we list.
Guide · Osaka with kids, first visitFirst time in Osaka with kids: Namba, Umeda or Tennoji?If in doubt, base yourself somewhere with a short, direct train to Namba. From Namba there are direct lines to Kansai Airport, Nara and Kobe-Sannomiya, and one subway line to Umeda and Shin-Osaka.Guide · Osaka for big groupsStaying in Osaka with 8 or more people: how to choose a whole homeThis site alone has 80 whole homes in Osaka where 8 or more people can stay together (27 sleep 10 or more; the largest sleeps 18).Guide · USJ with kidsStaying near Universal Studios Japan with kids: hotel or whole home?Two adults and one or two kids, one or two nights, all-in on the park: an official hotel at the park gate is the easiest choice — you can walk in.Guide · USJ vacation rentalsVacation rentals near Universal Studios Japan: which area, and how they differ from hotelsEasiest: Nishikujo. Two stops on the JR Yumesaki Line to USJ with no change (about 5 min). We have 6 homes there.Guide · Namba for families of 5–6A whole home within walking distance of Namba for a family of 5 or 6: how to chooseWe have 18 whole homes and apartments within 1.5 km (straight line) of Nankai Namba Station. 11 sleep 5 or more and 11 sleep 6 or more (the largest sleeps 15).Guide · Osaka with grandparentsTravelling to Osaka with grandparents: how to choose a whole home for three generationsFor three generations in Osaka, a whole home where everyone stays together works best. We have 93 homes that sleep 6 or more and have at least two toilets (21 have three or more; the largest sleeps 18).Guide · Osaka with kidsChoosing a family-friendly vacation rental in Osaka: what to check before you bookCheck five things before booking: bedrooms and bedding (beds or futons), bathtub, washing machine, stairs (elevator) and distance from the station.Guide · Kansai Airport with kidsFrom Kansai Airport to your Osaka stay with kids and suitcases: how to chooseWith kids and big luggage, prioritise two things: no change of train to Kansai Airport Station, and a short walk from the station. Those two decide how hard the journey feels.Guide · Osaka long staysStaying in Osaka for two weeks to a month: vacation rental, apartment hotel or monthly apartment?For two weeks to a month in Osaka, there are three main options: a vacation rental (apartment or whole home), an apartment hotel, or a monthly apartment (“monthly mansion”). Length of stay, flexibility on dates and group size decide which fits.Guide · Osaka by carRoad-tripping around Kansai: where to stay in Osaka with parkingThis site has 45 whole homes and rentals in Osaka with parking; 37 of them sleep 8 or more (the largest sleeps 18).Guide · Kyocera Dome concertsGoing to a concert at Kyocera Dome Osaka with friends? Where to stayThis site has 24 homes within 2.5 km (straight line) of Kyocera Dome Osaka. The closest is about 0.6 km away, and 15 homes are within 2 km — close enough to walk back after the show instead of taking a packed train.Guide · Osaka-Jo Hall concertsGoing to a concert at Osaka-Jo Hall? Where to stay with a group of fourThis site has 24 homes within 3 km (straight line) of Osaka-Jo Hall. The closest is about 1.1 km away, and 8 homes are within 2 km.Guide · Kyoto in autumnWhere to stay in Kyoto for the autumn leaves: the best areas, and the Osaka optionKyoto's autumn colours usually peak from about mid-November to early December. Timing shifts by year and by place, so check that year's foliage reports before you go.Guide · Kyoto machiya & whole homesRenting a whole machiya townhouse in Kyoto: how to chooseA whole-machiya rental means your group alone rents a traditional wooden Kyoto townhouse — narrow at the street, long and deep inside. There's no front desk and no meals; the living space and tatami rooms are yours alone.Guide · Kyoto Station with familyStaying near Kyoto Station as a family of 4–6: how to chooseKyoto Station has direct trains to Fushimi Inari (JR Nara Line), Arashiyama (JR Sagano Line), Nara (JR Nara Line, Kintetsu Kyoto Line), Osaka (JR Kyoto Line) and Kansai Airport (JR Haruka limited express), which makes it a good base for a family trip with lots of moving around.