Osaka and Kyoto, Japan: What I Did in Both Cities in One Trip

I am dedicating this post to both Osaka and Kyoto because they are close to each other, about 30 mins by Japan’s high speed train, and most tourists usually visit both places (and Nara for the deer) together. I briefly visited both places in September 2023 because I was back in Singapore for a bit and wanted to visit my good MBA friend, Hatsuo-san, who was based in Osaka.

Singaporeans visit Japan a lot. I went to Tokyo twice before this but never visited Osaka, so I decided to pop by. The Japanese yen dropped significantly in 2023 — and even further by 2025 — which made it a good time to go. Japan has since started imposing tourist taxes in some areas to manage over-tourism.

Are Osaka and Kyoto Worth Visiting?

These two places have very different vibes. Osaka is a big city — distinct from Tokyo — while Kyoto is much smaller and traditional. If you are looking for photogenic temples and forests, Kyoto is the better pick. If you prefer big cities, go Osaka. Personally I found Kyoto more unique, though I also did not spend as much time in Osaka. Either way, the food alone is worth the trip — I gained 3kg in one week.

Delicious Japanese Food

Noodles — Ramen and Soba

I thought there were only Tonkotsu and Miso ramen. Little did I know there are so many types — fish broth, chicken, and the noodles themselves vary a lot. Ramen is very much a staple food there, so prices are reasonable.

Fish Broth Shio Ramen in Kyoto — a lighter, salt-based noodle dish. Shio means salt in Japanese, indicating the soup’s primary seasoning. The broth is clear and delicate, letting the freshness of the ingredients come through. I found it very unique, but I would personally stick to the richer broths.

Chicken Ramen in Osaka — Hatsuo-san’s recommendation from a one-man neighbourhood ramen shop. Simple, delicious, and affordable. I usually skip chicken ramen but this was genuinely good.

This kind of shop is what I love most — local, authentic, and simple. The menu was entirely in Japanese, which I would never have been able to navigate alone. Japanese cuisine has a unique elegance, like a work of art, and the best way to experience it is in places like this.

Tonkotsu Ramen — a deeply flavourful ramen with rich pork bone broth. Common everywhere, but Japan does it better. Zaru Udon — chilled udon noodle served with a dipping sauce, presented in a woven bamboo tray. Some days I prefer udon: more chewy, more satisfying.

Beef Yakiniku

I am a big beef person — red meat gives me energy. Japan is famous for its beef, and the only other country I have visited with a bigger beef obsession is Argentina. Japanese beef is different though — simpler, with more focus on the beef itself than on the cooking technique.

Yakiniku Donburi — a rice bowl topped with grilled meat, drizzled with tare sauce. Tender beef over steamed rice. I could eat this every day, with miso soup and Japanese beer.

Wagyu Yakiniku — premium thinly sliced wagyu beef, renowned for its intricate marbling. I decided to splurge because it is wagyu from Japan, and the shop was running a promotion. Worth it.

Set Meals and Sashimi

Japanese set meals are a work of art — you can find them anywhere, and half the time there is no English name for any dish. It is like Korea’s banchan, with lots of small side dishes. And sashimi and sushi need no introduction.

A free breakfast set from my Kyoto hotel — I cannot name most of what is on that tray, but it was simple, delicious, healthy, and filling.

Homemade sashimi and a lotus dish made by Hatsuo-san’s mother. I had dinner at their place — a cozy, well-decorated Japanese home. The fish was bought from the wet market and was incredibly fresh. I could eat it all day.

Attractions I Visited

Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle (大阪城) is a historically significant landmark built in the 16th century by warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. It played a pivotal role in the unification of Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. The current structure is a rebuilt version completed in 1931.

This is arguably the top tourist spot in Osaka — I saw crowds everywhere. There are museums inside the castle and food stalls in the garden. I spent a good amount of time walking both inside and outside. I liked it, and wish I had spent more time there.

Dotonbori

Dotonbori (道頓堀) is a vibrant entertainment and culinary district along the Dotonbori Canal in Osaka’s Chuo ward. The most lively area in the city — lots of shops, food, bars, and clubs. The iconic Glico running man neon sign is here (I unfortunately did not visit at night to photograph it). Glico is the company that makes Pocky.

There is so much to do here — eating, shopping at the Don Quijote store (the one with the ferris wheel on the building), and just wandering.

Thoughts on Osaka vs Kyoto

Osaka has a different vibe from Tokyo — more relaxed, with arguably better shopping, and well-positioned as a base for day trips to Kyoto and Nara. Depending on your interests, I would recommend 2 to 3 days in Osaka.

Kyoto is worth visiting for the traditional side of Japan — temples, forests, quieter streets. If you are short on time, combine both cities. They complement each other well.