japansophy

With three decades of visiting Tokyo as tourists, we're pretty clued in on our viewing platforms, and our honest answer, for different reasons, is that we don't put either on our itineraries. We'll explain why, but just in case you're set on doing one or the other, let's compare the two.

There are two airports that serve Kyoto: Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka Itami Airport (ITM). And while one of them is geographically closer, that doesn't necessarily make it the right choice. But does it make sense to fly to Kyoto at all? Is it better to fly to Kyoto or take the bullet train?

We find Hozenji Yokocho charming. It has elements of Golden Gai in Tokyo and of Pontocho in Kyoto but unmistakably Osaka at the same time and is one of the few historical streets that the city still has. The moss-covered Buddha statue is much-loved among locals and is certainly one of the more unusual you will see in Japan. Personally, I find it a little creepy but maybe I watched too much Dr Who as a kid.