Must see hotels in Kansai

In business for nearly a century right by Dōtombori, Kaneyoshi's current (1980s) building feels a bit dated, but it's offset by eager-to-please staff,…

This upmarket ryokan features tasteful and spacious rooms, all with river views and private facilities in addition to onsen baths. There are some chic…

This hip design hotel ticks many boxes for those looking for a smart modern stay close to Shinsaibashi's shopping and nightlife. Rooms are stylish with a…

In Naramachi and close to the sights, Guesthouse Makura occupies a 90-year-old wooden machiya (shophouse). It's been lightly renovated but retains much of…

From the reliable Khaosan chain, this large hostel is run like an efficient hotel by a bevy of multilingual staff. The bunks are big and the more…

On Naka-no-shima, this smart-looking hotel exudes contemporary cool. Rooms have wooden floors and there are attractive common baths. Request an east…

This contemporary ryokan has a mix of Japanese- and Western-style rooms, all with indoor showers and rotemburo on the balconies, discreetly hidden from…

Conveniently located a short hop from Higobashi Station, close to the river and Naka-no-shima's sights, and a 20-minute walk from the Umeda area, Cordia…

The excellent Hotel Nikkō Kansai Airport is connected to the main terminal building by a pedestrian bridge (you can even bring your luggage trolleys right…

In addition to being new (it opened in early 2018), this business hotel has a few other appealing things: walk-in showers (that are more accessible than…

Close to all the Dōtombori and Namba nightlife action, but tucked away in a quiet street, Kamon is a great choice for penny-pinchers. Some rooms are a…

This recently opened, surprisingly stylish capsule hotel is attached to JR Ōtsu Station; it's a good base for exploring the sights in Shiga Prefecture and…

Conveniently situated on Midō-suji, St Regis emits an atmosphere of old world elegance. Service is highly professional, rooms are comfortable and spacious…

Japan's Nikkō chain always delivers a comfortable, smooth stay and this location is no different. It's conveniently connected to JR Nara Station by a…

The Cross Hotel rocks a black, white and dark-red urban look and you'd have to sleep under Ebisu-bashi bridge for a more central location. Rooms are of…

About 10 minutes' walk north of the Minami District, the Arietta has good-sized rooms with wooden floors and tiled bathrooms, welcoming staff and a simple…

This Swiss chalet–style building sits across from the riverside hot springs in Kawa-yu. There's a big communal dining area on the ground floor and…

At the upper end of the village of Yunomine, this seven-room minshuku is exactly what a minshuku should be: simple, clean and welcoming. Only one room has…

Set where the rice paddies meet the sea (and really in the middle of nowhere), Totoya offers Japanese-style rooms (with sink and toilet), shared onsen…

This chill backpackers' inn offers a tight warren of bunk-bed dorms and Japanese-style rooms a short walk from Naramachi. Convivial common areas are a…