The Hotel: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nara

A 2-minute walk from Nara train station, this informal hot spring hotel is 3 km from the 8th-century Heijo Palace Ruins and 5 km from the 7th-century Yakushi-ji Buddhist Temple.

Simply furnished rooms, some with colorful accent walls, feature Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and kettles. Upgraded rooms add Nespresso machines. Suites provide separate living rooms.

Amenities include a restaurant and communal indoor bathhouses with natural hot spring water. A breakfast buffet and parking are available, as are tea ceremonies and craft, calligraphy, and karate classes.

The Hotel: Hearton Hotel Kyoto

A 4-minute walk from Karasumaoike subway station, this modern, laid-back hotel is 4 km from the iconic 8th-century Kiyomizu-dera temple, and 9 km from the bamboo forest and trails at Arashiyama.

Cozy, straightforward rooms offer complimentary Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Some rooms have extra beds. Room service is available.

There's an airy cafe offering breakfast and lunch, as well as a tranquil restaurant serving traditional regional dishes. Additional amenities include bike rentals and a relaxed tea lounge. Massage services and parking (surcharge) are also available.

The Hotel: Hotel Wing International-Select Osaka Umeda

Set on a main road, this modern hotel is a 12-minute walk from Osaka train station, 15 minutes' walk from the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, and 4 km from Osaka Castle.

The down-to-earth rooms come with complimentary Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Some feature colorful furnishings.

There's a sleek cafe/bar; breakfast is available for an additional fee.

Room Details

Double Standard

• Bed size/type: King
• Standard occupancy: Two people
• Maximum occupancy: Two people

7 Nights Itinerary:

• Day 1: Fly overnight from Australia airports to Osaka.
• Day 2: Stay in Osaka, Japan.
• Day 3: Stay in Osaka, Japan.
• Day 4: Make your way from Osaka to Kyoto & stay.
• Day 5: Stay in Kyoto Japan.
• Day 6: Make your way from Kyoto to Nara & stay.
• Day 7: Stay in Nara, Japan.
• Day 8: Make your own way from Nara to Osaka & fly back from Osaka to Australia airports.