Joshua R.
Yelp
-Guesthouse U-EN, Fukushima Ward, Osaka, Japan-
I spent almost 2 weeks in the Kansai Region in the latter part of Summer 2016. I wandered through Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. It's really easy to get around as it takes 30 minutes to get to each city regardless of where you're catching the train from. Kobe is the furthest away but only an hour out from Osaka and worth a day trip. I stayed in a few hostels in both Osaka and Kyoto. And as I plan to go back again and what I would recommend to others is that they base their accommodations in either one city being either Osaka or Kyoto.
I stayed in Guesthouse U-EN on my last night in Japan. I loved the comfy vibe it gave off. It was a lot smaller than some of the other hostels I stayed in but a great way to cap off my trip as I just wanted to relax on the last night and wake up with enough time to take advantage before heading to KIX. The bunks were fairly comfortable and offered a curtain for privacy. And despite the summer heat in Japan (wear light clothing and carry a hand towel to wipe away your sweat!) their a/c was kicking high! I had to reach into my duffle to bundle up and wear socks as I tucked myself in. But that was a good problem to have and I got the best sleep that night.
Their downstairs serves as a cafe and offers coffee, supposedly some of the best curry in the neighborhood (I wish I had gotten there before the kitchen closed to try), and beer and liquor at night. Locals come to the cafe to hang out and dine so it offers the guests an authentic experience and a chance to mingle with a local crowd. Some nights they have live music and other activities. There's also a really good takoyaki shop right on the corner before you hit the alley to get to the hostel. Be sure to stop by there as well as the other great seafood options located in the same alley.
If you want a nightlife after going about your day I'd recommend basing in Osaka over Kyoto. It doesn't even have to center around drinking but the amount of late night activities is abundant in Osaka. You can always day trip to Kyoto and make your way back to rest before going out again. I'd highly recommend hostels near Fukushima Station like Guesthouse U-EN as you can get away from all the tourist traps and immerse yourself in the daily life of the locals. There's amazing local restaurants within easy waking distance of the station and your hostel. Fukushima Station is part of the Osaka Loop Line so you can navigate the city with ease and hit up all the must see spots in Osaka as well as get to Osaka Station to make your day trips.