Top 10 Recommended Vacation Rentals in Kansai & Kinki | Differences from Hotels, How to Book, and Price Range Explained
“Vacation rental” in Japanese means a rental villa. Unlike hotels or ryokan, vacation rentals offer a spacious environment with greater privacy, making them increasingly popular in Japan.
They are ideal for family trips, group getaways with friends, as well as workations or extended stays.
This time, we’ll introduce 10 recommended vacation rentals in Kansai.
The listed budgets are based on official information as of October 2025 for 2 guests per room per night at the lowest price. Rates may vary depending on the season, number of guests, and booking channel. Please check the official website for the latest rates.
What is a Vacation Rental?
A vacation rental is a type of accommodation where travelers rent a villa, house, or apartment unit for short-term stays.
They are typically furnished with home appliances and furniture, allowing guests to live like at home. Unlike hotels, there’s usually no front desk or room service, but kitchens and washing machines are often provided, making them popular for medium- to long-term stays or family trips.
How is it Different from a Hotel?
Hotels mainly focus on private guest rooms and shared facilities, offering cleaning services and meal options.
Vacation rentals, on the other hand, are self-service accommodations. Guests are responsible for household chores and cleaning during their stay.
In return, they get the benefit of spacious private use and a lifestyle-like environment. However, because front desk services and dining are often unavailable, guests need to prepare things themselves in advance.
Top 10 Recommended Vacation Rentals in Kansai
Kansai offers a variety of vacation rentals such as townhouses, old folk homes, and resort-style villas.
Here are 10 carefully selected accommodations perfect for sightseeing or group trips. Compare features and locations to find the rental that matches your travel style. Rates vary depending on season and group size.
CONTEXTED (Osaka)
Our “CONTEXTED” is a one-building rental inn in Teradacho, Osaka.
It’s a renovated 100-year-old townhouse blending nostalgic charm with modern comfort.
The neighborhood has shopping streets and public baths, and a short walk brings you to Ikuno Korea Town—an area where daily life meets sightseeing.
There are three buildings: “SORA,” “TEN,” and “GEN.” Each accommodates 7–8 people, and renting all three allows up to 23 guests. Perfect for graduation trips, retreats, or home parties. Kitchens and washing machines also make it suitable for long stays or workations.
Basic Information
・ Budget: From ¥32,333 per room per night
・ Address: 1-6-3 Ikuno Higashi, Ikuno-ku, Osaka, 544-0025
・ Access: About 10 minutes on foot from Teradacho Station (JR Loop Line)
・ Official site: https://contexted.osaka.jp/
Konjakuso Bentencho (Osaka)
Source: Konjakuso Official Website
This two-story rental with an open-air bath and large living room is located in Osaka’s bay area.
It accommodates up to 10 guests, perfect for families and groups.
As an urban vacation rental, it offers excellent access for sightseeing and shopping, while its mix of Japanese-modern décor makes it Instagram-worthy. Enjoy a resort-like experience without leaving the city.
Basic Information
・ Budget: From ¥80,000 per room per night
・ Address: 3-5-6 Ichioka Motomachi, Minato-ku, Osaka
・ Access: 2–4 minutes on foot from Bentencho Station (JR/Osaka Metro)
・ Official site: https://konjakuso.jp/
Crystal Villa Shirahama (Wakayama)
Source: Crystal Villa Shirahama Official Website
Located on a hill in Nanki Shirahama, this independent villa boasts large windows with panoramic ocean and city views.
Each villa is designed for privacy, with some featuring private hot spring baths. Great access to Shirahama Onsen and Adventure World makes it perfect as a sightseeing base.
It’s ideal for guests seeking both tranquility and convenience.
Basic Information
・ Budget: From ¥41,500 per room per night
・ Address: 2399-3524 Katata, Shirahama-cho, Nishimuro-gun, Wakayama
・ Access: Nearest bus stop “Momonoki Toge”
・ Official site: https://crystalvilla.jp/shirahama/
SEN.RETREAT TAKAHARA (Wakayama)
Source: SEN.RETREAT TAKAHARA Official Website
This renovated folk house stands along the Kumano Kodo trail in the tiny village of Takahara.
It features a wooden sauna for six, a local fruit-infused löyly experience, and a refreshing Kishu cedar water bath. A healing stay awaits amidst nature.
With space for up to 10 people, it’s perfect for those seeking to reset away from urban life. Sauna availability varies by season and plan.
Basic Information
・ Budget: From ¥27,000 per room per night
・ Address: 1966 Takahara, Nakahechi-cho, Tanabe, Wakayama, 646-1416
・ Access: About 45 minutes by car from Kii-Tanabe Station (JR Kisei Main Line)
・ Official site: https://sen-retreat.com/stay/takahara/
Bettei Juge (Kyoto)
Source: Bettei Juge Official Website
A newly built Kyoto townhouse rental in Higashiyama, featuring open ceilings and a small courtyard. Despite being close to Kiyomizu Temple and Gion, it offers a calm retreat.
It accommodates up to 10 people, with a kitchen and washer-dryer for long stays.
Basic Information
・ Budget: From ¥65,000 per room per night
・ Address: 93-14 Hoshino-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0853
・ Access: About 15 minutes on foot from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station (Keihan Line)
・ Official site: https://hotel.juge-kyoto.com/
6ishiki (Kyoto)
Source: 6ishiki Official Website
Located in Kameoka, this exclusive rental welcomes only one group per day. A 100-year-old house, carefully renovated, surrounded by forest.
It offers a private sauna and serene natural setting, ideal for couples or friends seeking a “hidden retreat” experience.
Basic Information
・ Budget: From ¥42,500 per room per night
・ Address: 2-737 Namikawa, Oi-cho, Kameoka, Kyoto
・ Access: About 5 minutes on foot from Namikawa Station (JR San’in Line)
・ Official site: https://6ishiki.jp/
Branziela Villa Asuka (Nara)
Source: Branziela Villa Asuka Official Website
This registered cultural property in Asuka Village has been renovated into a modern yet traditional inn.
The “Akane Room” features a Japanese-style room, private garden, and Shigaraki ware bathtub. The “Yamabuki Room” is a cozy wooden space with attic access. Perfect for experiencing village life in a historical setting.
Basic Information
・ Budget: From ¥41,800 per room per night
・ Address: 660 Asuka, Asuka-mura, Takaichi-gun, Nara, 634-0103
・ Access: About 8 minutes by car from Kintetsu Kashiharajingu-mae Station
・ Official site: https://www.haseko-stay.jp/
Oku-Biwako Shikitei (Shiga)
Source: Shikitei Official Website
A 140-year-old farmhouse, renovated as an exclusive one-group-per-day rental by Lake Biwa.
With features like a traditional hearth and wooden beams, it retains old charm while offering comfort. Direct access to the lake allows fishing, swimming, and boating. Sleeps up to 10.
Basic Information
・ Budget: From ¥65,000 per room per night
・ Address: 448-1 Kaizu, Makino-cho, Takashima, Shiga, 520-1811
・ Access: About 5 minutes by car from Makino Station (JR Kosei Line)
・ Official site: https://www.shikitei.info/
Coral Suite Villa Awaji (Hyogo)
Source: Coral Suite Villa Awaji Official Website
This stylish villa overlooks the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.
Exclusive one-group-per-day rental with a jacuzzi bath on the first floor, panoramic-view living room upstairs, and rooftop terrace with sofas, sunbeds, and BBQ grill.
Just an hour from Osaka by car, it’s an accessible luxury retreat.
Basic Information
・ Budget: From ¥65,000 per room per night
・ Address: 211-31 Iwaya, Awaji, Hyogo
・ Access: About 5 minutes by car from Awaji IC (Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway)
・ Official site: https://coral-suite.jp/
URBAN&BEACH (Hyogo)
Source: URBAN&BEACH Official Website
A beachfront villa in Awaji Island where the sea is right outside your door. Guests can enjoy BBQ on the terrace and breathtaking views of sunrise and sunset.
It features two twin bedrooms and a resort-like vibe ideal for families or friends.
Basic Information
・ Budget: From ¥35,420 per room per night
・ Address: 2838-1 Iwaya, Awaji, Hyogo, 656-2401
・ Access: About 5 minutes by car from Awaji IC
・ Official site: https://nplus-resort.com/villa/urban-and-beach
How to Choose a Vacation Rental in Kansai
To avoid mistakes, base your choice on group size and space requirements. Large groups should look for multiple bedrooms or whole-house rentals.
Check for essential amenities such as kitchen, laundry, and Wi-Fi. Decide between convenience near sightseeing areas or the calm of a natural setting. Look for unique experiences like saunas, BBQ, or water activities to enrich your trip.
Be aware that some rentals may have confusing self-check-in, lack front desk service, or not provide amenities. Always confirm beforehand.
Things to Keep in Mind When Using Vacation Rentals
Confirm whether check-in is self-service or in-person, and check parking availability. For large groups, noise and waste rules must be respected to avoid issues with neighbors. Good manners ensure a smooth stay.
How to Book and Search for Vacation Rentals
Reservations can be made through both official websites and major booking platforms.
Official websites may offer discounts or perks, while booking platforms allow comparisons and reviews. Prices rise during peak seasons, so book early or look for early-bird discounts. Some rentals offer long-stay discounts.
FAQ About Vacation Rentals
Q. What’s the difference between vacation rentals and hotels?
Vacation rentals are private rentals where guests can stay without worrying about other guests. Kitchens and laundry facilities make them suitable for long stays. But guests handle cleaning and trash themselves. Hotels, by contrast, offer daily cleaning, meals, and support services. However, hotels may not be cost-effective for large groups.
Q. Are they suitable for kids or big groups?
Yes. Many vacation rentals have large living rooms and multiple bedrooms, making them ideal for families or groups. Some provide baby gear and child-friendly amenities. Just note that urban rentals require noise consideration at night.
Q. Can I stay long-term?
Yes. Many offer weekly or monthly plans. With kitchens and laundry, you can save on living costs. Increasingly, rentals have Wi-Fi and workspaces, making them ideal for remote work and leisure.
Seasonal Stay Styles in Kansai Vacation Rentals
Kansai’s rentals let you enjoy Japan’s four seasons:
- Spring: Stay in townhouses or folk homes and enjoy cherry blossom sightseeing.
- Summer: Head to Shiga’s Lake Biwa or Awaji’s beaches for swimming and water activities.
- Autumn: Retreat to Kyoto or Wakayama mountains for stunning autumn foliage.
- Winter: Stay in an old folk house with an irori hearth or wood stove for cozy warmth.
Each season brings a unique experience even within the same region.
Why Vacation Rentals Are Popular in Kansai
Kansai’s diverse geography—from bustling cities to serene countryside—makes it perfect for vacation rentals.
Kyoto and Osaka have townhouse rentals near sightseeing spots. Nara and Wakayama offer tranquil folk homes rich in history and nature. Shiga and Hyogo (Awaji Island) provide lakeside and seaside retreats with easy urban access.
With abundant attractions and convenient transport, Kansai rentals appeal to a wide audience.
Price Range of Vacation Rentals in Kansai
Approximate prices for 2 people per night:
- Osaka/Kyoto townhouses: ¥15,000–40,000
- Nara/Wakayama folk homes: ¥20,000–50,000
- Shiga/Hyogo lakeside & seaside resorts: ¥35,000–60,000
Large groups can lower per-person costs, making them great value for families and group travel. Book early for discounts, or consider weekdays for lower rates.
Note: Prices vary depending on season, events, and booking timing.
Conclusion
From townhouses near famous spots to tranquil folk homes and coastal villas, Kansai offers diverse vacation rentals.
They’re perfect for families or groups who want privacy and an experience hotels can’t match.
Renting an entire building gives you the space to “live like a local” while traveling. For your next Kansai trip, choose the rental that matches your style and enjoy an unforgettable stay.
