Staying in Osaka or Kyoto

I am traveling to Japan in Dec. I will have about four nights to explore the Kanasi region.

I am thinking about making kyoto or Osaka my base.Ideally I would like accomodation near a JR line for two people for less then 12000 yen a night. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I did find a site where you can rent apartments by the day. Mansion Osaka at otemae or shinsaibashi inn. Has anyone stayed at either of these places?

Also what are the best day trips to take from Osaka or Kyoto.I am intrested in a little bit of everything.

Thank You

If you plan to take sidetrips to Hiroshima or other places along Shinkansen, I suggest you to stay in Kyoto. As both local trains and Shinkansen depart from the same station (Kyoto station). In Osaka, Shinkansen do not stop at Osaka station but at a different station (Shin-Osaka station).

In my opinion, Kyoto is the way to go. There are more places to see in Kyoto than in Osaka.

Possible hotels that meets your budget are:

http://www.toyoko-inn.com/e_hotel/00027/index.html

http://www.toyoko-inn.com/e_hotel/00040/index.html

http://www.toyoko-inn.com/e_hotel/00053/index.html

http://gojapan.about.com/library/hotel/blkyoto_low_kyototowe...

http://gojapan.about.com/library/hotel/blkyoto_low_kyototowe...

http://gojapan.about.com/library/hotel/blkyoto_low_kyotoplaz...

Try to squeeze in Uji and Kobe (especially the Arima onsen) in your itenarary.

Good luck.