written by Ellie Elizabeth
You’re booking the holiday of a lifetime to Japan. You’re going to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and other wonderful parts of Kansai. But after your exciting days out, you want somewhere quiet and relaxing to refuel for the next day of inspiring travel. In that case, our homey apartments located in Hirakata, resting in the middle of Osaka and Kyoto are waiting for you!
Key Takeaways
- Hirakata sits perfectly between Osaka and Kyoto making it ideal and convenient for travel.
- You’ll feel like you’re living at home as our apartments are equipped with a kitchen, a washing machine, Wi-Fi, AC and other necessities.
- You can take part in our Japanese classes for free!
Why You’ll Feel Right At Home
A Practical Base
Our apartments are located at Orient Riddim in Hirakata City which can be accessed on the Keihan Line to Hirakatashi Station. From the station it’s about 20 minutes to Yodoyabashi Station in Osaka, 26 minutes to Gion-Shijo Station in Kyoto and about an hour to Kintestu-Nara Station.
Here you’ll stay in a residential area, meaning if you’re craving some solitude and your own space to relax you don’t need to stay in the bustling city centre.
Feels Like You’re Living in Japan
It’ll feel just like a home away from home, our apartments have everything you need for everyday living like a functional kitchenette, high speed Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a washing machine. This makes them ideal if you’re staying long term or even short term in Kansai.
Furthermore, you’re more than welcome to join our Japanese classes hosted at Osaka English House. These are great for learning some Japanese for travel and about the culture from locals! Whilst having your own space in the apartment, you can experience the community in Hirakata and at OEH.
Attractions in Hirakata
Whilst Hirakata’s location is idle for travel to Osaka and Kyoto, there’s plenty to do and explore within the city itself. Since Hirakata is away from the hustle and bustle of tourist areas, you can feel fully immersed in Japan and discover what the city has to offer.
Hirakata Park
Hirakata Park is a 14-minute walk from the apartments and has over 50 attractions making it great for groups of friends, families or even couples. The attractions range from roller coasters, flat rides and games.
Whilst you take a break from the exciting coasters, you can take a walk around the flower and rose gardens. The garden flowers change with the seasons and are full of photo spots excellent for taking instagram photos.
Local Shrines and Temples Pilgrimage
If you simply love visiting shrines or have a goshuincho (a stamp book marking your visit to a shrine) you wish to fill up, make sure to explore these stunning shrines which are easily accessible from the apartments.
First up is Gotenyama Shrine. To get here, walk to Hirakatashi Station and take the local or semi-express train bound for Demachiyanagi, alighting at Gotenyama Station. If you walk about 5 minutes from the station you’ll find a large stone Torii gate snuggled between some trees. This shrine is dedicated to Hachiman-okami who is said to protect the nation of Japan, the royal family, the home and increase success in martial arts.
The next shrine is called Katano Shrine. You could either walk 26 minutes or catch the local train from Gotenyama Station to Makino Station before walking 6 minutes to the shrine. During the Edo Period (1603-1868) Katano Shrine was ordained as the guardian shrine for the demon gate of Osaka Castle to hinder negative influences.
Hirakata’s Chill Coffee Shops
Hirakata is sprawling with cute and stylish cafes. Here’s a few recommendations from us!
Yorkie Coffee
Yorkie Coffee is a local cafe with a somewhat European vibe to it offering an interesting drinks menu and sweet treats.
Whilst the coffee flavor is outstanding (and the matcha latte), there are many non-caffeine options such as Milo Dinosaur (a chocolate milk drink) and Umber Milk (a milk drink with Okinawan brown sugar syrup). All the sweet bakes are delicious and pair with any drink – we really recommend the speciality pudding!
Indigo Coffee Roasters
Indigo Coffee Roasters is a delightful coffee shop near Hirakatashi Station offering the finest coffee and matcha. Whilst they offer espresso based coffee, drip coffee is their specialty. You can select beans from Brazil, El Salavdor and Ethiopia.
Carrot House
Carrot House is a cute little cafe just an 8 minute walk from the apartments. It is owned by an old, friendly Japanese man who learnt English at Osaka English House. Here there is a selection of coffee drinks, sandwiches and a set curry lunch menu. If you’re wanting to have breakfast out, Carrot House offers a morning set of a drink, toast and fruits for a very affordable price. This coffee shop is quaint and lovely for meeting amiable locals.
Our Apartment Features
Apartment 107
This apartment can host up to four people. It has one bedroom, boasting a roomy double bed and two futons. There is also a sofa and a spacious kitchen-dining area making it perfect for families or for you and your friends.
This space also has all the practical appliances for a comfortable stay like AC, heating, a washing machine, towels and toiletries. There is even a desk space and high speed Wi-Fi offering a pleasant working environment should you need it.
Apartment 106
This apartment can host up to three people, with two plush beds and a snug futon. It also has one bedroom with access to an outdoor terrace so you can settle comfortably. There is an equipped kitchen, washing machine and air conditioning unit making this apartment excellent for a long term stay too.
We also offer 15% off weekly stays and 25% off monthly stays on both of our wonderful apartments too!
How do I get to the apartment?
From Kansai Airport
You can take the Kansaikuko Line direct to Kyobashi Station and change to the Keihan Line. Once you’ve changed lines, hop on a train stopping at Hirakatashi. This trip should take just under a couple of hours.
From Osaka Itami Airport
Take the Osaka Monorail to Kadomashi Station. Then change lines to Keihan stopping at Hirakatashi, it takes about an hour and twenty minutes.
From Shin-Osaka Station
You can catch the Midosuji Line from Shin-Osaka Station to Yodoyabashi before changing to the Keihan Line. Afterwards, take a train bound for Demachiyanagi and alight at Hirakatashi. This will take you about fifty minutes.
FAQs: Feel At Home in These Comfy Apartments in Hirakata
Staying in Hirakata feels like you’re living in Japan, not just on holiday due to the quaint residential area. The location is very convenient as you can reach Kyoto and Osaka within less than 30 minutes by train.
There are many different fun and cultural activities to do in Hirakata. If you’re looking for an exciting day out, Hirakata Park is perfect with its varying rides and roller coasters. Or you could delve into the local shrines like Gotenyama or Katano Shrine. Or you could even check out Hirakata’s chilled coffee shop scene.
Of course you can. OEH offers free small group classes you can participate in no matter your level. These sessions are often combined with fun cultural activities like calligraphy, matcha and origami.
Both apartments come with equipped kitchens, air con, heaters, towels, toiletries and high-speed WiFi. They’re spacious and offer 3-4 beds which is great for both families, couples and groups of friends.
From Kansai Airport, take the Kansaikuko Line to Kyobashi and change to the Keihan Line bound for Demachiyanagi. From Osaka Itami, take the monorail to Kadomashi Station and change to the Keihan Line, alighting at Hirakatashi. If you’re coming from Shin-Osaka, catch the Midosuji Line to Yodoyabashi and change to Keihan bound for Demachiyanagi, getting off at Hirakatashi.
