Read More: 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary: Best of Tokyo. 5 more highly cited researchers? For that reason, Osaka is usually the better place to live. 15 Fun Things to Do in Melaka for a Complete Experience, Travel in Style for Less: How to Make Frequent Flyer Miles Work for You. Osaka vs. Tokyo: Which City Is Better for You? | Japan Dev Yet, many people forget the fact that although standard prices are higher in Tokyo, the standard wagers are also higher in Japans capital than in Osaka. 10 years ago Save Hi! Its impossible for us to say which city is better, as every expat has different wants, needs, and expectations about whats important to them in regards to where they live and work. By David McGonigal For visitors to Japan it is a great idea to fly straight to Japan's third largest city Osaka. Osaka is, even more than Tokyo, about eating, shopping, and living life to its fullest. Theres also Amerika Mura, an area west of Shinsaibashi that has dozens of stores selling hip-hop, vintage, and urban fashion. This city is famed for its adorable deer. Osaka is generally more laid-back (in Japanese terms), which is probably plenty for most! Even so, some cities are more expensive to live in than others. 10 Best Thrift Stores and Vintage Shops in Japan, As the nations capital, Tokyo has an unrivalled range of international brands in its shopping districts of. Osaka is a great place to sample some of the most authentic Japanese dishes such as okonomiyaki and takoyaki. Osaka lowkey has better food than Tokyo (eat as many okonomiyaki as you can) and works really well as a daytrip base - of the ones I did from there koyasan was my fav. Hence, which city in Japan is better food-wise depends on your personal taste. Osaka, Japan: 10 reasons to visit from food to shopping | CNN Fuji that offer unobstructed views of the mountain, all of which are just a few hours away from Tokyo via Shinkansen. , the second tallest structure in Japan. Visit the Official Tokyo Tourist website here. Both cities have amazing shopping, but Tokyo is the more expensive city, s. o shopping there may make a bigger dent in your wallet than in Osaka. Is it possible to do a day trip to Osaka from Tokyo? Aside from the Harry Potter park, there are so many other sections and rides to explore inside Universal like the crazy Jurassic Park flying dinosaur ride, which is considered the longest flying coaster in the world. The latter is dedicated to the Shi-Shi Dono guardian, who is believed to bring victory. (~S$30) on meals for one day and 1,769 (~S$17.85) on transport. Find out which Japanese metropolis is for you! Hopefully this article has helped in terms of deciding which city is better for expats to live in! Want to know where to shop in Tokyo? Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. So what do you think of our comparison of Tokyo vs Osaka? 7 Cities In Japan You Should Visit If You're A Golfer, Exploring Bubinga: A Premier Binary Options Trading Platform for Japanese Users, The Rise and Regulation of Online Gambling in Japan, Strategies for Fostering a Positive Learning Environment. instead of hotels, and choosing street food over restaurants. Osaka, on the other hand, has been a merchant city since ancient times. Osaka also has historical sites such as the Osaka Castle and Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine that are worth checking out. and Shinsaibashi areas, where you will find many bars and clubs playing live jazz, rock, indie, and other music. It simply comes down to how much time you have in Japan as to which city you choose to visit. In terms of land area, Tokyo covers 847 square miles to Osakas 733 square miles. Issue is that we're tired of the inaka life and are looking for a place long term where the kid can join a decent public elementary school, improving her social life (Nagano is just extremely boring and lacks opportunities both academic and social. , a World Heritage Site that holds an exquisite garden designed by the renowned garden designer, Muso Soseki. Osaka has some great shopping along Shinsaibashi Shopping Street. From here, you can see as far as. Zoom up to the cafe on the towers 58th floor for spectacular nighttime views. The public transportation isnt as vast or elaborate as Tokyos, but their buses and trains will get you where you need to go (without being packed like a sardine as often as you would be in Tokyo). The locals in Tokyo are some of the most stressed out in the world, and it is evident when you walk around the city during rush hour. Why Osaka is a must visit city in Japan - WYZA I mean, I love a fancy kaiseki meal as much as anyone (and Tokyo, to be sure, has a lot more to offer than formal dining). In her free time, she reads, goes for long walks at sunset, and dreams of faraway places. For thrifty shoppers, there is Don Quijote, a massive discount store a three-minute walk from Shinjuku Station. Buses are not recommended for foreign tourists as not all of them have the information translated into English. Jobs in Osaka and Tokyo. Which is better? What are the differences As such, you can find many traces of its past here from ancient temples to old buildings that are now preserved as museums or restaurants. Escape the Heat to Cool Western Australia: Up to S$240 Off Per Booking With UOB Travel! Why is Kyoto University better than Osaka University? Many people say that Tokyo has a very work-centric vibe due to the hustle and bustle seen on a daily basis, and that locals are not as friendly as other cities. marketing solutions across multiple channels. Some stores offer tax rebates for foreign tourists, so you can save money while snagging great deals. You can also catch a breather at. This is where you can take in breathtaking views of the glittering city skyline at night. However, because Tokyo has more of a modern influence and culture, especially when it comes to technology and pop culture, Tokyo takes this one. When night falls, come to the. Which City Has Better Tourist Attractions? Tokyo vs Osaka:8 Main Travel Differences | Asia Highlights July 17, 2020 by Author Why is Osaka better than Tokyo? Extending over 600 metres, it has many discount stores, fashion and beauty outlets, and character shops. As Ill echo in a couple of paragraphs, Kansai offers more to travelers than Kanto, even though I love both. Typically speaking, it doesnt really matter which city you visit first. Tokyo or Osaka? Which Should You Visit? - The Tokyo Tourist It doesnt matter if you are a solo female traveler or a traveler of color, respect is ingrained in their culture and youll find nothing but hospitality there. The average hotel rate in Osaka for two people is 10,490 (~S$105.85). Well help you chose the best city depending on your travel goals so you can create the perfect Japan itinerary. Osaka is located in southern Japan and is a mere 30-minute train ride from Kyoto, the worlds Geisha central. Our Selection of the Top 23 Best Things to do in Tokyo Japan, Osaka Food The 5 Local Dishes You Have to Eat, The Top 10 Best Areas for Your Shopping in Tokyo, 7 Cities In Japan You Should Visit If Youre A Golfer, Discovering Japan: Unveiling the Land of Tradition, Modernity, and Endless Adventures. Why Osaka is a Better City than Tokyo() - Medium An alumni association is an association of graduates or, more broadly, of former students (alumni). Since the number of foreigners isnt as high, expats have less groups to choose from and a harder time finding one that works for them. * Better sightseeing nearby. In spring, the castle is a prime spot for viewing cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, wisterias, azaleas, and other flowers. Is it by airplane (I have to book this flight now) or is it by the bullet train (I can book it a few days before traveling)? Its one of Asias top travel destinations, and the country offers the best in cuisine, shopping, theme parks, and architectural wonders. Before we jump into the comparison, lets start with an introduction to the two cities. The main difference is that Tokyo is bigger and better in general. There are plenty of traditional Japanese activities to watch or engage in, one of the most memorable being the Bunraku puppet shows. Osaka (, saka) is Japan's second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo. Which city should you visit on your next trip to Japan? Osaka VS Tokyo: Which Japanese City Is Worth Visiting First? Muji fans will also be delighted to know that the brands flagship store (which even has a basement cafe!) Thankfully, even if expats cant find other foreigners living in Osaka to engage with, there are vast online communities that can help them out no matter where they live. Just be polite when negotiating prices with shopkeepers. For nightlife, Tokyo takes this category simply because it offers a little bit more options for travelers. To be sure, the purpose of this post is not to help you choose one city or the other, but to set your expectations as you travel from Tokyo to Osaka or vice-versa. Want to make sure you see the best of all worlds Japan has to offer during you trip, regardless of whether you choose Osaka vs Tokyo? By doing so, you might be able to save even more living in the quaint little city. Lovers of goth, lolita, punk, and other niche styles will feel at home along, , which houses many small, independent stores selling all sorts of quirky items. If you arrive in spring, the sight of the mountain framed by sakura flowers is sure to blow you away. The most notable is Tenryuji Temple, a World Heritage Site that holds an exquisite garden designed by the renowned garden designer, Muso Soseki. Driving in Tokyo is one of the scariest experiences many expats will ever have. Both Osaka and Tokyo have efficient public transport systems. Located outside Shibuya Station, the intersection is surrounded by gigantic TV screens that play advertisements throughout the day. Within Tokyo, the easiest way to get around is by purchasing a prepaid Suica or Pasmo card, which can be used on JR East trains, the subway, and buses. For face-to-face interactions, though, Tokyo is the safe bet for finding at least one group that fits your fancy. However, since hotels, transportation and even food in Osaka are likely to be cheaper than they are in Tokyo, youll have more money leftover for shopping in Osaka vs. Tokyo. Visibility is generally considered better during the colder months of the year than in summer and in the early morning than in the middle of the day. This is an incredibly fast bullet train that can achieve speeds of up to 186 dizzying miles per . 7 vs 2 5.4% more international full-time students? Osakas nightlife lets you experience a more intimate atmosphere where you can enjoy some traditional Japanese food and drinks as you take in the local culture. Nowadays, Osaka is the capital of the Osaka Prefecture and the third most populous city in Japan, following Tokyo and Yokohama. Yet, deciding which cities and areas youd like to visit is ultimately much easier than deciding on one place to live in. Image credit: SeanPavonePhoto via Canva Pro. We found Osaka more relaxing, and a bit easier to manage transport wise. In Osaka, you can enjoy traditional sights like the Osaka Castle and Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine in addition to other local shrines, museums and temples. Should I Visit Tokyo or Osaka for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is The average hotel rate in Tokyo for two people is 18,757 (, S$189). Thank you! The public transportation systems are quite easy to use and make getting around the large city easy and affordable, but they also experience the same congestion in the morning and evening. As the nations capital, Tokyo has an unrivalled range of international brands in its shopping districts of Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ginza. Osaka vs Tokyo: The Pros and Cons of Each. Those who have more time to spend there often ride the Shinkansen so they can explore both cities and enjoy the best that Japan has to offer in one go. Read Privacy Policy or view sitemap. Here to help, weve compiled some of the major differences between the two cities that should be helpful for anyone trying to decide where theyd like to rest their weary head after a hard day of work. If youre looking for niche Japanese fashion brands, go to Harajuku. What I can tell you is that its easy to find a great Osaka business hotel (or a similar property in Tokyo)and theres plenty to keep you busy (within easy reach, no less) when youre free from work obligations.