For more about food in Osaka, read our article: Osaka Food The 5 Local Dishes You Have to Eat. In the battle of Tokyo vs Osaka attractions, Tokyo comes out on top for quantity, though Osaka doesn't lag far behind. Osaka is also well-known for its street food, such as takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki, and for its shopping districts, such as Dtonbori. This beautiful cosmopolitan city is the favorite destination of shopaholics looking for the fanciest and newest in tech and designer clothing. In this market, you can gorge on authentic street food like grilled crab legs, oysters, takoyaki, and eel. and Shinsaibashi areas, where you will find many bars and clubs playing live jazz, rock, indie, and other music. Since the urban area in Tokyo is so widespread, it takes a long time to access the mountains or ocean (beach). Being the largest city in the world, Tokyo is unbeaten in terms of the sheer number and variety of attractions. On average, travellers spend . In the end, we will sum up our findings and see which city comes up triumphant in the Osaka vs Tokyo battle! Ive written a detailed post about how many days in Tokyo you should spend, but if you dont want to read it, Ill save you the trouble. In Osaka, its perfectly acceptable to try and haggle down the price of an item with the seller. The average hotel rate in Osaka for two people is 10,490 (~S$105.85). Osaka vs Tokyo: The Bottom Line. The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the largest in the world, and taking a stroll through the entertainment district of Dotonbori is an experience to remember. When planning a trip to Japan you may wonder whether it is better to visit Tokyo or Osaka. The money will help run this site! Osaka is located in southern Japan and is a mere 30-minute train ride from Kyoto, the worlds Geisha central. There are many differences in the traditional cooking methods of each region (almost too much to list in a single article), but they should be considered carefully before moving to either region. In her free time, she reads, goes for long walks at sunset, and dreams of faraway places. , a neon-lit food district packed with affordable eateries. There arent as many hotels here at any price point, and Osaka hotels tend to be more expensive than Tokyo ones in general, from boutique properties like Hotel the Flag Shinsaibashi, to the quasi-shukubo temple stay at Waqoo Shitaderamachi, to the unencumbered luxury at the five-star Conrad Osaka. The skyscraper is only a 10-minute walk from Osaka Station. Other major cities such as Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe are also at a relatively close distance . The final metric by which Ill compare Osaka vs Tokyo is in terms of their surrounding regions. The most happening nightlife area in Tokyo is Roppongi, home to a vast array of clubs and bars catering to EDM, hip-hop, jazz, and other musical tastes. While these two Japanese cities have many similarities, they can also be quite different in many aspects. Hopefully this article has helped in terms of deciding which city is better for expats to live in! Unlike Tokyo, landing a job in Osaka as a foreigner is definitely easier when an expat company places them there. Ramen and yakitori are also popular dishes that can be found in casual restaurants frequented by locals. Re: Osaka vs Tokyo 9 years ago Save Tokyo is much bigger, and simply has much more stuff. Many expats moving to Japan for the first time will be astounded to see the price of many of their living expenses, as Japan is one of the most expensive countries for expats to live in. Many expats have an easier time transitioning to driving in Japan when they start out on Osakas roads, and generally feel safer and more relaxed behind the wheel. Driving in Tokyo is one of the scariest experiences many expats will ever have. To help you guys sum everything up and make an easier decision, here is a comparison table with all the categories above. This is where you can take in breathtaking views of the glittering city skyline at night. Deemed Japans kitchen, Osaka is home to the best restaurants, street food, and traditional Japanese cuisine. Many people envision the two biggest cities in Japan being on opposite sides of the country, but theyre actually only 500km apart from each other. 15 Airbnbs in Osaka That Are Even Better Than Hotels. fans will also be delighted to know that the brands flagship store (which even has a basement cafe!) 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. It's like a trip to Japan every week, right in your inbox! Culture The largest city in Japan with a rich cultural heritage, Osaka has been growing at a rapid rate ever since it was connected to the Tokyo subway system in 1998. Getting Between Tokyo and Osaka Via the Shinkansen. While others find time to squeeze in the four-hour trip to hop on to the other city, others are faced with the challenge of choosing which city to visit. Every day, he is traveling and sharing his discoveries of the world through exceptional travel guides on his blog! This is somewhat misguided thinking. . Yet, deciding which cities and areas youd like to visit is ultimately much easier than deciding on one place to live in. Here, youll find the dreamy Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, an otherworldly bamboo forest sure to give you a sense of inner peace. 1. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 159 hours of full sun. Tokyo to Osaka: By airplane or by train? - Osaka Forum Osaka has its own prepaid transport card called Icoca. Besides Roppongi, the Shinjuku and Shibuya districts are also the go-to places for clubbing. The fight for best museum in Tokyo is a tough one, whether youre the sort who prefers more classical options like Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Ueno Park, or the innovative teamLAB Borderless Digital Art Museum, which is located on Odaiba island. You can climb Mount Fuji from July to early September. Tokyo has wards filled to the brim with shopping goods and items, which Osaka has impressive shopping malls, arcades, and streets. Image credit: Samart Boonyang via Canva Pro. Japans most underrated, unexplored island, Trek the trails of Japans ultimate hiking paradise, Tropical paradise a short flight from Tokyo. On average, travellers spend 4,687 (~S$47) on meals for one day and 2,437 (, S$24.60) on transport. In spring, the castle is a prime spot for viewing cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, wisterias, azaleas, and other flowers. Dohtonbori in Osaka offers scrumptious food items at every turn. Zoom up to the cafe on the towers 58th floor for spectacular nighttime views. Travel Showdown: Tokyo Vs. Osaka Which Is Better To Visit? Also read: 8 Budget Travel Ideas for Visiting the Most Expensive Cities in the World. Are there any other differences we missed? Kansai also prefers to use sweet saikyo miso while Kanto favors pungent red miso. 9 reviews 1 helpful vote Tokyo to Osaka: By airplane or by train? It also offers some of the best public transportation systems in the world and is extremely safe for its size. That being said, savvy shoppers can stretch a yen further in the merchant city of Osaka than they can in Tokyo. , the intersection is surrounded by gigantic TV screens that play advertisements throughout the day. Its where you should go if you want to experience traditional Japan. . Which is Better? Some stores offer tax rebates for foreign tourists, so you can save money while snagging great deals. , an area west of Shinsaibashi that has dozens of stores selling hip-hop, vintage, and urban fashion. I am one of them. Whether youre travelling to Tokyo or Osaka, there are ways you can stretch your budget. Why is Kyoto University better than Osaka University? Visit the Official Tokyo Tourist website here. However, the trains can get very crowded during rush hour. The most notable is Tenryuji Temple, a World Heritage Site that holds an exquisite garden designed by the renowned garden designer, Muso Soseki. With that said, its not impossible for expats to find jobs in the city. If youre someone who likes to get to know a city in terms of its neighborhoods, I imagine you will prefer Tokyo. These differences are easily seen when comparing Osaka and Tokyos food preferences. My Osaka itinerary is slightly more open-ended, but not for the reasons you might think. Whatever the case may be, you're in the right place. Cultural lovers can visit sites such as Senso-ji and Meiji Shrine. It depends on what you're interested in, but for instance - Tokyo has about 50 museums. 24 more highly cited researchers? There are plenty of traditional Japanese activities to watch or engage in, one of the most memorable being the Bunraku puppet shows. Join our mailing list to get the latest updates!! Those interested in Japanese history should visit the Sensoji Temple, a seventh-century temple dedicated to the goddess, Kannon. Why You Should Visit Osaka, According to the People Who Live There Which city is better to live in: Tokyo or Osaka? 12.4% vs 7% 19 higher position on Times Higher Education ranking? Osaka (, saka) is Japan's second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo. When compared to Tokyo, Osaka doesnt have as many huge nightclubs where you can party and dance till sunrise. Be part of Asia's most authentic travel community. Image credit: Cheng Feng Chiang via Canva Pro. 35 vs 50 0.5% more international full-time students? Your email address will not be published. In the battle of Tokyo vs Osaka attractions, Tokyo comes out on top for quantity, though Osaka doesnt lag far behind. No, I wont attempt to declare Osaka vs Tokyo the best city in Japan (a title, for the record, I believe belongs to one of several smaller cities in the country). AboutContactWork With UsPrivacy PolicyArchive. What are some ways Osaka is better than Tokyo? - Quora In the autumn, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Osaka. Youll probably end up liking either Tokyo or Osaka better, however, and thats just fine. Both cities have amazing shopping, but Tokyo is the more expensive city, so shopping there may make a bigger dent in your wallet than in Osaka. Also read: Tokyo Nightlife Guide: 12 Best Bars & Clubs to Enjoy the Local Scene. The most notable is. May 15, 2018 05:27 am JST 0 Comment TOKYO Tokyo, among Japanese cities, is in a class by itself. People's character; Tokyo is distant and Osaka is friendly. The lifestyle in Osaka also differs from Tokyo. Im assuming that most of you will visit both cities, even if some of you will only make that determination after you finish reading this. Tokyo and Osaka are just a few of the many cities to visit in Japan. Hundreds of them live in Nara Park and you can feed them if you wish. The culinary scene in Tokyo is a little bit different than Osaka. Osaka has its fair share of museums, though its peak cultural month is March, when a sumo tournament takes place here, attracting both Japanese tourists and foreigners looking for some action before sakura season begins. Though slightly different, both cities have an interesting history. That is why we have written this blog post to compare and contrast Osaka and Tokyo, so that you can make an informed decision about which city is right for your next visit! Another must-see modern attraction is Tokyo Tower, the second tallest structure in Japan. There is also the Umeda Sky Building, a skyscraper with a bar on the 39th floor. 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. Shinjuku, in particular, is a shoppers paradise, with its roster of goliath department stores that sell everything from fashion staples to electronics. Image credit: SeanPavonePhoto via Canva Pro. Stretching over five floors, the store is stocked with merchandise from Sanrio, Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and more. Both cities have a variety of nightlife venues from laid-back bars to traditional izakayas and epic nightclubs. If youre looking for niche Japanese fashion brands, go to Harajuku. 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). : Join our newsletter and get 10% off your first order on the store! Osakas beauty typically comes more from its natural surroundings. Read on to familiarize yourself with how Tokyo and Osaka differ, and find out which one might be the right fit for your lifestyle! 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. Tokyo vs Osaka Japan is a country thats on almost everyones list to visit at least once in their lives. 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. After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Tokyo became a global city, with skyscrapers popping up around every corner and a large expat community from all over the world. Tokyo used to be a small fishing village called Edo. You can buy these cards at the airport, or at subway and JR stations. - WorldAtlas Travel Showdown: Tokyo Vs. Osaka Which Is Better To Visit? The citys iconic food haven is Kuromon Market. 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? In 2018, I left the comfort of my home and job in New York City to find out what truly inspires me. Consider commissioning a custom Japan itinerary. Japan is consistently one of the safest countries in the world. Hence, which city in Japan is better food-wise depends on your personal taste. The roads are small, cars stop frequently near the sidewalk to block entire lanes, and traffic can be unbearably heavy in the mornings and evenings. In a 2014 Tokyo case, for instance, a man had pinned a 15-year-old girl to a wall and had sex with her while she resisted. As you can tell, comparing these two beautiful cities in Japan is no easy task. Talking about budget, its time to count the costs of a vacation in Tokyo vs Osaka. Osaka is located right next to Kyoto, which is a popular destination in Japan for sightseeing and exploring. Lawrence Ho, the billionaire owner of Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd., said he favors building a casino in Osaka rather than Tokyo because there are more opportunities to develop the smaller . To snag some great bargains, drop by the three-floor. If you are worried about your safety in Japan, dont be. What to Expect at SplashManias Grand Launch: Malaysias First-Ever VR Water Slide & More! However, you might find that the difference isnt big enough to make it a deciding factor. City With Better Tourist Attractions:Tokyo. , a skyscraper with a bar on the 39th floor. The main difference is that Tokyo is bigger and better in general. Jobs in Osaka and Tokyo. Which is better? What are the differences It has a slightly lower living cost and it is not as big in size. marketing solutions across multiple channels. Subscribe to email updates. Extending over 600 metres, it has many discount stores, fashion and beauty outlets, and character shops. 10 Must-Visit Hanok Cafes and Teahouses in Seoul, 10 Busan Airbnb Stays for Gorgeous Sea Views & More. My name is Robert Schrader, and I'm a Japan travel expert with nearly a decade of experience under my belt. You can also catch a breather at Meiji Jingu, a tranquil Shinto shrine with lush forested trails and a massive torii gate. This is an incredibly fast bullet train that can achieve speeds of up to 186 dizzying miles per . Theres also Amerika Mura, an area west of Shinsaibashi that has dozens of stores selling hip-hop, vintage, and urban fashion. Visit the Official Osaka Tourist website here. Between Osaka or Tokyo, Tokyo is bigger by every measure. , a tax-free character goods heaven. These two cities offer everything you could want: iconic landmarks, amazing food, endless shopping, and immersive culture, but which one is right for you? Osaka is in the Kansai Region, near the cities of Kyoto and Nara. Japan. This distinctive shrine displays a purely Japanese architectural style known as Sumiyoshi-zukuri, which is characterised by straight roofs and gabled entrances. Its mainly due to the fact that Tokyo is a larger city with a larger population of expats that finding other foreigners to interact with can be a much simpler ordeal there than in Osaka. Osaka is, even more than Tokyo, about eating, shopping, and living life to its fullest. July 17, 2020 by Author Why is Osaka better than Tokyo? Just be polite when negotiating prices with shopkeepers. Tokyo also is the financial hub and capital of Japan and most Japanese companies have their headquarters in Tokyo, which makes the city much more expensive to live in than Osaka. Tokyo was founded as a city in the Edo period and served as the seat of government for the Tokugawa shogunate. When night falls, come to the. OSAKA VS TOKYO! - Is Osaka better than Tokyo? Japan - YouTube Some dishes have evolved throughout the generations to become region specific dishes, like ramen and sushi. Why Osaka is a must visit city in Japan - WYZA For stunning skyline views, head to the observatory of Abeno Harukas, a skyscraper that stands over 300 metres. On one hand, I would argue that you need fewer days in Osaka-proper to understand the city than you do in Tokyo. Although both cities have the same needs and requirements in their job markets that expats can fill, Tokyo has sheer numbers on their side. Is Tokyo or Osaka cheaper? April 4, 2023 If you're wondering whether to stay in Osaka or Kyoto then this should help in that decision, depending on your perspective, and what you are looking for. Head to. 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. Regardless of how close or far they are from each other (and the fact that it only takes six hours driving on the highway or three hours on the bullet train to get from one to the other), these cities can present such drastic differences that its hard to not imagine that theyre at opposite ends of the country. 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. Which city should you visit on your next trip to Japan? Nowadays, Osaka is the capital of the Osaka Prefecture and the third most populous city in Japan, following Tokyo and Yokohama. Nevertheless, they run on time and can be used to get to most attractions. In Osaka and the wider Kansai Region, the food leans towards light salty flavours. That much everyone would grant. There are many good points, additionally to its transportation hubs, and Osaka offers a place to live of high quality (especially around Umeda and Namba) with a very easy access to Kyoto, ideal for a day excursion: count a little more than 25 minutes and about 560 (~US$4.02). However, if possible, we recommend that you visit both cities because they both have plenty to offer. Travel Why Osaka is a must visit city in Japan Fantastic museums, great traditional cuisine and even Universal Studios Japan. Osaka, in comparison, has a much smaller expat community within the city. This is the first area by which I compare Osaka vs Tokyoand in my opinion, its not even close. However, because Tokyo has more of a modern influence and culture, especially when it comes to technology and pop culture, Tokyo takes this one. Also, if you like outdoor activities, Osaka is definitely has a much better environment than Tokyo. Watching the swarming masses in action when the traffic lights turn green is a quintessential Tokyo experience. They are both about a 30-minute train ride from Osaka. The average hotel rate in Tokyo for two people is 18,757 (, S$189). Located three to four hours away from each other via their famous bullet train or Shinkansen, Tokyo and Osaka feature the best that Japan has to offer. Photo by Agathe Marty on Unsplash Osaka (, saka) is Japan's second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo. 10 Reasons Going To Canada May Be Better, Surf's Up Down In Ecuador: Visiting Small Coastal Towns, Van Life: The Ultimate Guide To Living In A Van In British Columbia, Discovering Guatemala Through The Colorful Colonial Town of Antigua, Backpacking Through the Tikal ruins and Flores island in Guatemala, Why I spent 2 months in Rio Dulce despite scathing tourist reviews, Bom Caminho III: The Beauty of the Coastal Way, There's Always A Dog, Or Some Geese, Or Broken Glass, Bom Caminho II: The Rhythm of the Portuguese Way. To make the most of your visit, head to the historic. Fuji that offer unobstructed views of the mountain, all of which are just a few hours away from Tokyo via Shinkansen. Osaka, meanwhile, has a population of between 2.7-8.8 million, using the same metrics. The streets can feel very crowded and claustrophobic during peak seasons for travel, but its hard to find a secluded area year-round. If youre planning a trip but only have time to see one of these places, you might feel deeply conflicted. Osaka is smaller than Tokyo but still offers plenty of job opportunities. With a lower population of expats and less tourists running around, Kansai residents are less likely to speak English. Osaka is hands down the best place to visit for foodies. And of course there are other places that beat them both in several areas! Ultimately, there is no right answer as to which city in Japan you should choose. It is truly one of the most unique places in the world! Six minutes on foot from Takeshita Street is Kiddy Land, a tax-free character goods heaven. Osaka University vs Tokyo Institute of Technology World Traveler, Travel Blogger, Photographer. It is a major international hub for business and transportation, home to many cultural sites and trend-setting fashion. Tokyo Nightlife Guide: 12 Best Bars & Clubs to Enjoy the Local Scene, Osakas nightlife is notable for its thriving live music scene. 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.
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