Osaka is a great place to sample some of the most authentic Japanese dishes such as okonomiyaki and takoyaki. 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). Its Asias Paris and is home to the worlds top brands. When it comes to beauty, both Tokyo and Osaka have plenty to offer. Osaka simply does not contain the number of attractions as Tokyo. is only a four-minute walk away. Because Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the average wage is higher than Osaka. - WorldAtlas Travel Showdown: Tokyo Vs. Osaka Which Is Better To Visit? 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. The Osaka Castle and its surrounding park, with its abundance of cherry blossoms in the spring, is one of the most stunning sights in all of Japan. Just be polite when negotiating prices with shopkeepers. Hyakusaiji temple in Shiga Prefecture However, you do not need to buy another card if youre coming from Tokyo since Suica and Pasmo cards work here as well. Along with how much youll be spending in either city, its important to know what youll be able to purchase in Tokyo and Osaka. Words, images and design 2018-2023 Robert Schrader, All rights reserved. On my blog, you will find personal information, guides and travel tips as I share my discoveries of the world. They are both about a 30-minute train ride from Osaka. . In Osaka and the wider Kansai Region, the food leans towards light salty flavours. Osaka may not have as many attractions as Tokyo, but it still boasts a captivating blend of old and new. It simply comes down to how much time you have in Japan as to which city you choose to visit. The garden is centred around a pond and showcases the beauty of changing seasons. Here you can find everything from fashion items to electronics. Historically speaking, Osaka has been an important center of trade for Japan. Tokyo (, Tky) is Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis. As the nations capital, Tokyo has an unrivalled range of international brands in its shopping districts of Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ginza. This city is famed for its adorable deer. Language 6. instead of hotels, and choosing street food over restaurants. Roppongi is particularly popular with international visitors and features high-end clubs and bars. Kyoto used to be Japans capital before it was moved to Tokyo, so the area is home to the oldest traditional Japanese structures and traditional Japanese art performances. The city also offers plenty of cultural experiences, from traditional festivals to street food markets. As Ill echo in a couple of paragraphs, Kansai offers more to travelers than Kanto, even though I love both. This city is famed for its adorable deer. This distinctive shrine displays a purely Japanese architectural style known as Sumiyoshi-zukuri, which is characterised by straight roofs and gabled entrances. Tokyo is comprised of separate wards that add their own unique flavor to the overall look and feel of the nations capital city. Tokyo is comprised of 23 wards, which means that it has 23 areas that have their own distinct shopping and entertainment venues. Odawara is best known for Odawara Castle, the 15th-century base of the powerful Hojo clan. This website uses affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through a link at no extra cost to you. 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. 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. Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. Why Osaka Is Better Than Tokyo - Festival And You Tokyo or Osaka: Which City in Japan Should You Visit First? - TripZilla The skyscraper is only a 10-minute walk from Osaka Station. So you can either purchase a ticket to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo Disney Sea. When it comes to food, both cities are amazing in their own right. Your email address will not be published. On the other hand, some people would offer that theres less to do in Osaka than there is in Tokyo, and that the quality of hotels and restaurants in Osaka is also less than Tokyos. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for lots more about Japan. Both cities have plenty to offer when it comes to beauty, so we would have to give this one a tie! Comparing Tokyo vs Osaka: Which City Should You Visit? - Japan Starts Here (Read on to find out more about travelling to Kyoto from Osaka! Lovers of goth, lolita, punk, and other niche styles will feel at home along Takeshita Street, which houses many small, independent stores selling all sorts of quirky items. When night falls, come to the. The skyscraper is only a 10-minute walk from, Compared to Osaka, Tokyo has a higher cost of living. Tokyo is in the Kanto Region, close to the cities of Odawara and Kamakura. While Both cities have many attractions such as shops, museums, parks and temples, Tokyo is much bigger and offers sufficient interest for a three- to five-day visit. Rent, utilities, restaurants, groceries, and even alcohol are generally cheaper in Osaka than they are in Tokyo. Those who love cute cartoon characters should make a beeline for the Disney and Sanrio stores. 12.4% vs 7% 19 higher position on Times Higher Education ranking? Apart from their cooking methods, Osaka is also known to have famous street food available in many places around the city, while Tokyo is known to have some of the finest restaurants in the entire country. Generally speaking, Osaka is slightly more affordable than Tokyo. Tokyo, to be sure, has a lot more to offer than formal dining. Osaka! Being the largest city in the world, Tokyo is unbeaten in terms of the sheer number and variety of attractions. : @aw. Expats who have the freedom to choose which area of the country theyre going to settle down in may feel overwhelmed when they realize theyll likely be choosing between the two largest cities: Tokyo and Osaka. When it comes to living, Tokyo and Osaka both have a lot of advantages. Anything from accommodation to food to attractions is usually slightly higher in Tokyo than Osaka. Osaka people love to laugh, and do so noisily. On average, travellers spend 4,687 (~S$47) on meals for one day and 2,437 (~S$24.60) on transport. Shinjuku and Shibuya districts are also the go-to places for clubbing. 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. Press | Send us your Press Releases & Media Invites. The Kanto region, on the other hand, leans towards strong, dark flavors that feature bonito fish flake broths (called katsuo broths) and koikuchi soy sauce. My name is Robert Schrader, and I'm a Japan travel expert with nearly a decade of experience under my belt. . Shinjuku, in particular, is a shoppers paradise, with its roster of goliath department stores that sell everything from fashion staples to electronics. Osaka, Japan's third city, may be far from Tokyo in every sense, but here are 10 reasons travelers will want to spend some time there. Whether youre travelling to Tokyo or Osaka, there are ways you can stretch your budget. To snag some great bargains, drop by the three-floor Daiso Shinsaibashi Store. Image credit: DanFLCreativo via Canva Pro. This distinctive shrine displays a purely Japanese architectural style known as. 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. You can try them in Dotonbori, a neon-lit food district packed with affordable eateries. Here is a brief introduction to these two cities which may help you decide. Like what you're reading? Why You Should Visit Osaka, According to the People Who Live There The average hotel rate in Osaka for two people is 10,490 (~S$105.85). Your email address will not be published. It is here that you can find Japans famous street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. They offer a one-of-a-kind dining experience that every Japan-goer should try. So as a tourist, which city should I visit? 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. Besides Roppongi, the Shinjuku and Shibuya districts are also the go-to places for clubbing. . The street is a charming little area lined by traditional shops inside age-old structures amidst coble-stone floors. Along with their preferences for certain ingredients being used dishes, each region also has their own traditional methods to preparing daily foods, such as which knives they use and what their starting ingredients are. For face-to-face interactions, though, Tokyo is the safe bet for finding at least one group that fits your fancy. If you dream of a high-energy city with an unmatched variety of attractions, go for Tokyo. Many companies will place their employees in different cities across the country. Hopefully this article has helped in terms of deciding which city is better for expats to live in! 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. As far as where to stay in Osaka, thats slightly more difficult. That is because Tokyo is the capital of Japan and the wages are typically higher, which drives up the cost of living. Ultimately, there is no right answer as to which city in Japan you should choose. Also, if you like outdoor activities, Osaka is definitely has a much better environment than Tokyo. This beautiful wonder of nature is around two hours and twenty minutes away from Tokyo by bullet train, over an hour away by car, and almost four hours away by bus. 6 March 2020 View With both retro charm and modern flair, Osaka is a captivating city that offers some of the best food, culture and nightlife in Japan. Osaka has a much smaller job market, which means less openings for expats. That much everyone would grant. Some dishes have evolved throughout the generations to become region specific dishes, like ramen and sushi. Osaka vs. Tokyo: Which City Is Better for You? | Japan Dev , which is characterised by straight roofs and gabled entrances. 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. Driving in Tokyo is one of the scariest experiences many expats will ever have. 1 review To fly in/out of Tokyo or Osaka?? 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 . If youre looking for niche Japanese fashion brands, go to, . Thank you! Tokyo is a bustling metropolis thats filled with busy workers trying to get from point A to point B in as little time as possible. For tips on what to do in Tokyo, read:Our Selection of the Top 23 Best Things to do in Tokyo Japan. Access to skiing; Tokyo has better snow quality grounds within same time traveling. Osaka is in the Kansai Region, near the cities of Kyoto and Nara. What are some ways Osaka is better than Tokyo? - Quora Located outside. 1. Tokyo is known for having the most number of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita in the world. The average daily cost of an Osaka trip is 10,360 (~S$104.50) per person. Well, thats slightly more clear. Generally speaking, weekdays are better than weekends (though beware of getting on city trains during rush hour with luggage). Do you want to taste Takoyaki with chunks of fresh seafood inside? Tokyo to Osaka: Fast and Creative Ways of Getting There In comparison, Osakas roads are wider and usually arent so traffic-heavy during the day. 12 Crazy Concept Cafes, Restaurants, and Bars in Tokyo, Osaka has plenty of signature dishes, the most well-known being okonomiyaki (fried pancake), takoyaki (octopus balls), and. Osaka has plenty of signature dishes, the most well-known being okonomiyaki (fried pancake), takoyaki (octopus balls), and kushikatsu (fried skewers). Other major cities such as Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe are also at a relatively close distance . Both Osaka and Tokyo have efficient public transport systems. The average hotel rate in Osaka for two people is 10,490 (~S$105.85). Subscribe to email updates. More next time! The culinary scene in Tokyo is a little bit different than Osaka. Osaka is smaller than Tokyo but still offers plenty of job opportunities. Which City Has Better Tourist Attractions? Osaka is neighboring Kyoto and Nara, two of the ancient cities (capital) of Japan. Bali vs Phuket: Which Popular Southeast Asian Island Should You See First? When it comes to nightlife, Osaka and Tokyo are arguably the two best cities in Japan for it. 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. We have zero friends here). How far is Osaka from Tokyo by bullet train? Some stores offer tax rebates for foreign tourists, so you can save money while snagging great deals. Read The Top 10 Best Areas for Your Shopping in Tokyo. Consider commissioning a custom Japan itinerary. 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. In the end, we will sum up our findings and see which city comes up triumphant in the Osaka vs Tokyo battle! If you are deciding between Tokyo and Kyoto, make sure you check out our other article! 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. Fuji is Japans tallest peak standing at 3,776 meters. Tokyo or Osaka: Capital cities of east and west in Japan Naho_B_M Update: Apr 22, 2022 139 The capital cities of east and west Japan, Tokyo and Osaka are two greatest cities competing each other for many centuries. Tokyo is close to the sea, so the fish used in sushi here is as fresh as it gets. With a smaller population of expats and lower number of tourists coming through the city compared with Tokyo, people say that they feel more relaxed and comfortable when walking through the streets and enjoying the sights and sounds of the city. For stunning skyline views, head to the observatory of, , a skyscraper that stands over 300 metres. Theres a myriad of noodle places to try including the famous Ichiran where you wont get to see the cooks. Connection to domestic and int'l locates; Tokyo has more flights but Narita Int'l Airport is further than Kansai Airport. 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. Both have relatively the same types of items available to purchase, but its been noticed that Tokyo has a better selection of international brands. World Traveler, Travel Blogger, Photographer. Join our Facebook group and let us know! If you never want to feel alone in the big city, Tokyo surely provides such an atmosphere. However, visitors should note that Osaka is a great place for exploring all the other places in the Kansai region, such as Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. Whichever city you decide to go to, Im sure youll have a good time. Deemed Japans kitchen, Osaka is home to the best restaurants, street food, and traditional Japanese cuisine. 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. Japanese cuisine is constantly rated as some of the best food in the entire world. is a bar with only a few seats, allowing the customers to interact closely with the owner of the establishment. Tokyo is also famous for its quirky pop culture and cutting-edge fashion. In other words, its all a bit of a crapshoot: The issue of which is better, Tokyo or Osaka, is not as clear as you might imagine in terms of cost. This is the first area by which I compare Osaka vs Tokyoand in my opinion, its not even close. content enquiries. Today we venture into Osaka's Dotonbori district and explore whether Osaka or Tokyo are cool better more. 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. If you are worried about your safety in Japan, dont be. 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. No.3 is that Fukuoka is very kids and family friendly, with good facilities. Tokyo vs Osaka: Which One Should You Travel?? Those who love cute cartoon characters should make a beeline for the Disney and Sanrio stores. , an otherworldly bamboo forest sure to give you a sense of inner peace. Escape the Heat to Cool Western Australia: Up to S$240 Off Per Booking With UOB Travel! Image credit: Umeda Sky Building Official Website. OSAKA VS TOKYO! - Is Osaka better than Tokyo? Japan - YouTube In her free time, she reads, goes for long walks at sunset, and dreams of faraway places. Since the urban area in Tokyo is so widespread, it takes a long time to access the mountains or ocean (beach). Compared to Osaka, Tokyo has a higher cost of living. Youll probably end up liking either Tokyo or Osaka better, however, and thats just fine.
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