Tokyo is close to the sea, so the fish used in sushi here is as fresh as it gets. Whatever the case may be, you're in the right place. May 15, 2018 05:27 am JST 0 Comment TOKYO Tokyo, among Japanese cities, is in a class by itself. In the end, we will sum up our findings and see which city comes up triumphant in the Osaka vs Tokyo battle! You can buy these cards at the airport, or at subway and JR stations. Both Osaka and Tokyo have efficient public transport systems. 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. In the end, Tokyo edges out Osaka and becomes the better city to visit. The culinary scene in Tokyo is a little bit different than Osaka. So what do you think of our comparison of Tokyo vs Osaka? Osaka Is Better Choice for Casino Than Tokyo: Melco's Ho Osaka is smaller than Tokyo but still offers plenty of job opportunities. Shopping 7. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 159 hours of full sun. Tokyo is in the Kanto Region, close to the cities of Odawara and Kamakura. Tokyo and Osaka are just a few of the many cities to visit in Japan. 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. 26 vs 2 15 higher position in U.S. News World's Best Universities ranking? There is also the Umeda Sky Building, a skyscraper with a bar on the 39th floor. 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 Generally speaking, weekdays are better than weekends (though beware of getting on city trains during rush hour with luggage). Planning a trip to Japan, or just dreaming of one? Tokyo is close to the sea, so the fish used in sushi here is as fresh as it gets. I am one of them. A strong haggling culture exists in Osaka, due to its history as a merchant city. Much like finding expat groups, finding a job as an expat is easier to do in Japans capital city. But Osaka has Kyoto and Nara righ. Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. 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. Osaka! HP fans flock Universal Osaka to experience the Flight of the Hippogriff ride and drink butterbeer. While Tokyo is larger and has a more diverse range of neighborhoods to explore, Osaka appeals to more specific travelers, especially those with an affinity for street food. Well help you chose the best city depending on your travel goals so you can create the perfect Japan itinerary. Consider commissioning a custom Japan itinerary. It also offers some of the best public transportation systems in the world and is extremely safe for its size. Tokyo vs Osaka: The Differences Between the Two Largest - Your Japan Nara is a 40-minute journey from Osaka Namba Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line. 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. The people are friendlier, the food is better, and the public transportation is cleaner and much less confusing to newbies. Shinjuku and Shibuya districts are also the go-to places for clubbing. Its one of Asias top travel destinations, and the country offers the best in cuisine, shopping, theme parks, and architectural wonders. Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Connection to domestic and int'l locates; Tokyo has more flights but Narita Int'l Airport is further than Kansai Airport. Food taste; Tokyo is simple and salty but Osaka is deep and broth oriented. Dont worry weve got a point-by-point comparison of Tokyo vs Osaka thatll help you decide which city in Japan you should visit first. Filed Under: Japan Destinations Tagged With: business travel, city itinerary, city trip, Osaka, Tokyo. If you never want to feel alone in the big city, Tokyo surely provides such an atmosphere. Tokyo to Osaka: By airplane or by train? - Osaka Forum For example. Image credit: Umeda Sky Building Official Website. Zoom up to the cafe on the towers 58th floor for spectacular nighttime views. A strong haggling culture exists in Osaka, due to its history as a merchant city. The most famous spiritual areas to visit in Tokyo are Meiji Shrine and Sensoji Temple, though there are plenty shrines and temples to see throughout the city. Comparing nightlife in Tokyo vs Osaka is difficult as both cities are awash in sensational party spots, bars, and izakayas. 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. 30 Useful Japanese Phrases You Need to Learn Before Travelling to Japan, The next aspect to consider when deciding between Tokyo vs Osaka is shopping. Before we jump into the comparison, lets start with an introduction to the two cities. This is where you can take in breathtaking views of the glittering city skyline at night. Because Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the average wage is higher than Osaka. However, you might find that the difference isnt big enough to make it a deciding factor. This growth has led to . If youve been to other Disney theme parks we suggest you try Disney Sea while in Japan. Streetscapes with an international flavor different from what Tokyo has to offer Yokohama has its roots in an international trading port built to facilitate trade between Japan and the world. Many of my Japanese friends agree with me, especially those who hail from the Kanto and Kansai regions that surround Tokyo and Osaka, respectively. Watching the swarming masses in action when the traffic lights turn green is a quintessential Tokyo experience. Taxis are expensive in Japan; ride them only if you absolutely need to. From here, you can see as far as. Osaka, though it has the nickname nations kitchen, doesnt have as many world-class restaurants as Tokyo. Dont worry weve got a point-by-point comparison of Tokyo vs Osaka thatll help you decide which city in Japan you should visit first. 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. 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. Although both cities have the same needs and requirements in their job markets that expats can fill, Tokyo has sheer numbers on their side. 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. Re: Osaka vs Tokyo 9 years ago Save Tokyo is much bigger, and simply has much more stuff. For tips on what to do in Tokyo, read:Our Selection of the Top 23 Best Things to do in Tokyo Japan. In comparison, USJ is only 20 minutes away from the center of Osaka. For nightlife, Tokyo takes this category simply because it offers a little bit more options for travelers. Tokyo vs Osaka For Travel & Living In 2023 - Backpackingman 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. For that reason, Osaka is usually the better place to live. : Join our newsletter and get 10% off your first order on the store! Hopefully this article has helped in terms of deciding which city is better for expats to live in! So you can either purchase a ticket to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo Disney Sea. To snag some great bargains, drop by the three-floor Daiso Shinsaibashi Store. Required fields are marked *. If you arrive in spring, the sight of the mountain framed by sakura flowers is sure to blow you away. Tokyo used to be a small fishing village called Edo. instead of hotels, and choosing street food over restaurants. If you dream of a high-energy city with an unmatched variety of attractions, go for Tokyo. 24 more highly cited researchers? 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. Accessibility The two most popular answers are, of course, Tokyo or Osaka. 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)? : @aw. Typically speaking, it doesnt really matter which city you visit first. 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. is only a four-minute walk away. While these two Japanese cities have many similarities, they can also be quite different in many aspects. 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. Located outside Shibuya Station, the intersection is surrounded by gigantic TV screens that play advertisements throughout the day. OSAKA VS TOKYO! Osaka vs. Tokyo: Which City Is Better for You? | Japan Dev Stretching over five floors, the store is stocked with merchandise from Sanrio, Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and more. Theres also Amerika Mura, an area west of Shinsaibashi that has dozens of stores selling hip-hop, vintage, and urban fashion. Need help planning your trip to Japan? Also read: Tokyo Nightlife Guide: 12 Best Bars & Clubs to Enjoy the Local Scene. Food! It's like a trip to Japan every week, right in your inbox! 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.