Osaka (大阪, Ōsaka) is the second largest metropolitan city in Japan after Tokyo. It has been the center for economic and business activities in the Kansai region for centuries. Osaka is also named as the most livable place in Japan.
The Livelihood of Osaka
A metropolitan city with a population of approximately 3 million, Osaka City is considered attractive for a living. The commuting seems nice, neither the traffic nor the crowds are not as bad as Tokyo. For more lead, the cost of living in Osaka is also more than reasonable compared to Tokyo.
Foreigner in Osaka
The native Osaka people are known as the most friendly and talkative in Japan. The local Osaka dialect, which called “Kansaiben”, is more expressive than the regular Japanese dialect. People in Osaka is known for the more relaxed and casual attitude.The foreign community in Osaka is huge, with a large community of Koreans and Chinese. There even a Korea-town in Tsuruhashi, near Tennoji area. Even they talk in Japanese, they actually Korean-born and went to Japan during World War II. Just like any other big cities in Japan, there is also an international community of English teachers and businessmen from multinational companies operating in Osaka. In the city center, people are most capable of speaking basic English since Osaka is now a major tourist destination. The cost of living is considered as much lower in Osaka than in Tokyo! As a foreigner, this might be the biggest aspect when deciding which city to settle in.
Convenient City
As well as the people, the other good thing about Osaka is the convenience. Public transport is clean, reliable, and efficient. Osaka is a home for a first-class international airport and busy port, which departing many to all over Japan and neighboring countries.Food is varied and tasty. There are many shops, department stores, and chain stores. Anyone can get anything they need in one of the business in Osaka. The large number of hidden places to explore is also one of the city’s best features.
Living in Culture and Leisure
Osaka has a long and rich history which has risen a unique culture and a deep-rooted tradition. Today, this city is also in competition with Tokyo, so it starts offering many shopping or entertainment opportunities.
Historical City
Osaka has played many roles throughout the history. For example, being the imperial capital (as Naniwa-kyo) and a temporary capital when Tokyo was burned to the ground in the 1923 earthquake. It has also played the main part of Japan’s economic history. It was an important port for trading and importing cultural innovations, the prime economic center during the Edo Period, a major manufacturing center during the early modern period, a primary commercial and trade center since the post-war period, and now an increasingly international city and central hub for Japan and East Asia. In Japanese history, Osaka was also the cultural center and birthplace of Japanese civilization.
Tourist Attraction City
Among all the touristy spots, Osaka is also home to the longest covered shopping arcade in Japan. The famous Universal Studios Japan, with the one and only “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” in Asia, is also located in Osaka.You can find some performances of Japan's traditional performing arts while living in Osaka. The locals are enthusiast about sports, with Kyocera Dome being home for two baseball teams, Orix Buffaloes and Hanshin Tigers. There are also two soccer clubs of Osaka.In term of food culture, Osaka is famous for some of Japan's most iconic food. Okonomiyaki (known as the Japanese version of pizza) and Takoyaki (balls of fried octopus in a batter) are its popular traditional food. Osaka is also known as the culinary capital of Japan, with its merchant history as old Japan's main port for the import of various ingredients.
Best area for housing in Osaka
In the size of a metropolitan city, you can choose a place to live that suits your personality. Some people enjoy the convenience of being in the city center, where others prefer to be a bit further out where the environment is nicer. These are the top-ranked area to live in Osaka by survey.
Umeda
The Kita-District (North-District) of Osaka, also known as Umeda, is the busiest business district. Two major train stations such as Osaka and Umeda Stations are here. Where typical main stations offer not only access to the entire city but a variety of different places to shop, eat and play nearby. Residential for a businessman with the higher budget is available here.
Namba
The Minami-District (South District) of Osaka, also known as Namba, is another city center for the commercial district. The famous Dotonbori and Amerikamura are located in this area. Namba offers lots of shopping, dining, and nightlife choices. It is easily accessible by train, subway, and bus. It makes Namba a good area in choosing a place to live.
Minoh
Minoh is an area in the north of the center of Osaka. Minoh is a great place to live if you want to be away from the busy city center. This is a popular place to live if you have a family and are planning to own a detached house. The house price is generally cheaper than the city center area. The easy access train line to Osaka station. There is a supermarket for the daily needs.
Tennoji
Tennoji is popular as a residential area. Besides various places to shop and eat, Tennoji is also a home for Tennoji zoo and museums. This area is mostly recommended and enjoyable or families with kids. With two stations in the area (Tennoji Station and Abenobashi Station), it provides easy access in traveling to every part of the city.
Ibaraki
Ibaraki is a “bed town” (Japanese term of satellite town), the area where you live and need to commute everyday from here to the city center. People choose to live here because of the affordability of the living cost, lower crime rate, and greener environment. Ibaraki is convenient to your daily needs since AEON mall is available in this area.
Nakatsu
Nakatsu is an alternative area to live in. It is closer to the city center but somehow offers a relaxing environment. Living in Nakatsu area is only walking distance to Osaka Station and Umeda Station. The living cost is lower than the city center, but a little higher as an exchange for distance to commute everyday.
Fukushima
Another alternative area near the city center in Fukushima. Offering closer distance to Osaka Station and Umeda station, the city center is just in a walking distance. The favorite thing about this area is the various dining options, from restaurants to cafes. The nearest station is Fukushima Station, connecting people with the main train line in Osaka.
Toyonaka
Toyonaka area located in the north of Osaka City. It is best known as the residential area for those who prefer living in a landed house rather than an apartment. Toyonaka area is favorable to families, as it offers a safer, cleaner and quieter environment than Osaka City. At the same time, this area provides easy access to transportation, and many of its residents commute daily into Osaka City to work.
Suita
For those who don’t mind to commute daily to Osaka City, Suita can be a good choice. In the area, there are shopping mall for your daily needs, cafés, and pubs as well. Easy access to city center by train is one of its selling points. There are parks for additional green scenery for the house in this area. Located away from the city center makes Suita low in crime and became a safer neighborhood.
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