In Shinjuku, there is a narrow alley known as Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) with around 60 izakaya. The city is very metropolitan and boasts one of the biggest nightlife scenes in the country, with a wide variety of bars and clubs. Everywhere you turn you can find towering skyscrapers, a bustling nightlife, and colorful shopping districts. January 1, 2023 Tokyo vs Osaka. Joyce is an aspiring writer who lives on black coffee and Netflix. It's quite rainy in Osaka. Thank you! We have zero friends here). World Traveler, Travel Blogger, Photographer. 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. Connected to and around it are many department stores including, . 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. These two cities offer everything you could want: iconic landmarks, amazing food, endless shopping, and immersive culture, but which one is right for you? When night falls, come to the Namba and Shinsaibashi areas, where you will find many bars and clubs playing live jazz, rock, indie, and other music. In the battle of Tokyo vs Osaka attractions, Tokyo comes out on top for quantity, though Osaka doesn't lag far behind. With that said, its not impossible for expats to find jobs in the city. 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. On the other hand, Osaka is Japans street food hub, and whether I buy takoyaki octopus fritters in Kuromon Market, taco rice at Osaka Castle or kani doraku grilled crab along Dotonbori pedestrian street, Osaka is where I go to eat. If youre looking for niche Japanese fashion brands, go to Harajuku. Osaka has a much smaller job market, which means less openings for expats. They offer a one-of-a-kind dining experience that every Japan-goer should try. There are plenty of traditional Japanese activities to watch or engage in, one of the most memorable being the Bunraku puppet shows. 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). Tokyo to Osaka: Fast and Creative Ways of Getting There Tokyo or Osaka? Which Should You Visit? - The Tokyo Tourist Other major cities such as Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe are also at a relatively close distance . Some stores offer insane discounts at certain times of the year, so its common to score clothes for a quarter of the original price. j_sh on Twitter: "@fwmelb Anyway, what I did was Tokyo-Takayama (cool Better still, Tokyo is more English friendly than many other cities in Japan, which means potentially better communications between expats and potential employers. If youre on a tight budget but cant give up on your dream Tokyo adventure, try these money-saving hacks, The average daily cost of an Osaka trip is, ) per person. From Shinjuku Station, the Limited Express Fuji Excursion takes people to the mountain in about two hours. Just be polite when negotiating prices with shopkeepers. Japan's Best City to Live In? 10 Reasons Why the - LIVE JAPAN Extending over 600 metres, it has many discount stores, fashion and beauty outlets, and character shops. . Here are plenty of more reasons why you should plan a visit! 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. Besides Roppongi, the. 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. Tokyo vs Osaka: Which One Should You Travel?? Shopping 7. Subscribe to email updates. Theres so much to do in these cities after dark that you wont want to go to bed early. 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. If you dream of a high-energy city with an unmatched variety of attractions, go for Tokyo. Osaka vs Tokyo: The Bottom Line. Luckily enough, if you dont like the first group you try, there are plenty of other groups to choose from. Why Osaka is a Better City than Tokyo() - Medium Visit the Official Tokyo Tourist website here. Tokyo is a global financial hub and has an abundance of job opportunities in many fields. Osaka people are a little too boisterous for some. Also read: Tokyo Nightlife Guide: 12 Best Bars & Clubs to Enjoy the Local Scene. Osaka, on the other hand, has a more homely and calm atmosphere. Cultural Tips Tokyo vs Osaka: Which One Should You Travel?? If you never want to feel alone in the big city, Tokyo surely provides such an atmosphere. Muji fans will also be delighted to know that the brands flagship store (which even has a basement cafe!) When compared to Tokyo, Osaka doesnt have as many huge nightclubs where you can party and dance till sunrise. 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. Connected to and around it are many department stores including Takashimaya Shinjuku, Lumine Shinjuku, and NeWoMan Shinjuku. Generally speaking, weekdays are better than weekends (though beware of getting on city trains during rush hour with luggage). And of course, you cant forget about the legendary Shibuya Crossing. Its also a favored destination for tourists around the world, and has a sizable population of expats living and working within the city. Osaka has its own prepaid transport card called Icoca. Though filled with many eye-widening experiences and top tourist attractions, Tokyo is a very busy city, especially when compared to Osaka. Since the urban area in Tokyo is so widespread, it takes a long time to access the mountains or ocean (beach). Tokyo vs Osaka: The Differences Between the Two Largest - Your Japan The fight for best museum in Tokyo is a tough one, whether youre the sort who prefers more classical options like. Comparing Tokyo vs Osaka: Which City Should You Visit? - Japan Starts Here There are some OK places around Tokyo. Osaka is hands down the best place to visit for foodies. If an expat is lucky enough, they can work for an English-speaking company but live in Osaka (or Tokyo, or Sapporo, or any other city in the country). Why Osaka is a must visit city in Japan - WYZA Why decide between Tokyo or Osaka when its quick and easy to visit both? Osaka is located in southern Japan and is a mere 30-minute train ride from Kyoto, the worlds Geisha central. If youre on a tight budget but cant give up on your dream Tokyo adventure, try these money-saving hacks here. is only a four-minute walk away. For that reason, Osaka is usually the better place to live. Osaka simply does not contain the number of attractions as Tokyo. 1. Ultimately, there is no right answer as to which city in Japan you should choose. Planning a trip to Japan, or just dreaming of one? A dizzying mix of history and modernity, the city has plenty to offer for every kind of traveller. The most happening nightlife area in Tokyo is, , home to a vast array of clubs and bars catering to EDM, hip-hop, jazz, and other musical tastes. In Osaka, you can enjoy traditional sights like the Osaka Castle and Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine in addition to other local shrines, museums and temples. This is an incredibly fast bullet train that can achieve speeds of up to 186 dizzying miles per . Tokyo or Osaka: Which City in Japan Should You Visit First? - TripZilla July 17, 2020 by Author Why is Osaka better than Tokyo? Osaka tends to favor light and salty flavors, with many dishes featuring seaweed broth (called kombu dashi) and soy sauce specifically, usukuchi soy sauce. On average, travellers spend 4,687 (~S$47) on meals for one day and 2,437 (, S$24.60) on transport. Escape the Heat to Cool Western Australia: Up to S$240 Off Per Booking With UOB Travel! The most touristic area in Osaka is Dotonbori, which runs along the Dtonbori canal and offers the perfect balance of natural and modern beauty. If you must choose just one city to visit, youll have to think about what you want out of your Japan visit. Which city should you visit on your next trip to Japan? Odawara is best known for Odawara Castle, the 15th-century base of the powerful Hojo clan. Tokyo (, Tky) is Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis. People typically earn more in Tokyo, but the stress level is usually higher too. The Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street is one of the longest shopping streets in Japan and is also a great place to buy souvenirs. The average hotel rate in Tokyo for two people is 18,757 (, S$189). This is where you can take in breathtaking views of the glittering city skyline at night. Comparing Tokyo vs Osaka in terms of older structures might seem silly, since both are so conspicuously modern, but theres a fair bit of history to delve into in both. This city is famed for its adorable deer. You'll probably end up liking either Tokyo or Osaka better, however, and that's just fine. Some stores offer tax rebates for foreign tourists, so you can save money while snagging great deals. Image credit: Samart Boonyang via Canva Pro. content enquiries. The money will help run this site! 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. , an area west of Shinsaibashi that has dozens of stores selling hip-hop, vintage, and urban fashion. What to Expect at SplashManias Grand Launch: Malaysias First-Ever VR Water Slide & More! Tokyos attractions are spread out all across the city. Those who love cute cartoon characters should make a beeline for the Disney and Sanrio stores. He was acquitted of rape as the court ruled his actions did not make it . Osaka University vs Tokyo Institute of Technology 10 years ago Save Hi! Tokyo and Osaka are just a few of the many cities to visit in Japan. Today, it is surrounded by a lovely park with over 600, , a third-century Shinto shrine that predates the introduction of Buddhism to Japan. . Living in Osaka vs. Living in Tokyo, for someone already - Reddit 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. Hyakusaiji temple in Shiga Prefecture It has everything to cater to every palate. 128 vs 147 1.83km bigger campus? 10 Surprising Things You Didnt Know About Samurai, Top Things to Do and Places to Visit in Gifu City. : Join our newsletter and get 10% off your first order on the store! March 5, 2019 by Robert Schrader Leave a Comment. Filed Under: Japan Destinations Tagged With: business travel, city itinerary, city trip, Osaka, Tokyo. 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. When planning a trip to Japan you may wonder whether it is better to visit Tokyo or Osaka. Another area near Gion is Ninenzaka, which is home to the worlds first tatami Starbucks. Renowned for their openness and upfront . Cultural lovers can visit sites such as Senso-ji and Meiji Shrine. It has a slightly lower living cost and it is not as big in size. 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. I am one of them. Both cities have a variety of nightlife venues from laid-back bars to traditional izakayas and epic nightclubs. That alone is a testimony to how amazing the food is in Tokyo. Neon-bathed streets and Michelin-starred eats, Travel back in time to Japan's ancient capital, A world of Japanese street food starts here, Climb the iconic peak, or admire its beauty. This is the first area by which I compare Osaka vs Tokyoand in my opinion, its not even close. (~S$30) on meals for one day and 1,769 (~S$17.85) on transport. Image credit (L-R): Abeno Harukas Official Facebook Page; fotoVoyager via Canva Pro. 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. In Osaka and the wider Kansai Region, the food leans towards light salty flavours. Tokyo to Osaka: By airplane or by train? - Osaka Forum Driving in Tokyo is one of the scariest experiences many expats will ever have. In Osaka, its perfectly acceptable to try and haggle down the price of an item with the seller. If you are visiting Japan on a budget, you might want to consider whether Osaka or Tokyo is cheaper. 35 vs 50 0.5% more international full-time students? 10 Family-Friendly Airbnb Apartments in Tokyo, Osaka may not have as many attractions as Tokyo, but it still boasts a captivating blend of old and new. Tokyo or Osaka? : r/JapanTravel - Reddit Appearance & Sightseeing 2. One of the must-see attractions foreigners want to visit when they come to Japan are the big three theme parks: Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan, and FujiQ. Language 6. This centuries-old shopping street is where you can buy traditional Japanese souvenirs and snacks. 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 garden is centred around a pond and showcases the beauty of changing seasons. Can't Afford A Trip To Europe? Atmosphere 4. . Fuji, which are amazing but not essential. He has been to over 30 countries in over 5 years of travel. Tokyo used to be a small fishing village called Edo. Tokyo also boasts some of the best international cuisine restaurants, and as such can give homesick expats a little taste of home. Yes, it is. 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). Kyoto is only a 15-minute Shinkansen ride from Shin-Osaka Station, making it an ideal day trip. 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. You can climb Mount Fuji from July to early September. Tokyo is the bigger city out of the two, and as such many people assume that theres more to see and do in the Kanto region (which Tokyo is in) than there is in the Kansai region (where Osaka is located). Anyway, what I did was Tokyo-Takayama (cool little historic town, bit out of the way but v cute)-Kyoto-Osaka. 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. For stunning skyline views, head to the observatory of, , a skyscraper that stands over 300 metres. Also read: 10 Best Thrift Stores and Vintage Shops in Japan. The skyscraper is only a 10-minute walk from Osaka Station. I better say this straight away that I loved exploring around Kyoto and seeing all the old temples, shrines, and gardens. Tokyo Disneyland is one of the oldest attractions in Japan. Whether you're seeking information or inspiration, all your trips to Japan start here. Should I Visit Tokyo or Osaka for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is This nickname originated from the Edo period (1603 1868) when Osaka was the hub for Japans rice trade. Food taste; Tokyo is simple and salty but Osaka is deep and broth oriented. Re: Osaka vs Tokyo 9 years ago Save Tokyo is much bigger, and simply has much more stuff. This is somewhat misguided thinking. Its an enchanting themed area inside Universal Osaka where you can also have your picture taken in front of the Hogwarts Castle, shop for Harry Potter Merchandise inside HP-themed shops, and watch the Expecto Patronum Night Show. Japanese cuisine is constantly rated as some of the best food in the entire world. Osaka is generally more laid-back (in Japanese terms), which is probably plenty for most! All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com. 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. Every day, he is traveling and sharing his discoveries of the world through exceptional travel guides on his blog! , the second tallest structure in Japan. In spring, the castle is a prime spot for viewing cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, wisterias, azaleas, and other flowers. I personally love Hotel Felice in Akasaka and UNIZO Inn in Kanda, though you might prefer somewhere like Hotel the Celestine (which has branches both in Ginza and near Shibakoen) if you have a bit more to spend. If you're absolutely set on a bullet train trip, you could spend a week in Osaka/Kyoto/Nara then take the shinkansen to Tokyo and finish your . Kamakura used to be the political centre of eastern Japan. On average, travellers spend 4,687 (~S$47) on meals for one day and 2,437 (~S$24.60) on transport. Find out which Japanese metropolis is for you! Because Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the average wage is higher than Osaka. As Ill echo in a couple of paragraphs, Kansai offers more to travelers than Kanto, even though I love both. OSAKA VS TOKYO! Join our Facebook group and let us know! Access to skiing; Tokyo has better snow quality grounds within same time traveling. Well help you chose the best city depending on your travel goals so you can create the perfect Japan itinerary. This beautiful cosmopolitan city is the favorite destination of shopaholics looking for the fanciest and newest in tech and designer clothing. Rent can be almost twice as expensive for the same sized apartment in Tokyo versus in Osaka. Even though this may seem like a negative factor when deciding to live, its also commonly said that Osaka residents are more likely to go out of their way to engage with foreigners and try their best to help out if they can. Those interested in Japanese history should visit the Sensoji Temple, a seventh-century temple dedicated to the goddess, Kannon. It simply comes down to how much time you have in Japan as to which city you choose to visit. The average hotel rate in Osaka for two people is 10,490 (~S$105.85). 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. Be part of Asia's most authentic travel community. Tokyos population is somewhere between 9.2-38.1 million, depending on whether you consider the central 23 wards, or the entire metro area. Also read: Bali vs Phuket: Which Popular Southeast Asian Island Should You See First? By David McGonigal For visitors to Japan it is a great idea to fly straight to Japan's third largest city Osaka. Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. 15 Airbnbs in Osaka That Are Even Better Than Hotels. In general, because of the number of hotels in Tokyo and the size of the city, its possible to have a clean and comfortable stay (albeit often in a small room) for around 10,000 per night. 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. ), Also read: 15 Airbnbs in Osaka That Are Even Better Than Hotels, Image credit: Japan Tourism Official Website. I have been doing alot of homework for a planned Japan trip only to get more confused. In the Edo Period, Tokyo was known as Edo, and served as the seat of government for the Tokugawa shogunate. Located in the heart of Tokyo, the tower gives visitors a commanding view of the city even though its observation deck stands at a moderate height of 150 metres. Extending over 600 metres, it has many discount stores, fashion and beauty outlets, and character shops. You can climb Mount Fuji from July to early September. Ramen and yakitori are also popular dishes that can be found in casual restaurants frequented by locals. Stretching over five floors, the store is stocked with merchandise from Sanrio, Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and more. 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. Tokyo is at the forefront of lots of many aspects around the world from culinary to technological. You can try them in Dotonbori, a neon-lit food district packed with affordable eateries. However, the two cities have very different upbringings and histories. The average hotel rate in Osaka for two people is 10,490 (~S$105.85). 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. Shinjuku, in particular, is a shoppers paradise, with its roster of goliath department stores that sell everything from fashion staples to electronics. You can enjoy Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and many areas dedicated to otaku culture (being obsessed with particular interests like anime, computers, or cute things). Typically speaking, it doesnt really matter which city you visit first. Its one of Asias top travel destinations, and the country offers the best in cuisine, shopping, theme parks, and architectural wonders. 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. Located in the heart of Tokyo, the tower gives visitors a commanding view of the city even though its observation deck stands at a moderate height of 150 metres. To see the futuristic side of Tokyo, head to Shibuya Crossing, the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. When it comes to nightlife, Osaka and Tokyo are arguably the two best cities in Japan for it.
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