9 reviews 1 helpful vote Tokyo to Osaka: By airplane or by train? 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. As Ill echo in a couple of paragraphs, Kansai offers more to travelers than Kanto, even though I love both. 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. Tokyo and Osaka are just a few of the many cities to visit in Japan. This is the first area by which I compare Osaka vs Tokyoand in my opinion, its not even close. Filed Under: Japan Destinations Tagged With: business travel, city itinerary, city trip, Osaka, Tokyo. Osaka is located in southern Japan and is a mere 30-minute train ride from Kyoto, the worlds Geisha central. Culture Trip spoke to people who live and work in Osaka for their take on what makes it such a great place to visit. The most notable is Tenryuji Temple, a World Heritage Site that holds an exquisite garden designed by the renowned garden designer, Muso Soseki. that are bound to excite any traveller. The culinary scene in Tokyo is a little bit different than Osaka. 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. 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. While Osaka is slightly cheaper than Tokyo overall, the price of consumer goods (especially branded consumer goods) is more or less the same. There are many areas around Mt. Some dishes have evolved throughout the generations to become region specific dishes, like ramen and sushi. Also, if you like outdoor activities, Osaka is definitely has a much better environment than Tokyo. Buses are not recommended for foreign tourists as not all of them have the information translated into English. Want to know where to shop in Tokyo? Though filled with many eye-widening experiences and top tourist attractions, Tokyo is a very busy city, especially when compared to Osaka. Tokyo or Osaka? : r/JapanTravel - Reddit However, the trains can get very crowded during rush hour. Image credit: SeanPavonePhoto via Canva Pro. Tokyo vs Osaka For Travel & Living In 2023 - Backpackingman For face-to-face interactions, though, Tokyo is the safe bet for finding at least one group that fits your fancy. Editorial | Contribute your travel stories or submit Which is Better? , which is characterised by straight roofs and gabled entrances. Which cities in Japan are good & bad to live in? - Japan Today fans will also be delighted to know that the brands flagship store (which even has a basement cafe!) , an area west of Shinsaibashi that has dozens of stores selling hip-hop, vintage, and urban fashion. Theres an erupting volcano where you can try Journey To The Center of The Earth, which is a dark thrill ride that takes you deep underground and is unique to this park. For a more relaxed atmosphere at night in Tokyo, Shinjuku and Shibuya have plenty of options. Both Osaka and Tokyo have efficient public transport systems. Theres a myriad of noodle places to try including the famous Ichiran where you wont get to see the cooks. Need help planning your trip to Japan? The lifestyle in Osaka also differs from Tokyo. Image credit: Samart Boonyang via Canva Pro. You can climb Mount Fuji from July to early September. Today, it is surrounded by a lovely park with over 600 cherry trees and a tea house. I am about to book my air tickets for our Japan holidays (July 2013) and I am wondering which is the best way to get to Osaka from Tokyo. Appearance & Sightseeing 2. For thrifty shoppers, there is. However, Osaka makes up for it with its amazing izakayas and live music bars. 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. Zoom up to the cafe on the towers 58th floor for spectacular nighttime views. And of course, you cant forget about the legendary Shibuya Crossing. They offer a one-of-a-kind dining experience that every Japan-goer should try. Numerous gorgeous temples are scattered across Arashiyama. To make the most of your visit, head to the historic Arashiyama District. Also read: 10 Best Airbnb Homes & Vacation Rentals in Japan for the Trip of a Lifetime. 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. Suitable for. Is it possible to do a day trip to Osaka from Tokyo? 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. Fuji shows itself to you when you visit. What to Expect at SplashManias Grand Launch: Malaysias First-Ever VR Water Slide & More! It takes between 2.5-4 hours to ride the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka (Osakas bullet train station), depending whether you take the fastest Nozomi and Hikari trains, or the slower Kodama. The average hotel rate in Tokyo for two people is 18,757 (~S$189). Find out which Japanese metropolis is for you! Required fields are marked *. 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. However, the two cities have very different upbringings and histories. Osaka provides traditional Japanese clothing, accessories, food, and decorations on a regular basis (and usually for cheaper prices than can be found in Tokyo). When it comes to nightlife, Osaka and Tokyo are arguably the two best cities in Japan for it. Many people come here to pray for success in their studies and career. When night falls, come to the. 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. Many companies will place their employees in different cities across the country. Connected to and around it are many department stores including Takashimaya Shinjuku, Lumine Shinjuku, and NeWoMan Shinjuku. And of course there are other places that beat them both in several areas! Choosing between Yokohama and Osaka : r/japanlife - Reddit Tokyo is at the forefront of lots of many aspects around the world from culinary to technological. LivingOutLau is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Tokyo was founded as a city in the Edo period and served as the seat of government for the Tokugawa shogunate. Join our mailing list to get the latest updates!! Some stores offer insane discounts at certain times of the year, so its common to score clothes for a quarter of the original price. In terms of land area, Tokyo covers 847 square miles to Osakas 733 square miles. 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. Re: Osaka vs Tokyo 9 years ago Save Tokyo is much bigger, and simply has much more stuff. Roppongi is particularly popular with international visitors and features high-end clubs and bars. It simply comes down to how much time you have in Japan as to which city you choose to visit. Unlike Tokyo, landing a job in Osaka as a foreigner is definitely easier when an expat company places them there. Below we are going to compare Osaka and Tokyo in several categories. My family (2 adults, 2 children) and I are planning a trip to Japan and would probably spend time in both Tokyo and Osaka as there are places of interest around both of these places. In Osaka, you can enjoy traditional sights like the Osaka Castle and Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine in addition to other local shrines, museums and temples. Japans most underrated, unexplored island, Trek the trails of Japans ultimate hiking paradise, Tropical paradise a short flight from Tokyo. Akihabara has some of the best electronics stores in Japan, and for souvenirs, Asakusa is the place to go. 1. Here is a brief introduction to these two cities which may help you decide. Which City Has Better Tourist Attractions? This distinctive shrine displays a purely Japanese architectural style known as Sumiyoshi-zukuri, which is characterised by straight roofs and gabled entrances. In the end, Tokyo edges out Osaka and becomes the better city to visit. Most of its sights are situated around Dtonbori and Umeda. Both cities have plenty to offer when it comes to beauty, so we would have to give this one a tie! Tokyo to Osaka: Fast and Creative Ways of Getting There 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. Many tourists spend hours roaming around Gion waiting for geishas to come out usually before night time. In the battle of Tokyo vs Osaka attractions, Tokyo comes out on top for quantity, though Osaka doesn't lag far behind. Today, it is surrounded by a lovely park with over 600, , a third-century Shinto shrine that predates the introduction of Buddhism to Japan. Osaka is a little bit tamer than Tokyo, which might be better if you are worried about a huge cultural shock. The streets can feel very crowded and claustrophobic during peak seasons for travel, but its hard to find a secluded area year-round. If you prefer to immerse yourself in the local cuisine of the area youre living in, Osakas got you covered. Just be polite when negotiating prices with shopkeepers. 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. Both cities have a variety of nightlife venues from laid-back bars to traditional izakayas and epic nightclubs. In Shinjuku, there is a narrow alley known as Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) with around 60 izakaya. Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Japan. Start your shopping spree at Shinjuku Station. Why Osaka is a must visit city in Japan - WYZA Osaka, in comparison, has a much smaller expat community within the city. Osaka vs Tokyo - Osaka Forum - Tripadvisor Tokyo vs Osaka Japan is a country thats on almost everyones list to visit at least once in their lives. The average daily cost of a Tokyo trip is 19,844 (~S$200) per person. to learn about Tokyos fishing culture and sample delicious sashimi and sushi. 8 Budget Travel Ideas for Visiting the Most Expensive Cities in the World. 54 vs 147 2689988 bigger library collection? Kyoto is only a 15-minute Shinkansen ride from Shin-Osaka Station, making it an ideal day trip. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com. Osaka has plenty of signature dishes, the most well-known being okonomiyaki (fried pancake), takoyaki (octopus balls), and kushikatsu (fried skewers). As I mentioned in the intro, you can take a bullet train or shinkansen to venture between Tokyo and Osaka. It is home to the biggest brands in the world. Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Why is Tokyo Institute of Technology better than Osaka University? Tokyos population is somewhere between 9.2-38.1 million, depending on whether you consider the central 23 wards, or the entire metro area. This is where you can take in breathtaking views of the glittering city skyline at night. Issue is that we're tired of the inaka life and are looking for a place long term where the kid can join a decent public elementary school, improving her social life (Nagano is just extremely boring and lacks opportunities both academic and social. Osaka is home to Japans Universal Studios where you can find the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Your email address will not be published. On average, travellers spend 4,687 (~S$47) on meals for one day and 2,437 (, S$24.60) on transport. Tokyo used to be a small fishing village called Edo. May 15, 2018 05:27 am JST 0 Comment TOKYO Tokyo, among Japanese cities, is in a class by itself. An izakaya is a bar with only a few seats, allowing the customers to interact closely with the owner of the establishment. Tokyo or Osaka: Which City in Japan Should You Visit First? - TripZilla Osaka has its own prepaid transport card called Icoca. Join our Facebook group and let us know! That much everyone would grant. Tokyo and Osaka are the two biggest cities in Japan. Osaka is, even more than Tokyo, about eating, shopping, and living life to its fullest. They are located in the Kanto and Kansai regions, 500km apart. It is a major international hub for business and transportation, home to many cultural sites and trend-setting fashion. Tokyo vs Osaka: The Differences Between the Two Largest - Your Japan While shopping in Tokyo, consumers accept that the prices are set (sometimes very high) and that theres no changing them. The place also has gondolas you can use to go around since the park is traversed by a network of waterways. This growth has led to . For tips on what to do in Tokyo, read:Our Selection of the Top 23 Best Things to do in Tokyo Japan. Today we venture into Osaka's Dotonbori district and explore whether Osaka or Tokyo are cool better more. 7 years ago Save Hi everyone. Accessibility The two most popular answers are, of course, Tokyo or Osaka. How far is Osaka from Tokyo by bullet train? Working and Living in Tokyo vs. Osaka - INTERNSHIP IN JAPAN To appreciate traditional Japanese culture, make, your first stop. Six minutes on foot from Takeshita Street is Kiddy Land, a tax-free character goods heaven. A strong haggling culture exists in Osaka, due to its history as a merchant city. Consider commissioning a custom Japan itinerary. It's quite rainy in Osaka. Tokyo is close to the sea, so the fish used in sushi here is as fresh as it gets. Much like finding expat groups, finding a job as an expat is easier to do in Japans capital city. When it comes to food, both cities are amazing in their own right. Japanese cuisine is constantly rated as some of the best food in the entire world. 24 more highly cited researchers? In Osaka, its perfectly acceptable to try and haggle down the price of an item with the seller. My name is Robert Schrader, and I'm a Japan travel expert with nearly a decade of experience under my belt. 35 vs 50 0.5% more international full-time students? Both have relatively the same types of items available to purchase, but its been noticed that Tokyo has a better selection of international brands. Why Osaka is a better choice than Kyoto - Kanpai Japan Whether youre using your personal vehicle or boarding the train, youre likely to feel squeezed and stuck during daily commutes to work. July 17, 2020 by Author Why is Osaka better than Tokyo? In Tokyo, you can find all the major global fashion brands as well as unique homegrown ones in areas such as Ginza, Aoyama and Harajuku. * Better sightseeing nearby. While Ginza has a reputation for being extra expensive, it is also home to some affordable brands like Uniqlo and Gap. Osaka has some great shopping along Shinsaibashi Shopping Street. Your email address will not be published. Language 6. 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. Both Osaka and Tokyo have a wide variety of shopping malls, department stores, boutiques and specialty shops. 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. To help you guys sum everything up and make an easier decision, here is a comparison table with all the categories above. It boasts many historic temples, as well as a giant Buddha statue. Fuji, which are amazing but not essential. On average, travellers spend . Tokyo Disneyland is one of the oldest attractions in Japan. 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)? Here you can enjoy your frappuccino inside a hundred-year-old townhouse while sitting on a traditional tatami mat. Theres so much to do in these cities after dark that you wont want to go to bed early. 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. 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! Image credit: Umeda Sky Building Official Website. Pop culture (and otaku) lovers will find the neon lights and quirky shops in Akihabara and Harajuku enchanting. Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. Some stores offer tax rebates for foreign tourists, so you can save money while snagging great deals. Located outside Shibuya Station, the intersection is surrounded by gigantic TV screens that play advertisements throughout the day. Hundreds of them live in Nara Park and you can feed them if you wish. On the other hand, those who want a slower trip and prefer the delicate flavours of Kansai food would find Osaka a better choice. For long-distance travel, buy a JR Pass which gives you unlimited rides on JR trains (shinkansen, limited express, express, rapid and local trains) for one, two, or three weeks. Osaka Or Kyoto (Why Osaka Is Better To Stay In) - Backpackingman 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. Osaka people are a little too boisterous for some. Bali vs Phuket: Which Popular Southeast Asian Island Should You See First? You can buy these cards at the airport, or at subway and JR stations. Other differences to note between Tokyo and Osaka is that the Kansai region favors takoyaki, funazushi, okonomiyaki, oshi-sushi, fugu nabe, and beef, while the Kanto region favors yaki manju, namero, monjayaki, nigiri-sushi, anko nabe, and pork. January 1, 2023 Tokyo vs Osaka. Atmosphere 4. Which city is better to live in: Tokyo or Osaka? Besides Roppongi, the Shinjuku and Shibuya districts are also the go-to places for clubbing. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 159 hours of full sun. 26 vs 2 15 higher position in U.S. News World's Best Universities ranking? As far as where to stay in Osaka, thats slightly more difficult. Just be polite when negotiating prices with shopkeepers. Image credit: Mikel Juaristi via Canva Pro. The Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street is one of the longest shopping streets in Japan and is also a great place to buy souvenirs. In the autumn, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Osaka. Tokyo has more spots, from Chidorigafuchi moat near the Imperial Palace, to the Sumida Riverfront in Asakusa, to parks in Shinjuku and Ueno, though none of these places are very iconic. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for lots more about Japan. 12.4% vs 7% 19 higher position on Times Higher Education ranking? Tokyo is in the Kanto Region, close to the cities of Odawara and Kamakura. In the Edo Period, Tokyo was known as Edo, and served as the seat of government for the Tokugawa shogunate. 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. Everywhere you turn you can find towering skyscrapers, a bustling nightlife, and colorful shopping districts. Since the number of foreigners isnt as high, expats have less groups to choose from and a harder time finding one that works for them. Image credit: DanFLCreativo via Canva Pro. From Shinjuku Station, the Limited Express Fuji Excursion takes people to the mountain in about two hours. For that reason, Osaka is usually the better place to live. The money will help run this site! Mt. Kansai offers the tourism hot spots of Kyoto, Nara and Himeji, to say nothing of up-and-coming destinations like Lake Biwa and Wakayama prefecture. Also read: Bali vs Phuket: Which Popular Southeast Asian Island Should You See First? Youll probably end up liking either Tokyo or Osaka better, however, and thats just fine. For example. However, you do not need to buy another card if youre coming from Tokyo since Suica and Pasmo cards work here as well. The garden is centred around a pond and showcases the beauty of changing seasons. He was acquitted of rape as the court ruled his actions did not make it . Osaka also has historical sites such as the Osaka Castle and Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine that are worth checking out. Another area near Gion is Ninenzaka, which is home to the worlds first tatami Starbucks. Why Fukuoka is better than Tokyo - LinkedIn , a tax-free character goods heaven. 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. 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. Whether you're seeking information or inspiration, all your trips to Japan start here. In 2018, I left the comfort of my home and job in New York City to find out what truly inspires me. If you must choose just one city to visit, youll have to think about what you want out of your Japan visit. Kyoto University vs Osaka University: What is the difference? Six minutes on foot from Takeshita Street is. Tokyo usually gets more rain in October than Osaka. In Shinjuku, there is a narrow alley known as. Renowned for their openness and upfront . So you can either purchase a ticket to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo Disney Sea. There are some OK places around Tokyo. The next aspect to consider when deciding between Tokyo vs Osaka is shopping. . Due to the higher population of expats and tourists, the financial district, and the growing need for many employees to have basic English skills, its easier to find someone who speaks English in Tokyo than many other areas in Japan. Though slightly different, both cities have an interesting history. However, if possible, we recommend that you visit both cities because they both have plenty to offer. Image credit: Cheng Feng Chiang via Canva Pro. So what do you think of our comparison of Tokyo vs Osaka? : Join our newsletter and get 10% off your first order on the store! The average hotel rate in Tokyo for two people is 18,757 (, S$189). , the second tallest structure in Japan. 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. If you never want to feel alone in the big city, Tokyo surely provides such an atmosphere. Hence, which city in Japan is better food-wise depends on your personal taste. In this way, Id say both of Japans largest cities offer similar sakura experiences. Taxis are expensive in Japan; ride them only if you absolutely need to. Tokyo used to be a small fishing village called Edo. 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. The dishes here are mostly based on seaweed broth and light soy sauce. Both Tokyo and Osaka have their characteristic charms and appeal to different people. Another historical gem is Sumiyoshi Taisha, a third-century Shinto shrine that predates the introduction of Buddhism to Japan. . Other major cities such as Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe are also at a relatively close distance . 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. Because Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the average wage is higher than Osaka. The main difference is that Tokyo is bigger and better in general. If youre on a tight budget but cant give up on your dream Tokyo adventure, try these money-saving hacks here. Locals are said to be warm and friendly, and love to make jokes and be straightforward with their responses. Osaka vs Tokyo: The Pros and Cons of Each. , an otherworldly bamboo forest sure to give you a sense of inner peace. The latter is dedicated to the Shi-Shi Dono guardian, who is believed to bring victory. To make the most of your visit, head to the historic. In this market, you can gorge on authentic street food like grilled crab legs, oysters, takoyaki, and eel. The vast majority of travelers will spend about 4-6 days in Tokyo, assuming a trip length of at least two weeks in Japan. Here are plenty of more reasons why you should plan a visit! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That alone is a testimony to how amazing the food is in Tokyo. Furthermore, those who want to see more historical sites may prefer Osaka due to its proximity to Kyoto, the old capital of Japan. : @aw. Generally speaking, weekdays are better than weekends (though beware of getting on city trains during rush hour with luggage). 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. Tokyo is close to the sea, so the fish used in sushi here is as fresh as it gets. close by in Kyoto and Nara, too. Thanks for stopping by my blog! The city is very metropolitan and boasts one of the biggest nightlife scenes in the country, with a wide variety of bars and clubs. It gradually developed into a dynamic city that's touched by different shades of international cultures. 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. 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. Thank you! 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.
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