10 Reasons Not To Live In Osaka As An Expat part 2 – Part one is here.
Living in Osaka as an expat brings many benefits, such as the lively and fun atmosphere, delicious food, and warm weather. However, it also has its downsides: high living costs and a less polished yet unique culture (pros and cons of living in Japan). This section will list ten things that make life difficult for foreign residents of Osaka.
Osaka is a great place for foreigners, but you will have to prepare yourself before coming here. A lot of people assume that Japan is just Tokyo or that it’s expensive and challenging to live in the capital city. However, Osaka has a very different feel altogether due to its open-minded and friendly people.
There is just one small problem: not many people in the city speak English, so if you plan to live here, you should probably prepare yourself for a little bit of linguistic homework. You’ll have to look into learning the basics of Japanese before leaving your home country; otherwise, you wouldn’t be able to do much in Osaka besides eating and sleeping.
There are a number of language schools in Osaka, so it won’t be challenging to find one that fits your schedule and budget. However, if you’re not the type to enjoy learning new things, then maybe Osaka isn’t the city for you.
If you’re looking for a city that’s bursting with expats and people from all over the world, Osaka might not be the best place for you. While foreigners are living in Osaka, it’s definitely not as international as Tokyo – which can either be good or bad, depending on your preference.
If you’re looking to meet people from all walks of life and all corners of the earth, Tokyo would be a better choice; but if you’re looking for a more relaxed and quiet lifestyle, Osaka could be just what you’re looking for.
Again, this is simply a matter of preference. If you’re looking for the latest in fashion, the hippest clubs, or the trendiest restaurants, Tokyo is definitely where you should be. On the other hand, if you want to live in a less crowded city and be more relaxed when it comes to fashion, Osaka would be your best option. It might not have all of the latest trends available in Tokyo, but there is still plenty to do and see in Osaka.
As with any large city, the cost of living in Osaka can be a bit high – especially if you’re not used to prices in Japan. If you’re coming from a country where the currency is strong compared to the yen, you might have to do a bit of budgeting to make sure you can afford to live comfortably. Of course, there are always ways to save money, and with a little bit of research, you should be able to find affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.
This is another point that comes down to personal preference. Osaka is definitely not as clean as Tokyo, and if you’re the type of person who likes everything to be spick and span, you might find it a bit difficult to adjust.
Keep in mind that not all areas of Osaka are dirty – there are plenty of neighborhoods that are just as tidy as those in Tokyo – but there are certain areas of the city that are less than desirable. Just be prepared for the occasional litter and graffiti, and you’ll be fine.
People who live in Osaka tend to act as one single entity, not as individuals with their own personalities or opinions that may clash with those of others. If you come to Japan and live in Osaka, you will become part of the group soul that is the people of Osaka.
You’ll constantly be thinking about how what you do or say could affect others and if they would approve of it. Your family and friends back home – unless they’ve lived in Osaka themselves – won’t get this because to them, you’re still the same old person. But if they come to visit, you’ll see how different their opinions of your new home are from yours and from those of other expats who have lived in Osaka.
Osaka is a haven for foodies. It’s got so many tasty treats – both traditional and modern – to choose from, so if you love food, this is definitely the place for you. However, there’s a downside to it. Every night out will eventually lead to a visit to Dotonbori (the leading entertainment and restaurant district in Osaka) or Shinsaibashi (less crowded but still close enough).
And if you don’t mind spending your hard-earned yen, you’ll be able to find any food you’re in the mood for. But eating out every night can get expensive, especially when you add up the cost of drinks on top of that.
Japan has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. In spring, the temperature is unpredictable, with days as hot as summer and nights as cold as winter. Things will start warming up around May-June, but it’s not unusual to still see snow in some places at that time. Summer can be really uncomfortable due to the humidity, with temperatures going past 35°C (95°F) regularly.
Autumn is the most comfortable season, and winter ranges from cold to very cold, depending on where in Japan you are. So if you don’t like the cold or you’re not used to extreme weather changes, Osaka may not be the right place for you.
Osaka is a busy city, and it can often be difficult to find a spot to sit down and eat or drink during rush hour. If you’re not used to crowds, Osaka might not be the best place for you. Additionally, the city is known for its loud nightlife, and many people find it difficult to get a good night’s sleep.
Compared to some of Japan’s other cities, Osaka is quite lacking in terms of nature. There are few parks or green spaces in the city center, so if you’re looking for a bit of greenery, you’ll need to head out of the city.
Osaka is a really easy city to navigate, with an excellent public transport system. The subway is really efficient and covers most of the city. There are also plenty of buses and streetcars, which can be handy for getting around more touristy areas.
If you’re planning on moving around the city a lot, you could also consider getting a day pass for unlimited travel. Remember to keep your ticket with you as subway staff often conducts spot checks.
Osaka’s most famous attraction is Universal Studios Japan, which has some of the biggest rides and roller coasters in the world. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also check out Osaka Castle. It’s a beautiful building that has already been restored once after it burnt down in 1615.
The length of time you’ll need to spend at each place really depends on what you want to see and do. If you’re just interested in taking a stroll around the city, then a day or two should be more than enough. However, if you’re planning on doing some sightseeing and hitting up all the major attractions, then you’ll need at least four or five days.
The best time to visit Osaka really depends on what you want to see and do. However, in general, spring (March-May) is the nicest time of year in Osaka, with plenty of cherry blossom trees in bloom. Obviously, summer (June-August) is also very hot, but tons of festivals throughout the city.
Fall (September-November) is also a great time to visit since it’s much less crowded than summer, and there are some gorgeous autumn leaves to admire.
Because Osaka is just like the south of Tokyo, you won’t need many warm clothes if you plan on visiting between March and May. Just make sure you bring a raincoat since it does tend to rain quite a bit in the spring. If you’re planning on visiting in summer or autumn, make sure you pack some warmer clothes too, as Osaka is much hotter than Tokyo, and there can be a heatwave at any time of year.
Relocating to Osaka as an expat is a great decision. However, you need to ensure that all the necessary things are put in place. Understand the pros and cons of living in this beautiful city, and there you go to enjoy the life you want. Nonetheless, refer to this guide for more information about living in Japan.
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