10 Reasons To Live In Osaka As An Expat part 2 – what are the pros and cons?

10 Reasons To Live In Osaka As An Expat part 2 – Part one is here.

Concept of Living in Osaka as an Expat

Osaka is one of Japan’s major cities and the capital of the Kansai region. A lot of people have heard of Tokyo or Kyoto, but few have heard of Osaka. That might be changing now, though, because Osaka has really started to transform itself in recent years.

It was always known as a city where all the young people went to have fun, but in recent years it’s become a beautiful place for people who want to live in Japan. If you’re moving to Osaka, you should know some things about living there before you go.

1)    The Good

Osaka is the third-largest city in Japan after Tokyo and Yokohama. This means that it has all the amenities you would expect from a major city, including restaurants, shops, and entertainment.

• It’s also a very convenient city to live in. The subway system is excellent, and there are plenty of buses too.
• Osaka is a really friendly place. People are always willing to help out if you need it, and they’re also very honest about things. One of the first things you’ll learn when studying Japanese is that people will always tell you their honest opinion if you ask for it, which goes double in Osaka.
• Like the rest of Japan, Osaka has a reasonable cost of living compared to other major cities. It’s not as expensive as Tokyo, and you can find plenty of affordable places to live.

2)    The Bad

• Osaka is a huge city, and it can be quite difficult to get around if you don’t know your way around. The subway system is great, but it isn’t straightforward if you’re not used to it.
• It’s also a bustling city, and it can be quite noisy at night. If you’re used to living in a quiet suburb, then Osaka might not be the best place for you.

3)    The Culture

• Osaka is known as the ‘nation’s kitchen’ and is home to some of the best food in Japan. There are restaurants of all kinds, from cheap ramen shops to Michelin-starred restaurants.
• Osaka also has a reputation for being the wildest place in Japan because of its love of yoshoku (western style food). This means that you can find everything from French toast to spaghetti at any restaurant in the city.
• Almost all Japanese people know about Osaka-ben, which is the Osaka dialect. It’s quite different from the standard Japanese dialect, and it can be difficult to understand if you’re not used to it.

4)    The Weather

• Osaka has a temperate climate, with average temperatures ranging from around 10 degrees Celsius in winter to about 30 degrees Celsius in summer. It doesn’t rain as much as in places like London or New York, but it’s grey for a lot of the time.
• The humidity can be very high in summer, which gets really hot and sticky. It’s probably best to avoid going out in summer unless you’re used to this kind of weather.

5)    The Expats

• Osaka has a large expat community, which is mostly concentrated in two city areas. The first one is around Takatsuki, a small city near Osaka. The other area is Sakai-Ku, which is towards the city’s southeast.
• If you’re lonely, then you might want to head to these areas, as they’re full of expats who are looking for friends. However, it’s worth noting that the expat community can be quite cliquey.

6)    The Education

• Osaka is a great place to study Japanese, as there are plenty of language schools and universities. In addition, a lot of people in Osaka speak English (especially in the expat areas).
• If you’re looking for an English-speaking school, then the best place to look is around Sakai-Ku. There are a lot of international schools in this area, and most of them teach in English.

7)    The Jobs

Osaka is a great place to work, as plenty of jobs are available. However, this also means that there are a lot of people competing for jobs, so you might have to accept a lower salary than you would in other cities (especially Tokyo).

10 Reasons to Live In Osaka as an Expat

If you’re coming to Japan as an expat, the chances are that one of the first cities you’ll be moving to is Osaka. And if that’s the case, then you’re going to have a hard time finding a good article telling you why it might be a good idea for you to move there. That’s where I come in – I’m going to give you ten reasons why living in Osaka is a great idea for expats.

Making Friends with Locals Is Easy

Osaka might be famous for being expensive, but it’s also renowned for having friendly people. So many expats enjoy living here because they are overwhelmed by the amount of support shown to them by local residents! It’s common to see foreigners mingling in the streets of Japan without any problems because of the friendliness of the locals.

The Food Is To Die For

Some people might be biased, but Osaka is undoubtedly famous for its cuisine. This may be because it is Japan’s kitchen, so there are many types of Japanese dishes available here that are not found in other regions of Japan. It may also be due to the fact that Osaka is close to the sea; in Japan, seafood is a staple food which makes it easy for expats to find food from their own culture.

Many Choices of Places to Walk Around

Osaka has got Kusatsu, Suita, and Wakayama prefectures surrounding it. For people who love mountains, there is also Kishiwada-Yama that can be reached in just 40 minutes by car. Some many parks and gardens attract locals and tourists alike to bask under the sun or venture into the occult at night.

Exciting Events Occurring Throughout the Year

You’re lucky if you live here because you get to experience different events every month of the year! This means that you are always looking for something new, even if it is just a blossoming sakura tree. And if you’re lucky enough, maybe you’ll get to have an omikoshi parade or even witness yatai culture in Kishiwada!

The Kansai Region Is Known For Its Dialect

People from the Kanto region might find it difficult to communicate with people in Osaka at first. This is because the Kansai dialect spoken here is quite different from the standard dialect spoken in Tokyo. However, this just makes a living here more fun and interesting, as you get to learn more about the culture and the people.

The Nightlife Is One of a Kind

Osaka never sleeps! This is because there are many places open until the early morning hours where people can go clubbing, drinking, or eating. If you’re an expat who likes to have a good time, you’ll never get bored living here.

The Transportation Is Reliable

Living in a big city like Osaka comes with downsides, such as transport issues. However, the good thing about Osaka is that the public transportation is very reliable, and it’s easy to find your way around. Taxis are also relatively cheap when compared to other major cities like Tokyo.

Everything Is Convenient

Osaka is known for its shopping districts like Shinsaibashi, Namba, and Umeda, but living here means that you can also find everything you need at your own doorstep. From supermarkets to pharmacies and even temples, everything is within walking distance which makes life much easier.

Home to Kansai International Airport

This means that you’ll never miss your flight to another destination because it’s just a short walk away! Expats who regularly fly out of Osaka don’t have to worry about paying for expensive taxi fares, as they can simply use the airport limousine bus service.

The Weather Is Nice

The best thing about living in Osaka is that you get to enjoy the beautiful four seasons throughout the year. During the summer, the sun shines down brightly on your skin and warms you up; during winter; it’s great to sit around a kotatsu and sip hot sake in one hand while holding a marshmallow in the other. And of course, who can forget about the amazing autumn leaves that turn the city into a postcard?

There Are Lots of Job Opportunities

One of the main reasons why people move to Osaka is because there are many job opportunities available here. This is especially true for bilingual expats who are looking to work in the international business industry.

Everything is very affordable

Due to the fact that Osaka is a major city, it has everything you need and more. However, the best thing about living here is that everything is surprisingly cheap! From food to shopping and even transportation, you’ll never feel like you’re breaking your wallet when living in Osaka.

Frequently Asked Questions about Osaka

How old is Osaka?

Osaka has a long and fascinating history. Many people know that Osaka is one of the oldest cities in Japan, but many don’t know exactly how old it is. The city was founded in 593 AD, over 1,200 years old! This makes it one of Japan’s oldest cities.

What is Osaka known for?

There are many things that Osaka is famous for. Some of the most popular ones include food, comic books (manga), and video games. Osaka has some of the best food in Japan, thanks to its unique style called “Kansai cuisine.”

Similarly, Osaka is also known for its lively comic book industry. Most notably, this is where the popular manga series Slam Dunk was set. Osaka has also produced some of Japan’s most famous video game companies, including Konami and Nintendo.

Is Osaka similar to Tokyo?

There are many similarities between Osaka and Tokyo, but some significant differences are also obvious. Both cities are important business hubs in Japan, and both are home to a large number of Japanese people.

However, Tokyo is much larger than Osaka, with over 13 million compared to Osaka’s 2.5 million. Additionally, Tokyo is more international and cosmopolitan than Osaka, with a greater variety of food and culture. That said, Osaka is still a great city to visit and offers a unique perspective on Japanese culture.

What should I see and do in Osaka?

There are many amazing things to see and do in Osaka; it can be hard to know where to start! Here are some of our top recommendations:

• Visit the Osaka Castle: This iconic castle is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Osaka, and for a good reason. With its imposing structure and beautiful gardens, the Osaka Castle is a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
• Go shopping at the Kuromon Ichiba Market: This vibrant market is a great place to buy local produce, souvenirs, and snacks. Be sure to visit the food section – it’s a paradise for local and international cuisine.
• Eat as much okonomiyaki as you can: Okonomiyaki is a savory pancake filled with all sorts of delicious ingredients such as meat, seafood, and vegetables. It’s Osaka’s signature dish! Try some here.
• Dress up in kimono and go to Nishinomaru Garden: This beautiful garden is a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture. Many people come here to see the changing of the guard ceremony, where beautiful women dressed in kimono parade around the garden. It’s quite a fantastic site!

Conclusion

Osaka is one of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations, and it’s no surprise why. With its rich history and vibrant culture, this city offers something for everyone. If you’re considering relocating to Japan as an expat, this article is something you should read carefully. Nonetheless, you can follow us for more updates.