Osaka with its approximately 2.7 million inhabitants, is known as the second largest city in Japan. However, living in Osaka is very different from living in Tokyo. It is so unique that it even has their own dialect, Osaka-ben and is located one hour by train from Kyoto, Kobe or Nara. Besides, It has its own international airport and, at a national level, it can reach a wide variety of cities and rural areas.
For this reason, choosing Osaka as your city to live in, it will give you a unique vision of Japan, The lifestyle is much more relaxed than in Tokyo and this can be a point in your favor to help you in your life as a student in Osaka.
Besides, food and nightlife are key reasons why you'll love living there. Osaka has so many Osaka Signature Dishes You can stroll around Dotonburi or Namba and try something new every night at their countless street stalls and unique restaurants. Neon signs and giant figures on the facades of establishments will guide you.
If you live in an apartment in Osaka, you will probably pay about 60,000-110,000 yen per month rental, the further you decide to move away from the city center, the cheaper the rent will be.
In addition, If you decide to share housing, this expense is reduced by at least half. Food will be at least 6000 yen additional per week.
Osaka has an excellent public transport infrastructure. You will need to purchase Suica and Pasmo cards to pay for public transport. You can also buy monthly cards, which also saves on transport costs. You will need to calculate which formula is best for you depending on how much public transport you use. The cost of weekly transport is usually around 10,000 yen per month.
It Well
- Osaka is almost impossible to get bored in the city. There are so many things to do that you won't know where to start.
- Osaka has a large concentration of college-aged youth.
- More affordable and simpler than Tokyo.
- You will be able to visit Universal Studios.
- The food is clearly one of the best things about Osaka. It's delicious and very cheap.
- In less than an hour you can be in Kyoto, Kobe or Nara.
It Less Well
- The summer humidity in Osaka is very high.
- Fewer events and options than in Tokyo.
