SUNDAY, JULY 16, 2023
The capital cities of east and west Japan, Tokyo and Osaka are two greatest cities competing each other for many centuries. So as a tourist, which city should I visit? Which one wins the greatest battle of “Osaka vs Tokyo”??
I’m going to introduce the best things about both cities to help you out with deciding which one is more for you!
Tokyo offers tourist attractions such as Tokyo Tower, Asakusa Sensoji, Shibuya Crossing and more. Also there are many tourist sites nearby such Kamakura which is perfect for day trip.
Osaka offers a great number of tourist attractions, too, including Dotonbori neon lights, Osaka Castle and Kaiyukan Aquarium, However, Osaka can be a great hub to travel to the area around such as Kyoto, Nara, Himeji and Hiroshima that are counted as the greatest cities in Japan. Kyoto and Nara are old capitals if you like a history you should visit these cities. Himeji is famous for the castle. In the cherry blossom season the street is amazing, so beautiful. A-bomb museum is situated in Hiroshima. Japan is the only country which suffered from the bomb. These 4 cities are perfect one day trip from Osaka.
Tokyo has strong food culture retained from, such as Sushi, Soba and Tempura.If you like a sushi, Tokyo is more recommended than Osaka.
Many of Osaka local dishes become nation’s favourites such as Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki. Also Osaka is the best place to eat cheap and enjoy their street food! If you don't like natto, don't worry. Most people in Osaka don't like a natto either.
If you wish to dine at world’s top-class or Michelin starred restaurants, Tokyo is better option. Osaka offers much more variety of reasonable food and snacks with stronger local vibes!
Both Tokyo and Osaka are good option for modern culture seekers who love Kawaii, anime, robots etc. Osaka has stronger local atmosphere!
You may find more English speakers in Tokyo, which might ease your trip. However, people in Osaka are more friendly and they usually want to talk and joke with you.
Both cities provide great public transportation, yet they are two largest cities in Japan so avoid travelling during rush hours!
The number of shops can a little bit bigger and selection is wider in Tokyo. Visitors will never get bored of shopping and find something very interesting and unique only in this city. But Osaka is still the great place to shop. They have several long shopping arcades which allow visitors to enjoy shopping in a rainy day and there are plenty of shop displays decorate the street. Osaka also has a strong culture of bargaining which may excite tourists. Most branches are in Osaka as well.Osaka can entertain you more while you shop with gigantic shop displays and friendly staff.
So how did you find these two great cities attractive? Osaka or Tokyo?
Koji Kitada
Licensed real estate agent
Let me know if you want to purchase a property in Japan.
I work 7 days a week.