Should you’re a digital nomad dreaming of residing in Japan however are not sure of the place to remain, then look no additional than Osaka. From its beautiful structure to its scrumptious delicacies and thriving nightlife, this vibrant metropolis is the proper place to discover whereas living and dealing overseas as a digital nomad. However, before you purchase your airplane ticket, you first want to determine the logistics of residing in Osaka.
Osaka is one in every of my favourite cities in the complete world. Not solely have I visited this thrilling metropolis numerous occasions as a baby, however I additionally spent most of my yr residing overseas in Japan, in Osaka. It’s an awesome metropolis to stay in for digital nomads.
And though the town has a repute for being upbeat and thrilling, it additionally gives a laid-back way of life that’s good for all of the introverts on the market (like me).
So right now, I’ll define all the things that it is advisable to learn about residing in Osaka. From discovering lodging and co-working areas to exploring the town’s distinctive points of interest, this text will make it easier to get settled into your new and exhilarating life in Osaka and the Kansai area. That is my final digital nomad information to Osaka. Let’s start:
About Osaka
Earlier than we dive into the small print of residing in Osaka, let’s go over some primary info concerning the metropolis. Positioned within the Kansai Area west of Tokyo, Osaka is the third-largest metropolis in Japan (after Tokyo and Yokohama), housing practically 2.7 million folks over 225 sq. kilometers.
Osaka can be a port metropolis, situated subsequent to the glowing Osaka Bay. With its origins spreading again to the fifth century, Osaka is full of historical past. I undoubtedly suggest visiting Shitenno-ji Temple if attainable; it’s the first Buddhist temple in Japan to be constructed by the federal government.
Within the fifteenth century, the town formally grew to become referred to as Osaka, the place it thrived as a transportation and navy middle. In 1583, the majestic Osaka Citadel was constructed. Osaka is a bustling metropolis full of an fascinating previous and present tradition.
Residing in Osaka As a Digital Nomad
Now, chances are you’ll be questioning what being a digital nomad in Osaka is like. Whereas Osaka is usually neglected in comparison with Tokyo, it undoubtedly deserves extra recognition.
Not solely is it extra inexpensive than Tokyo, with many price range housing choices out there, but it surely’s additionally situated conveniently near Nara and Kyoto; two beautiful cities full of spectacular pure and cultural websites.
Well-known for its brilliant and bustling downtown spots (resembling Namba and Dotonbori), that are full of flashing neon indicators and crowded bars, Osaka is heaven for any extrovert who enjoys nightlife. In distinction, it additionally gives quieter and extra picturesque spots, such because the tranquil Osaka Citadel Park and the attractive Osaka Bay space.
Inside Japan, Osakans have a repute for being boisterous, pleasant, and laid-back. They’re additionally identified to have a great humorousness and lots of main Japanese comedians are from Osaka.
Moreover, there’s a rising digital nomad group in Osaka, with new co-working spots always popping up all through the town.
With mouthwatering native dishes resembling okonomiyaki (a savory pancake created from cabbage and seafood) and takoyaki (bits of grilled octopus in a savory ball), it’s additionally the proper vacation spot for all of the foodies amongst you. As you’ll be able to see, Osaka gives a little bit of all the things, making it among the finest locations to stay in Japan.
Is Osaka Secure?
Though Osaka is a big, bustling, and full of life metropolis, it’s nonetheless thought of to be one of many most secure cities on the earth. The total crime charges are low, taxis are safe and reliable, and I’ve by no means had any run-ins with pick-pockets, scams, or petty thievery.
Even when my journey companion misplaced his GPS on a practice, we have been capable of finding and retrieve it simply from Osaka Station misplaced and located.
After all, crime nonetheless takes place in Osaka, however, so long as you comply with your instincts and take regular precautions, the town is extraordinarily protected. That being mentioned, I’d keep away from the Kamagasaki (Airinchiku) neighborhood.
Whereas Osaka (and Japan normally) has low crime charges, it’s liable to pure disasters. Osaka is especially susceptible to earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis, and flooding. To remain protected, I like to recommend protecting up-to-date with native information and climate forecasts and reviewing security procedures within the occasion of those circumstances.
Nonetheless, I wouldn’t fear an excessive amount of about it. Throughout my yr residing overseas in Japan, I solely skilled the smallest earthquake in Osaka, which hardly anybody felt. Evidently, Osaka is a really protected metropolis.
Finest Locations to Dwell in Osaka
Now that we’ve lined some primary info about Osaka, let’s get into the varied neighborhoods Osaka has to supply. Listed here are the 5 finest locations to stay in Osaka:
1. Kita (Umeda)
First up, among the finest areas for residing in Osaka is undoubtedly Kita (Umeda). Positioned in northern Osaka, (kita actually interprets to north), it’s centered round Umeda/Osaka practice station, which is the biggest in Osaka.
This makes residing in Kita (Umeda) tremendous handy, as Umeda/Osaka Station has JR and non-JR traces (each native and speedy) that take you across the whole metropolis and to high locations outdoors of Osaka, together with Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji.
Moreover, Kita (Umeda) is Osaka’s enterprise middle and gives all kinds of buying and eating spots. Since Kita (Umeda) is such a thriving and widespread space in downtown Osaka, housing may be costlier and aggressive. So, it’s seemingly not the only option when you’re a extra budget-minded digital nomad.
Nonetheless, with a number of co-working areas together with WeWork LINKS UMEDA, ONthe UMEDA, and Coworking & Shareoffice Reqree Dojima, beautiful parks, and a calming vibe, it’s one in every of my favourite locations to remain in Osaka.
2. Minami (Namba)
Subsequent, if you wish to keep in Osaka’s middle for leisure, actions, and nightlife, then you need to keep in Minami (Namba). Positioned in southern Osaka (minami interprets to south), there’s an abundance of issues to do right here.
As an illustration, I like to recommend visiting the Kuromon Ichiba Market, the Shinsaibashi Procuring Arcade, the Namba Yasaka Shrine, and the varied outlets and eating places within the Dotonbori space.
There are various beautiful cafes good for working remotely, and whereas this included some chain espresso outlets resembling Doutor, Starbucks, and Kiefel Espresso, I additionally discovered loads of unbiased cafes within the space too. Since there are such a lot of vacationers in Minami (Namba), it’s straightforward to seek out different digital nomads and vacationers when you’re searching for firm.
Minami (Namba) is a full of life and bustling space of Osaka and might change into fairly noisy at evening. I discovered myself getting fairly overwhelmed by the crowds whereas staying at an Airbnb within the middle of Namba. There weren’t many areas the place I may keep away from the swarms of holiday makers. So, when you’re in search of a quieter spot on your dwelling base, then this is probably not the place for you.
However, when you thrive in these kinds of environments and love being in such an brisk and thriving middle, then Minami (Namba) may very well be the proper alternative for you when deciding the place to stay as an Osaka digital nomad.
3. Tennoji
Should you’re a digital nomad in search of price range lodging within the metropolis, then I like to recommend wanting on the choices in Tennoji. Not solely is Tennoji an financial hub full of outlets and eating places, but it surely additionally gives quieter areas in Tennoji Park and Shitenno-ji Temple. For these watching their wallets, Tennoji gives a number of the most cost-effective lodging in Osaka.
Tennoji is one in every of my favourite locations to remain in Osaka. Centered round Tennoji Station, which has a number of handy practice traces that journey inside and out of Osaka, Tennoji gives a little bit of all the things; historic temples, bustling malls, pleasant artwork galleries, and classy cafes.
Whereas it used to have a seedy repute, over the previous few a long time, Tennoji has been remodeling into one in every of Osaka’s greatest financial facilities.
And since Tennoji is likely one of the most inexpensive locations to remain within the metropolis, you’re prone to discover many different digital nomads to fulfill up with. Moreover, there are a number of co-working areas out there; I like to recommend trying out Work Place Cocolo Abeno Matsuzakicho.
4. Osaka Citadel Space
Should you’re in search of a quieter place to remain in Osaka, then I extremely suggest trying out the Osaka Citadel Space. Because the title implies, this space is centered round Osaka Citadel.
Whereas the fortress is one in every of Osaka’s high points of interest, its huge park is full of gardens, fields, a moat, and cherry and plum blossoms, making it a fascinating and serene location – it’s one in every of my favourite spots in Osaka.
This space sees fewer guests than the opposite neighborhoods of Osaka that I’ve listed thus far, which makes it supreme for digital nomads and vacationers who need to retreat from the hustle and bustle of downtown. And, whereas housing prices extra within the Osaka Citadel space than in Tennoji, it’s cheaper than in Kita (Umeda) and Minami (Namba).
There are a number of quaint and comfortable cafes within the space that provide nice working environments, however these do have a tendency to shut sooner than the cafes in Umeda, Namba, and Tennoji. What’s handy is that when you discover the Osaka Citadel space to be a bit too laid-back and quiet, it’s straightforward to take a practice to the bustling neighborhoods of Umeda, Namba, and Tennoji.
General, the Osaka Citadel space is the proper place to stay when you want extra tranquil and enjoyable neighborhoods.
5. Osaka Bay Space
Final however not least, among the finest neighborhoods for residing in Osaka as a digital nomad is the Osaka Bay space. It’s one of the stunning areas of Osaka and gives really beautiful views of the Osaka Bay and the town’s skyline.
It’s the furthest neighborhood on this listing from downtown Osaka (notice that downtown consists of Kita (Umeda), Minami (Namba), and Tennoji). So, if you wish to be nearer to the motion, then the Osaka Bay space could also be a bit far out for you. There additionally aren’t many co-working areas within the Osaka Bay space, which relying in your desire could also be a great or dangerous factor.
There are a good quantity of foreigners residing within the Osaka Bay space as a result of many expats work at Common Studios Japan. And because it’s additional away from downtown, the price of housing is fairly priced and extra inexpensive. General, whereas the Osaka Bay space has fewer facilities for digital nomads, it’s one of the attractive areas of Osaka and value wanting into.
The right way to Discover Lodging in Osaka
Now that I’ve listed the perfect neighborhoods for residing in Osaka, let’s talk about discover lodging in Osaka. Listed here are 5 other ways to seek out housing in Osaka:
1. Airbnb: Providing quick and long-term choices, Airbnb permits vacationers to pay householders to remain of their properties and residences. It’s my most well-liked methodology for locating long-term lodging as a digital nomad as a result of it’s the simplest alternative and I don’t have to fret about safety deposits, contracts, or opening a overseas checking account.
2. Fb Teams: One other handy strategy to discover housing in Osaka is thru Fb Teams, with a number of Osaka-based teams posting English- and foreigner-friendly listings. That is additionally an effective way to attach with fellow expats. Some choices embody Osaka Housing, Rooms, Residences, Sublets for hire, purchase, promote, and Osaka House Searching/Share Housing Group.
3. Social House: Should you’re considering of staying in a home share, then I like to recommend trying out Social House. Providing non-public rooms with fashionable and trendy communal areas, Social House is a good and dependable firm that helps you discover comfy housing. Plus, staying in a share home makes it simpler to type relationships with different digital nomads.
4. Finest-Property.JP: Centered on aiding overseas residents find housing in Japan, Finest-Property.JP is a reliable firm that helps you safe your condominium earlier than you arrive in Japan.
5. GaijinPot Residences: Whereas discovering housing as a digital nomad may be tough, GaijinPot Residences will help you out. A foreigner- and English-friendly web site full of out there condominium listings throughout Japan, GaijinPot Residences simplifies condominium attempting to find you. Nonetheless, it may be tougher to seek out cheaper residences this manner.
Value of Residing in Osaka
At this level, chances are you’ll be questioning when you may even afford to stay in Osaka. In spite of everything, Japan does have a repute for being an costly vacation spot to journey to.
Whereas folks are inclined to view Japan as a dear and higher-end nation, it isn’t. I truly discover it extra inexpensive than a variety of the opposite international locations I’ve visited and lived in. To you an concept of what you’ll be able to count on, right here’s a breakdown of the price of residing in Osaka:
Eating places and Groceries
First, let’s go over the price of meals in Osaka. Consuming out at a price range restaurant ought to value lower than 1,000 JPY ($7.15 USD) per particular person, whereas a mid-range restaurant would value lower than 2,890 JPY ($20.70 USD) per particular person. Tipping at eating places additionally isn’t anticipated in Japan so there aren’t any extra prices in that sense.
One liter of milk prices round 197 JPY ($1.41 USD), one loaf of bread prices round 191 JPY ($1.36 USD), a carton of eggs prices round 265 JPY ($1.90 USD), one kilogram of cheese prices round 1,345 JPY ($9.64 USD), half a liter of home beer prices round 450 JPY ($3.22 USD), and a mid-range bottle of wine prices round 1,500 JPY ($10.74 USD). For extra grocery prices, take a look at this web site.
As you’ll be able to see, groceries are fairly inexpensive in Osaka. Residing in Canada, I miss the costs of tofu, udon, fruit jelly, and Japanese curry in comparison with the prices in Japan. That being mentioned, the fruit in Japan may be loopy costly; throughout my time there, I largely opted to eat kiwi to cut back my grocery payments.
Lodging Prices
Subsequent, let’s go over the price of lodging in Osaka. Within the middle of Osaka, the common hire for a one-bedroom condominium is $611.42 USD per thirty days, whereas the common hire for a three-bedroom condominium is $1,648.22 USD. Outdoors of the town middle, the common hire for a one-bedroom condominium is $370.43 USD. Study extra right here.
Should you look into discovering a spot on Airbnb, you could find dormitory rooms for round $265 USD per thirty days, non-public rooms in guesthouses from $368 USD per thirty days, and fully-private residences from $630 USD per thirty days. These prices can fluctuate, but it surely’s all the time price checking Airbnb first.
Do not forget that housing prices fluctuate lots relying on the place you’re staying. The most affordable neighborhood is Abeno (close to Tennoji), with a studio costing a median of 43,000 JPY ($308 USD) per thirty days. In distinction, the costliest neighborhood is Kita (Umeda), with a studio costing a median 56,000 JPY ($400 USD) per thirty days.
General, residences may be fairly inexpensive in Osaka.
Transportation Prices in Osaka
Now, let’s get into get round Osaka and the way a lot it prices. Osaka (and Japan normally) has among the finest practice and transportation methods on the earth; not solely is it handy and huge, but it surely’s additionally punctual and quick. Evidently, the easiest way to get round Osaka and Japan is by practice.
Buses are additionally available and are handy to make use of. Taxis are an possibility too, however I wouldn’t use them until it’s needed, nor would I hire a automotive; it’s not price it when it’s quicker and simpler to journey by practice. Osaka can be fairly a big metropolis, with an space of 225 sq. kilometers, so I’d solely suggest strolling if it’s not too lengthy of a distance.
Whereas the price of transportation is fairly inexpensive, it will probably add up (relying on how a lot you journey). Taking the subway or new tram one-way prices wherever from $1.36 USD to $2.79 USD. Listed here are some examples of the prices of touring in Osaka:
- A practice from Namba Station to Osaka Citadel prices $1.72 USD
- A practice from Tennoji Station to Umeda Station prices $2.08 USD
- A practice from Umeda Station to Kyoto Station prices $4.15 USD
- A practice from Namba Station to Kobe Station prices $5 USD
SIM Playing cards and Information
Lastly, let’s go over the price of SIM playing cards and knowledge in Osaka. Sadly, Japan doesn’t let guests buy SIM playing cards with textual content and name packages. However, vacationers should purchase pay as you go data-only SIM playing cards.
Should you want to have the ability to name and textual content in your cellphone with a Japanese SIM card, you’ll first must verify that your cellphone can work in Japan, then you definitely’ll want a chunk of Japanese identification (a residence card or Japanese driver’s license) and a Japanese handle. I personally discovered this course of too cumbersome, so I by no means obtained a SIM card and I had no points getting by.
Should you’re comfy with solely getting a pay as you go data-only SIM card, they’re fairly straightforward to get.
You should purchase one from Yodobashi Digicam outlets, airports, and comfort shops and all you want is an unlocked cellphone. Some corporations providing pay as you go data-only SIM playing cards embody SoftBank Japan, Bmobile Japan, IIJmio Japan Journey SIM, Sakura Cell, and Nippon SIM for Japan.
For 30-day plans, you’ll be able to count on to pay a minimal of $15.72 USD for 1.5 GB of information, $23.58 USD for 3 GB of information, and $56.60 USD for limitless knowledge. Click on right here for some value comparisons.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Osaka
As you’ll be able to see, whereas the residing prices in Osaka aren’t ridiculously excessive, they aren’t significantly low-cost both (particularly in comparison with international locations in Southeast Asia). So, when you’re fearful about how a lot it prices to stay in Osaka, listed here are some methods you could lower your expenses:
- Go to grocery shops shortly earlier than they shut. That is after they’ll present the perfect offers (from 10% to 50% off) on their ready-to-eat meals resembling sushi, lunch bins, and extra.
- Should you plan on touring the identical practice route regularly, look into getting a commuter cross. This cross will can help you journey between two particular practice stations an infinite quantity of occasions inside the month, for a set value.
- Journey inside Japan utilizing evening buses as an alternative of the Shinkansen (bullet practice) or airplane. It’s the most affordable strategy to journey, and my favourite strategy to get to Tokyo from Osaka.
- Choose to remain in a share home as an alternative of a personal condominium. Not solely is it cheaper, but it surely’ll be simpler to seek out and make pals with fellow expats.
- Buy native meals and items as an alternative of imported gadgets, and decrease your fruit consumption.
Coworking Areas in Osaka and Wifi Velocity
Should you’re planning on working remotely in Osaka, you may be questioning about Osaka’s WiFi pace and out there co-working areas. Based on speedtest.web, the median obtain pace is 46.38 Mbps, the median add pace is 8.84 Mbps, and the median latency is 38 ms.
The WiFi is stable and reliable, and you may regularly discover usable WiFi at cafes, resorts, and comfort shops.
Nonetheless, when you’re in search of a stronger WiFi connection, you’ll be able to all the time take a look at Osaka’s co-working areas. Listed here are 5 highly-rated co-working areas that I like to recommend trying out:
- Osakan Area: For a welcoming, quiet, and enjoyable co-working house situated in Kita (Umeda), I like to recommend utilizing Osakan Area. With each social and quiet areas and high-speed web, it’s the proper place to work and socialize. Open from 10 am – 6 pm. A one-day cross prices 2,200 JPY ($15.70 USD), and a one-month cross prices 16,500 JPY ($117.74 USD).
- The DECK: For a snug co-working house with high-speed web, free-to-use screens, complimentary drinks, and a spacious and smooth design, you need to take a look at the DECK. It’s open from 9 am – 6 pm Monday to Friday and 10 am – 6 pm on weekends. It prices $16 USD per day, $50 USD per week, or $100 USD per thirty days.
- WeWork Namba SkyO: Should you’re in search of among the finest co-working areas in Minami (Namba), then look no additional than WeWork Namba SkyO. Whereas signing up for WeWork is extra difficult than the opposite co-working areas and includes a contract, WeWork Namba SkyO gives giant and spacious widespread areas, high-speed WiFi, complimentary drinks, and beautiful views. Open from 8:30 am – 6 pm on weekdays. You need to inquire concerning the prices.
- INOVE Shared Workplace Honmachi: For a big and comfy co-working house in Honmachi with pleasant, English-speaking employees, numerous seating choices, and high-speed web, take a look at INOVE Shared Workplace Honmachi. Open from 9 am – 5 pm (for drop-in visits). A one-day drop in cross prices 1,000 JPY ($7.13 USD).
- ONthe UMEDA: Positioned within the middle of Umeda, ONthe UMEDA is a handy and spacious co-working house with pleasant and welcoming employees, complimentary drinks, high-speed web, and an inspiring setting. Open from 8:30 am – 9 pm. A one-day drop-in cross prices 4,000 JPY ($28.56 USD).
Actions and Issues To Do in Osaka
Whereas there are numerous allures of merely residing within the metropolis, there are many issues to do in Osaka to maintain you entertained. You’ll be able to’t stay in one in every of Japan’s most fun and bustling areas with out doing these 5 issues:
1. Discover, Store, and Eat Across the Dotonbori Canal
One among Osaka’s hottest and iconic sights is the Dotonbori Canal. Crammed with flashy neon indicators (together with the well-known Glico Working Man signal), an unlimited array of distinctive outlets, and mouthwatering avenue meals, the Dotonbori Canal is the middle of Osaka’s nightlife.
Positioned in Minami (Namba), Dotonbori is straightforward to stroll to from the Namba practice station. It’s additionally the perfect place to expertise Osaka’s bar scene. Whereas I don’t have a lot expertise with the bars and golf equipment of Dotonbori (I’m not a lot of a drinker), I hear that Dotonbori’s nightlife is each full of life and exhilarating.
If, like me, you don’t like going out a lot, there’s nonetheless lots to do in Dotonbori. I like to recommend getting misplaced in Dotonbori’s again streets and exploring the canal-side outlets (together with Don Quijote, my favourite cut price store).
2. Wander the Grounds of Osaka Citadel Park
Subsequent, my absolute favourite factor to do in Osaka is to go to the majestic Osaka Citadel. Initially constructed in 1583 underneath Hideyoshi Toyotomi, it has an extended and tumultuous historical past you could study in its historical past museum. It’s straightforward to get to by practice; to get there from Namba, take the JR West Osaka Loop Line and get off at Osakajokoen Station.
I like visiting Osaka Citadel for its huge and enchanting park. An oasis within the coronary heart of Osaka, the park options gardens, cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and a moat. Take a look at this guided strolling tour which takes within the Osaka Citadel.
3. E book a Meals Tour Round Shinsekai
Should you’ve simply arrived in Osaka and also you need to get a style of the town, I like to recommend reserving this Osaka: Shinsekai Meals Tour. Taking you to a number of the most scrumptious and genuine eating places within the Shinsekai neighborhood, you’ll get a style of a few of Japan’s finest dishes, together with takoyaki, udon, yakitori, edamame, karaage, and gyoza.
That is surely the easiest way to introduce your self to Osaka and all it has to supply, so I undoubtedly suggest checking it out. To be taught extra and e book the tour, click on right here.
4. Go to the Serene and Picturesque Shitenno-ji Temple
Should you’re involved in visiting one of many oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, then look no additional than Shitenno-ji Temple. Constructed in 593 underneath Prince Shotoku, Shitenno-ji Temple is the primary Japanese Buddhist temple to be constructed by the state.
Positioned in Tennoji, Shitenno-ji Temple is straightforward to get to. You’ll be able to stroll there from Tennoji Station in underneath ten minutes, or get off on the Shitennoji-mae-Yuhigaoka subway station. Not solely is the temple stunning, but it surely additionally holds a stunning pond and pleasant gardens.
If attainable, I like to recommend visiting Shitenno-ji Temple on the twenty first of the month when it hosts a bustling flea market full of fascinating items. I truly stumbled throughout it after I visited. Evidently, I used to be fairly shocked on the temple crowds on a Tuesday morning.
5. Spend an Exhilarating Day at Common Studios Japan
Final however not least, one in every of Osaka’s biggest points of interest is the thrilling Common Studios Japan (USJ for brief). Spending a full day at USJ was all the time a spotlight of my journey as a baby, and it nonetheless is – you’re by no means too previous to benefit from the screams and thrills of this superb theme park.
I undoubtedly suggest occurring the Jurassic Park experience, Jaws experience, and Area Fantasy experience when you’re there. And don’t overlook concerning the newer rides like Mario Kart: Koopa’s Problem and the Flying Dinosaur.
USJ can be straightforward to get to by taking the practice to Common Metropolis Station. Should you’re involved in reserving an entry cross upfront, click on right here.
Climate in Osaka
Osaka has a temperate local weather with sizzling, moist summers and chilly, dry winters. Since there’s little precipitation within the winter, Osaka not often sees snow.
The coldest months are from December to March, with the common temperatures various between 5°C to 9°C (41°F to 48.2°F). The most well liked months are from June to September, with the common temperatures various between 23°C to twenty-eight°C (73.4°F to 82.4°F). Osaka solely tends to get a median rainfall of 1,300 millimeters (51 inches) per yr.
In my view, the perfect occasions to go to Osaka are within the spring and fall. Not solely is the climate essentially the most supreme, however these are the proper occasions to admire Osaka’s cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. So if attainable, spend your time exploring Osaka in late March and early April, and November.
The worst occasions to go to Osaka are typically in July and August when the vacationers are most current and the climate essentially the most oppressive. I’d additionally suggest avoiding Osaka in August and September because it’s peak hurricane season.
Execs and Cons of Residing in Osaka
As with wherever on the earth, there are each execs and cons of residing in Osaka:
Execs of Residing in Osaka
- Infinite Issues to Do: From its expansive buying spots to its numerous historic temples, you’ll by no means get tired of Osaka’s sights.
- Scrumptious and Low cost Road Meals: My favourite a part of residing in Osaka was with the ability to regularly take pleasure in some mouthwatering avenue meals, together with takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
- Handy and Reliable Public Transportation: Japan has among the finest practice methods on the earth, and it’s straightforward to shortly get across the metropolis utilizing Osaka’s trains, subways, trams, and buses.
- Unimaginable Day Journeys: Osaka is conveniently near a number of the most stunning locations in Japan, together with Kyoto, Nara, Mount Koya, and Himeji.
- Secure: As one of many most secure cities on the earth, you don’t have to fret about petty thievery, mugging, or scams in Osaka.
Cons of Residing in Osaka
- Value of Residing: Whereas Osaka isn’t significantly costly, it’s considerably pricier than residing in different areas of Asia, resembling Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
- Many People who smoke: Should you’re a non-smoker like myself, the prevalence of smoking in Osaka can get in your nerves. And whereas Osaka is making an attempt to eradicate avenue smoking and supplies separate smoking zones, it isn’t unusual to get some second-hand smoke.
- Cockroaches: Rising up in Vancouver, I’d by no means skilled life with cockroaches earlier than residing in Japan. And whereas I don’t take into account myself to be a squeamish particular person, nothing has scared me greater than seeing a cockroach roaming the kitchen at evening. Be ready to face them in the summertime months.
- It Can Get Crowded: Because the third largest metropolis in Japan, and a well-liked vacationer spot for home and worldwide vacationers, the Osakan crowds can get overwhelming.
Digital Nomad Visa for Japan
Let’s end off this digital nomad information to Osaka by discussing the out there visas for distant staff. Sadly, Japan doesn’t supply visas particularly for digital nomads. Nonetheless, there are different methods of residing in Osaka as a foreigner.
For American, British, and Canadian guests, you’ll be able to keep in Japan for as much as 90 days with out a visa. In my view, that is the simplest strategy to stay in Osaka as a digital nomad. Whereas your time residing overseas in Japan is proscribed to three months, you get to skip out on coping with Japan’s forms.
Japan additionally gives working vacation visas and work visas, however it’s unlikely that you simply’ll obtain approval as a distant employee. Nonetheless, there are some rumors that Japan shall be introducing a digital nomad visa quickly!
In Conclusion
I hope this digital nomad information on residing in Osaka has offered you with a greater concept of what your life would appear to be in one in every of Japan’s most full of life cities.
Whereas the method of relocating to a brand new metropolis, searching for lodging, getting a SIM card, discovering a daily co-working house, and probably coping with Japan’s irritating and over-complicated forms generally is a problem, it’s undoubtedly price it.
No matter whether or not you’re planning to remain in Osaka for a month or a yr, Osaka has one thing to supply for each kind of traveler: a thriving nightlife, tranquil parks, huge buying districts, and historical shrines to call just a few. So pack up your luggage and seize your passports, I’m certain you’ll have an unbelievable time.
