For those who’re a digital nomad dreaming of dwelling in Japan however are uncertain 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 right place to discover whereas living and working abroad as a digital nomad. However, before you purchase your airplane ticket, you first want to determine the logistics of dwelling in Osaka.
Osaka is one in every of my favourite cities in the whole world. Not solely have I visited this thrilling metropolis numerous occasions as a baby, however I additionally spent most of my yr dwelling overseas in Japan, in Osaka. It’s an amazing city to live in for digital nomads.
And though town has a status for being upbeat and thrilling, it additionally provides a laid-back life-style that’s good for all of the introverts on the market (like me).
So at this time, I’ll define the whole lot that it’s essential to find out about dwelling in Osaka. From discovering lodging and co-working areas to exploring town’s distinctive sights, this text will aid you 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 dwelling in Osaka, let’s go over some fundamental info in regards to the metropolis. Situated within the Kansai Area west of Tokyo, Osaka is the third-largest city in Japan (after Tokyo and Yokohama), housing practically 2.7 million individuals over 225 sq. kilometers.
Osaka can be a port metropolis, situated subsequent to the glowing Osaka Bay. With its origins spreading back to the 5th century, Osaka is crammed with historical past. I positively suggest visiting Shitenno-ji Temple if attainable; it’s the first Buddhist temple in Japan to be built by the government.
Within the fifteenth century, town officially became known as Osaka, the place it thrived as a transportation and army middle. In 1583, the majestic Osaka Castle was built. Osaka is a bustling metropolis crammed with an attention-grabbing previous and present tradition.
Dwelling in Osaka As a Digital Nomad
Now, you might be questioning what being a digital nomad in Osaka is like. Whereas Osaka is commonly neglected in comparison with Tokyo, it positively deserves extra recognition.
Not solely is it extra affordable than Tokyo, with many finances housing choices accessible, however it’s additionally situated conveniently near Nara and Kyoto; two beautiful cities crammed with spectacular pure and cultural websites.
Well-known for its vivid and bustling downtown spots (reminiscent of Namba and Dotonbori), that are crammed with flashing neon indicators and crowded bars, Osaka is heaven for any extrovert who enjoys nightlife. In distinction, it additionally provides quieter and extra picturesque spots, such because the tranquil Osaka Fort Park and the gorgeous Osaka Bay space.
Inside Japan, Osakans have a status for being boisterous, pleasant, and laid-back. They’re additionally recognized to have an excellent humorousness and lots of main Japanese comedians are from Osaka.
Moreover, there’s a rising digital nomad neighborhood in Osaka, with new co-working spots always popping up all through town.
With mouthwatering native dishes reminiscent of okonomiyaki (a savory pancake constituted of cabbage and seafood) and takoyaki (bits of grilled octopus in a savory ball), it’s additionally the right vacation spot for all of the foodies amongst you. As you’ll be able to see, Osaka provides a little bit of the whole lot, making it probably the greatest locations to stay in Japan.
Is Osaka Protected?
Despite the fact that Osaka is a big, bustling, and full of life metropolis, it’s nonetheless thought of to be one of the safest cities in the world. The overall crime rates 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 prepare, 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 observe your instincts and take regular precautions, town is extraordinarily protected. That being stated, I’d keep away from the Kamagasaki (Airinchiku) neighborhood.
Whereas Osaka (and Japan typically) has low crime charges, it’s susceptible 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 dwelling 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 Reside in Osaka
Now that we’ve lined some fundamental info about Osaka, let’s get into the varied neighborhoods Osaka has to supply. Listed below are the 5 greatest locations to stay in Osaka:
1. Kita (Umeda)
First up, probably the greatest areas for dwelling in Osaka is undoubtedly Kita (Umeda). Situated in northern Osaka, (kita actually interprets to north), it’s centered round Umeda/Osaka prepare station, which is the biggest in Osaka.
This makes dwelling 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 exterior of Osaka, together with Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji.
Moreover, Kita (Umeda) is Osaka’s enterprise middle and provides all kinds of purchasing and eating spots. Since Kita (Umeda) is such a thriving and well-liked space in downtown Osaka, housing might be dearer and aggressive. So, it’s probably not your best option in case 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 soothing 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 it’s a must to keep in Minami (Namba). Situated 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 Purchasing Arcade, the Namba Yasaka Shrine, and the varied retailers and eating places within the Dotonbori space.
There are numerous beautiful cafes good for working remotely, and whereas this included some chain espresso retailers reminiscent of Doutor, Starbucks, and Kiefel Espresso, I additionally discovered loads of impartial 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 in case you’re looking for firm.
Minami (Namba) is a full of life and bustling space of Osaka and may turn out to be 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 might keep away from the swarms of tourists. So, in case you’re in search of a quieter spot on your residence base, then this might not be the place for you.
However, in case you thrive in these types of environments and love being in such an lively and thriving middle, then Minami (Namba) may very well be the right alternative for you when deciding the place to stay as an Osaka digital nomad.
3. Tennoji
For those who’re a digital nomad in search of finances lodging within the metropolis, then I like to recommend trying on the choices in Tennoji. Not solely is Tennoji an financial hub crammed with retailers and eating places, however it additionally provides quieter areas in Tennoji Park and Shitenno-ji Temple. For these watching their wallets, Tennoji provides a few of the least expensive 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 prepare traces that journey inside and out of Osaka, Tennoji provides a little bit of the whole lot; historic temples, bustling malls, pleasant artwork galleries, and stylish cafes.
Whereas it used to have a seedy status, over the previous few a long time, Tennoji has been reworking 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 more likely to discover many different digital nomads to satisfy up with. Moreover, there are a number of co-working areas accessible; I like to recommend testing Work Place Cocolo Abeno Matsuzakicho.
4. Osaka Fort Space
For those who’re in search of a quieter place to remain in Osaka, then I extremely suggest testing the Osaka Castle Area. Because the identify implies, this space is centered round Osaka Fort.
Whereas the fort is one in every of Osaka’s high sights, its huge park is crammed with 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 excellent for digital nomads and vacationers who need to retreat from the hustle and bustle of downtown. And, whereas housing prices extra within the Osaka Fort space than in Tennoji, it’s cheaper than in Kita (Umeda) and Minami (Namba).
There are a number of quaint and comfy cafes within the space that supply 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 in case you discover the Osaka Fort space to be a bit too laid-back and quiet, it’s straightforward to take a prepare to the bustling neighborhoods of Umeda, Namba, and Tennoji.
Total, the Osaka Fort space is the right place to stay in case you favor extra tranquil and enjoyable neighborhoods.
5. Osaka Bay Space
Final however not least, probably the greatest neighborhoods for dwelling in Osaka as a digital nomad is the Osaka Bay space. It’s probably the most stunning areas of Osaka and provides really beautiful views of the Osaka Bay and town’s skyline.
It’s the furthest neighborhood on this checklist from downtown Osaka (be aware 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 just a little 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 an excellent or unhealthy factor.
There are a good quantity of foreigners dwelling 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 in all fairness priced and extra inexpensive. Total, whereas the Osaka Bay space has fewer facilities for digital nomads, it’s probably the most attractive areas of Osaka and value trying into.
Discover Lodging in Osaka
Now that I’ve listed one of the best neighborhoods for dwelling in Osaka, let’s talk about learn how to discover lodging in Osaka. Listed below 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 houses 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 best alternative and I don’t have to fret about safety deposits, contracts, or opening a international checking account.
2. Fb Teams: One other handy method 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 a good way to attach with fellow expats. Some choices embrace Osaka Housing, Rooms, Apartments, Sublets for rent, buy, sell, and Osaka Apartment Hunting/Share Housing Group.
3. Social Apartment: For those who’re pondering of staying in a home share, then I like to recommend testing Social Residence. Providing personal rooms with fashionable and trendy communal areas, Social Residence is a superb and dependable firm that helps you discover comfy housing. Plus, staying in a share home makes it simpler to kind relationships with different digital nomads.
4. Best-Estate.JP: Targeted on aiding international 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 Apartments: Whereas discovering housing as a digital nomad might be tough, GaijinPot Residences may help you out. A foreigner- and English-friendly web site crammed with accessible condominium listings throughout Japan, GaijinPot Residences simplifies condominium trying to find you. Nonetheless, it may be more durable to seek out cheaper residences this fashion.
Value of Dwelling in Osaka
At this level, you might be questioning in case you may even afford to stay in Osaka. In any case, Japan does have a status for being an costly vacation spot to journey to.
Whereas individuals are likely to view Japan as an expensive and higher-end nation, it isn’t. I really discover it extra inexpensive than a whole lot of the opposite international locations I’ve visited and lived in. To you an thought of what you’ll be able to anticipate, right here’s a breakdown of the price of dwelling in Osaka:
Eating places and Groceries
First, let’s go over the price of meals in Osaka. Consuming out at a finances restaurant ought to value less than 1,000 JPY ($7.15 USD) per particular person, whereas a mid-range restaurant would value less 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, try this website.
As you’ll be able to see, groceries are fairly inexpensive in Osaka. Dwelling in Canada, I miss the costs of tofu, udon, fruit jelly, and Japanese curry in comparison with the prices in Japan. That being stated, the fruit in Japan might 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 typical hire for a one-bedroom condominium is $611.42 USD per 30 days, whereas the typical hire for a three-bedroom condominium is $1,648.22 USD. Outdoors of town middle, the typical hire for a one-bedroom condominium is $370.43 USD. Learn more here.
For those who look into discovering a spot on Airbnb, you’ll find dormitory rooms for round $265 USD per 30 days, personal rooms in guesthouses from $368 USD per 30 days, and fully-private residences from $630 USD per 30 days. These prices can range, however it’s all the time value checking Airbnb first.
Do not forget that housing prices range quite a bit 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 30 days. In distinction, the costliest neighborhood is Kita (Umeda), with a studio costing a median 56,000 JPY ($400 USD) per 30 days.
Total, residences might be fairly inexpensive in Osaka.
Transportation Prices in Osaka
Now, let’s get into learn how to get round Osaka and the way a lot it prices. Osaka (and Japan typically) has probably the greatest prepare and transportation methods on the earth; not solely is it handy and huge, however it’s additionally punctual and quick. Evidently, one of the simplest ways to get round Osaka and Japan is by prepare.
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 obligatory, nor would I hire a automotive; it’s not value it when it’s quicker and simpler to journey by prepare. Osaka can be fairly a big metropolis, with an area of 225 square 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 below are some examples of the prices of touring in Osaka:
- A prepare from Namba Station to Osaka Fort prices $1.72 USD
- A prepare from Tennoji Station to Umeda Station prices $2.08 USD
- A prepare from Umeda Station to Kyoto Station prices $4.15 USD
- A prepare from Namba Station to Kobe Station prices $5 USD
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge
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 can purchase pay as you go data-only SIM playing cards.
For those who want to have the ability to name and textual content in your cellphone with a Japanese SIM card, you’ll first must test that your phone can work in Japan, then you definately’ll want a chunk of Japanese identification (a residence card or Japanese driver’s license) and a Japanese deal with. I personally discovered this course of too cumbersome, so I by no means acquired a SIM card and I had no points getting by.
For those who’re comfy with solely getting a pay as you go data-only SIM card, they’re fairly straightforward to get.
You should buy one from Yodobashi Digital camera retailers, airports, and comfort shops and all you want is an unlocked cellphone. Some corporations providing pay as you go data-only SIM playing cards embrace SoftBank Japan, Bmobile Japan, IIJmio Japan Travel SIM, Sakura Cellular, and Nippon SIM for Japan.
For 30-day plans, you’ll be able to anticipate 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 here for some value comparisons.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Osaka
As you’ll be able to see, whereas the dwelling prices in Osaka aren’t ridiculously excessive, they aren’t significantly low cost both (particularly in comparison with international locations in Southeast Asia). So, in case you’re apprehensive about how a lot it prices to stay in Osaka, listed below are some methods you could get monetary savings:
- Go to grocery shops shortly earlier than they shut. That is once they’ll present one of the best offers (from 10% to 50% off) on their ready-to-eat meals reminiscent of sushi, lunch containers, and extra.
- For those who plan on touring the identical prepare route often, look into getting a commuter cross. This cross will will let you journey between two particular prepare 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 prepare) or airplane. It’s the most affordable method to journey, and my favourite method to get to Tokyo from Osaka.
- Decide to remain in a share home as an alternative of a personal condominium. Not solely is it cheaper, however it’ll be simpler to seek out and make associates with fellow expats.
- Buy native meals and items as an alternative of imported objects, and decrease your fruit consumption.
Coworking Areas in Osaka and Wifi Pace
For those who’re planning on working remotely in Osaka, you is likely to be questioning about Osaka’s WiFi velocity and accessible co-working areas. In line with speedtest.internet, the median download speed is 46.38 Mbps, the median upload speed is 8.84 Mbps, and the median latency is 38 ms.
The WiFi is stable and reliable, and you’ll often discover usable WiFi at cafes, resorts, and comfort shops.
Nonetheless, in case you’re in search of a stronger WiFi connection, you’ll be able to all the time try Osaka’s co-working areas. Listed below are 5 highly-rated co-working areas that I like to recommend testing:
- Osakan Space: For a welcoming, quiet, and enjoyable co-working area situated in Kita (Umeda), I like to recommend utilizing Osakan Area. With each social and quiet areas and high-speed web, it’s the right 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 cushty co-working area with high-speed web, free-to-use displays, complimentary drinks, and a spacious and glossy design, it’s a must to try 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 30 days.
- WeWork Namba SkyO: For those who’re in search of probably the greatest co-working areas in Minami (Namba), then look no additional than WeWork Namba SkyO. Whereas signing up for WeWork is extra sophisticated than the opposite co-working areas and entails a contract, WeWork Namba SkyO provides massive and spacious frequent areas, high-speed WiFi, complimentary drinks, and beautiful views. Open from 8:30 am – 6 pm on weekdays. It’s important to inquire in regards to the prices.
- INOVE Shared Office Honmachi: For a big and cozy co-working area in Honmachi with pleasant, English-speaking employees, numerous seating choices, and high-speed web, try 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: Situated within the middle of Umeda, ONthe UMEDA is a handy and spacious co-working area with pleasant and welcoming employees, complimentary drinks, high-speed web, and an inspiring surroundings. 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 various allures of merely dwelling within the metropolis, there are many issues to do in Osaka to maintain you entertained. You possibly can’t stay in one in every of Japan’s most enjoyable and bustling areas with out doing these 5 issues:
1. Discover, Store, and Eat Across the Dotonbori Canal
Considered one of Osaka’s hottest and iconic sights is the Dotonbori Canal. Full of flashy neon indicators (together with the well-known Glico Working Man signal), an enormous array of distinctive retailers, and mouthwatering road meals, the Dotonbori Canal is the middle of Osaka’s nightlife.
Situated in Minami (Namba), Dotonbori is straightforward to stroll to from the Namba prepare station. It’s additionally one of the best 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 a lot to do in Dotonbori. I like to recommend getting misplaced in Dotonbori’s again streets and exploring the canal-side retailers (together with Don Quijote, my favourite cut price store).
2. Wander the Grounds of Osaka Fort Park
Subsequent, my absolute favourite factor to do in Osaka is to go to the majestic Osaka Castle. Initially constructed in 1583 under Hideyoshi Toyotomi, it has a protracted and tumultuous historical past you could study in its historical past museum. It’s straightforward to get to by prepare; to get there from Namba, take the JR West Osaka Loop Line and get off at Osakajokoen Station.
I am keen on visiting Osaka Fort 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 walking tour which takes within the Osaka Fort.
3. E book a Meals Tour Round Shinsekai
For those who’ve simply arrived in Osaka and also you need to get a style of town, I like to recommend reserving this Osaka: Shinsekai Food Tour. Taking you to a few of the most scrumptious and genuine eating places within the Shinsekai neighborhood, you’ll get a style of a few of Japan’s greatest dishes, together with takoyaki, udon, yakitori, edamame, karaage, and gyoza.
That is definitely one of the simplest ways to introduce your self to Osaka and all it has to supply, so I positively suggest checking it out. To study extra and e book the tour, click here.
4. Go to the Serene and Picturesque Shitenno-ji Temple
For those who’re all in favour of visiting one of many oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, then look no additional than Shitenno-ji Temple. Constructed in 593 below Prince Shotoku, Shitenno-ji Temple is the primary Japanese Buddhist temple to be constructed by the state.
Situated in Tennoji, Shitenno-ji Temple is straightforward to get to. You possibly can stroll there from Tennoji Station in below ten minutes, or get off on the Shitennoji-mae-Yuhigaoka subway station. Not solely is the temple stunning, however it additionally holds a beautiful 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 crammed with fascinating items. I really 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 best sights is the thrilling Universal 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 outdated to benefit from the screams and thrills of this wonderful theme park.
I positively suggest occurring the Jurassic Park journey, Jaws journey, and Area Fantasy journey whilst you’re there. And don’t neglect in regards to the newer rides like Mario Kart: Koopa’s Problem and the Flying Dinosaur.
USJ can be straightforward to get to by taking the prepare to Common Metropolis Station. For those who’re all in favour of reserving an entry cross upfront, click here.
Climate in Osaka
Osaka has a temperate local weather with scorching, 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 typical temperatures various between 5°C to 9°C (41°F to 48.2°F). The most popular months are from June to September, with the typical temperatures various between 23°C to 28°C (73.4°F to 82.4°F). Osaka solely tends to get a median rainfall of 1,300 millimeters (51 inches) per year.
For my part, one of the best occasions to go to Osaka are within the spring and fall. Not solely is the climate essentially the most excellent, however these are the right 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 storm season.
Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Osaka
As with wherever on the earth, there are each execs and cons of dwelling in Osaka:
Professionals of Dwelling in Osaka
- Countless Issues to Do: From its expansive purchasing spots to its numerous historic temples, you’ll by no means get uninterested in Osaka’s sights.
- Scrumptious and Low cost Road Meals: My favourite a part of dwelling in Osaka was with the ability to often take pleasure in some mouthwatering road meals, together with takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
- Handy and Reliable Public Transportation: Japan has probably the greatest prepare methods on the earth, and it’s straightforward to shortly get across the metropolis utilizing Osaka’s trains, subways, trams, and buses.
- Unbelievable Day Journeys: Osaka is conveniently near a few of the most stunning locations in Japan, together with Kyoto, Nara, Mount Koya, and Himeji.
- Protected: As one of many safest cities on the earth, you don’t have to fret about petty thievery, mugging, or scams in Osaka.
Cons of Dwelling in Osaka
- Value of Dwelling: Whereas Osaka isn’t significantly costly, it’s considerably pricier than dwelling in different areas of Asia, reminiscent of Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
- Many People who smoke: For those who’re a non-smoker like myself, the prevalence of smoking in Osaka can get in your nerves. And whereas Osaka is attempting to eradicate road 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 dwelling in Japan. And whereas I don’t think about 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 preferred 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 accessible visas for distant staff. Sadly, Japan doesn’t provide visas specifically for digital nomads. Nonetheless, there are different methods of dwelling 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. For my part, that is the best method to stay in Osaka as a digital nomad. Whereas your time dwelling overseas in Japan is proscribed to three months, you get to skip out on coping with Japan’s paperwork.
Japan additionally provides working vacation visas and work visas, however it’s unlikely that you just’ll obtain approval as a distant employee. Nonetheless, there are some rumors that Japan will probably be introducing a digital nomad visa quickly!
In Conclusion
I hope this digital nomad information on dwelling in Osaka has supplied you with a greater thought of what your life would seem like in one in every of Japan’s most full of life cities.
Whereas the method of relocating to a brand new metropolis, looking for lodging, getting a SIM card, discovering a daily co-working area, and probably coping with Japan’s irritating and over-complicated paperwork is usually a problem, it’s positively value 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 sort of traveler: a thriving nightlife, tranquil parks, huge purchasing districts, and historical shrines to call just a few. So pack up your luggage and seize your passports, I’m positive you’ll have an unimaginable time.
