If you happen to’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 gorgeous structure to its scrumptious delicacies and thriving nightlife, this vibrant metropolis is the proper place to discover whereas residing 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 all the world. Not solely have I visited this thrilling metropolis numerous occasions as a baby, however I additionally spent most of my 12 months residing overseas in Japan, in Osaka. It’s an ideal metropolis to stay in for digital nomads.
And regardless that town has a fame 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 immediately, I’ll define all the things that it’s essential to find out about residing in Osaka. From discovering lodging and co-working areas to exploring town’s distinctive sights, this text will enable 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 main points of residing in Osaka, let’s go over some fundamental 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 individuals 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 crammed with historical past. I positively advocate visiting Shitenno-ji Temple if attainable; it’s the primary Buddhist temple in Japan to be constructed by the federal government.
Within the fifteenth century, town formally grew to become often known as Osaka, the place it thrived as a transportation and navy heart. In 1583, the majestic Osaka Citadel was constructed. Osaka is a bustling metropolis crammed with an attention-grabbing previous and present tradition.
Residing in Osaka As a Digital Nomad
Now, it’s possible you’ll be questioning what being a digital nomad in Osaka is like. Whereas Osaka is usually missed in comparison with Tokyo, it positively 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 gorgeous cities crammed with spectacular pure and cultural websites.
Well-known for its brilliant and bustling downtown spots (similar to 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 Citadel Park and the attractive Osaka Bay space.
Inside Japan, Osakans have a fame for being boisterous, pleasant, and laid-back. They’re additionally recognized to have a superb 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 continuously popping up all through town.
With mouthwatering native dishes similar to okonomiyaki (a savory pancake comprised of 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 possibly can see, Osaka provides a little bit of all the things, making it top-of-the-line locations to stay in Japan.
Is Osaka Secure?
Despite the fact that 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 general 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.
In fact, 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 on the whole) 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 maintaining up-to-date with native information and climate forecasts and reviewing security procedures within the occasion of those circumstances.
However, I wouldn’t fear an excessive amount of about it. Throughout my 12 months 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 Stay in Osaka
Now that we’ve lined some fundamental info about Osaka, let’s get into the assorted neighborhoods Osaka has to supply. Listed below are the 5 greatest locations to stay in Osaka:
1. Kita (Umeda)
First up, top-of-the-line 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 strains (each native and speedy) that take you across the total metropolis and to prime locations outdoors of Osaka, together with Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji.
Moreover, Kita (Umeda) is Osaka’s enterprise heart and provides all kinds of purchasing and eating spots. Since Kita (Umeda) is such a thriving and fashionable space in downtown Osaka, housing could be dearer and aggressive. So, it’s seemingly not the only option in the event you’re a extra budget-minded digital nomad.
However, with a number of co-working areas together with WeWork LINKS UMEDA, ONthe UMEDA, and Coworking & Shareoffice Reqree Dojima, pretty 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 heart for leisure, actions, and nightlife, then it’s important 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 example, I like to recommend visiting the Kuromon Ichiba Market, the Shinsaibashi Procuring Arcade, the Namba Yasaka Shrine, and the assorted outlets and eating places within the Dotonbori space.
There are a lot of pretty cafes good for working remotely, and whereas this included some chain espresso outlets similar to 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 search out different digital nomads and vacationers in the event you’re in search of firm.
Minami (Namba) is a full of life and bustling space of Osaka and might develop into fairly noisy at evening. I discovered myself getting fairly overwhelmed by the crowds whereas staying at an Airbnb within the heart of Namba. There weren’t many areas the place I might keep away from the swarms of tourists. So, in the event you’re in search of a quieter spot on your dwelling base, then this might not be the place for you.
However, in the event you thrive in these kinds of environments and love being in such an lively and thriving heart, then Minami (Namba) might be the proper alternative for you when deciding the place to stay as an Osaka digital nomad.
3. Tennoji
If you happen to’re a digital nomad in search of price range lodging within the metropolis, then I like to recommend trying on the choices in Tennoji. Not solely is Tennoji an financial hub crammed with outlets and eating places, but it surely additionally provides quieter areas in Tennoji Park and Shitenno-ji Temple. For these watching their wallets, Tennoji provides among 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 practice strains that journey inside and out of Osaka, Tennoji provides a little bit of all the things; historic temples, bustling malls, pleasant artwork galleries, and stylish cafes.
Whereas it used to have a seedy fame, over the previous few a long time, Tennoji has been reworking into one in every of Osaka’s largest 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 satisfy 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
If you happen to’re in search of a quieter place to remain in Osaka, then I extremely advocate trying out the Osaka Citadel Space. Because the title implies, this space is centered round Osaka Citadel.
Whereas the fort is one in every of Osaka’s prime 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 best 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 in the event 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 in the event you desire extra tranquil and enjoyable neighborhoods.
5. Osaka Bay Space
Final however not least, top-of-the-line neighborhoods for residing in Osaka as a digital nomad is the Osaka Bay space. It’s some of the lovely areas of Osaka and provides actually gorgeous views of the Osaka Bay and town’s skyline.
It’s the furthest neighborhood on this listing from downtown Osaka (word 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 choice could also be a superb or unhealthy 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 in all fairness priced and extra inexpensive. General, whereas the Osaka Bay space has fewer facilities for digital nomads, it’s some of the beautiful areas of Osaka and price trying into.
Easy methods to Discover Lodging in Osaka
Now that I’ve listed the perfect neighborhoods for residing in Osaka, let’s talk about how you can discover lodging in Osaka. Listed below are 5 alternative ways to search out housing in Osaka:
1. Airbnb: Providing brief and long-term choices, Airbnb permits vacationers to pay owners to remain of their properties and flats. 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, Flats, Sublets for hire, purchase, promote, and Osaka Residence Looking/Share Housing Group.
3. Social Residence: If you happen to’re pondering of staying in a home share, then I like to recommend trying out Social Residence. Providing non-public rooms with trendy and classy communal areas, Social Residence is a superb and dependable firm that helps you discover snug 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 condo earlier than you arrive in Japan.
5. GaijinPot Flats: Whereas discovering housing as a digital nomad could be tough, GaijinPot Flats will help you out. A foreigner- and English-friendly web site crammed with out there condo listings throughout Japan, GaijinPot Flats simplifies condo attempting to find you. Nevertheless, it may be more durable to search out cheaper flats this manner.
Price of Residing in Osaka
At this level, it’s possible you’ll be questioning in the event you may even afford to stay in Osaka. In spite of everything, Japan does have a fame for being an costly vacation spot to journey to.
Whereas individuals are inclined to view Japan as an expensive and higher-end nation, it isn’t. I truly discover it extra inexpensive than plenty of the opposite nations I’ve visited and lived in. To you an thought of what you possibly can 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 price lower than 1,000 JPY ($7.15 USD) per individual, whereas a mid-range restaurant would price lower than 2,890 JPY ($20.70 USD) per individual. Tipping at eating places additionally isn’t anticipated in Japan so there aren’t any further 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 web site.
As you possibly can 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 stated, the fruit in Japan could 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 heart of Osaka, the common hire for a one-bedroom condo is $611.42 USD monthly, whereas the common hire for a three-bedroom condo is $1,648.22 USD. Outdoors of town heart, the common hire for a one-bedroom condo is $370.43 USD. Be taught extra right here.
If you happen to look into discovering a spot on Airbnb, you’ll find dormitory rooms for round $265 USD monthly, non-public rooms in guesthouses from $368 USD monthly, and fully-private flats from $630 USD monthly. These prices can range, but it surely’s at all times value checking Airbnb first.
Do not forget that housing prices range 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) monthly. In distinction, the costliest neighborhood is Kita (Umeda), with a studio costing a median 56,000 JPY ($400 USD) monthly.
General, flats could be fairly inexpensive in Osaka.
Transportation Prices in Osaka
Now, let’s get into how you can get round Osaka and the way a lot it prices. Osaka (and Japan on the whole) has top-of-the-line practice and transportation programs 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 vital, nor would I hire a automotive; it’s not value it when it’s sooner and simpler to journey by practice. Osaka can be fairly a big metropolis, with an space of 225 sq. kilometers, so I’d solely advocate strolling if it’s not too lengthy of a distance.
Whereas the price of transportation is fairly inexpensive, it could actually 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 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 information 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.
If you happen to want to have the ability to name and textual content in your cellphone with a Japanese SIM card, you’ll first have to test that your cellphone can work in Japan, you then’ll want a bit 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 bought a SIM card and I had no points getting by.
If you happen to’re snug 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 outlets, airports, and comfort shops and all you want is an unlocked cellphone. Some firms 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 possibly can count on to pay a minimal of $15.72 USD for 1.5 GB of knowledge, $23.58 USD for 3 GB of knowledge, and $56.60 USD for limitless information. Click on right here for some worth comparisons.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Osaka
As you possibly can see, whereas the residing prices in Osaka aren’t ridiculously excessive, they aren’t significantly low-cost both (particularly in comparison with nations in Southeast Asia). So, in the event you’re fearful about how a lot it prices to stay in Osaka, listed here are some methods that you would be able to get monetary savings:
- 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 similar to sushi, lunch packing containers, and extra.
- If you happen to plan on touring the identical practice route incessantly, look into getting a commuter move. This move will permit you to journey between two particular practice stations an infinite quantity of occasions throughout the month, for a set worth.
- Journey inside Japan utilizing evening buses as a substitute 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.
- Decide to remain in a share home as a substitute of a personal condo. Not solely is it cheaper, but it surely’ll be simpler to search out and make mates with fellow expats.
- Buy native meals and items as a substitute of imported objects, and decrease your fruit consumption.
Coworking Areas in Osaka and Wifi Pace
If you happen to’re planning on working remotely in Osaka, you is perhaps questioning about Osaka’s WiFi pace and out there co-working areas. In line with speedtest.internet, 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 strong and reliable, and you’ll incessantly discover usable WiFi at cafes, inns, and comfort shops.
Nevertheless, in the event you’re in search of a stronger WiFi connection, you possibly can at all times try Osaka’s co-working areas. Listed below 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 move prices 2,200 JPY ($15.70 USD), and a one-month move 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 glossy design, it’s important 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 monthly.
- WeWork Namba SkyO: If you happen to’re in search of top-of-the-line 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 entails a contract, WeWork Namba SkyO provides massive and spacious frequent areas, high-speed WiFi, complimentary drinks, and gorgeous 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 workers, varied 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 move prices 1,000 JPY ($7.13 USD).
- ONthe UMEDA: Positioned within the heart of Umeda, ONthe UMEDA is a handy and spacious co-working house with pleasant and welcoming workers, complimentary drinks, high-speed web, and an inspiring setting. Open from 8:30 am – 9 pm. A one-day drop-in move prices 4,000 JPY ($28.56 USD).
Actions and Issues To Do in Osaka
Whereas there are lots of allures of merely residing 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
One in every of Osaka’s hottest and iconic sights is the Dotonbori Canal. Stuffed with flashy neon indicators (together with the well-known Glico Working Man signal), an enormous array of distinctive outlets, and mouthwatering road 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 a lot 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 beneath Hideyoshi Toyotomi, it has a protracted and tumultuous historical past that you would be able to 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. Guide a Meals Tour Round Shinsekai
If you happen to’ve simply arrived in Osaka and also you need to get a style of town, I like to recommend reserving this Osaka: Shinsekai Meals Tour. Taking you to among 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 indubitably the easiest way to introduce your self to Osaka and all it has to supply, so I positively advocate 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
If you happen to’re thinking about visiting one of many oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, then look no additional than Shitenno-ji Temple. Constructed in 593 beneath 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 possibly can stroll there from Tennoji Station in beneath ten minutes, or get off on the Shitennoji-mae-Yuhigaoka subway station. Not solely is the temple lovely, 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 crammed with 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 sights is the thrilling Common Studios Japan (USJ for brief). Spending a full day at USJ was at all times 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 superb theme park.
I positively advocate happening the Jurassic Park journey, Jaws journey, and Area Fantasy journey 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. If you happen to’re thinking about reserving an entry move prematurely, click on right 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 hardly ever 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 12 months.
For my part, the perfect occasions to go to Osaka are within the spring and fall. Not solely is the climate essentially the most best, 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 advocate avoiding Osaka in August and September because it’s peak storm 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
- Limitless Issues to Do: From its expansive purchasing 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 incessantly get pleasure from some mouthwatering road meals, together with takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
- Handy and Reliable Public Transportation: Japan has top-of-the-line practice programs 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 among the most lovely 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
- Price of Residing: Whereas Osaka isn’t significantly costly, it’s considerably pricier than residing in different areas of Asia, similar to Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
- Many People who smoke: If you happen to’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 road smoking and gives 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 individual, 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 out there visas for distant employees. Sadly, Japan doesn’t provide visas particularly for digital nomads. Nevertheless, there are different methods of residing in Osaka as a foreigner.
For American, British, and Canadian guests, you possibly can keep in Japan for as much as 90 days with out a visa. For my part, 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 paperwork.
Japan additionally provides working vacation visas and work visas, however it’s unlikely that you simply’ll obtain approval as a distant employee. However, 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 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, in search of lodging, getting a SIM card, discovering an everyday co-working house, and probably coping with Japan’s irritating and over-complicated paperwork could be a trouble, it’s positively value it.
No matter whether or not you’re planning to remain in Osaka for a month or a 12 months, Osaka has one thing to supply for each kind 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.
