If you happen to’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 dwelling and dealing overseas 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 all my favourite cities in the complete world. Not solely have I visited this thrilling metropolis numerous instances as a toddler, however I additionally spent most of my 12 months dwelling overseas in Japan, in Osaka. It’s an ideal metropolis to stay in for digital nomads.
And although town has a fame for being upbeat and thrilling, it additionally provides a laid-back life-style that’s excellent for all of the introverts on the market (like me).
So right now, 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 points of interest, this text will allow you 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 main points of dwelling in Osaka, let’s go over some primary information 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, positioned subsequent to the glowing Osaka Bay. With its origins spreading again to the fifth century, Osaka is full of historical past. I positively suggest 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 turned often known as Osaka, the place it thrived as a transportation and army middle. In 1583, the majestic Osaka Citadel was constructed. Osaka is a bustling metropolis full of an attention-grabbing previous and present tradition.
Residing in Osaka As a Digital Nomad
Now, you might be questioning what being a digital nomad in Osaka is like. Whereas Osaka is commonly missed in comparison with Tokyo, it positively deserves extra recognition.
Not solely is it extra inexpensive than Tokyo, with many funds housing choices accessible, however it’s additionally positioned conveniently near Nara and Kyoto; two beautiful cities full of spectacular pure and cultural websites.
Well-known for its brilliant and bustling downtown spots (equivalent to 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 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 identified to have an excellent 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 town.
With mouthwatering native dishes equivalent to okonomiyaki (a savory pancake constructed from 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 may see, Osaka provides a little bit of the whole lot, making it among the finest locations to stay in Japan.
Is Osaka Protected?
Although Osaka is a big, bustling, and full of life metropolis, it’s nonetheless thought-about 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 had 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, town is extraordinarily protected. That being mentioned, I’d keep away from the Kamagasaki (Airinchiku) neighborhood.
Whereas Osaka (and Japan basically) has low crime charges, it’s susceptible to pure disasters. Osaka is especially weak to earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis, and flooding. To remain protected, I like to recommend retaining 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 dwelling overseas in Japan, I solely skilled the smallest earthquake in Osaka, which hardly anybody felt. For sure, Osaka is a really protected metropolis.
Finest Locations to Reside in Osaka
Now that we’ve coated some primary information 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, among the finest areas for dwelling 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 most important in Osaka.
This makes dwelling in Kita (Umeda) tremendous handy, as Umeda/Osaka Station has JR and non-JR strains (each native and fast) that take you across the whole metropolis and to prime locations exterior of Osaka, together with Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji.
Moreover, Kita (Umeda) is Osaka’s enterprise middle and provides all kinds of buying and eating spots. Since Kita (Umeda) is such a thriving and standard space in downtown Osaka, housing could be costlier and aggressive. So, it’s possible not the only option in case 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, beautiful parks, and a soothing vibe, it’s one in all 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). 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 a lot of beautiful cafes excellent for working remotely, and whereas this included some chain espresso outlets equivalent to 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 simple to search out different digital nomads and vacationers in case you’re in search of firm.
Minami (Namba) is a full of life and bustling space of Osaka and might grow to be fairly noisy at night time. 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 on the lookout for a quieter spot in your house 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 brisk and thriving middle, then Minami (Namba) could possibly be the right selection for you when deciding the place to stay as an Osaka digital nomad.
3. Tennoji
If you happen to’re a digital nomad on the lookout for funds lodging within the metropolis, then I like to recommend trying on the choices in Tennoji. Not solely is Tennoji an financial hub full of outlets and eating places, however it 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 all 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 the whole lot; historic temples, bustling malls, pleasant artwork galleries, and stylish cafes.
Whereas it used to have a seedy fame, over the previous few many years, Tennoji has been remodeling into one in all Osaka’s greatest financial facilities.
And since Tennoji is without doubt 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 Citadel Space
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a quieter place to remain in Osaka, then I extremely suggest testing the Osaka Citadel Space. Because the title implies, this space is centered round Osaka Citadel.
Whereas the citadel is one in all Osaka’s prime 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 all 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 preferrred 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 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 Citadel space to be a bit too laid-back and quiet, it’s simple to take a practice to the bustling neighborhoods of Umeda, Namba, and Tennoji.
Total, the Osaka Citadel space is the right place to stay in case you want extra tranquil and stress-free neighborhoods.
5. Osaka Bay Space
Final however not least, among the finest neighborhoods for dwelling in Osaka as a digital nomad is the Osaka Bay space. It’s some of the lovely areas of Osaka and provides actually beautiful views of the Osaka Bay and town’s skyline.
It’s the furthest neighborhood on this listing from downtown Osaka (observe 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 of 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 some of the attractive areas of Osaka and price trying into.
How you can Discover Lodging in Osaka
Now that I’ve listed the most effective neighborhoods for dwelling in Osaka, let’s focus on how one can discover lodging in Osaka. Listed below are 5 other 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 popular methodology for locating long-term lodging as a digital nomad as a result of it’s the simplest selection and I don’t have to fret about safety deposits, contracts, or opening a international checking account.
2. Fb Teams: One other handy solution 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 embody Osaka Housing, Rooms, Flats, Sublets for lease, purchase, promote, and Osaka House Searching/Share Housing Group.
3. Social House: If you happen to’re considering of staying in a home share, then I like to recommend testing Social House. Providing non-public rooms with fashionable and trendy communal areas, Social House is a superb and dependable firm that helps you discover snug housing. Plus, staying in a share home makes it simpler to kind relationships with different digital nomads.
4. Finest-Property.JP: Centered on aiding international 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 troublesome, GaijinPot Flats might help you out. A foreigner- and English-friendly web site full of accessible condo listings throughout Japan, GaijinPot Flats simplifies condo trying to find you. Nevertheless, it may be tougher to search out cheaper flats this fashion.
Price of Residing 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 fame 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 really discover it extra inexpensive than lots of the opposite nations I’ve visited and lived in. To you an thought of what you may count on, 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 funds restaurant ought to value lower than 1,000 JPY ($7.15 USD) per individual, whereas a mid-range restaurant would value 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 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 may 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 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 middle of Osaka, the typical lease for a one-bedroom condo is $611.42 USD per thirty days, whereas the typical lease for a three-bedroom condo is $1,648.22 USD. Outdoors of town middle, the typical lease for a one-bedroom condo is $370.43 USD. Study extra right here.
If you happen to look into discovering a spot on Airbnb, yow will discover dormitory rooms for round $265 USD per thirty days, non-public rooms in guesthouses from $368 USD per thirty days, and fully-private flats from $630 USD per thirty days. These prices can differ, however it’s at all times price checking Airbnb first.
Keep in mind that housing prices differ so much 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 most costly neighborhood is Kita (Umeda), with a studio costing a median 56,000 JPY ($400 USD) per thirty days.
Total, flats could be fairly inexpensive in Osaka.
Transportation Prices in Osaka
Now, let’s get into how one can get round Osaka and the way a lot it prices. Osaka (and Japan basically) has among the finest practice and transportation methods on the earth; not solely is it handy and huge, however it’s additionally punctual and quick. For sure, 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 except it’s needed, nor would I lease a automotive; it’s not price 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 suggest strolling if it’s not too lengthy of a distance.
Whereas the price of transportation is fairly inexpensive, it may add up (relying on how a lot you journey). Taking the subway or new tram one-way prices anyplace 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 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 should buy 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 must verify that your cellphone can work in Japan, then you definately’ll want a bit of Japanese identification (a residence card or Japanese driver’s license) and a Japanese tackle. 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 simple 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 may 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 worth comparisons.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Osaka
As you may see, whereas the dwelling prices in Osaka aren’t ridiculously excessive, they aren’t significantly low-cost both (particularly in comparison with nations in Southeast Asia). So, in case you’re frightened about how a lot it prices to stay in Osaka, listed here are some methods which you can get monetary savings:
- Go to grocery shops shortly earlier than they shut. That is after they’ll present the most effective offers (from 10% to 50% off) on their ready-to-eat meals equivalent to sushi, lunch packing containers, and extra.
- If you happen to plan on touring the identical practice route ceaselessly, look into getting a commuter move. This move will help you journey between two particular practice stations an infinite quantity of instances inside the month, for a set worth.
- Journey inside Japan utilizing night time buses as a substitute of the Shinkansen (bullet practice) or airplane. It’s the most cost effective solution to journey, and my favourite solution to get to Tokyo from Osaka.
- Choose to remain in a share home as a substitute of a personal condo. Not solely is it cheaper, however it’ll be simpler to search out and make pals 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 accessible co-working areas. In accordance 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 stable and reliable, and you may ceaselessly discover usable WiFi at cafes, resorts, and comfort shops.
Nevertheless, in case you’re on the lookout for a stronger WiFi connection, you may at all times take a look at Osaka’s co-working areas. Listed below are 5 highly-rated co-working areas that I like to recommend testing:
- Osakan Area: For a welcoming, quiet, and stress-free co-working house positioned 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 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 displays, complimentary drinks, and a spacious and glossy design, it’s a must 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: If you happen to’re on the lookout for 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 entails a contract, WeWork Namba SkyO provides 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 workers, 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 move 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 workers, complimentary drinks, high-speed web, and an inspiring surroundings. 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 numerous allures of merely dwelling within the metropolis, there are many issues to do in Osaka to maintain you entertained. You may’t stay in one in all 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 unlimited array of distinctive outlets, and mouthwatering road meals, the Dotonbori Canal is the middle of Osaka’s nightlife.
Positioned in Minami (Namba), Dotonbori is simple to stroll to from the Namba practice station. It’s additionally the most effective 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 loads 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 discount 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 below Hideyoshi Toyotomi, it has a protracted and tumultuous historical past which you can find out about in its historical past museum. It’s simple 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
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 for sure the easiest way to introduce your self to Osaka and all it has to supply, so I positively suggest checking it out. To be taught extra and ebook the tour, click on right here.
4. Go to the Serene and Picturesque Shitenno-ji Temple
If you happen to’re concerned about 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.
Positioned in Tennoji, Shitenno-ji Temple is simple to get to. You may stroll there from Tennoji Station in below ten minutes, or get off on the Shitennoji-mae-Yuhigaoka subway station. Not solely is the temple lovely, however it 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 really stumbled throughout it once I visited. For sure, 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 all Osaka’s best points of interest 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 toddler, and it nonetheless is – you’re by no means too previous to benefit from the screams and thrills of this wonderful theme park.
I positively suggest occurring the Jurassic Park trip, Jaws trip, and Area Fantasy trip whilst you’re there. And don’t overlook concerning the newer rides like Mario Kart: Koopa’s Problem and the Flying Dinosaur.
USJ can be simple to get to by taking the practice to Common Metropolis Station. If you happen to’re concerned about reserving an entry move prematurely, 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 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 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 most effective instances to go to Osaka are within the spring and fall. Not solely is the climate probably the most preferrred, however these are the right instances 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 instances to go to Osaka are usually in July and August when the vacationers are most modern and the climate probably the most oppressive. I’d additionally suggest avoiding Osaka in August and September because it’s peak hurricane season.
Professionals and Cons of Residing in Osaka
As with anyplace on the earth, there are each professionals and cons of dwelling in Osaka:
Professionals of Residing in Osaka
- Limitless Issues to Do: From its expansive buying spots to its numerous historic temples, you’ll by no means get uninterested in Osaka’s sights.
- Scrumptious and Low cost Avenue Meals: My favourite a part of dwelling in Osaka was having the ability to ceaselessly get pleasure from some mouthwatering road meals, together with takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
- Handy and Reliable Public Transportation: Japan has among the finest practice methods on the earth, and it’s simple to shortly get across the metropolis utilizing Osaka’s trains, subways, trams, and buses.
- Unbelievable Day Journeys: Osaka is conveniently near among the most lovely locations in Japan, together with Kyoto, Nara, Mount Koya, and Himeji.
- Protected: 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 dwelling in different areas of Asia, equivalent 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 offers 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 individual, nothing has scared me greater than seeing a cockroach roaming the kitchen at night time. 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 accessible visas for distant staff. Sadly, Japan doesn’t provide visas particularly for digital nomads. Nevertheless, there are different methods of dwelling in Osaka as a foreigner.
For American, British, and Canadian guests, you may keep in Japan for as much as 90 days with out a visa. For my part, that is the simplest solution 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 simply’ll obtain approval as a distant employee. However, 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 appear like in one in all 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 doubtlessly coping with Japan’s irritating and over-complicated paperwork generally is a problem, it’s positively price 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 sort of traveler: a thriving nightlife, tranquil parks, huge buying districts, and historic shrines to call a couple of. So pack up your luggage and seize your passports, I’m certain you’ll have an unimaginable time.
