Tokyo vs. Osaka. Which Is Better To Live?

This site is best viewed in a modern browser with JavaScript enabled.

Tokyo vs. Osaka. Which Is Better To Live?

Sailor77

Looking for options to work and live in Japan, it seems that most of the vacants are in Tokyo or Osaka. Which is better to live and work?

I'm from a fairly small town in Europe, so I am more biased towards Osaka (people seem to be more friendly too). However I don't know Osaka very well; and I've only been once in Tokyo.

Is the working life and office environment different in these two cities?

Any feedback would be highly welcome.

(I'm looking for a position as a C++ programmer, by the way)

Samurai

Tokyo wins, hands down.
- Most cosmopolitan city (almost no English speaking community in Osaka).
- Better food and more restaurant variety.
- Lots of job offers, specially if you are a programmer.
- City might be more crowded, but it's cleaner. Sea is closer too.

Only advantage for Osaka is that Kyoto is closer

MaryHengel

I live in Tokyo and I love this city. That said, there's a warmness about Osaka and it's people which cannot be found in Tokyo. There's one more, interesting point too:

Tokyo is full of people from other prefectures.
Osaka is full of people from OSAKA.

This gives Osaka a bigger sense of community. Bonds are stronger.

Contact with nature is easier in Osaka as well (Rokko, Wakayama, Awaji island)