Living in Osaka - Useful Information for Foreigners

Osaka is located in the west of Japan. It is the second most populous prefecture after Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture.
Osaka is known as a comfortable place for foreigners to live.
According to a survey by the Osaka Prefectural Government, there were approximately 270,000 foreign residents at the end of 2022.
（Source：大阪府　在留外国人人数）

In this article, we will provide some useful information for those who want to start a new life in Osaka.

🔎Find Jobs in Osaka at JOB JOURNEY

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Life in Osaka

Living in Osaka is very convenient compared to other locations.

Support for foreigners

At the Osaka International House, you can seek advice on jobs, visas, and any other problems you may encounter in your daily life in Japan.
Consultation is available in English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Filipino.
Reservations are required.
 
For more information:
外国人のための相談窓口
Consultation Service for Foreign Residents

Transportation

In Osaka, most places can be reached by train and bus.
It is convenient for commuting to work and school as well as sightseeing.

 Kansai International Airport is also located in the area, making it convenient when returning home or traveling abroad.

Shopping

There are many 24-hour supermarkets and convenience stores, especially in Osaka City.
Furthermore, there are many drugstores and 100-yen stores, making shopping for daily necessities very convenient.
 
There are many famous brand stores around Osaka and Shinsaibashi stations, which are recommended for those who want to enjoy shopping.

Healthcare

There are several hospitals and clinics in Osaka that offer services in foreign languages.
A list of medical facilities for foreigners can be found on the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's website.

A place where people from different countries gather

There are many foreigners living in Osaka.
With many universities, Japanese language schools, and cultural centers, there are many opportunities for cultural exchange.
 
For example, events like Meetup are held regularly in Osaka City.
These places bring together people from many different countries and offer an exciting international atmosphere.

The average rent in Osaka

Average onthly rent for one room in Osaka: 54,000 yen
Source: 全国賃貸管理ビジネス協会の2024年4月の発表

Rent varies significantly depending on the area where you live and the size of the room.
In addition to rent, there may be common service charges, management fees, and parking fees, so it is important to include these costs when planning your budget.

The average rent in Osaka City

Rent for a one-room apartment in Chuo and Kita Wards are higher than in other areas of the city, because of their location, in the center of Osaka.
On the other hand, there are also cheaper areas in Osaka City.

Source：SUUMO-大阪府の家賃相場　Updated April 10, 2024 *Average rent

The average rent outside Osaka City

There are also locations outside of Osaka with easy access to the city.

Source：SUUMO-大阪府の家賃相場　Updated April 10, 2024 *Average rent

(Example)
Toyonaka City: 11 minutes from Hankyu Toyonaka Station to Umeda Station
Suita City: 11 minutes from Osaka Metro Esaka Station to Umeda Station
Sakai-ku, Sakai City: 30 minutes from Nankai Sakai Station to Osaka Metro Umeda Station

Osaka's Attractiveness

Atmosphere and people in Osaka

Osaka is known as a city full of vitality.
The people of Osaka are known to be the friendliest and most approachable people in Japan.
It is related to the fact that Osaka has historically been developed as a business town.
 
You will often be warmly greeted when asking for directions or interacting with people in stores.
The dialect (Kansai-ben, etc.) spoken by people living in Osaka is also a pleasant experience to enjoy listening to.

Gourmet

Osaka has a lot of delicacies to offer.
The two most popular are "takoyaki" and "okonomiyaki".
 
たこ焼き　Takoyaki

It is a round-shaped food baked with octopus in a dough made of egg and flour.
It is eaten with sauce or mayonnaise.　There are many restaurants that offer take-out service.
 
お好み焼き　Okonomiyaki

This dish consists of egg and flour dough, cabbage, meat, etc., and is cooked on a hot plate.
It is served with sauce or mayonnaise.
 
Kuromon Ichiba, located in Osaka City, is a recommended marketplace for those who want to enjoy Osaka's gourmet cuisine.
It offers a wide variety of dishes made with fresh ingredients.

Osaka Sightseeing Spots

大阪城公園  (Osaka Castle Park)
Osaka Castle Park is a place to enjoy history and nature.
It is also a popular place for beautiful plum and cherry blossoms.
 
Universal Studios Japan (USJ)
This world-famous theme park offers visitors a full day of fun.

海遊館   (Kaiyukan Aquarium)
It is a very big aquarium. It is also famous for its whale sharks.
More than 580 different species of various sea creatures can be seen there.

梅田スカイビル  (Umeda Sky Building)
The building's suspended garden observatory offers a spectacular view of Osaka. It is especially recommended to go there in the evening.

四天王寺  (Shitennoji Temple)
It is one of the most historic temples in Osaka.
Periodically, the temple holds an antique market, which is very popular and enjoyable.

Lastly

To start a new life in Osaka, you also need to look for a job. JOB JOURNEY has over 300 jobs available in Osaka Prefecture! (As of June 2024) Some of these jobs provide extra rent subsidies.  
 
🔎Find Jobs in Osaka at JOB JOURNEY

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