Featuring popular areas in Osaka
Osaka Prefecture boasts the second largest population after Tokyo and Kanagawa. Although you may know the famous landmarks and tourist attractions, it may be difficult to get an idea of what life is really like.
In Osaka, the atmosphere and comfort of the city varies considerably from area to area, so it depends largely on one's preference as to which city is the most comfortable to live in.
In this article, we will introduce six particularly popular areas in Osaka Prefecture.
Those who are planning to live in Osaka for employment, transfer, or higher education, but are undecided about the area.
People who are no longer tied to where they live after working remotely and is looking for a city that is comfortable for them to live in.
Or those who are vaguely considering living in Osaka.
We hope you will find this article useful in your search for a place to live.
1. Chuo Ward: The area bustling with activities any time of day or night
Many people may think of Glico in Dotonbori or Amerika-mura (American Village) when they hear the word "Osaka. Both of these are located in this central area.
The area from Namba to the Dotonbori area is a huge downtown area, commonly known as "Minami" and popular among locals and tourists.
Amerika-mura, located in the Nishi-Shinsaibashi area, is also famous for its many vintage clothing stores and record stores, but it is also crowded with bars and clubs at night.
The area is both a downtown area and a tourist destination, which makes it a bit of a security hazard. However, if you focus on accessibility, restaurants, and an abundance of shopping destinations, the area is quite convenient.
Since there are many train lines available, including the Osaka Loop Line, and good access to major stations, rent is reasonably expensive if you are trying to live alone.
However, there are also a number of shared houses with excellent private rooms, which are recommended for those who want to live in a convenient area while keeping costs down.
Main train lines (railroad lines)
- West Japan Railway (Osaka Loop Line, Tozai Line)
- Hanshin Electric Railway (Hanshin Main Line)
- Osaka Metro (Midosuji Line/Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line/Yotsubashi Line/Chuo Line)
- Kintetsu Namba Line (Nara Line)
etc.
2. Fukushima Ward: Urban area with downtown atmosphere
Fukushima Ward is an area that offers both an urban atmosphere and downtown atmosphere.
Due to its convenience, rent prices are somewhat high even within JR Osaka Loop Line, but shared housing can be less expensive than ordinary rental properties. Osaka Station and Umeda Station are also within walking distance, making the area popular among those working in the vicinity.
The main street has an urban atmosphere with skyscrapers lining the street, but once inside the street, there are many areas where retro public bathhouses and shopping streets remain.
Another feature of Fukushima Ward is the wide range of restaurant genres. There are so many restaurants such as French, Italian, Spanish, Mexican, Thai, Korean, Chinese cuisines, etc. This area is also recommended for those who want to enjoy eating out in the neighborhood in their spare time and find a favorite good restaurant near their home.
Main train lines (railroad)
- West Japan Railway (Osaka Loop Line, Tozai Line)
- Hanshin Electric Railway (Hanshin Main Line)
- Osaka Metro (Sennichimae Line)
etc.
Nishi Ward: Areas with different impressions from east to west
The east side of Nishi Ward has a bustling, urban atmosphere, while the west side has a shopping district and a downtown residential area atmosphere.
The east side across the Kizu River is a commercial area, with offices, stores, and restaurants, creating a bustling urban atmosphere. Horie area in particular is especially recommended for those who love cafes and shopping, as it is full of fashionable cafes, general merchandise stores, and select stores, and is also close to Amerika-mura.
There is also Osaka City Central Library, which boasts a collection of over 2 million books, and Utsubo Park, a popular picnic spot. The park also has a rose garden and Osaka Science Museum, making it a fun place for both adults and children.
On the west side, on the other hand, the shopping district is lively and open for business, and retains a quaint atmosphere for those who love old-fashioned coffee shops and Japanese-style pubs.
”Kyocera Dome" is also located on the west side of Nishi Ward, and it is easy to get to the dome if you are a professional baseball fan or the person you support regularly makes dome tours! This may be an advantage for you.
Main train lines (railroad)
- Hanshin Electric Railway (Hanshin Namba Line)
- Osaka Metro (Yotsubashi Line, Chuo Line, Sennichimae Line, Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line)
etc.
Tennoji: Lots of large commercial facilities
This area was redeveloped in conjunction with the construction of Abeno Harukas, the tallest skyscraper complex in Japan in 2022.
"Abeno Harukas" includes an observatory, a museum, and a hotel, and there are also several large commercial facilities in the surrounding area, making it a popular tourist destination, especially among the younger generation.
Tennoji Park, located near Tennoji Station, also hosts many events that allow visitors to enjoy a sense of outdoor freedom, such as wine festivals and outdoor yoga. There is also a fee-based athletic facility "PANZA" in the park, which can be seen from the adjacent Tennoji Zoo. (You can find a place where the species name, "Homo sapiens" is presented ...)
As you move a short distance away from the station, you will find a residential area with a mix of stand-alone houses and apartments.
Main train lines (railroad)
- West Japan Railway (Osaka Loop Lin/Kansai Main Line and Hanwa Line)
- Osaka Metro (Midosuji Line and Tanimachi Line)
- Kintetsu Railway (Minami-Osaka Line)
- Hankai Dengeki Kamimachi Line (tram)
など
Suita City: A city with a reputation as a great place to live
The area was developed as a commuter town for people working in Osaka City. Especially around Suita Station, an environment related to food, clothing, and housing is available, making it an easy place to live for both single people and families.
There are also shared houses in the Senriyama-nishi, Maruyamacho, and Satsukigaoka-kita areas, which are known as the most exclusive residential areas among them.
Other areas in Suita City are also well-developed residential areas and are recommended for their safety.
There are also universities and other educational institutions, and some of the shared houses are "university students only".
As the area was developed as a commuter town, transportation is very convenient. It takes only about 10 minutes directly from Suita Station to Osaka Station, and it takes only about 4 minutes from Minami-Suita Station to Shin-Osaka.
There are also many supermarkets and shopping streets, so there is little need to worry about where to shop.
Suita City also offers a variety of places to enjoy leisure time, including Expo '70 Commemorative Park, famous for the Tower of the Sun; Panasonic Stadium Suita, home of Gamba Osaka; and the Asahi Beer Museum, where you can take a factory tour.
Main train lines (railroad)
- Hankyu Railway (Hankyu Senri Line)
- Kita-Osaka Kyuko Railway (Namboku Line)
- Osaka Monorail (Main line/Saito Line)
- West Japan Railway (JR Tokaido Line)
- Osaka Metro (Midosuji Line)
etc.
Hirakata City: A city where you can enjoy both Kyoto and Osaka
Hirakata City is a home to Hirakata Park, made famous by the "Hirapark Brother" commercial. The site has served as a relay point between Kyoto and Osaka since the Edo period, and today still offers good access to both Osaka and Kyoto. From Hirakata City Station on the Keihan Main Line, it takes about 30 minutes to get to Gion Shijo or Sanjo Keihan in Kyoto by limited express train, and about 30 minutes to Osaka Station.
There are many shopping malls and restaurants, as well as parks and other natural surroundings. Rent is less expensive than in Osaka City, so it is especially recommended for people who mainly work remotely and only occasionally go to work in Osaka City, or for people who prefer to live in Osaka Prefecture for work or school reasons but also want to visit Kyoto easily!
Main train lines (railroad)
- Keihan Electric Railway (Keihan Main Line/Keihan Katano Line)
- West Japan Railway (Gakkentoshi Line)
etc.
Summary
Osaka has a variety of faces in different areas, and it may be a good idea to actually visit and experience the city to see what suits you and what does not. You may want to focus on your own livability when looking for a place to live, especially if remote work has become more popular and you don't have to worry about commuting. If you find a shared house you like in an area you are interested in, we recommend that you first inquire and take a look around. By actually seeing it, it will be easier to get an idea of how you would like to live there.