Osaka, Japan 🇯🇵
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Osaka is a vibrant metropolis in Japan known for its modern architecture, nightlife, and delicious street food. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 2.7 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 100 Mbps (fiber optic available) |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 JPY ≈ 0.007 USD, ATMs widely available; major banks include MUFG, Mizuho |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality |
| 🔌 Power | 100V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include SoftBank, NTT Docomo, and AU; pocket Wi-Fi rentals available |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted, services provided by JP Post Bank and Shinsei Bank |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Popular platforms include Airbnb, Booking.com; monthly rentals also available through local agents |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit cards accepted at most businesses, app payments like PayPay widely used |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb and local guesthouses |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as K's House Osaka, Capsule Hotel Anshin Oyado |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | TheHive Jinkan, a popular coworking space with great amenities |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Brooklyn Roasting Company - free Wi-Fi, ample seating |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup.com for various expat and tech events in the area |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Osaka International Community Foundation hosts regular meetups |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and JapanTaxi are popular ride-hailing apps |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | HELLO CYCLING offers bike sharing services throughout the city |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Shinmaihama Beach, approximately 30 minutes by train |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | ANA (All Nippon Airways) operates regional flights |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, and international carriers like Delta and United |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to Hanshin Expressway and other major routes |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Osaka Station is the primary hub for rail transport |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | ICOCA card is a smart card for trains and buses, rechargeable |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Frequent trains to Kyoto (30 min) and Kobe (30 min) |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Osaka University Hospital, known for high-quality healthcare |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Tree Osaka, popular for classes and workshops |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness, Gold's Gym, and Tipness have multiple locations |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin laundries are commonly found; Look for Lavanderia Lavaplus |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Didi Food are popular for food delivery |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki are must-try local dishes |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Ain Soph. Journey and Paprika Shokudo serve excellent vegan dishes |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street has many dessert shops, try Mochi desserts |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Kuromon Ichiba Market for budget-friendly local food |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Rakuten and Amazon Japan offer a wide range of products |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Tomato, Seiyu, and Aeon for grocery delivery services |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Dotonbori is the most famous nightlife area with many bars and izakayas |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Osaka Brewery Co. specializes in local craft beers |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Bar Sakanaya offers a selection of fine wines |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Dotonbori is famous for its street food culture |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Mozza for Italian and Gyukatsu for beef cutlet |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Osaka Castle and Dotonbori area for iconic views |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Osaka Museum of History and the National Museum of Art |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Shitennoji Temple, one of Japan's oldest temples |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Osaka Tenmangu Shrine is a popular Shinto shrine |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Sumiyoshi Taisha Grand Festival in January |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street is vibrant and cultural |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Minami-za Theatre for traditional Kabuki performances |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Kuromon Ichiba Market for fresh food and local products |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Club Quattro often features live music performances |
| 🎨 Street Art | Osaka features a blend of modern graffiti in areas like Nakazakicho |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking Studio Aoi offers classes on Japanese cuisine |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Nakanoshima Museum of Art showcases contemporary works |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Osaka Central Post Office offers architectural beauty |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Famous for its unique food culture and festivals |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Minoo Park, known for beautiful waterfalls and hiking |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kongo-Ikoma Quasi-National Park is accessible for hiking |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Osaka loop road offers paths for cycling |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Umeda Sky Building offers stunning panoramic city views |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Yamamoto Park for seasonal birdwatching |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | In the outskirts, certain parks allow bonfires; check local regulations |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Yamato Transport provides reliable parcel delivery services |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Bic Camera has tech repair services available |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Osaka Table Tennis Center offers public tables for play |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Osaka Language Center offers courses for various proficiency levels |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library offers quiet study areas |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Osaka International House Foundation hosts activities for the community |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Niconico Chokaigi for gaming events and socializing |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Although gambling is restricted, you can visit gaming arcades in areas like Nipponbashi |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥500,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ¥15,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥350,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ¥10,500,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥600,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥36,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥450,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥27,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥550,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥44,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥400,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥32,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 23.2% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed based on worldwide income |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% consumption tax |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply to foreign corporations |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on assessed value of property |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% standard rate for property transactions |