Is Osaka or Tokyo better for foreigners?

If you want to be at the heart of everything, Tokyo can be your best bet. But, if you want to enjoy a lower cost of living and friendlier neighbors, Osaka can be the better choice. Both cities have something unique to offer, and living in either city can be a fantastic experience.



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As the world's largest urban sprawl, Tokyo is home to an astonishing 14 million people, and a tonne of globally recognised businesses. Also, most importantly, Tokyo is more welcoming to foreigners than other cities in Japan.

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As these trains are not covered by JR pass, a one-way Osaka to Tokyo train ticket costs around 160 USD in peak season and around 120 USD off peak. Read more about the Japanese train tickets here.

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By country, South Korea accounted for the largest number of visitors, at 1,012,700, followed by Taiwan (331,100), the United States (323,500), and Vietnam (284,100). However, China's strict Zero COVID policy resulted in only 189,000 Chinese visiting Japan in 2022.

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If you're dining out and don't speak Japanese, there's no need to worry. Most of the restaurants and bars in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka that are frequented by foreigners will usually have an English menu or at least one English-speaking staff member.

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As I explained, if you're visiting as a non-Japanese speaker, you'll generally have no trouble finding someone who speaks English in restaurants, hotels, and public transport in big cities like Tokyo or tourist cities like Kyoto.

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