Which City in Japan Should You Visit First? Tokyo or Osaka
Which City in Japan Should You Visit First? Tokyo or Osaka? That’s the biggest question for first time traveler to Japan. Tokyo and Osaka are lively cities in Japan that can excite any traveler. If you’re planning a trip but can only visit one, it can be tough to choose. Luckily, we’ve compared Tokyo and Osaka in detail to help you decide which city you should visit first. Here’s a blog to help you answer Which City in Japan Should You Visit First?
Also read: 19 Newest Attractions should Visit on Japan
1. Attractions
Tokyo
Tokyo, the largest city in the world, offers an unbeatable number and variety of attractions. It’s a dynamic blend of history and modernity, making it a perfect destination for all types of travelers.
For a glimpse of Tokyo’s futuristic side, visit Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing. Situated outside Shibuya Station, the intersection is encompassed by massive TV screens that display ads round the clock. Witnessing the crowd crossing the street when the signal turns green is a must-have Tokyo experience.
Also read: 22 of the best experiences Japan has to offer
Tokyo Tower, the second tallest structure in Japan, is another modern attraction worth seeing. Situated in the heart of Tokyo, the tower offers a stunning view of the city, even though its observation deck is only 150 meters high.
For those intrigued by Japanese history, a visit to Sensoji Temple is a must. Dating back to the seventh century, the temple is devoted to the goddess Kannon. As you walk between the outer and second gate of the temple, you’ll find the Nakamise Street, a shopping lane that stretches for 200 meters. This historic street is where you can purchase traditional Japanese souvenirs and snacks.
If you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, take a leisurely walk through Ueno Park in Tokyo. The park is exceptionally stunning during the spring when it’s adorned with sakura. Another peaceful spot to unwind is Meiji Jingu, a serene Shinto shrine with verdant forest trails and a massive torii gate.
Osaka
While Osaka may not have as many attractions as Tokyo, it still offers a fascinating mix of the past and present. For an authentic Japanese cultural experience, Osaka Castle should be at the top of your list. Constructed in the 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi to unify Japan, the castle is now located in a charming park with more than 600 cherry trees and a traditional tea house.
Sumiyoshi Taisha, a Shinto shrine that dates back to the third century and predates the arrival of Buddhism in Japan, is another historical treasure. This unique shrine features a purely Japanese architectural style called Sumiyoshi-zukuri, distinguished by its straight roofs and gabled entrances.
Osaka is home to several culturally significant sites such as Shittennoji Temple, which is the oldest official temple in Japan. Another noteworthy spot is the Namba Yasaka Shrine, dedicated to the guardian Shi-Shi Dono, who is associated with success and victory. Many visitors come to this shrine to pray for academic and career success.
While Tokyo has more attractions in terms of quantity, Osaka is not far behind and offers a unique blend of history and modernity. Additionally, visitors interested in historical sites may prefer Osaka due to its proximity to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan. (Keep reading to learn more about traveling to Kyoto from Osaka!)
Also read: Super Nintendo World opens in Osaka, Japan
2. Day trips
Tokyo
Located in the Kanto Region, Tokyo is near the cities of Odawara and Kamakura. Odawara is famous for Odawara Castle, which served as the stronghold for the influential Hojo clan in the 15th century. During springtime, the castle offers stunning views of cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, wisterias, azaleas, and other beautiful flowers.
Kamakura was once the capital of eastern Japan and is home to several historical temples and a massive Buddha statue.
A day trip to Mount Fuji from Tokyo is also possible. Take the Limited Express Fuji Excursion from Shinjuku Station and arrive at the mountain in about two hours. The mountain climb is open from July to early September, and in the spring, you can see the picturesque sight of Mount Fuji surrounded by cherry blossoms.
Osaka
Located in the Kansai Region, Osaka is close to Kyoto and Nara. With a short 15-minute Shinkansen ride from Shin-Osaka Station, Kyoto makes for a great day trip. One of the top attractions to visit in Kyoto is the Arashiyama District, which features a stunning bamboo forest known as the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Arashiyama is home to many beautiful temples, including the World Heritage Site Tenryuji Temple. Its exquisite garden, designed by renowned garden designer Muso Soseki, is centered around a pond and features the changing beauty of the seasons.
Nara Park, known for its abundance of charming deer, is a must-visit destination that can be easily accessed from Osaka’s Namba Station via the Kintetsu Nara Line. These friendly deer are a delightful sight and visitors can enjoy feeding them as well.
3. Food
No trip to Japan is complete without indulging in the delicious cuisine. Tokyo’s food is known for its strong and rich flavors, often featuring bonito flake stock and dark soy sauce. On the other hand, Osaka and the Kansai Region have a cuisine that leans towards lighter and saltier flavors, with dishes based on seaweed broth and light soy sauce. So, which city has better food depends on your personal preferences.
Tokyo
Sushi is a must-try food in Tokyo, with various options available at different price points. Due to its proximity to the sea, the fish used in sushi is extremely fresh. Tsukiji Market is a great place to explore Tokyo’s fishing culture and taste sashimi and sushi. Besides, ramen and yakitori are also popular dishes that can be found in casual local restaurants.
Also Read: 8 Most Bizarre Hotels in Japan
Osaka
Dotonbori in Osaka is a vibrant food district that offers affordable dining options and is famous for its signature dishes such as okonomiyaki (fried pancake), takoyaki (octopus balls), and kushikatsu (fried skewers). These dishes are a must-try for anyone visiting Osaka.
Kuromon Market is the go-to place for delicious street food in the city. You can find grilled crab legs, oysters, takoyaki, and eel among other authentic dishes here.
4. Shopping
When comparing Tokyo and Osaka, shopping is another factor to take into account. While both cities offer great shopping experiences, Tokyo tends to be pricier than Osaka, meaning that shopping in Tokyo could be more costly.
Tokyo
Tokyo, being the capital of the nation, boasts an unparalleled selection of international brands within its shopping districts of Shibuya, Ginza, and Shinjuku. Shinjuku, in particular, is a haven for shoppers, with its collection of massive department stores selling a variety of items from fashion to electronics.
If you’re looking to kick off your shopping spree, Shinjuku Station is an excellent starting point. The station is surrounded by several department stores, such as Takashimaya Shinjuku, Lumine Shinjuku, and NeWoMan Shinjuku. Certain stores even offer tax rebates for foreign visitors, allowing you to snag great deals while saving money. For budget-conscious shoppers, there is Don Quijote, a huge discount store just a short three-minute walk from Shinjuku Station. Additionally, fans of the brand Muji will be thrilled to learn that the flagship store, complete with a basement cafe, is only a four-minute walk away.
Harajuku is the place to be for those seeking unique Japanese fashion brands. Takeshita Street, in particular, is a haven for lovers of niche styles like goth, lolita, and punk, among others. The street is dotted with small, independent stores that sell a wide variety of quirky items, making it the perfect destination for those looking for something out of the ordinary.
Just a short six-minute walk from Takeshita Street is Kiddy Land, a tax-free paradise for character goods. The five-story store is chock-full of merchandise from popular franchises like Sanrio, Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars, among others, making it a must-visit for any fan of these brands.
Osaka
Shinsaibashi Shopping Street is a must-visit destination for shoppers in Osaka, as it spans over 600 meters and boasts numerous discount stores, fashion and beauty outlets, and character shops. If you’re looking for great bargains, head over to the three-story Daiso Shinsaibashi Store. For fans of cute cartoon characters, the Disney and Sanrio stores are a must-see.
In addition to Shinsaibashi, there’s also Amerika Mura, an area located west of the shopping street that is home to dozens of stores specializing in hip-hop, vintage, and urban fashion. As Osaka has a strong haggling culture stemming from its history as a merchant city, it’s common to negotiate prices with shopkeepers. Just remember to be polite while doing so.
5. Nightlife
When it comes to nightlife in Japan, Tokyo and Osaka are at the top of the list. These cities offer a plethora of exciting activities to do after dark that will keep you up well into the night.
Tokyo
Roppongi, which boasts a diverse range of clubs and bars catering to various musical preferences such as EDM, hip-hop, and jazz, is considered the liveliest nightlife district in Tokyo. Apart from Roppongi, Shinjuku and Shibuya are also popular destinations for those looking to enjoy the clubbing scene.
Shinjuku has a narrow alleyway called Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane), which is home to approximately 60 izakaya. These are small bars where only a limited number of patrons can sit, facilitating close interaction with the proprietor. A visit to these establishments offers a unique dining experience that every traveler to Japan should partake in.
Osaka
Osaka’s nightlife is notable for its thriving live music scene. When night falls, come to the Namba and Shinsaibashi areas, where you will find many bars and clubs playing live jazz, rock, indie, and other music.
There is also the Umeda Sky Building, a skyscraper with a bar on the 39th floor. This is where you can take in breathtaking views of the glittering city skyline at night. The skyscraper is only a 10-minute walk from Osaka Station.
Comparing nightlife in Tokyo vs Osaka is difficult as both cities are awash in sensational party spots, bars, and izakayas. As the cost of living in Osaka is lower, drinks and food here will be cheaper, making it a better option for those on a budget.
6. Budget
Talking about budget, it’s time to count the costs of a vacation in Tokyo vs Osaka.
Tokyo
Compared to Osaka, Tokyo has a higher cost of living. The average daily cost of a Tokyo trip is ¥19,844 (~S$200) per person. On average, travellers spend ¥4,687 (~S$47) on meals for one day and ¥2,437 (~S$24.60) on transport. The average hotel rate in Tokyo for two people is ¥18,757 (~S$189). If you’re on a tight budget but can’t give up on your dream Tokyo adventure, try these money-saving hacks here.
Osaka
The average daily cost of an Osaka trip is ¥10,360 (~S$104.50) per person. On average, travellers spend ¥3,001 (~S$30) on meals for one day and ¥1,769 (~S$17.85) on transport. The average hotel rate in Osaka for two people is ¥10,490 (~S$105.85).
Whether you’re travelling to Tokyo or Osaka, there are ways you can stretch your budget. For example, staying in vacation rentals instead of hotels, and choosing street food over restaurants.
7. Transport
Both Osaka and Tokyo have efficient public transport systems. However, the trains can get very crowded during rush hour. Nevertheless, they run on time and can be used to get to most attractions.
Buses are not recommended for foreign tourists as not all of them have the information translated into English. Taxis are expensive in Japan; ride them only if you absolutely need to.
Tokyo
Within Tokyo, the easiest way to get around is by purchasing a prepaid Suica or Pasmo card, which can be used on JR East trains, the subway, and buses. You can buy these cards at the airport, or at subway and JR stations. For long-distance travel, buy a JR Pass which gives you unlimited rides on JR trains (shinkansen, limited express, express, rapid and local trains) for one, two, or three weeks.
Osaka
Osaka has its own prepaid transport card called Icoca. However, you do not need to buy another card if you’re coming from Tokyo since Suica and Pasmo cards work here as well. One thing to note is that people in Osaka stand on the right side of escalators, while the etiquette in Tokyo is to stand on the left.
The TZ verdict on Tokyo vs Osaka
Ultimately, there is no right answer as to which city in Japan you should choose. Both Tokyo and Osaka have their characteristic charms and appeal to different people. If you dream of a high-energy city with an unmatched variety of attractions, go for Tokyo. On the other hand, those who want a slower trip and prefer the delicate flavours of Kansai food would find Osaka a better choice.
Hope we help you answer Which City in Japan Should You Visit First?
