Osaka: Japan's Friendly Second City
Osaka is often called the "kitchen of Japan" (天下の台所) because of its rich culinary culture. Compared to Tokyo, Osaka offers a lower cost of living, warmer and more expressive people (similar to Indonesia!), and legendary street food. Many Indonesian citizens feel more at home in Osaka due to its more relaxed city atmosphere.
Why Choose Osaka
| Aspect | Osaka | Tokyo |
|---|---|---|
| 1K Rent | 40,000-65,000 yen | 65,000-100,000 yen |
| Eating Out | 500-800 yen/meal | 700-1,200 yen/meal |
| People's Character | Friendly, expressive, humorous | Polite but reserved |
| Language | Kansai-ben (dialect) | Standard Japanese |
| Number of Indonesian Citizens | Quite many | The most |
| Access to Halal Food | Quite good | Best in Japan |
Recommended Residential Areas
| Area | 1K Rent | Characteristics | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennoji/Abeno | 45,000-65,000 yen | Southern city center, many facilities | JR, Metro, Kintetsu |
| Higashiyodogawa | 40,000-55,000 yen | Residential, quiet, cheap | JR, Hankyu |
| Ibaraki/Takatsuki | 35,000-50,000 yen | Northern suburbs, very cheap | JR, Hankyu (30 min to the center) |
| Namba area | 55,000-75,000 yen | Entertainment district, very lively | Nankai, Metro, Kintetsu |
| Sakai | 35,000-50,000 yen | Independent city south of Osaka | Nankai, JR |
Must-Try Osaka Cuisine
Osaka is famous for its "kuidaore" (食い倒れ) philosophy - to eat until you go bankrupt:
- Takoyaki (たこ焼き) - Octopus balls. Starting from 400-600 yen/portion. The Dotonbori area is the most famous.
- Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) - Japanese "pancake". 600-1,200 yen. Osaka version: all ingredients are mixed together.
- Kushikatsu (串カツ) - Deep-fried skewers. The rule: DO NOT double-dip in the communal sauce! Starting from 100-200 yen/skewer.
- Gyoza (餃子) - The Osaka-jo koen area has many cheap gyoza shops.
Halal tip: Look for halal restaurants in the Namba and Shinsaibashi areas. Some takoyaki shops have versions without bonito dashi.
Transportation in Osaka
- Osaka Metro - 9 subway lines, sufficient for getting around the city.
- JR West - Connections to Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara.
- Hankyu/Hanshin/Kintetsu/Nankai - Private railways to suburbs and neighboring cities.
- ICOCA - The IC card for Kansai (equivalent to Suica). Can be used throughout Japan.
- Bicycle - Osaka is very flat, making it suitable for cycling. Many Indonesian citizens commute by bicycle.
Kansai-ben: The Osaka Dialect
People in Osaka speak the Kansai dialect, which is different from standard Japanese:
| Standard | Kansai-ben | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Arigatou | Ookini | Thank you |
| Dame | Akan | Not allowed |
| Hontou? | Honma? | Really? |
| Omoshiroi | Omoshiro! | Funny! |
| Sugoi | Meccha | Very |
You don't need to actively learn Kansai-ben, but understanding it helps with daily communication.
Indonesian Community in Osaka
- KJRI Osaka - The Indonesian Consulate in Osaka, providing consular services for the Kansai region.
- PPI Osaka/Kansai - The Indonesian Students' Association.
- Osaka Masjid - Located in Nishi-ku, with a fairly large Indonesian congregation.
- Facebook Group: "WNI Osaka" and "Komunitas Indonesia Kansai"
Day Trips from Osaka
One of Osaka's advantages is its strategic location:
- Kyoto - 30 minutes (JR or Hankyu), 570 yen
- Nara - 45 minutes (Kintetsu), 680 yen. Tame deer!
- Kobe - 30 minutes (JR), 410 yen. Beautiful port, Chinatown, Kobe beef.
- Himeji - 1 hour (Shinkansen/JR), the most beautiful castle in Japan.
- Wakayama - 1.5 hours, beaches and onsen.
Tips for Living in Osaka
- Osaka people are very friendly - Don't be surprised if a stranger starts a conversation with you on the train or in a shop. This is normal in Osaka.
- Humor - Osaka is the comedy capital of Japan. People from Osaka appreciate humor, so don't be too serious.
- Bargaining - Unlike in Tokyo, you can sometimes negotiate a little at traditional markets in Osaka (especially at Kuromon Market for bulk purchases).
- Escalators - In Osaka, you stand on the RIGHT (the opposite of Tokyo, where you stand on the left).
- Cook for yourself with cheap ingredients - Supermarket Tamade and Life are very cheap in Osaka.
Osaka is an excellent choice for Indonesian citizens who want a lower cost of living while maintaining a high quality of life. The friendly people, delicious food, and strategic location in the heart of Kansai make Osaka one of the best cities to live in Japan.