Osaka City Area Guide
Osaka City is the economic and cultural center of the Kansai region, and the third-largest city in Japan with a population of approximately 2.75 million. Forming one of Japan's largest metropolitan areas alongside Tokyo, Osaka has developed as a hub for commerce, tourism, and business. It is home to numerous attractions popular among domestic and international tourists, including Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Universal Studios Japan (USJ).
Umeda, Namba, and Tennoji are key business and commercial areas, featuring office buildings and shopping facilities. With an extensive transportation network encompassing JR, subway, and private railways, commuting within and beyond the city is smooth and convenient. Compared to Tokyo, living costs and rent levels are generally lower, making Osaka an attractive and livable city.
Osaka City Key Data
- Area
- 225.21 km²
- Population
- 2,757,642
- Population Density
- 12,250 people / km²
- Foreign Residents
- 145,000
Major Stations and Transportation Access from Osaka City
Major Train Stations in Osaka City
- Osaka Station (JR Tokaido Main Line, Osaka Loop Line, Kobe Line, Kyoto Line)
- Umeda Station (Hankyu Kobe Line, Kyoto Line, Takarazuka Line, Subway Midosuji Line)
- Namba Station (Nankai Railway, Kintetsu Namba Line, Subway Midosuji, Yotsubashi, and Sennichimae Lines)
- Tennoji Station (JR Osaka Loop Line, Kansai Main Line, Hanwa Line, Subway Midosuji and Tanimachi Lines)
Average Travel Time from Major Stations to Key Destinations
| Departure Station | Osaka Station | Umeda Station | Namba Station | Tennoji Station | Kyoto Station | Shin-Osaka Station | Tokyo Station |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osaka Station | - | About 2 min (on foot) | About 15 min | About 20 min | About 30 min | About 5 min | About 2 hr 30 min |
| Umeda Station | About 2 min (on foot) | - | About 13 min | About 18 min | About 32 min | About 7 min | About 2 hr 35 min |
| Namba Station | About 15 min | About 13 min | - | About 8 min | About 40 min | About 15 min | About 2 hr 45 min |
Living Convenience for Foreign Residents
International Schools
- Osaka International School (Toyonaka City): An International Baccalaureate (IB) accredited school offering English-based education.
- Kansai International Academy (Chuo Ward, Osaka City): Provides bilingual education from kindergarten through high school.
Medical Facilities with Foreign Language Support
- Osaka University Hospital (Suita City): Operates an International Medical Center providing support for foreign patients.
- Osaka Red Cross Hospital (Tennoji Ward): Offers medical services with English-speaking doctors and has extensive experience treating international patients.
Popular Supermarkets and Restaurants Among Foreign Residents
- Seijo Ishii Namba Store (Chuo Ward): A premium supermarket offering a wide range of imported food items popular among foreigners.
- Costco Izumi Warehouse (Izumi City): Stocks a large variety of international groceries and goods, easily accessible from central Osaka.
Public Support Services for Foreign Residents
- Osaka International House Foundation (Tennoji Ward): Provides lifestyle support and Japanese language learning programs for foreign residents.
Popular Neighborhoods in Osaka City
- Umeda Area: The heart of Osaka’s business and shopping scenes, bustling with activity and convenience.
- Namba & Shinsaibashi Area: A lively commercial and entertainment district popular among tourists and locals alike.
- Tennoji Area: A major transportation hub featuring shopping complexes and the Tennoji Zoo.
- Hommachi & Yodoyabashi Area: Well-established business districts with excellent infrastructure for corporate activities.
Housing Market in Osaka
As Japan's second-largest economic center, Osaka City offers a highly livable environment for foreign residents. The prices of pre-owned apartments and single-family homes in Osaka City have shown an upward trend over the past several years. The average price of a pre-owned apartment has risen from approximately 23.67 million yen in 2015 to around 40.76 million yen in 2024, nearly 1.7 times higher. Meanwhile, the average price of a pre-owned single-family home in Osaka Prefecture has increased by about 10.42% over the past three years. In the rental market, asking rents across all apartment sizes are also trending upward as of 2024, with family-sized units (50–70 m²) showing a notable 7.9% year-on-year increase.
Average Rent by Floor Plan
| Layout | STUDIO | 1Bedroom | 2Bedrooms | 3Bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent (JPY/month) | ¥66,000 | ¥85,000 | ¥120,000 | ¥150,000 |
Average Prices for Pre-Owned Homes (Osaka City Central 6 Wards)
| Area | Apartment (70m²) | Single-Family Home (100m²) |
|---|---|---|
| Kita Ward | ¥51,590,000 | - |
| Chuo Ward | ¥63,310,000 | - |
| Nishi Ward | ¥57,770,000 | ¥50,050,000 |
| Tennoji Ward | ¥39,230,000 | - |
| Naniwa Ward | ¥54,730,000 | ¥63,280,000 |
| Fukushima Ward | ¥49,460,000 | ¥27,300,000 |