Table of Contents
Tokyo is perhaps the most famous and representative city of all of Japan. This large metropolis is known for its skyscrapers, bustling streets shimmering with bright lights in centers like Shinjuku or Shibuya. Because of its excitement and countless attractions, Tokyo also becomes the starting point for many visitors when arriving in the land of the rising sun.
On the other hand, if Tokyo is the center of the East, the same position in the West belongs to Osaka, a city that has been attracting a lot of tourists in recent years. In addition, from Osaka, it is also extremely convenient to go to other “hot” places such as Kyoto or Nara and is famous for its rich and rich cuisine.
Despite having the same position, the perception of these two cities with tourists is very different. The website Live Japan interviewed a number of travelers who have been to both places about the stark contrasts they noticed.
The people of Tokyo and Osaka leave very different impressions
It can be said that the inhabitants of a country possess extremely different personalities based on the region in which they live. For the Japanese, this is no exception.
A Russian female tourist said:In Tokyo, it feels like no one cares about each other. But in Osaka, I was frequently asked ‘Where are you from?’“.
In addition, an Indian shared: “In Osaka, when taking the bus or train, people often strike up a conversation with me. I even received candy from some elderly women. However in Tokyo, I’ve never talked to anyone on the train before“.
Another man from Indonesia commented: “My friend who used to live in Tokyo said that he was very lonely and had a hard time making friends. However, I live in Osaka and have never found it difficult to make friends there“.
It seems that for foreigners, the biggest difference between residents of the two cities is temperament. Contrary to the cold and straightforward appearance of Tokyoites, Osaka residents tend to show more concern and concern for those around them.
However, most Japanese people will still be very kind and willing to open up once they are closer.
The opposite of using an escalator
Wherever you go in the world, the unwritten rule is that one side of the escalator is for people who are stationary and the other side is for those who need to walk quickly. This is no exception in Japan.
However, there is no consensus on the purpose of use for each side of the escalator in this country. For example, an Indian in Osaka shared that where he lives, people stand on the right side of the escalator and on the left for those who want to walk in a hurry. This habit is the exact opposite in Tokyo, confusing many newcomers.
In addition to Tokyo and Osaka, many other cities in Japan also have a “custom” of using their own escalators. For example, although it is very close to Osaka, in Kyoto, people use escalators like Tokyo due to the large number of tourists around this ancient capital.
Anyway, walking on escalators in Japan has been restricted in recent years for safety reasons.
In Tokyo, if you want to see the scenery, go to the center. How about in Osaka? Let’s go to the suburbs
According to a Russian guest “addicted to travel” in Hyogo – who has traveled all over Japan, Tokyo has many places to sightsee and walk right in the center such as Shibuya, Roppongi, Asakusa… However, Osaka has few Sightseeing area at more central.
Instead, the western city serves as a hub to go to other attractions, such as Kyoto, Nara or Wakayama.
In addition, if you want to see a city with a futuristic breath and extremely bustling, then Tokyo will be extremely suitable. In contrast, the cities around Osaka are distinguished by their traditional flavors.
Rush hour on the Tokyo subway leaves visitors in shock
Although it is also a large city and crowded with passengers during rush hour, the condition on the Osaka subway lines is far from that of Tokyo.
An Indonesian living in Osaka shared that he was deeply shocked by the crowd at the station platform and the Tokyo trains at 8 am. The crowd was so crowded that the train station staff had to literally “cram” the passengers onto the train in order to close the door. The story of the “stuffing” job in Tokyo is so famous that it has been published many times in the newspaper.
Osaka has better and cheaper food
A large part of visitors to the land of the rising sun is to enjoy delicious food. Although both Tokyo and Osaka are famous for their specialties and famous restaurants everywhere, one Russian tourist commented: “If I could only choose one place, I would say Osaka has cheaper and better restaurants“.
Of course, there is no denying that Tokyo still has restaurants with friendly prices and good food. However, if you want to fill your stomach and not spend too much money, Osaka will be a better choice, with many small restaurants, excellent street food stalls.
