Osaka VS Tokyo Which One is Better? The Complete Guide to Japan

If you’re going to Japan odds are you are looking at Tokyo and Osaka. If you could only do one, which one would you pick? Both are amazing cities but the vibe and activities are very different. Let’s dive into what Tokyo and Osaka have to offer and why you would want to do one over the other. Check out my channel for more Japan guides just like this one!

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Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
0:25 – Tokyo and Osaka Overview
0:50 – Why Tokyo
1:17 – Tokyo Attractions
1:42 – 10% Booking Discount
1:55 – More Tokyo Attractions
2:44 – Anime and Parks
3:29 – Temples and TeamLabs
4:03 – Amusement Parks in Tokyo
4:48 – Nightlife and Michelin Stars in Tokyo
5:34 – Osaka and Food
6:27 – Historical Castle in Osaka
7:02 – Japan’s Kitchen and Street Food
7:52 – Osaka Attractions
8:33 – Osaka Towers
9:31 – Aquarium in Osaka
10:05 – Amusement Parks in Osaka
10:39 – Thoughts on Osaka
10:55 – Similarities
11:30 – Differences
12:28 – Comparing Attractions and Convenience
13:00 – Making the Decision
14:14 – Transportation between Tokyo and Osaka
14:54 – Final Thoughts

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19 Comments

  1. To my knowledge, the Osaka Castle is not original and thus not one of the twelve.

  2. Personally, its tough for me to decide but I lean towards Osaka slightly. Mostly because of how closer it is to other destinations like Kyoto, Nara, Kobe etc. I'll be in Tokyo for a week next month so this view point may change.

  3. Actually visiting Osaka, this video went exactly how I would narrate it. Although, I will say I’m shocked that Tokyo is considered cleaner. But I feel like Tokyo has bigger bar areas. So that could be the reason. 🤷🏽‍♀️

  4. I’ll be staying in Osaka my first half of the trip and Tokyo the second i can’t wait for October !!

  5. Going to Japan for the first time in October. Spending 4 days in Tokyo but only 2 in Osaka. If I could plan the trip again, I'd definitely spend more time in Osaka.

    Cant wait!

  6. Going in October and i made sure to give them the same amount of time. but im leaning team osaka from the outside.

  7. @hoangpham You mentioned the vibes being different, but is it true more people from Osaka don't respect traffic laws or don't use the crosswalk like in Tokyo? Ever saw that irl?

  8. I'll be in Tokyo for a month. Not sure if I should go to Osaka or bum around Tokyo. Is this sort of like the difference between Manhattan versus Brooklyn? I'm 100% a Manhattan girlie (lived there and would recommend over Brooklyn)