2017-11-02
Top 10 Residential Areas in Osaka - Recommendations For Foreigners
- Advice
Arguably one of the famous locations in Kansai, Osaka is a favored tourist spot for locals and foreigners alike. However, it is also home to numerous residential areas good for living. Here are the top ten residential areas in Osaka.
1. Toyonaka City - The entrance gate to Osaka
"Toyonaka, Osaka" by Masayuki (Yuki) Kawagishi is licensed under CC 2.0
Toyonaka City’s Characteristics
Within Kansai region, Toyonaka City ranks as one of the most popular areas to live in. Just twelve minutes by train is Umeda, one of Osaka’s liveliest streets, and in the north is Osaka International Airport, providing easy access to and from other countries. Toyonaka City is also known for its high-class residential area in the north. In front of the station are numerous shopping complexes, and nearby are apartments and houses. Plenty of foreigners live in the area, especially those from Koreans, who account for 50% of the residents with foreign citizenship.
Access to Toyonaka Station
From Umeda Station: Take the Hankyu-Takarazuka Line to Toyonaka Station (12 minutes)
From Shin-Osaka Station: Take the JR Kyoto Line to Osaka Station, walk until Umeda Station, and transfer to the Hankyu-Takarazuka Line to Toyonaka Station (30 minutes)
Land Value
The average land value around Toyonaka Station is approximately 243,000 yen per square meter.
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2. Tezukayama - Osaka’s finest residential areas
"Tezukayama" by KENPEI is licensed under CC 2.0
Tezukayama’s Characteristics
Tezuyaka is the only area in Osaka City assigned as a Category 1 location, meaning it is a low-rise exclusive residential district. Due to this, it is widely known for being the city’s finest high-class residential area. In addition, it is home to historic landmarks such as Tezukayama Kofun and the Mandaiike Park, contributing to the area’s high-quality ambiance. In the neighborhood, there are a variety of schools that are active in building international relations. Tezukayama is recommended for families who want raise children in a secure and beautiful environment.
Access to Tezukayama Station
From Umeda Station: Take the Midosuji Line to Nanba Station, and transfer to the Nankai-Koya Line to Tezukayama Station (35 minutes)
From Shin-Osaka Station: Take the Midosuji Line to Nanba Station, and transfer to the Nankai-Koya Line to Tezukayama Station (35 minutes)
Land Value
The average land value around Tezukayama Station is approximately 331,000 yen per square meter.
3. Mino City - Osaka’s Oasis
"Minoh Market Park" by Unknown is licensed under CC 2.0
Mino City’s Characteristics
Thirty minutes from Umeda and one hour from Kobe City is Mino City, an area filled with nature. Sakura Street and Meiji no Mori Mino Quasi-National Park are just some of the breathtaking nature spots of the city. Inside the city resides a tranquil residential area, home to even some of Kansai’s big names. In addition, foreigners from more than 80 countries live in the neighborhood as well. Mino is the city for those looking to experience the beautiful four seasons of Japan.
Access to Mino City
From Umeda Station: Take the Hankyu-Takarazuka Line to Ishibashi Station, and transfer to Hankyu-Mino Line to Mino Station. (25 minutes)
From Shin-Osaka Station: Take the JR Kyoto Line to Osaka Station, walk to Umeda Station, take the Hankyu-Takarazuka Line to Ishibashi Station, and transfer to the Hankyu-Mino Line to Mino Station (45 minutes)
Land Value
The average land value around Tezukayama Station is approximately 209,000 yen per square meter.
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4. Namba - Osaka’s liveliest city
"namBa HIPS" by Chris Guy is licensed under CC 2.0
Namba’s Characteristics
Namba is representative of Osaka’s lively atmosphere. Upon exiting Namba Station are numerous shopping districts, and within walking distance are tourist spots such as Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi. Despite having a boisterous image, in the north of Namba Station is a serene and relaxed residential area. Newly constructed apartments surround the urbanized streets, providing an easy to live environment. While Namba is visited by foreign tourists, there is also a significant percentage of foreign residents residing in Namba.
Access to Namba
From Umeda Station
: Take the Midosuji Line to Namba Station (20 minutes)
From Shin-Osaka Station
: Take the Midosuji Line to Namba Station (10 minutes)
Land Value
The average land value around Namba Station is approximately 3.4 million yen per square meter.
5. Ibaraki City - The nature-filled city between Osaka and Kyoto
Ibaraki City’s Characteristics
Ibaraki City is located in the north of Osaka, reminiscent of a good-old Japan atmosphere. Due to the numerous shrines, temples, and parks within the city, you will be able to surround yourself in a natural environment. Ibaraki City is merely fifteen minutes from Umeda Station, and thirty minutes from Kyoto, providing easy access to Kansai’s famous locations while being a not-so-known tourist spot itself.
Access to Ibaraki City
From Umeda Station: Take the Hankyu-Kyoto Main Express Line to Ibaraki City Station (15 minutes)
From Shin-Osaka Station: Take the Midosuji Line to Nishinakajima-Mimamigata Station, walk to Minamigata Station, and take the Hankyu-Kyoto Main Limited Express Line to Ibaraki Station (25 minutes)
Land Value
The average land value around Ibaraki City Station is approximately 242,000 yen per square meter.
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6. Takatsuki City - A high-class commuter town
Takatsuki City’s Characteristics
A part of the high-class Hokusetsu District, Takatsuki City is known for its classy neighborhood. It is easily accessible from both the main Osaka area and Kyoto and thus serves as a commuter town for both locations. In front of Takatsuki City (Takatsuki-shi) Station are entertainment facilities, and within walking distance is a residential area filled with nature and historic landmarks. The number of foreign residents has been increasing yearly, especially people from Korea.
Access to Takatsuki City
From Umeda Station: Take the Hankyu-Kyoto Main Line to Takatsuki City Station (25 minutes)
From Shin-Osaka Station: Take the JR Kyoto Rapid Line to Takatsuki Station, and walk to Takatsuki City Station (25 minutes)
Land Value
The average land value around Takatsuki City Station is approximately 213,000 yen per square meter.
7. Umeda - Experience the lively Osaka streets
"Osaka Umeda Sky Building" by Zairon is licensed under CC 2.0
Umeda’s Characteristics
Always a top runner in the annual “Best Places to Live in Kansai” ranking, Umeda is favored by plenty due to its excellent accessibility. Train lines include JR Railways, Hankyu Railways, and subways, which can take you virtually anywhere with ease. In front of the station is an array of stores for quick shopping needs, and nearby are luxurious apartments. Walk a bit further and you will encounter a residential area with a relaxed atmosphere despite being in the heart of the city.
Access to Umeda Station
From Shin-Osaka Station: Take the Midosuji Line to Umeda Station (13 minutes)
Land Value
The average land value around Umeda Station is approximately 4.28 million yen per square meter.
8. Esaka - Where businesses and homes blend harmoniously
"Esaka West Side Street" by Unknown is licensed under CC 2.0
Esaka’s Characteristics
Within Suita City is Esaka, popular for blending together an urban and suburban environment. As it is only five minutes to Shin-Osaka, and twenty minutes to Umeda, the area is favored among commuters and students. While Esaka is home to many businesses, it is also ideal for living. Plenty of entertainment facilities and schools surround the area, and beautiful nature is also ever-present. As foreign residents have been increasing yearly, the city’s diversity is also gradually rising.
Access to Esaka Station
From Umeda Station: Take the Midosuji Line to Esaka Station (20 minutes)
From Shin-Osaka Station: Take the Midosuji Line to Esaka Station (5 minutes)
Land Value
The average land value around Esaka Station is approximately 406,000 yen per square meter.
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9. Shinpoincho - Experience good old Japan
Shinpoincho’s Characteristics
The serene streets of Shinpoincho will make you forget you are inside the lively Osaka. As the area is around ten minutes from Tanimachi Line’s Shintennojimae-Yuhigaoka Station and JR Kanjo Line’s (Osaka Loop Line) Momodani Station, it is a peaceful area near the heart of the city. Ever since Showa Era, Shinpoincho has been famous for its large houses and classy neighborhood. It is located inside the Tennoji Ward, home to spots such as Shitenno-ji and Tennoji Zoo. It is also close to facilities such as Osaka International House, which often conducts events for foreigners.
Access to Shinpoincho
From Umeda Station: -Take the JR Kanjo Line Sotomawari (outer circle) to Momodani Station (35 minutes)-Walk to Higashi-Umeda Station, and take Tanimachi Line to Shitennojimae-Yuhigaoka Station (25 minutes)
From Shin-Osaka Station:-Take the JR Kyoto Line to Osaka Station, and transfer to JR Kanjo Line Sotomawari to Momodani Station (40 minutes)-Take the Midosuji Line to Umeda Station, walk to Higashi-Umeda Station, and take the Tanimachi Line to Shitennojimae-Yuhigaoka Station (25 minutes)
Land Value
The average land value around Shinpoincho is approximately 519,000 yen per square meter.
10. Senri - Osaka’s “New Town”
"Osaka-monorail, Senri-chuo" by as365n2 is licensed under CC 2.0
Senri’s Characteristics
“Senri New Town,” constructed fifty years ago, is considered to be Japan’s first urban development project. In the north is Manpaku Park, accessible to Mino City within ten minutes by bus. In the south are shopping centers and Senri Minami Park, providing a relaxed and easy to live atmosphere. In addition, Senri Chuo (Central Senri) has been in the top 5 of the “Best Places to Live in Kansai” ranking for three consecutive years, proving its popularity. Projects to construct high rise buildings have been announced recently, in efforts to make Senri an even more popular neighborhood.
Access to Senri Chuo Station
From Umeda Station
: Take the Midosuji Station to Senri Chuo Station (35 minutes)
From Shin-Osaka Station
: Take the Midosuji Station to Senri Chuo Station (15 minutes)
Land Value
The average land value around Senri Chuo Station is approximately 299,000 yen per square meter.
Conclusion
Inside Osaka are lively neighborhoods and tranquil suburban areas. With so many choices, suited for various conditions, you are guaranteed to find the perfect place.
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