Osaka has more people than Seoul, and, like NYC, the vibe is “live and let live.” In Seoul, there’s a certain attentiveness; here, not so much. That said, I stand slightly corrected: a woman on the train tried helping us when we looked hilariously lost, and an elderly man at a Life store struck up a delightful conversation—turns out he used to live in DC! Maybe it’s a mix of a language barrier and a cultural preference for not intruding.
Osaka is the undisputed city of bikes. Everyone’s biking—kids, seniors, you name it. Bikes are parked on every corner, and I swear there are more wheels than walkers or drivers.
Women-only train cars? Fascinating! Japan’s take on commuter safety and comfort is eye-opening. If you’re curious, here’s an article that dives into the reasoning: Tokyo Weekender article on Women-only Cars.
Free public toilets? Yes, but fewer than in Seoul. Like Korea, the seats are heated (a glorious touch—I’m seriously tempted to upgrade our bathroom back home). They even provide supplies for stall disinfecting, though I still do the hover. But here’s the kicker: no paper towels or dryers anywhere! People just whip out handkerchiefs like it’s the 19th century.
Museums aren’t free, but entry is wonderfully budget-friendly at $3–$7, except for Hakone, which charges more for exhibitions that are, frankly, underwhelming.
Food is pricier here. Simple rice, veggie, or noodle dishes go for JPY 1k–1.2k ($7–$9), but anything with meat (especially wagyu) can hit JPY 2k–4k ($13–$26). Sushi, thankfully, is affordable, and grocery stores sell sashimi-grade fish—perfect for at-home sushi nights. Fruit, though? Pricey! Grapes are $10–$12 per bunch, melons are a luxury, and strawberries go for $5.50–$8 per tiny box.
Google works perfectly here. Finally!
Tokyo was everything we hoped for—bustling, vibrant, and full of character. Loved the city! ❤️Well, except for our first Airbnb, which was tiny, dusty, and immediately ditched after two days. The replacement is equally tiny, outrageously expensive, but at least clean and modern.
We, at first, lived near the Arakawa River, which had a fantastic trail for walking, running, or biking. Loved it! Our new neighborhood? A bit too suburban for my taste—the nearest store is a 14-minute walk, and it’s farther from Ikebukuro Station. Meh.
Tokyo has bikes too, but Osaka still holds the crown for sheer two-wheeled dominance.
