[OHayou]

I visited Osaka during New Years 2011 and had a very enjoyable time.

Some benefits of Osaka versus Tokyo, I feel, are the fact people are friendly and maybe a little kinder because it isn't a huge haven for foreigners (as Tokyo seems to be.) I haven't made it to Tokyo but I am basing the previous sentence on rumors and allegations ! lol

Also, Osaka has great food and night life. It also served as a nice central hub for me when I traveled to Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Nara.

Some benefits for Tokyo versus Osaka, I feel, is that Osaka is not the most alluring of cities and some of my Japanese customers I deal with consider Osaka as "the country people." Similar to how people might view people from West Virginia or Kentucky. As I live in Ohio, I'm downright comfortable with these country folks and ya'll can keep that city vibe. lol (just playing a little but not a "huge" fan of the city but Tokyo is the bright lights and is the New York of Japan or maybe New York is the Tokyo of Japan...point is it should be interesting either way!)