Osaka or Tokyo

[vulgarshudder]

So true about Osaka people, I went with guy to karaoke, and he bragged that he had his staff discount, a coupon and it was also in the day so it would be super cheap. Then when we paid he didn't offer me the any of the coin change!

Fresh fruit and vegetables are about the same diff between Tokyo and Osaka. Fruit unless it's seasonal is expensive (mikan at the moment is like...250yen for 2kg from the fruit obasan.) vegetables aren't so bad.
You don't really save that much money eating out if you live alone I think, unless you eat instant ramen every day.

[JuSan]

I like both. Though my dream city would probalby be Kyoto. Tokyos great,but I think I'd spend my time elsewhere mostly. Though I could probaly live in Akihabara quit easily.

[Cyclamen]

Live in Akihabara??? I hope you are joking^^
Seriously, think about if for a second. It's indeed a great place to get electronic equipement at super-low prices, but why living there? It's nothing special. It would be like living in a gigantic mall. If I'd have to choose a place to live in that area, I'd go with Ochanomizu.

I think Akihabara and Harajuku are the most over-rated places in Tokyo. People who like computers and videogames think that Akihabara is heaven on earth, people who like j-rock think the same about Harajuku. Both places have probably the higher concentration in the world of electronics' and clothes' shops, but they have no appeal besides that. There's just too much hype around these spots.

[noodle]

Originally Posted by Cyclamen

Live in Akihabara??? I hope you are joking^^
Seriously, think about if for a second. It's indeed a great place to get electronic equipement at super-low prices, but why living there? It's nothing special. It would be like living in a gigantic mall. If I'd have to choose a place to live in that area, I'd go with Ochanomizu.

I think Akihabara and Harajuku are the most over-rated places in Tokyo. People who like computers and videogames think that Akihabara is heaven on earth, people who like j-rock think the same about Harajuku. Both places have probably the higher concentration in the world of electronics' and clothes' shops, but they have no appeal besides that. There's just too much hype around these spots.

I agree... when some of my friends found out i'll be doing an exchange to tokyo/ (now maybe osaka actually ) everyone asked, omg omg, you have to go to Akihabara and Harajuku... is your flat gonna be there? etc etc.... I guess this is whats advertised over here in europe

[samurai007]

Originally Posted by noodle

I agree... when some of my friends found out i'll be doing an exchange to tokyo/ (now maybe osaka actually ) everyone asked, omg omg, you have to go to Akihabara and Harajuku... is your flat gonna be there? etc etc.... I guess this is whats advertised over here in europe

If you do go to Osaka, they have their own version of Akihabara called Den Den Town, or Nippon Bashi. Tons and tons of electronics stores, toy stores, video stores, camera shops, etc.

Den Den Town, Osaka - IgoUgo Reviews
Den Den Town in Osaka, Visiting Den Den Town in Osaka, Den Den Town for Tourists in Osaka
Den Den Town: Osaka's Akihabara-Style Geek Center
Feature: Den-Den Town For Visitors

[jasonbvr]

I says Tokyo because it is closer to ski resorts than Osaka. But honestly, I wouldn't live in either one. I'm an inaka boy.

[hikarisokashi]

Tokyo, because i love the city because of the fact its big and it is sooo different from my hometown.

[Tingle]

osaka. After spending a few years here in uk. would be nice to be away from to much smog and pollution. The weather might be better aswell

[Kayci]

Osaka.
Because I get along with Kansai people best. (Along with the Kyusyu peeps too, of course XD)

Someone said to me, and I think he made a good point, that for americans who are in to Japanese culture, the west americans prefer Osaka area, and the East americans prefer Tokyo. Not all the time, but it was a generalized statement.

[samokan]

Originally Posted by noodle

I see...that's a little surprising for me... in England and France... what you described for Osaka usually happens more in London and Paris rather than the other cities.
Another question. I'm the type of guy that hates to spend lots of money on food and things like that... so is Osaka better or worse for supermarkets and fresh fruit and veg than Tokyo? I ask this cos generally in big cities, fresh fruit and veg is extreemly expensive and sometimes not THAT fresh.
I like to cook

There are lot of cheap supermarkets around, and have fresh fruit and vegetables.. and it also depends on which part of osaka you will live.. u need to know your neighborhood first

also prices might increase soon, since oil is currently increasing