Osaka Overview
Osaka is a designated city in the Kansai region of Honshu in Japan. It is the capital of and most populous city in Osaka Prefecture, and the third-most populous city in Japan, following the special wards of Tokyo and Yokohama. With a population of 2.7 million in the 2020 census, it is also the largest component of the Keihanshin Metropolitan Area, which is the second-largest metropolitan area in Japan and the 10th-largest urban area in the world with more than 19 million inhabitants.
Osaka Key Statistics
Population2751862
Area223 km²
Parks / Museums / Cafés529 / 39 / 1328
Practical Essentials for Osaka
Meet-ups & Expat Community
Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.
Find Events ↗
Emergency Phones
Police: 110 · Fire/Ambulance: 119
Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.
Safety Tips ↗
City Hall Website
Official permits, taxes, public records and all resident-services for Osaka.
Visit ↗Getting Around Osaka
Osaka Main Station & Rail Lines
中津 (Nakatsu)
Train Travel to Osaka
Osaka is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Osaka
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Osaka
Cover Your Trip to Osaka
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Osaka
- Slurp a steaming bowl of ramen at a tiny shop in Osaka downtown.
- Walk the morning market and try ultra-fresh sushi in Osaka.
- Grab late-night yakitori skewers near Osaka Station.
- Pick up handmade mochi from a family confectioner in central Osaka.
- Sip a glass of small-batch sake brewed on the edge of Osaka.
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Osaka
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Osaka
¥5,200,000*est
Median household income / year
95*est /100
Price level vs Tokyo
Moving money internationally?
Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.
See Wise fees ↗Best Hotels in Osaka
Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Osaka
When was Osaka founded?
Osaka was founded on April 1, 1889.
How old is Osaka?
Osaka is roughly 137 years old.
What is the population of Osaka?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 2,751,862.
What is the land area of Osaka?
Osaka covers roughly 223 km².
What is the main railway station in Osaka?
The primary hub is 中津 (Nakatsu).
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Osaka?
The city has roughly 529 parks, 39 museums and 1328 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Osaka expensive to live?
Osaka is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Osaka?
Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗
How can I send money internationally while in Japan?
Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.
Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Osaka?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Osaka has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Osaka?
Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗
Where can I access official city services in Osaka?
All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Visit the official site ↗
Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Osaka?
Osaka hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Osaka?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Osaka?
Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗
How can I check public-transport routes in Osaka?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Osaka?
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