Oshu Overview
Ōshū is a city located in Iwate Prefecture, Japan. As of 30 April 2020, the city had an estimated population of 114,620 and a population density of 120 persons per km2 in 45,728 households. The total area of the city is 993.30 square kilometres (383.52 sq mi). Ōshū is famous for its Maesawa Beef, numerous festivals, historic temples and shrines and Fujiwara no Sato, a theme park and movie lot based on the exploits of the Northern Fujiwaras in the 12th century. Many famous people claim Ōshū as their home, including Los Angeles Dodgers baseball player Shohei Ohtani and Ichiro Ozawa, the long-time leader of the Democratic Party of Japan.
Oshu Key Statistics
Population112531
Area993 km²
Parks / Museums / Cafés15 / 7 / 23
Practical Essentials for Oshu
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 Oshu.
Visit ↗Getting Around Oshu
Oshu Main Station & Rail Lines
水沢 (Mizusawa)
Train Travel to Oshu
Oshu is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Oshu
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Oshu
Cover Your Trip to Oshu
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Oshu
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Oshu
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Oshu
¥3,400,000*est
Median household income / year
78*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 Oshu
Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Oshu
When was Oshu founded?
Oshu was founded on February 20, 2006.
How old is Oshu?
Oshu is roughly 20 years old.
What is the population of Oshu?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 112,531.
What is the land area of Oshu?
Oshu covers roughly 993 km².
What is the main railway station in Oshu?
The primary hub is 水沢 (Mizusawa).
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Oshu?
The city has roughly 15 parks, 7 museums and 23 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Oshu expensive to live?
Oshu is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Oshu?
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 Oshu?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Oshu has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Oshu?
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 Oshu?
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 Oshu?
Oshu hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Oshu?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Oshu?
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 Oshu?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Oshu?
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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