Doing some research, it is hard to gauge how safe/unsafe certain parts of Osaka are because someone’s definition of safe/unsafe can vary greatly. Articles tend to just say it’s unsafe “according to locals” but that could be fine for a foreigner. Hopefully I can gain some more detailed insights from some of you on some places in Osaka that I should look at and some places I should definitely avoid.
Someone mentioned the northern part of Osaka tends to be more English friendly while going further south, it is less so. I’m interested in a place that is quiet, but not too far removed from society. I mean I like the idea of living in a family oriented neighborhood but would still like relatively easy access to subways and the familiar amenities of Aeon Malls (for example). Would the Toyonaka area be ideal?
13 comments
Toyonaka, Minoh, Northern Suita
If you are an American, its hard to comprehend how safe Japan on the whole is. 7 year olds ride the subway and walk to school on their own, even in large cities.
Literally anywhere. The concept of what is “dangerous” in Japan is like, several magnitudes smaller than it is in the US. Even the “worst” area in Japan has absolutely nothing on the worst areas in the US.
Shit, if anything, you should be more worried about the locals calling the cops on YOU and thinking that you’re the dangerous one, not them.
I am living in southern Osaka, almost bordering Sakai. It is considered as “dangerous” part of the city with drugs, sketchy and poor people and a strange vibe. My friends live in Nishinari ward, that has even worse reputation.
Not even once one of us got robbed, stolen from or even annoyed by other people. Highest crime rates, uh-huh, sure. If you act like a clueless and unattentive tourist or look to make trouble, maybe.
Live wherever you want, as long as the landlord/housing company itself looks trustworthy and reliable. Osaka is a safe city if you have some common sense!
I lived in Tamatsukuri for several years, its very convenient and can only recommend it if it makes sense for your daily work or school commute. Specifically, the area adjacent to Morinomiya is great. Theres a small shopping mall there and immediate access to Osaka castle.
Suita would be my top pick
Dangerous in Japan is still safer than safe in US
Big fan of Mikuni. Very close to Umeda and is really chill. I may be biased because I’m here right now, but have had nothing but great experiences over the years in this area.
Also, this neighborhood can be accessed via the Hankyu line, which also goes to Kyoto. Pretty easy, albeit slightly longer ride to Kyoto. Beats the crowd of taking the JR from Osaka station if you just want some more breathing room.
Don’t live next to a park. There will be drunks and teenagers making noise at all hours when the weather is nice
All areas of Osaka are safe for you. Don’t worry about it.
Toyonaka can be quite a nice area (I lived in nearby Sonoda). Personally, I’d recommend you jump on local buses (or cycle around) to get a feel for different areas.
It’s got the Takarazuka, Tokaido-Sanyo and Midosuji lines that’ll get you into Umeda in about 35-40 mins.
It has an Aeon Mall to the north, Hattori park to the south and the world famous Cup Noodle museum a short bus ride away.
It’ll not win any beauty pageants and it has some noise and pollution issues (especially with the airport to the west and the Chugoku Expressway to the north.
As everyone else has said, Osaka is really not that dangerous or scary – unless you go to Koshien, put on a Carps baseball cap and get a bit mouthy, sat in the right field seats.
Happy house hunting…
Minoh lol
Osaka city or prefecture?