Osaka, Japan Report of what it's like to live there - 10/08/13
Personal Experiences from Osaka, Japan
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
From Washington DC you can either fly direct to Tokyo and then onto Osaka or you can fly to SFO and then onto Osaka. Both routes take more or less a day door to door.
3. How long have you lived here?
A bit more than one year.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
If you're USG, there's a housing compound in Nishinomiya, a 40-minute drive or 55-minute train ride to/from the office. Lots of expats live on Rokko Island in Kobe.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Household goods are available at Costco and while more expensive than the U.S., it's cheaper than local supermarkets. Costco is a ways away and local supermarkets have fresher food. Almost everything is available but it's more expensive.
3. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Lots of really good local food, good French and Italian food. American fast food (McDonald's, KFC) is available if you really want to eat it.
4. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
There are mosquitos during the summer but they're not a big deal.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
It's available but not cheap.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Gyms are available but they're expensive.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
More and more places take U.S. credit cards but still many fewer places than you'd think. Western ATMs work at 7-11.
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
The more, the better.
6. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
The Kansai is very wheelchair accessible. Many train stations and buildings have elevators or ramps. Osaka and Kobe are easier to get around in than most U.S. cities.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Public transportation is extensive and reasonable. Taxis are very expensive.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Japanese make, left-side drive is probably the most suitable and easiest to repair.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
It's difficult.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Many.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Kansai is the cool-biz capital of Japan.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
None whatsoever. Japan is one of the safest countries in the world.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
High quality medical care here.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
It's generally pretty good, though spring can be rough with pollen and sand from continental East Asia filling the air.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
The Kansai is generally pretty warm and Osaka is roughly the same latitude as the border between North and South Carolina. Osaka stays warm into November, but doesn't really warm up until late May. Summers are really hot, Spring is nice but brisk, Winter is cold but there's little snow, and Fall is the nicest time of year.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are several international schools choose from. Canadian Academy and Osaka International School are good K-12 options while St. Michaels in Kobe and the YMCA in Osaka offer K-6 or -7 schooling. Marist Brothers in Kobe is also a possibility.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
In house accomodations for educational special needs students are somewhat limited but schools have shown a willingness to work with families. Both Canadian Academy and Osaka International School are wheelchair accessible.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
There is a preschool in Nishinomiya that caters to international students (It's called Nishinomiya International School). The staff are responsive and while it's not cheap, it's not that expensive.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
It's big but scattered. Morale tends to correlate with Japanese language ability.
2. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Definitely great for families. There are lots of kid-friendly activities and events.
3. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Travelling around Western Japan, visiting Kyoto and Nara, the peace memorial in Hiroshima, hiking, sailing in Osaka bay, riding the high-speed train aka the shinkansen...
4. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
You can reach a hiking trail in 15 minutes by foot from the housing compound. There's so much to do in the region.
5. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Japan has a unique culture, great scenery and nature, great food and lots to do. If you're into temples and museums, Japan has them. If you want to ski, sail, hike, camp, etc, etc, Japan has it.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely. Do your best to learn some Japanese before you come. The more Japanese you can speak and read, the more you can access here.
