The 6 Best Places to Live in Osaka for Foreigners (Umeda, Namba and More)
Explore the best areas to live in Osaka for foreigners, with great access, vibrant culture, and neighborhoods that suit every lifestyle and need.
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“Planning to move to Osaka but don’t know where to live?”
“Would you like to know the best areas in Osaka for foreigners to live, either as young professionals or with families?”
Choosing the right neighborhood can make a big difference in your daily life, whether you're looking for convenience, a family-friendly environment, cultural diversity, or vibrant nightlife.
In this article, we’ll introduce some of the most popular and recommended areas to live in Osaka, each with its own unique charm, lifestyle benefits, and accessibility.
Whether you're here for work, study, or a fresh start, there’s a perfect spot in the city waiting for you.
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Where is Osaka?
Located in the Kansai region of Japan, on the island of Honshu, Osaka Prefecture (Figure 1) has 43 municipalities and a population of approximately 8.8 million (the 3rd largest among all prefectures in Japan after Tokyo and Kanagawa).
Meanwhile, with an area of approximately 1,905 square kilometers, Osaka Prefecture is the second smallest prefecture in Japan.
Osaka has a well-developed airport, port, and other infrastructure connecting it to Asian countries and other cities around the world, and the prefecture is becoming increasingly internationalized, with many international tourists and residents.
The capital of Osaka Prefecture is Osaka City.
With a sizable population (2.81 million*) living in a compact area (approx. 221 square kilometers), Osaka City is a metropolis second only to Tokyo.
(Source: Osaka City)
Osaka is also popular as a tourist destination with major attractions such as Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building, Namba (Shinsaibashi and Dōtonbori districts) and Tsūtenkaku (Figure 2).
| FIgure 1 <Location of Osaka> | Figure 2 <Osaka City – Key Areas> |
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In addition to the existing attractiveness of Osaka as a tourist destination, World Expo “Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai” is taking place in Osaka, which is expected to boost the tourism in this area further.
The Expo is held for 184 days, starting on April 13th through October 13th, 2025 on Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka Bay, close to Universal Studios Japan (USJ), Tempozan and Osaka Aquarium.
Next to the Expo site, at the northern coast of the island of Yumeshima, the Osaka IR (Integrated Resort) project is underway.
Where are the best places for foreigners to live in Osaka?
Osaka City comprises 24 ward or 区(ku).
These are the wards/areas that are worth your attention:
- Kita-ku
- Chuo-ku
- Fukushima-ku
- Nishi-ku
- Naniwa-ku and
- Ikuno Korea Town in Ikuno-ku.
Osaka City Map and 6 Best Areas
Related Article: recommended for those who would like to learn more about Japan real estate Japan Property Tax for Foreigners
1. Kita-ku
(Image: PropertyAccess staff)
Kita-ku is expected to thrive further with ongoing massive redevelopment.
This area is also called just “Kita” and home to Osaka's major stations such as Umeda Station and Osaka Station, and comprises corporate office areas and commercial areas.
Ambitious Redevelopment Project:
The Umekita Project, a major redevelopment initiative, is currently underway, with its Phase 2 progressing steadily.
Taking advantage of the vast 17-hectare space, the project will feature commercial facilities, hotels, offices, and urban parks.
Key facilities include Gran Green Osaka North Wing (opened in September 2024) and South Wing (opened in March 2025), as well as the Waldorf Astoria Osaka (opened in April 2025*), a luxury hotel and resort brand under Hilton Worldwide.
(Source: PR times)
With these developments gradually opening, the entire area is slated for its grand opening in 2027.
Easy Access within the City and Beyond:
Centered around Umeda Station, the area offers access to numerous JR, private railway, and subway lines, making it easy to travel not only within Osaka Prefecture but also to nearby areas such as Kyoto and Kobe.
Abundant Shopping and Dining Options:
Umeda Station is surrounded by a wide variety of commercial facilities, including department stores, major electronics retailers, and fashion complexes, ensuring you'll never be short on shopping choices.
With countless restaurants around the station, the area is perfect for those who enjoy dining out.
You can also explore traditional shopping streets like the Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Arcade, home to a diverse range of stores and eateries.
Excellent childcare support:
Kita-ku offers strong childcare support programs, creating a safe and family-friendly environment ideal for households with children.
2. Chuo-ku
(Image: PropertyAccess staff)
This area is the administrative, economic, and financial center of the city, with government offices and the Osaka Stock Exchange.
Due to a high concentration of office buildings and commercial facilities, there are few residential areas in the area, but recently new high-rise condominiums have been built, making this area popular with increasing rental demand.
Excellent Connectivity and Accessibility:
The area is well-connected with multiple train lines, including the Osaka Metro and JR lines and provides easy access to major hubs like Osaka and Namba Stations.
Getting around by bicycle or on foot is also convenient, and many major commercial and public facilities are located nearby.
Popular Spots Loved by Tourists and Locals:
Popular areas such as Dotonbori, America Mura, Shinsaibashi, Namba, and Hommachi offer a wealth of shopping and dining options.
The famous Osaka Castle is also nearby.
In particular, the lively Minami district that spans from Chuo-ku to Naniwa-ku is known for its vibrant atmosphere and wide variety of restaurants and eateries.
Family Friendly Area:
It’s also a family-friendly area, with various parks and shopping centers nearby, supported by a strong childcare system that makes it an ideal place to raise children.
3. Fukushima-ku
(Image: PropertyAcccess staff)
Fukushima-ku, where you can enjoy the modern and the traditional, is a popular residential area, known for its convenient transportation access and relatively safe and comfortable living environment.
With large apartment complexes and high-rise condominiums built one after another in the area recently, the once-declining population is rapidly increasing.
Convenient and Quiet Living:
Located next to Umeda, it offers easy access to the city center while maintaining a quiet and calm atmosphere in its residential neighborhoods.
Fukushima-ku is served by nine stations on four train lines: the JR Osaka Loop Line, JR Tozai Line, Osaka Metro Sennichimae Line, and the Hanshin Electric Railway.
This provides excellent access to both central Osaka and Kobe.
Urban Convenience and Comfort in One Neighborhood:
The area offers a wide variety of restaurants and commercial facilities, making daily life both convenient and enjoyable.
It is highly regarded for providing everything needed for a comfortable urban lifestyle.
Safe and Peaceful Living:
Fukushima-ku is considered one of the safest among the 24 wards of Osaka City.
The areas around the stations and along major streets are well lit and frequently used, making it a reassuring environment, especially for women living alone.
The ward’s quiet and peaceful residential areas are popular among both singles and families.
Medical services are also readily available, with general hospitals such as Osaka Hospital, Kansai Electric Power Hospital, and Sumitomo Hospital located nearby.
4. Nishi-ku
(Image: PropertyAccess staff)
Nishi-ku has a large youth population and the lowest percentage of people aged 65 and over, compared to other areas in the city.
The Horie area, for example, is a hotspot among young people for its fashionable cafes, clothing and health and beauty retailers.
Convenient Access and Connectivity in the Heart of the City:
It offers excellent transportation options, a wide range of commercial facilities and restaurants, and easy access to the city center.
Transportation is convenient, even though there are no JR stations, with access to the Osaka Metro Chuo Line, Sennichimae Line, and Yotsubashi Line.
In particular, the areas around Hommachi Station and Awaza Station are especially accessible and well connected.
Green Spaces and Urban Nature:
The ward is home to several green spaces, such as Utsubo Park, which provides a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere amid the city. Other parks like Itachibori Park also offer residents a chance to enjoy nature within an urban setting.
The area is also considered relatively safe by Osaka standards, making it an attractive choice for both individuals and families.
Stylish Horie Area - Popular among Young People:
Horie is a stylish neighborhood lined with cutting-edge, trend-setting shops, including sophisticated select stores, unique cafés, and popular sweets shops.
The town boasts a unique atmosphere that blends urban sophistication with a retro charm.
Historic buildings stand alongside modern architectural designs, creating a landscape that’s both dynamic and inspiring.
Horie is also rich in culture, home to contemporary art galleries, theaters, and other creative spaces.
It’s an ideal spot for those looking to refine their tastes and find fresh inspiration.
5. Naniwa-ku
(Image: PropertyAccess staff)
Naniwa-ku is a popular area with high demand for rentals from singles and foreigners.
In recent years, the area has been redeveloped and condominiums have been built, and the population is increasing.
The main driver of the demand here is from young male singles and also foreigners from Asian and European countries.
Impressive Transportation Network:
Located in central Osaka, Naniwa Ward is well connected by multiple train lines, including the JR Osaka Loop Line, Kansai Main Line, Nankai Main and Koya Lines, and Osaka Metro.
Major stations like Namba, JR Namba, and Shin-Imamiya provide easy access across the city.
Bus routes are also extensive, making it easy to reach areas like Umeda, Tennoji, Shin-Osaka, and Kyobashi without a car.
Lively Tourist and Entertainment Area:
Naniwa-ku is a lively tourist and entertainment area that includes the popular Minami district.
While its energy and attractions draw many visitors, safety can be a concern in certain parts, especially near Shin-Imamiya and Nishinari Ward, including the Airin district, where street dwellers and day laborers are more common.
However, not all areas are unsafe, and choosing the right neighborhood can greatly reduce any sense of insecurity.
With the opening of a hotel by Hoshino Resorts in 2022, security in Shin-Imamiya is reportedly improving, and the areas around Ashiharabashi, Imamiya, and Sakuragawa Stations are generally considered safer for residents.
Convenient Living Environment:
Naniwa-ku is convenient for daily life, offering major shopping centers like Namba Parks, LABI1 Namba, EKIKAN, and MEGA Don Quijote, as well as local supermarkets, restaurants, and convenience stores.
The area is also home to hospitals, clinics, schools, and universities, providing good access to education and healthcare.
6. Ikuno Korea Town (Tsuruhashi)
(Image: PropertyAccess staff)
In Osaka Korea Town in Tsuruhashi, stores and restaurants run by Koreans and other retailers such as cosmetics etc. are clustered around a shopping street, exuding an exotic atmosphere just as if you were in Korea.
With the recent popularity of Korea, the number of fashionable stores is rapidly increasing.
Ikuno Ward offers convenient access to major Osaka stations, making it ideal for commuting to work or school.
Multicultural Community:
The area is known for its multicultural community, with around 30,000 of its 120,000 residents being foreign nationals.
It has a well-developed living environment, with shopping streets, supermarkets, hospitals, and restaurants all easily accessible.
Quieter Living Environment in Momodani and Teradacho Areas:
For those considering living in Ikuno Ward, the areas around Momodani Station and Teradacho Station are recommended.
These neighborhoods are relatively quiet, with few entertainment venues, reducing the likelihood of encountering rowdy crowds.
Both stations are surrounded by essential amenities like supermarkets, drugstores, and restaurants, making daily life convenient and comfortable.
K-pop Popularity Brings New Energy to Korea Town:
Often referred to as Korea Town, Ikuno is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Located about a 10-minute walk from Tsuruhashi and Momodani Stations on the JR Osaka Loop Line, Korea Town is a vibrant area filled with cafes, Korean street food, K-POP merchandise, and cosmetics shops—offering a taste of Korea in the heart of Osaka.
Nearby, Miyukimori Tenjingu Shrine hosts seasonal festivals and provides a peaceful retreat from the busy shopping areas.
The ward also promotes community safety through the Ikumin Patrol, which inspects parks and public spaces to help protect children and residents.
Our team of seasoned professionals at Property Access is dedicated to helping you navigate Japan’s real estate market with confidence.
With deep local knowledge and a commitment to personalized service, our experts are here to guide you every step of the way.
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Summary
In this article, we see the following 6 areas of Osaka that offer a diverse range of neighborhoods, each with its own unique appeal.
- Kita-ku is expected to grow even further thanks to ongoing redevelopment around Umeda Station, making it a promising area for the future.
- Chuo-ku, home to landmarks like Dotonbori, America Mura, Shinsaibashi, Namba, and Hommachi, remains one of the most sought-after areas for rentals due to its central location and vibrant lifestyle.
- Fukushima-ku, tradition and modernity blend seamlessly, offering a peaceful yet connected urban experience.
- Nishi-ku, especially the Horie area, is popular among young people for its trendy shops and stylish atmosphere.
- Naniwa-ku stands out with iconic destinations such as Dotonbori and Shinsekai, where the famous Tsutenkaku Tower draws locals and tourists alike.
- Ikuno-ku is home to Ikuno Korea Town, a culturally rich district that has become even more vibrant with the rising popularity of K-pop.
I hope this article helps you understand the characteristics of each neighborhood so you can choose the perfect area that matches your needs and lifestyle.
Our team of seasoned professionals at Property Access is dedicated to helping you navigate Japan’s real estate market with confidence.
With deep local knowledge and a commitment to personalized service, our experts are here to guide you every step of the way.
