Your First Month Working in Osaka: The Little Things Nobody Warns You About

Moving to Osaka for work is exciting. You have a new job, a new apartment, a new city to explore, and probably a long list of things you want to do. But after helping foreign residents find accommodation in Osaka for many years, we have noticed that it is often the small everyday things—not the big cultural differences—that surprise newcomers the most.

Here are a few things that can make your first month living and working in Osaka a little easier.

Your Commute May Be Easier Than You Expect

One of the great advantages of living in central Osaka is that you don't necessarily need to live right beside your workplace.

Osaka has an excellent train and subway network, and areas such as Namba, Daikokucho, Tennoji, Abeno and Shin-Imamiya provide easy connections to many parts of the city.

When looking for an apartment, don't only consider the distance to your workplace. Check which train line you need and whether you can get there without changing trains. A 20-minute direct commute can often be much more comfortable than a 15-minute journey involving two transfers.

Also, expect rush hour!

Morning trains can become extremely crowded, particularly on major routes such as the Midosuji Line. If your employer allows slightly flexible starting times, changing your departure by even 15 or 20 minutes can sometimes make your commute considerably more pleasant.

Convenience Stores Really Are Convenient

You may have heard about Japanese convenience stores before arriving, but you might still be surprised by how useful they become.

Besides buying food and drinks, convenience stores can help with paying bills, withdrawing cash, printing documents, sending packages and purchasing various tickets.

For someone who has just arrived in Japan and is still figuring everything out, your neighborhood convenience store may quickly become part of your daily routine.

And yes, you will probably develop a favorite one.

Garbage Rules Are More Important Than You Think

This is one area where newcomers occasionally get themselves into trouble.

Japan has detailed garbage collection rules, and they can vary depending on the municipality and sometimes even the building.

Burnable garbage, cans, bottles, plastic containers and larger items may all have different collection days. Large items such as furniture generally cannot simply be left beside the garbage area.

When you move into an apartment, find out the rules immediately. Your landlord, property manager or local ward office should be able to provide the collection schedule.

Your neighbors will appreciate it!

Get to Know Your Local Supermarket

Eating out in Osaka can be surprisingly affordable, but doing it every day quickly adds up.

One of the easiest ways to control your monthly expenses is to learn where the reasonably priced supermarkets are near your apartment.

Another useful Osaka habit is shopping later in the evening. Supermarkets frequently discount prepared meals, sushi, meat and other products as closing time approaches.

Those little discount stickers can become very attractive when payday is still a week away.

Summer and Winter Feel Different Indoors

People arriving from overseas sometimes assume that Japanese apartments will handle extreme temperatures the same way homes do in their own country.

Not necessarily.

Osaka summers are extremely hot and humid, so air conditioning becomes essential. Electricity bills can increase significantly during July and August.

Winter presents the opposite problem. Many Osaka apartments do not have central heating. Residents commonly heat individual rooms using the air conditioner or another type of heater.

Learning how to use your air conditioner efficiently can make a noticeable difference to both comfort and utility costs.

Don't Be Afraid to Explore Your Neighborhood

During your first few weeks, it is tempting to travel straight between your apartment and workplace.

Take some time to walk around instead.

Osaka is full of small shopping streets, family-run restaurants, inexpensive lunch spots, parks, local shrines and businesses that you may never discover from Google Maps alone.

Some of the best parts of living in Osaka aren't necessarily in Dotonbori or beside Osaka Castle. They might be the little ramen shop around the corner, the friendly neighborhood café, or the supermarket where you eventually know exactly when the evening discounts appear.

Give Yourself Time to Adjust

Perhaps the most important advice is simply not to expect everything to make sense immediately.

Opening a bank account, registering your address, understanding utility bills, learning the train system and dealing with Japanese paperwork can seem overwhelming during your first few weeks.

After a month or two, however, many of these things simply become part of everyday life.

Osaka is a big city, but it can quickly start feeling surprisingly comfortable and familiar.

At Apollo Properties Osaka, we have been helping foreign residents find furnished accommodation in Osaka for many years. If you're moving to Osaka for work, study or a new adventure, having a comfortable place to call home is a pretty good way to start.