Who will win the battle?
HERITAGE
Known then as Edo , Tokyo has been the capital of Japan since 1868 , when the emperor decided to make this city his official home. As capital, its cultural and historical heritage It's not little. If we add to this its immense size and that it is one of the most important economic capitals in Asia, the cocktail of possibilities is served. Whether we like the anime and manga , the kawaii Culture, or we are more interested in history, temples or more traditional art, Tokyo has it all.
Entering the mouth of the Tokyo subway is like getting on a teleportation machine, as each station will show us a different side of this printing capital. As the most important city in Japan, moreover, houses some of the largest museums in the country . Among its tourist attractions are the Imperial Palace , home of the emperor; the t Senso-ji temple , in the Asakusa neighborhood; the meijijingu temple , located in the green heart of the city, the yoyogi park ; as well as the breathtaking views of the city from the skyscrapers of the shinjuku neighborhood . To enjoy a day with the family, or take out the child within, Tokyo has the Disneyland park very close to the great capital.
Shinjuku, Japanese skyscrapers and parks in Tokyo
Osaka , for its part, was also the capital of Japan on two occasions, although at that time it was called Naniwa . Being one of the busiest ports at the time, Osaka was for centuries one of the economic centers of the country . Although today its economic power has dwindled considerably, it is still one of the most important cities in Japan. At first glance, it may seem that what Osaka offers is the same as Tokyo, only on a smaller scale, however, this city has some particular attractions worth mentioning.
From Osaka Castle , symbol of the unification of Japan and located in one of the most beautiful parks in the city, to the dotonbori neighborhood , with its shops and restaurants almost floating on the canal that bears the same name.
In addition, in Osaka the past and the future are also fused in an enviable way. A good example of this is the shtennoji temple , a Buddhist refuge considered the first temple of this religion in Japan. This little piece of history is just a few minutes walk from the tallest skyscraper in the city, the Abeno Harukas, where you can also go up to enjoy a spectacular view of the city. Or the Nakazakicho neighborhood , one of the few areas of Osaka that survived World War II almost intact, and it seems incredible that it is only a few streets away from umeda , the commercial center of the city, as amazing as the Shinjuku neighborhood in Tokyo. In addition, although they are fewer, Osaka also has its own museums, and where **Tokyo has Disneyland, Osaka has the Universal Studios Japan amusement park **.
Tokyo 1 – Osaka 1
From inside the Abeno Harukas building
ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN
Both Tokyo and Osaka have a combination of tradition and modernity in their streets. In both, it is not uncommon to walk through one of the more residential neighborhoods and come face to face with a Buddhist or Shinto temple hidden between nondescript buildings.
Now, although the architectural similarities are not few, both cities have something unique that characterizes them. tokyo , as capital, is synonymous with perfection and rectitude , and this is reflected in the way the city is made up. More linear streets, modern and sometimes even eccentric buildings, such as the Nakagin Tower.
Also, as we mentioned before, each neighborhood has its own style and seems to breathe a different air. They have nothing to do with the overwhelming skyscrapers of Shinjuku , with the even excessive luxury of Ginza, or the most modern and youthful air of the street Takeshita , in Harajuku, with the technology of the artificial island of Odaiba.
On the other hand, although Osaka has some impressive preserved pre-war buildings, such as the National Library or the Osaka Central Public Auditorium , as well as historic neighborhoods such as Tanimachi-rokuchome , it is undeniable that Tokyo maintains a greater number of buildings that survived the bombing during the war.
Takeshita, one of the funniest and most psychedelic streets in Tokyo
Osaka , for its part, reflects its industrial past and present in its streets. Osaka is much more chaotic and unpredictable than her older sister. This, far from being something negative, gives this city a unique personality, difficult to see in other parts of Japan. Though Umeda and Tennoji They are some of the most structured areas of the city, with their tall buildings and crossroads, they breathe a somewhat different air than the more commercial areas of Tokyo.
Y, although Tokyo is famous for its futuristic panorama and its neon lights, Osaka is not far behind, having even been the Ridley Scott inspiration for your movies bladerunner either BlackRain , for its colorful lighting reflecting on the calm water of its canals. The most famous of these neons is the glyco runner , an illuminated advertisement has been winning races since 1935.
It is particularly in the neighborhood of Shin Sekai where it will seem to us that we are accompanying Harrison Ford, strolling through his unique atmosphere, full of restaurants at street level illuminated with all the neon imaginable. This neighborhood is reputed to be the most dangerous in Osaka, but it's perfectly safe.
Tokyo 2 – Osaka 2
Shin-sekai neighborhood
CULTURE
Although on the surface Tokyo and Osaka may seem very similar culturally, once we dive between the two we can see that this is not so true. Tokyo is not only the capital of Japan but one of today's global capitals.
Their cosmopolitism It is so palpable that, walking through its streets, you can find styles, art and culture of all kinds and from almost all origins. It is precisely this cosmopolitanism, attached to a cyberpunk-looking city with backwaters of tradition and history, which make Tokyo a city that seems to come from another world. On the other hand, lovers of nime, manga and nippon movies they will feel more familiar with the Japan represented in this great city than in almost any other city in the country, not in vain most of the audio visual art , especially the one that crosses the Japanese border, has this metropolis as its silent protagonist.
On the other hand, while Tokyo focuses on being cosmopolitan, Osaka preserves the cultural spirit of Japan in a purer way than its northern sister . Osaka is the birthplace of some of the most classic Japanese art forms. The Bunraku , or Japanese mask theatre, originated in Osaka in the 27th century . Theater Kabuki , another traditional form of theater starring only men, was also born in the Kansai Area, and although it is possible to enjoy both forms of art in Tokyo, in Osaka they are much more affordable for the small pocket.
bunraku scene
In the sumo season , in spring in Osaka, it is not uncommon to find wrestlers, dressed in yukata, strolling through its streets. In addition, Osaka is the mother of an all-female musical theater group called Takarazuka . His fans mostly ohbachan Japanese (old) women (although the number of young fans increases every year) come to queue outside its main venue to greet their favorite actresses.
Osaka is also known for its comedy, theaters of this genre proliferate throughout the city, not in vain the largest city of Kansai is famous for its sense of humor , something that cannot be said for her serious older sister.
In relation to the alternative culture and art, where tokyo has Shimokitazawa and some of the most well-known punk scenes, Osaka boasts the neighborhood of nakazakicho , or the better known area of Amemura (contraction of America and mura, or American people, although referring exclusively to the United States). Both are two of the most popular areas among young people in the city, and in both the underground scene is not insignificant.
Tokyo 3 – Osaka 3
VISITS NEAR THE CITY AND NATURE
Near Tokyo is Kamakura , a city full of temples that was also the capital of Japan in its day. This city surrounded by forests, is the perfect cure for big city stress. . Also, within a few hours by train, you can reach ** Mount Fuji from Tokyo **, the imposing sacred volcano. However, the visit to this stone giant can only be done for three months a year, so it is not always a viable option.
Within the Tokyo metropolitan area there are a considerable number of green areas for the enjoyment and relaxation of its inhabitants. The yoyogi park , mentioned earlier, witnesses all kinds of street art, especially during the weekend. In Ueno, another of the most important parks, although covered with cement in some areas, is where the most emblematic museums of the city are located. However, it is in the shinjuku park where the feeling of disconnection with the city is more palpable.
Nonetheless, Osaka wins when it comes to tours available near the city . Osaka is in the kansai area, region that for centuries was the most important in the country, and that preserves much of Japan's oldest history. to just a train ride from osaka , the visitor can reach Kyoto, Nara or Kobe , among others, all of them cities with an offer worthy of anyone who wants a bit of history. In addition, the Osaka area is surrounded by mountains , so going hiking on a day trip is very cheap and easy.
On the other hand, although smaller than those in Tokyo, Osaka also has noteworthy green areas . From the aforementioned park of the castle of Osaka, to the Nakanoshima , a park on the banks of the iodine river which, particularly in spring, with the cherry trees in full bloom, is an ideal space for a picnic or just a stroll.
To the north, half an hour by train from the center of Osaka, is the banpaku-koen, the park of the Commemoration of the Universal Exposition of Japan held in Osaka in 1970. Although entering the park costs about two euros, the stunning flora that covers it makes it an essential visit for nature lovers. In addition, inside is the tower of the sun , a mammoth monument that represents the "Tree of Life" and that today is, with full rights, one of the symbols of Osaka.
Tokyo 4 – Osaka 4
nara
GASTRONOMY AND NIGHTLIFE
As a cosmopolitan city, Tokyo offers food from all over the world . Although the Japanese is still the specialty of the Japanese capital, among its streets we can find delicatessen of all kinds, not in vain this metropolis has a not insignificant number of 160,000 restaurants, an amount that will whet the appetite of more than one.
However, it is true that, depending on the neighborhood, its price can be quite high, and quantities not always satisfactory . Among its unique gastronomic activities is the Tsukiji market hall , where the best tuna are auctioned. Attending the auction is very controlled today and tourists are less and less well received. Even so, going to the market, even if it is just to eat a plate of almost freshly caught sushi, is totally worth it.
For its part, Osaka is known for its passion for food , not in vain in Japan is known by the expression kuidaore ( ) , which literally means “eat until you are ruined by extravagance in food”. Osakans don't cut corners when it comes to food, they love it and are not shy about admitting it.
Although the number of chic restaurants is much less than in Tokyo, and most are located in the umeda area , the small bars and izakayas scattered throughout the city offer local food of exquisite quality and affordable prices. The drinks are also much more affordable, because where Tokyo likes to drink, Osaka makes it almost a lifestyle.
One of the best ways to enjoy the local atmosphere is in one of its many bars with the option of tattenomi **( ) **, What does it mean eat and drink standing up. These bars offer small plates of food that can be purchased alongside drinks, tapas-style. You cannot leave Osaka without having tried its signature dish, the takoyaki ( ), delicious octopus balls that are the perfect snack for the traveler who doesn't want to spend too much time eating.
As for nightlife, Tokyo, as in gastronomy, has a wide range of clubs and bars where you can party . There is no doubt that if you are looking to go out, there are hundreds of places to choose from in the city that never sleeps. However, the price is expensive and it is very difficult for one to stop feeling that he is a tourist in the city.
Osaka, on the other hand, offers a smaller number of clubs and bars, but in a Comparable quality and very affordable prices. Also, it is not uncommon to start the night as a tourist in this city, and end it with a few good shots of sake invited by any local with a desire to party, stories and new faces. On the other hand, the area of Dotonbori and Amemura They offer all kinds of bars just a few minutes' walk from each other, so you can change places just a few minutes' walk away. If we prefer a bottle, the sankaku koen Amemura (triangle square) is our best option. People of all kinds come together to drink in this small square in one of the hearts of Osaka.
Tokyo 5 – Osaka 5
SHOPPING
Tokyo has a number of stores in proportion to its size. There is almost nothing that cannot be found in this city, and the workers of the most central places seem to sleep as little as the city itself. Of course, as with food, the offer may be greater than that of Osaka, but so are the prices.
To this we must add that, for example, if we want to buy clothes in one of the shijuku, and then acquire figures of anime or manga in Akihabara, we will almost certainly have to take the train, so the price will continue to rise. Still, there is no doubt that Tokyo is a paradise for shopaholics and fashionistas.
Akihabara, shopping mecca
Osaka once again loses in size, but wins in comfort and prices. The namba area, particularly the covered shopping area of Dotonbori , offers a large number of stores in a small space and at much cheaper prices. In addition, just a few minutes walk from this area is Amemura, the alternative and youth neighborhood of Osaka . In it we can find all kinds of fashion and accessories stores, some of them authentic jewels for the passionate about clothes, especially second-hand.
Not too far from Namba too, but in the other direction, this Nippombashi, the Akihabara of Osaka, where, just like in the Tokyo neighborhood, you can buy anime merchandising to satisfy the otaku in you.
Tokyo 6 – Osaka 6
Nippombashi
TRANSPORT AND SIZE
Both Tokyo and Osaka are known for the quality of their means of transportation. Both cities have a extensive, clean and punctual network of trains and subways. In both, most of the lines are operated by the two most important transport companies in the country: the JR (company that was formed after the privatization of the **Compañía Ferroviaria Nacional)**, and the meter . Although, in total, the number of companies that run through both cities is much higher.
If we are presented with a map of transportation in Japan, particularly that of Tokyo, it will surely take our breath away: the number of intersecting lines is impressive. Now where Osaka has less than 3 million inhabitants , Tokyo has just over 13 million. A city as mammoth as Tokyo implies an equally large transport network. If we add to this that, normally, to get from one point to another in the city, we will have to transfer, often changing companies and, therefore, paying again, the price of movement skyrockets. In Osaka, with a much more affordable size, transfers can almost always be made with the same company, which lowers costs.
Going on foot, due to the safety of Japanese streets, is an option to consider in both cities. Nevertheless, the smaller dimensions of Osaka make this option much more plausible In this city. Something similar happens with bikes, which can be used freely in both places. Although Tokyo has a system of rental bikes On the part of the city council, the size of Osaka again plays in favor of the southern city, with shorter and more comfortable routes. In any case, we choose the city we choose, we must be very careful if we use the bike, because both pedestrians and cars are so used to not paying attention to what they do while walking , that accidents are not rare.
Tokyo 7 – Osaka 7
Bicycles in Osaka, a good way to get around the city
PEOPLE
The first thing that strikes you in Tokyo is the seriousness, good behavior and calm of its inhabitants. The internationally known image of Japan, with its subway cars where you can't hear a breath, long queues where no one complains, or huge street intersections where hundreds of people move in all directions without touching each other, comes from Tokyo.
However, although this harmony will impress the visitor, and although it is true that most of the inhabitants of the capital will offer their help in case the tourist needs it, this too makes Tokyoites more aloof and shy than their fellow southerners.
The inhabitants of Osaka they are, like the city in which they live, much more chaotic and noisy . They sometimes lack their older sister's calmness and seriousness, but on the other hand, Osakans have unique personalities and are not as afraid as Tokyoites to talk to anyone who crosses their path. In Osaka, it's not uncommon to make friends with locals, even if it's just for a few hours.
The people of Osaka love to socialize and, being comedy one of their strengths, with an Osakan the laughs are guaranteed, p ues sense of humor is the trademark of the house in this city. Osakans are welcoming and if you give them the chance they will make you feel like family thousands of miles from home, especially if accompanied by a good drink and some karaoke.
An advice, if you want to win the heart of an Osakan in a moment, tell him that you prefer Osaka over Tokyo. You will be able to see how his face shows the biggest of smiles and, probably, he will end up inviting you to something to celebrate.
Tokyo 7 – Osaka 8
Be that as it may, what cannot be denied is that, although they seem the same on the surface, they are actually very different places, but they are family. OR A Japanese friend once told me that Tokyo and Osaka hate each other. , but they are needed at the same time. Japan, in turn, needs them both, so why not visit them both? They won't let you down.
The people of Osaka, more calm and attentive