Tokyo Vs Osaka: Why Are These Two In style Japanese Cities so Totally different — Cultures Defined

Standing on completely different sides of the escalator, completely different ramen broth, and even talking a unique language!?

Have you ever seen that folks in Osaka stand on the proper aspect of escalators, whereas the locals in Tokyo, stand on the left? NANI?? (What??) Why are these two cities so completely different, but solely a 2.5hr Shinkansen practice journey aside?

That apart, the 2 standard cities have many different variations so I made a decision to dig slightly deeper to grasp the “pleasant” rivalry between them.

Kanto vs Kansai (Tokyo vs Osaka)

First issues first, a short background earlier than we begin — Japan is split into eight completely different areas: Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kansai, Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Tokyo is throughout the Kanto area (East Japan), whereas Osaka is throughout the Kansai area (West Japan). Each areas are fairly completely different when it comes to tradition, language and even historic background!

Kanto is understood for its city panorama and modern know-how. I imply simply have a look at Tokyo, Japan’s capital metropolis and its largest! Tokyo can be thought-about the nation’s industrial, monetary, and industrial centre with its fashionable improvements.

Kansai, on the opposite finish (actually), is legendary for historic landmarks like Osaka Fort and its energetic tradition. No shock there because it was a gateway to worldwide commerce and commerce previously 👀

Well mannered and fast-paced vs loud and laidback

Whereas buying in Tokyo, I seen most store house owners in Tokyo would largely go away me alone to browse. Whereas in Osaka, they’re extra ahead in approaching me and making an attempt to promote their gadgets. When strolling alongside a road, I additionally seen that the locals in Osaka would attempt to chat with you to ask you to their restaurant to eat nevertheless it’s not widespread in Tokyo.

A few of my Japanese buddies talked about that many individuals from completely different elements of Japan come to Tokyo to check or discover a job so everyone seems to be virtually a stranger right here. They’re well mannered and cautious to not inconvenience or offend others to get higher alternatives. In comparison with Osaka, which has a historical past of being a service provider metropolis the place folks needed to discuss and entice prospects to purchase their merchandise!

That might clarify why Tokyoites are well mannered but do issues in a fast-paced method. Whereas Osakans are louder and extra laidback in nature.

Normal Japanese vs Osaka-ben

Again in 2019, I studied the Japanese language for a yr so I assumed that each one locals spoke commonplace Japanese which was extra well mannered. However once I travelled to Osaka, I didn’t anticipate to listen to a unique sort of language spoken! In comparison with the usual Japanese, the Osaka-ben (dialect) appeared extra informal — phrases are shortened and even the tone is livelier.

Listed below are some examples of the variations:

After some analysis, I discovered that this distinction in language may very well be because of Japan’s historical past! Within the Meiji period, the capital of Japan moved from Kyoto to Edo (now often called Tokyo). The Japanese administration at the moment needed to ascertain a regular language — the one we hear in Tokyo right this moment.

Nonetheless, the unique type of speech continued in Kyoto even after the capital was moved to Tokyo. And that’s why locations within the Kansai area like Kyoto and Osaka retain the extra informal Kansai-ben, whereby every metropolis has their very own variation of the dialect too!

Standing on completely different sides of the escalator

Picture credit score: NIKKEI

This was the very very first thing I seen when visiting Osaka for the primary time! In Tokyo, locals stand on the left aspect of the escalator whereas the proper aspect is for folks to cross by (similar to in Singapore). However in Osaka, it’s the precise reverse.

There are a few theories I discovered on-line, though I’m not tremendous positive if they’re true:

Picture credit score: @koichi.kato through Flickr

Idea #1 Since Tokyo was a metropolis of samurais, folks most popular to face on the left so they may draw their swords simply. Then again, Osaka was a metropolis of wealthy retailers, who most popular to be on the proper so they may shield their cash and valuables. 

Idea #2 In 1967, an extended escalator to the platform was put in at Hankyu Umeda Station. The Hankyu Railway then made an announcement encouraging folks to face on the proper aspect of the escalator. This was as a result of most individuals in Japan are right-handed and would naturally maintain on to the handrails with their dominant hand!

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Idea #3 The World Expo was held in Osaka in 1970 — the place folks from all around the world gathered to showcase their newest improvements in know-how, design and structure. Since most worldwide visitors stood on the proper of the escalators again residence (e.g in America and London), the locals in Osaka adopted as properly.

What do you suppose? Do you could have another theories? Tell us within the feedback! Regardless, it’s finest to do because the locals do, irrespective of which a part of Japan you’re in 😉

Ramen broth: Richer and darker vs Saltier and lighter

Are you able to guess which ramen is from Tokyo/Osaka? Picture credit score (from left to proper): @nakashi and @Hideki iiiiiiiiiii through Flickr

Admittedly, I haven’t seen this earlier than as a result of I used to be too busy consuming 😅 however apparently, the ramen broth in Tokyo is definitely a lot darker and extra flavourful than in Osaka!

It’s mentioned that in Tokyo, the soup broth is constituted of a mix of katsuo-dashi (inventory made with bonito fish flakes) and koikuchi (darkish soy sauce). Whereas in Osaka, it’s made with kombu-dashi (inventory primarily based on seaweed) and utsukuchi (mild soy sauce).

The reasoning? Soba noodles appear to be extra standard within the Kanto area and go properly with darker broth. Whereas udon is extra generally eaten within the Kansai area and is often paired with a lighter broth.

Monjayaki vs Okonomiyaki

Picture credit score (from left to proper): @nathan0525 and @Kanesue through Flickr

Though they might look comparable and have a “yaki” on the again, these two dishes style fairly completely different! Monjayaki (Tokyo) and Okonomiyaki (Osaka) are each Japanese-style pancakes, besides that the previous makes use of a particular runny dashi batter whereas the latter makes use of eggs and flour.

Personally, I choose okonomiyaki as a result of it’s crispier and thicker, plus it’s often topped with mayo and a candy and savoury sauce 😋 The monjayaki feels slightly stickier and slimier, and doesn’t actually maintain its form.

Picture credit score: Daniel Hooper through Unsplash

For those who haven’t had both, I’d advocate making an attempt each although! The enjoyable half is having the ability to cook dinner it your self, it’s the identical directions for each — stir-fry your substances (cabbage, seafood, meat and many others), make a gap within the centre and pour the batter in, fold within the batter along with the substances, and fry it for an excellent 5 minutes. There’s an additional step for okonomiyaki, flip it over and fry it for a couple of minutes extra. Then itadakimasu~

Most eating places in Tokyo and Osaka would offer you a easy information on the right way to cook dinner the dish however you’ll be able to all the time ask the employees for assist if you happen to can’t cook dinner to avoid wasting your life (like me) 😂

So…. Tokyo vs Osaka? Which is healthier to go to?

I’m a metropolis lady by and thru so if I’d have to choose, Tokyo is the one for me. In all places is well-connected, there are many locations to buy, and I truly like that individuals are form of distant (I’ve a low social battery oops). To not point out, the happiest place on earth AKA Tokyo Disneyland, is there too!

Nonetheless, if you happen to’re extra into the energetic environment and a slower tempo of life, I’d advocate Osaka! The folks there are tremendous pleasant and would most likely begin a convo with you even when they simply met you. Osaka can be nice for foodies — go to Dotonbori and also you’ll discover varied kinds of road snacks like takoyaki, dango, and okonomiyaki to feast on.

Due to their wealthy historical past, each Tokyo and Osaka have their very own distinctive experiences and points of interest that make them particular! So try a few of our guides and itineraries to see what every has to supply 😉

Tokyo:
– 8-Day Tokyo to Osaka Japan Itinerary For First Timers Below S$690
– How one can Expertise Ghibli Magic in Tokyo — a Miyazaki-inspired Journey
– 4D3N Non-Touristy Tokyo Itinerary — New Issues to Do in Japan
– 7D6N Japan Itinerary Below S$1.5k — Highway Journey from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji and Past

Osaka:
– 13 Finest Issues to Do in Osaka — New and Should-visit Points of interest
– 7D Japan Itinerary Below S$1.3k — Osaka and Different Epic Cities within the Kansai Area
– 16 Should-Eat Meals in Osaka and Kyoto
– Osaka Funds Information – Journey for below $70 a day together with lodging

This text is a part of a collection the place we uncover and honour the cultural variations of communities all around the world. What different cultures would you prefer to know extra about? Tell us within the feedback under.

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