Moving to Higashi Osaka

Hello
I am thinking of moving to Osaka from Australia for my husbands work with our three children who are 2, 4 and 5 years old.

What is it like there?
Is it ugly or beautiful?
What can I expect when moving there as far as living conditions (would we be able to live in a house?)

Some other areas I have read how there are lovely walking trails, or nice beaches etc but I havent found much information about Osaka.

How far is it to Kobe by train or car?

I know that Kobe is a man made area and that is why when the earthquake struck there it was so devastating. It Osaka on man made land?

Any infomation about moving to Osaka would eb appreciated.

Thanks
Caz

Konnichiwa Cazaust-san!
My name is Nangi. I live in Hyogo that is next prefecture of Osaka, and I have lived in Osaka in the past. I reply your question as much as possible.

What is it like there?

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Osaka is the second city in Japan. Of course the biggest city is Tokyo. Osaka is the first capital city at ancient times and there is a lot of old temples.
There is an international airport, Shinkansen(special express) station, many railroad and subway stations. Osaka's traffic is very conveniently.
There is a lot of warmhearted people. But most of all people has curiosity and impertinent. Japanese are very well mannered but Osaka people is the worst ill mannered.
Australia consulate is in Osaka.
http://www.consular.australia.or.jp/osaka/

Is it ugly or beautiful?

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Ugly and Beautiful. The center of city is a street lined with office buildings and is a beautiful(and safe) place. The periphery of middle city is the shopping area and is not beautiful(and not safe) place. Some of shopping area is very ugly and dangerous. Japan is very peaceful country but there is a lot of larcenist in Osaka.

Some other areas I have read how there are lovely walking trails, or nice beaches etc but I havent found much information about Osaka.

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There is not a beache in Osaka city because the coast of Osaka is factory district.

How far is it to Kobe by train or car?

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Kobe is about 50 minutes from Higashi Osaka by train. I think 30 minutes by car.

I know that Kobe is a man made area and that is why when the earthquake struck there it was so devastating. It Osaka on man made land?

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The west area is a man made land.
NANGI

cazaust said:

Some other areas I have read how there are lovely walking trails, or nice beaches etc but I havent found much information about Osaka.

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Not to far away from Osaka you've got some nice beaches... you should take the train though for about 1.5 / 2 hours...

The most famous beach is probably Shirahama, which is east of Osaka and it will take about 2 hours with the train from Shin-Osaka.


Another beach, is Suma-Beach West of Kobe... From Jr-Osaka it will take about 50 minutes with the rapid train.

There are also a lot of beaches in Mie-ken East of Osaka (also 2.5 hours by train) and Lake Shiga 1.5hour from Osaka... If you love the beach, I think Okinawa, or Miyazaki ken would be better. LoL.