[Latest Survey] Top 10 cities in Osaka you don't want to live in
We present a ranking of cities in Osaka Prefecture that people say they "don't want to live in," based on the opinions of local residents, public safety data, living environment, etc. Selection criteria include high crime rates, noise and crowds, poor transportation access, and local atmosphere.
In this chapter, we will take a closer look at the top 10 areas with the most negative impressions, updated for 2025, and explain in detail the characteristics of each area and why they are difficult to live in.
If you are considering moving to Osaka, please use this as a reference when choosing a city.
No. 1: Nishinari Ward | People are reluctant to live in the area due to its poor security and unique atmosphere
Nishinari Ward in Osaka is often named as the "city people most don't want to live in." Many people express concerns about public safety due to the large number of day laborers, the presence of homeless people, and the influence of the entertainment district, Tobita Shinchi.
The entire town has a unique atmosphere that can be intimidating for first-time visitors. In fact, the area has been improving with recent redevelopment, but the negative image remains strong and people tend to avoid it as a living environment.
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No. 2: Namba | Noisy entertainment district and security concerns
Although Namba is in the center of Osaka, it is home to a large entertainment district packed with adult entertainment establishments and pachinko parlors, and many people feel uneasy about the safety of the area. There are many drunk customers and touts, especially at night, and many people say that the area is not suitable for people looking for a quiet life.
Additionally, as it is a famous tourist destination, there are concerns about constant crowds, noise levels, and a worsening living environment. Another negative point is the high average rent.
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3rd place: Kishiwada City | Danjiri culture and public safety
Kishiwada City is known nationwide for its Danjiri Festival, but its lively atmosphere can also make it difficult to live in. In addition to the noise and crowds during the festival, many people who move here feel that the unique atmosphere and culture of the area do not suit them.
The area has a strong reputation for being unsafe, and some people feel uneasy about the group activities of young people and the disturbances they cause at night. This is an area where you need to be prepared to blend in with the local community.
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No. 4: Tsuruhashi | Congestion around the station and high proportion of foreigners
Tsuruhashi is a popular tourist destination known as Koreatown, but its reputation as a place to live is divided. The area around the station is always crowded with people, making it unsuitable for those seeking a quiet living environment.
Additionally, there are many foreign residents, and some are confused by the unique culture and language differences. Some also complain about the smells from restaurants and markets, and the overall "cluttered" impression is a reason why people are reluctant to live in the area.
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No. 5: Juso | Entertainment districts and flood risk are concerns
Juso is close to Umeda and has good transportation access, but it also has a strong entertainment district with many brothels and izakayas, which makes some residents feel uneasy about the safety of the area. There are also many drunk customers and other troubles at night, and some say it is not suitable for women living alone.
Because the area is located along the Yodo River, there is a risk of flooding, and concerns about flooding caused by recent torrential rains are also one of the reasons why the area is difficult to live in.
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No. 6: Tennoji | Crowds and heavy traffic can be exhausting
Tennoji is undergoing redevelopment and the number of large commercial facilities is increasing, but this has led to a constant feeling of congestion due to the high volume of people coming and going. There is also a lot of traffic, and many people complain about noise and exhaust fumes.
Additionally, due to its proximity to the Nishinari area, there are some people who feel uneasy about the safety of the area. Although it is highly convenient, it is an area that is difficult to live in for those seeking a quiet lifestyle.
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No. 7: Sakai City | Stress from transportation access and railroad crossings
Sakai City has a relatively calm atmosphere compared to Osaka City, but many people find the long wait times at train crossings and the stress of commuting to work or school very high.
In addition, depending on the area, access to public transportation is poor, making life in the area inconvenient without a car. Some say that the security situation there is as bad as that of Osaka City, and contrary to its image as a suburban relocation destination, it can be difficult to live there.
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No. 8: Umeda | Convenience belies crowds and high rents
Umeda, the center of Osaka, is extremely convenient for transportation and shopping, but one drawback is the chronic crowds. The congestion is particularly intense during rush hour, when people commute to and from work, and can be mentally exhausting.
The area is densely populated with commercial areas, so it is not exactly safe, and some people complain about the noise at night. Average rents are also high even within Osaka City, and many people find it difficult to live there in terms of value for money.
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9th place: Kitatatsumi | Security and noise pollution are issues
Although Kitatatsumi is a residential area, it is often criticized for its poor public safety. There are noisy roads around the nearby station, and some people complain about the noise of cars and late-night noise. There are many foreign residents, and although the area is diverse, some people feel a sense of distance from the local community.
Additionally, the fact that the surrounding infrastructure and shopping environment remain outdated is also cited as a negative point by young people and those raising children.
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No. 10: Kyobashi | The hotel district and the large number of drunk customers are disadvantages
While Kyobashi is known for its convenient transportation, it is also close to the entertainment district and love hotels around the station, and many people worry about the safety of the area at night. With many drunk and noisy people, it is considered an unsuitable area for those seeking a quiet living environment.
There are areas north of the station where many homeless people can be seen, so careful consideration is needed for women living alone. The gap between convenience and living environment is an issue.
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Commonalities between Osaka's cities that people say they "don't want to live in"
Cities in Osaka Prefecture that are considered "difficult to live in" share several common characteristics. These include poor public safety, noisy downtown areas, inconvenient transportation, and unique local cultures and customs. These factors are important considerations when choosing where to move.
Here, we will take a closer look at four common points among cities in Osaka that people say they don't want to live in, and explore the trends in areas where people are more likely to feel uneasy about their living environment.
① There is an impression that the area is unsafe or unsafe.
"Poor public safety" is one of the biggest reasons why Osaka is named as a city people don't want to live in. In addition to the actual number of crimes, past image and impressions from media coverage also have an impact. Areas with a high rate of nighttime trouble and suspicious people tend to be avoided by single people and families with children.
For those seeking a safe and secure living environment, checking public safety information in advance is an important point when choosing a city.
②There are concerns about the living environment due to the proximity of downtown and entertainment districts.
There are many lively entertainment districts in central Osaka, but they can also be less comfortable to live in. In areas surrounding entertainment districts, problems with drunk people, late-night noise, and garbage can all contribute to a lower quality of life.
This is especially stressful for families and those seeking a quiet environment. Since convenience tends to come at the expense of peace and quiet, careful consideration is required.
3) There are issues with transportation access and convenience of living.
In areas a little outside of Osaka city or in the suburbs, poor transportation access can be a factor that makes people feel like they don't want to live there. Infrequent trains, inconvenient transfers, long waits at railroad crossings, and other inconveniences in daily life can directly lead to stress.
Additionally, areas with few supermarkets and hospitals can be inconvenient, which is a major drawback for people who don't own a car. Convenience is an important factor that affects life satisfaction.
4) Some people feel that the unique culture and customs don't suit them.
Each region in Osaka has its own deeply rooted culture and festivals, which can be hard for people from outside to fit in. For example, some immigrants feel that the Kishiwada City Danjiri Festival and the close-knit relationships within the community "don't suit them."
Local characteristics, such as the strong dialect and closeness between residents, can be a barrier. Determining your compatibility with the charm of the local culture is the key to determining how comfortable you will be to live there.
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Are there any good points to a city that is difficult to live in?
Even in Osaka, a city that is often considered "unwelcome to live in," not everything is necessarily bad. Some areas are highly rated for their easy access, abundance of commercial facilities, and unique culture and history. Everyone has different values when it comes to living, and what some people find difficult to live in may be seen as an advantage by others.
In this chapter, we will focus on the "good aspects" hidden in areas that are generally avoided, and rediscover the charm of the city.
Transportation is convenient
Even in areas that many people consider difficult to live in, there are many places with good transportation access. For example, major train lines converge in downtown areas such as Umeda, Namba, and Tennoji, making them very convenient for commuting to work or school and for shopping.
In addition, the last trains run until late, so you won't have any trouble getting around at night. People tend to avoid this area due to the crowds and safety concerns, but it is a great advantage for those who value good transportation access, such as being close to the station and having easy transfers.
Good dining and shopping environment
In areas close to entertainment districts and downtown areas, there are plenty of convenience stores, supermarkets, and restaurants to choose from. In areas like Namba, Tsuruhashi, and Juso, many stores are open 24 hours a day, so being able to shop and eat out even late at night is a major advantage.
With large commercial facilities, markets, and specialty shopping areas, this area is a great place to live for people who prioritize cost of living and convenience. It's also an area where daily shopping and eating out are fun.
The charm of the local ties and historical background
In cities with unique images, such as Nishinari Ward and Kishiwada City, local residents have strong ties with each other and a culture full of traditional human warmth is deeply rooted. Local events and traditional festivals are part of everyday life, and even people from outside can develop warm relationships if they get involved.
There are also areas with many historic streets and cultural assets, making them highly valuable as tourist destinations. Even if a town seems unlivable at first glance, the more you get to know it, the more attractive it becomes.
5 recommended areas to live in Osaka [Comparison]
While there are "towns you don't want to live in" in Osaka Prefecture, there are also many "easy-to-live-in towns" with excellent public safety, accessibility, and convenience. We will introduce carefully selected areas that are particularly popular with a wide range of people, including families, women living alone, and people being transferred for work, based on factors such as public safety, educational environment, transportation, and living environment.
We have selected a balanced selection of locations both within and outside Osaka City, including Suita City, Toyonaka City, and Fukushima Ward. If you are having trouble choosing a city, please use this as a reference.
Suita City | Stable public safety and educational environment
Suita City is one of Osaka Prefecture's safest cities, and is highly popular among families with children. It has a wide range of educational facilities, and its public schools have an excellent reputation. It's also blessed with abundant nature, with parks like Ryokuchi Park and Expo Commemoration Park, making it the perfect living environment for families.
There are supermarkets, hospitals, and public facilities around the station, making it a very convenient place to live. It also has good access to Osaka city, and is just 20 minutes from Umeda, making it a convenient area for commuting.
Fukushima Ward | A good balance of accessibility and living environment
Fukushima Ward, Osaka City, is an extremely convenient area located just west of Umeda. With multiple train lines running through it, it's convenient for commuting to work or school, and the area around the station has undergone redevelopment, resulting in a well-organized streetscape. The area is also relatively safe, making it a great choice for women living alone. Another attractive feature is the abundance of stylish restaurants and cafes that add color to your life.
Fukushima Ward is close to urban areas, but is home to many quiet residential areas and is highly rated for its ease of living.
Toyonaka City | A relaxing atmosphere surrounded by greenery and residential areas
Toyonaka City is located in the northern part of Osaka, where nature and urban functions coexist in harmony. It is home to quiet residential areas and a safe environment. Popular stations such as Senri Chuo and Okamachi are located nearby, and the area is easily accessible by subway and monorail.
There are many parks and green spaces, and the area is being developed to be safe for families with children. There are also medical and educational facilities nearby, making this an especially recommended area for those who value the quality of their living environment.
Esaka | Convenience and safety combined
Esaka is a highly convenient residential area located on the border between Osaka City and Suita City. With easy access to Umeda and Namba via the Midosuji Subway Line, it is popular with business people commuting to the city center.
There are supermarkets, cafes, gyms, and clinics around the station, and all the facilities you need for daily life are compactly located. The area is also safe and popular with a wide range of people, from single people to families.
Honmachi | A business district yet an easy-to-live-in area
Honmachi is an office district located in the center of Osaka City, but in recent years, condominium development has progressed and it has become increasingly popular as a residential area. Multiple subway lines, including the Midosuji Line and Chuo Line, intersect here, making it extremely accessible to anywhere you want to go.
There are plenty of convenience stores, restaurants, drugstores, etc. nearby, so you won't have any trouble with daily life. This area is recommended for those who want to enjoy city life but also want a quiet and peaceful living environment.
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Checkpoints to avoid mistakes when choosing a home in Osaka
To find your ideal home in Osaka, it's important not to judge only by rent and layout, but also to check everything from other aspects, including the surrounding area, public safety, and transportation access. Especially in urban areas, there are many neighborhoods where the atmosphere changes dramatically between day and night, and neglecting to check the area and gather information can lead to regrets, such as "this isn't what I expected."
In this chapter, we will introduce three points you should keep in mind to ensure you don't make a mistake when choosing a home in Osaka.
Check out the atmosphere day and night
The impression of Osaka's downtown and surrounding areas can change dramatically between day and night. What may appear to be a quiet residential area during the daytime can become bustling with bars and entertainment districts at night, bringing with it an increase in drunk customers and noise levels.
When viewing a property, it is best to visit both during the day and at night to check the safety, noise levels, whether there are streetlights, foot traffic, etc. For women living alone or families with children, the feeling of security at night has a major impact on how easy it is to live there.
Check the safety of your neighborhood with crime prevention maps and reviews
The crime rate map published by the Osaka Prefectural Police and public safety information from local governments are great resources when choosing a place to live. In addition, reviews from people who actually live there, information from message boards and social media, etc. are also useful for understanding the real living environment.
Even if an area looks nice, there are areas where snatch thefts and noise problems are common, so be sure to check the security situation from multiple sources. Checking before signing a rental contract will reduce the risk of regretting your decision.
Know your commute route and travel time in advance
The comfort of living in an area is greatly influenced by the smoothness of daily life routes. It is important to simulate in advance the travel time to your workplace or school, the number of transfers required, and the level of congestion.
Osaka's railway system is complex, and travel times can be long even within the city. It's a good idea to check the congestion during the morning rush hour. Reducing travel stress directly contributes to daily comfort.
Summary: What is the truly livable city of Osaka, as seen from the perspective of "a city you don't want to live in"?
While areas that are considered "unwanted places to live in in Osaka Prefecture" have issues such as safety, noise, and cultural gaps, they also have advantages such as good transportation access and convenience. By taking these negative opinions into consideration, it becomes clear what you should prioritize instead.
By prioritizing safety, ease of living, and compatibility with the local area, you can find a city that truly suits you and is easy to live in. When choosing a home, carefully considering your options without compromising is the first step to avoiding regrets.
