I spent a few months living in Tokyo and Osaka. Both were great, but I definitely have a favorite city.

I've loved exploring all of Japan, but Osaka stole my heart.

Alessa Hickman

When I moved to Japan about six months ago, I had one big goal: to see as much of the country as possible by living in several places.I'd visited Japan once before in 2024, but I knew that living here would feel completely different from traveling for under two weeks. I wanted to get a true sense of what day-to-day life in different Japanese cities would be like.I knew I wanted to start off in Tokyo. I had spent the most time there during my first trip to Japan, so it already felt a bit familiar.Plus, it was also easier and cheaper to fly into from Canada, and it felt like every time I opened social media, there was another viral food spot, neighborhood, or fun activity to check out.I spent over two months in Tokyo before moving to Osaka three months ago. I really love both cities, but Osaka has quickly become my favorite place to live.Tokyo felt exciting, energetic, and constantly busy

There's always something to do in Tokyo.

Alessa Hickman