Osaka

Considering its size and popularity as a tourist destination, accommodation in Osaka was remarkably better value than in Tokyo. Like most cities in Japan, hotels are your best bet, but Airbnb offered more options than smaller cities. It looked like you should be able to get a decent flat for around $1,000 for a month on Airbnb which appeared impossible in Tokyo.

I spent 7 nights at the recently renovated Super Hotel Osaka, a short walk from Awaza metro station. While there's nothing of interest in the immediate vicinity, it's within easy walking distance of the hubs of Umeda and Namba.

I'd wholeheartedly recommend it for a couple of reasons:

1. /It has an excellent Japanese onsen (thermal bath) in the basement floor, with segregated spaces for men and women including hot springs, cold plunges and a sauna. It's open until 1 AM, so there's plenty of time to use it after work, providing the perfect antidote for long days of exploring the city on foot.
2. It offers exceptional value at £45 per night, ticking many boxes with a room, spa access and a working environment on the ground floor.

Finding a suitable workspace in Osaka is painless. WeWork has three locations in the city, and there are numerous domestic coworking operators spread across all the major hubs.

Prices for day-to-day expenses were on par with cities across the rest of the country. Accommodation felt particularly good value considering its status as a big tourist draw compared to Tokyo.

Osaka felt just as energetic and vibrant as Tokyo, with a similar population density in its centre and an equally strong appeal for tourists. A world-class mix of restaurants, nightlife, and cultural attractions makes it undoubtedly a key addition to your itinerary.