I love Osaka. It feels alive. Street food, neon signs, and loud laughter in tiny bars. Most travellers enjoy the casual vibe here. Locals joke a lot. Food is the main thing. Takoyaki and okonomiyaki every night can get addictive.
The weather gets hot and sticky in summer and mild in winter. Rain shows up in June. For some, this will be amazing because you can enjoy indoor cafes and museums.
Cost of living is friendlier than Tokyo. Not super cheap but good value. Internet is fast. I found plenty of cafes with solid Wi Fi and several coworking spots that are quiet and bright.
Things to do are endless. Osaka Castle, river walks, day trips to Kyoto and Nara. I read online about a weekend group that meets for a run by the river then works from a cafe. Community feels easy. Expats, students and nomads mix. Arguably not the best if you want complete silence, but it is a great base for exploring Japan.