Photo by Francois Hoang on Unsplash

We’re receiving a lot of questions about Devcon and OFFDevcon, Osaka, Japan, and everything else that’s going on. We tried to capture everything here, but perhaps we missed something or got something wrong. Comment on this post below and we’ll do our best to add more information.

Where is Devcon V and how do I get there?

The fifth edition of Devcon will be held in Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city.

Venue: ATC Hall 2 Chrome 1–10 Nankokita, Suminoe Ward, Osaka.

The best way to get there is by Metro. Reach either of the nearest Metro stations on the New Tram Line — Trade Center Mae Station or the Nakafuto Station, both at about 4 minutes walking distance from the venue.

Also, you can always take a taxi or bus.

What else is there to do before/during/after Devcon?

All events happening outside of Devcon are part of OFFDevcon, which roughly extends from October 1 till October 15. Of course this depends on when exactly the community decides to host events, but last year we saw some workshops and hackathons starting as early as a week before Devcon.

We’re keeping an eye on what’s going on our website (there’s also a calendar view and a spreadsheet), our Telegram Community, and we have an announcement channel if you prefer to mute the community chat. If you’re hosting an event we’d be happy to list it.

Some of the events that are happening

Building the New Web — Osaka Edition by The Innovation Department

About: Technical showcases from leaders/CTOs of different projects, Q&A session, one-on-one and socializing opportunities.

Technical showcases from leaders/CTOs of different projects, Q&A session, one-on-one and socializing opportunities. Location: TBD

TBD Date: October 6

October 6 Entry Fee: Free

Kick-off Karaoke Pub Crawl by the OFFDevcon community

About: The Devcon 5 kick-off pub crawl to enjoy some of Osaka’s authentic nightlife and meet a bunch of blockchain enthusiasts!

The Devcon 5 kick-off pub crawl to enjoy some of Osaka’s authentic nightlife and meet a bunch of blockchain enthusiasts! Location: Somewhere in Dotonbori

Somewhere in Dotonbori Date: October 7

October 7 Entry Fee: Free

ENS Workshop by ENS

About: Workshop to discuss the current state and future of ENS (Ethereum Name Service)

Workshop to discuss the current state and future of ENS (Ethereum Name Service) Location: TBD

TBD Date & Time: October 7, 10am-6pm

October 7, 10am-6pm Entry Fee: Free

Note: You need to submit an application and get approved as this is not for beginners

Where are the online communities?

There are a lot of online communities somewhat or completely focused on Devcon Osaka.

Photo by Wai Austin on Unsplash

Where can I stay in Osaka?

There are lots of places available, however, these two hotels at Osaka Bay area are at walking distance from ATC hall:

Hyatt Regency Osaka

Quintessa Hotel Osaka Bay

For affordability, opt for Airbnb available throughout Osaka. Most of the events will be in the centre, so it’s probably worthwhile looking for a place there.

We wrote another guide about where to stay, check out the full article here.

How do I move through the city?

Osaka is very well connected through its public transports. Use passes/prepaid cards to avail unlimited rides.

Metro: Osaka’s excellent and efficient metro service is also the cheapest method to travel

Osaka’s excellent and efficient metro service is also the cheapest method to travel Train: Japan Railways and private firms operated train service greatly complement the Metro extending the reach and it’s equally cheap.

Japan Railways and private firms operated train service greatly complement the Metro extending the reach and it’s equally cheap. Bus: Your go-anywhere transport in the city

Your go-anywhere transport in the city Taxi: Your wherever-and-whenever transport, only if the cost isn’t an issue. There is no Uber or Lyft but other alternatives exist.

For more information, check out our full article on how to get around in Osaka.

What kind of Electric Plugs do they use there?

In Osaka, Type A (two pins) and Type B (three pins) plugs/sockets are used.

Keep an adapter/convertor with you.

Plugs Type A and Type B

How to get mobile internet?

You have four options for mobile internet. We’ll take you through them.

Buy a prepaid data-only SIM card

Rent pocket wifi

Buy a prepaid voice/data SIM

Access public wifi

Data-only SIM

There are different types of SIMs available, but a popular one is IIJmio Japan Travel SIM. Configuring the APN settings is pretty easy.

Requirements

An unlocked mobile

Your tourist visa

Where to get it

Any Yodobashi Camera shops, eg. Yodobashi Camera Umeda Store just outside the north-central gate of JR Osaka Station.

From Klook.com and collect from a dedicated booth at Kansai International Airport upon arrival.

Plans

IIJmio offers two plans:

1GB/30 day at ¥2650

2GB/3 month ¥4090

Renting Pocket Wifi

Pick this one if you need unlimited data and want to share with others.

Where to get it

From Klook.com and get delivered it to your hotel or the nearest post office for you to collect

Requirements

Locked mobile

Plans

There are several providers, a popular one is Rentafone Japan.

Only pocket wifi: ¥5900 for one week, then ¥300/day

With a mobile: ¥3900 for one week, then ¥300/day

Voice/Data card

A prepaid voice-data SIM, then opt for the B-Mobile PayG Sim.

Where to get it

Purchase online or from Yodobashi Camera Stores.

Requirements

To activate, you need to upload your passport photo and visa page. You may need an address proof as well.

Plans

Domestic and international calls of 60 minutes and 3G data for ¥9980 for one week.

Public Wifi

You simply need a SIM card to access public wifi.

Photo by Prashant Khanchandani on Unsplash

Do you need to tip in Osaka?

Tipping is not customary in Osaka just like the rest of Japan and likely to get refused. So don’t tip, just say “Arigato” (thank you) for the service. However, guides may or may not refuse.

What is the best food in Osaka?

Osaka is known for its delicious street foods. Osaka is famous for these three:

Takoyaki — Pieces of octopus in pancake batter balls with dry fish flakes, mayo, sauce, etc. Try at any Takoyaki Wanaka branches or Osaka Takoyaki Museum.

— Pieces of octopus in pancake batter balls with dry fish flakes, mayo, sauce, etc. Try at any Takoyaki Wanaka branches or Osaka Takoyaki Museum. Okonomiyaki — A thick savory pancake filled with vegetables/meat/seafood etc. Try at Okonomiyaki Kiji, Oyodonaka or Ajinoya Okonomiyaki.

A thick savory pancake filled with vegetables/meat/seafood etc. Try at Okonomiyaki Kiji, Oyodonaka or Ajinoya Okonomiyaki. Kushikatsu — Deep-fried breaded meat, seafood, and vegetables on a skewer in a stick served with sauce. Try at Kushikatsu Daruma and the Shinsekai area.

Is the tap water in Osaka drinkable?

Absolutely YES as Osaka is very stringent on drinking water quality. If it’s not drinkable, there will be a signboard.

The local “Waterworks Bureau” publishes monthly water quality data to ensure water safety. You can check this article.

Are there any unsafe areas in Osaka?

Osaka is a safe city, rated 81% safe by Safeguard.com. However, as with any other metro city, there are a few areas you should either avoid or be cautious while traveling.

You should be wise to avoid the following areas:

Kamagasaki: Japanese slum area — full of scammers, crooks, homeless, and day-labors. Local criminal groups have offices here.

Tobita Shinchi: The largest infamous brothel area in Japan where drink-spiking is common.

Shinsekai: Sporting a carnival-like ambiance, this area attracts a high volume of pickpockets.

Tsūtenkaku: Locating at the center of the Shinsekai district, always be alert in this area.

Osaka Castle: Being a famous landmark, take general precaution.

Keep in mind

Avoid the drunks and homeless people in the Kamagasaki area and especially in bar areas like Kita-Shginchi, Dotombori, Sonezaki in Osaka, along the Takase River in Kyoto.

Avoid these areas in Osaka at night for mugging or kidnapping — Airin district, around Oginochaya, south of Shin-Imamiya and Tennoji, the south-eastern area of Kyoto Station around Higashi-Kujo.

Beware of pickpocketing in crowded places like tourist spots and public transports.

Better for women to avoid walking alone in empty areas at night.

What will the weather be in Osaka?

Osaka’s weather is mild. October is fall-time so the days will be sunny and warm with cool evenings. Expect temperature within a range of 15–23°C (59–74 Fahrenheit).

Do people speak English?

Though guides usually do, general public not-so-much to none-at-all.

Expect single words or short phrases and gestures.

Use Google translator

Usually, people are patient enough to help.

Remember, you’re visiting another place and people don’t always speak your first (or second) language. With the right attitude, technology, and non-verbal communication this is easy to overcome though.

This story was based on a series of articles by Genny Marcoux who was very helpful guiding people through Devcon4 last year.

OFFDevcon Osaka (also sometimes referred to as Osaka Blockchain Week) is a community initiative and includes all events happening outside of Ethereum Devcon 5: events, workshops, hackathons, parties, meetups, and more. This year around 80 community events are expected to be organised between October 1 and October 15. Join the community here.