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Japan
China
Area Comparison
Osaka is 28.2x smaller than Shanghai
Population Comparison
Osaka has 9.0x fewer people than Shanghai
Yes — Shanghai is 28.2x larger than Osaka by area. Shanghai spans 6,341 km² (2,448 mi²) while Osaka covers 225 km² (87 mi²) — a difference of 6,116 km². You could fit Osaka inside Shanghai approximately 28 times.
To put Osaka's size in perspective, its area of 225 km² is roughly the same size as Amsterdam. Meanwhile, Shanghai at 6,341 km² is about 1.5x the size of Los Angeles metro.
Japan's third-largest city and a culinary capital. Known as "The Kitchen of Japan", Osaka covers 225 km² with a population of 2.8 million. The city was established in 645. Osaka is known for Osaka Castle, Dotonbori district, Street food culture, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the Osaka Metro.
Osaka residents spend more on food per capita than any other city in Japan
China's largest city and a global financial hub. Nicknamed "The Pearl of the Orient", Shanghai has an area of 6,341 km² and is home to 24.9 million people. The city dates back to 1291. Visitors come for The Bund waterfront, Pudong skyline, Yuyuan Garden, and much more. Getting around is easy with the Shanghai Metro.
Shanghai's Maglev train reaches 431 km/h, the fastest commercial train in the world
Looking beyond city limits, the Osaka metropolitan area covers 13,228 km², which is 2.1x larger than greater Shanghai at 6,341 km². The Shanghai metro area is also more populous, with 28.5 million people compared to 19.3 million.
Osaka has a population density of 12,222 people per km² — an extremely dense urban environment. Shanghai, with 3,922 people per km², is a moderately dense city. Osaka is dramatically more crowded, with 3.1x the population density.
Both cities are in Asia, but they represent different national approaches to urban development. Osaka (Japan) and Shanghai (China) offer a fascinating regional contrast.
Both cities share a humid subtropical climate, though local geography creates distinct microclimates in each.
Size Ratio
Osaka fits inside Shanghai ~28 times
Density Gap
Osaka is 3.1x more densely populated
History
Osaka is ~646 years older
The straight-line distance from Osaka to Shanghai is 1,363 km (847 miles), with an estimated flight time of ~2h 6m. See full distance details, including timezone difference and city facts.
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