Osaka

Osaka is the second-largest city in Japan and is located in the center of the Kansai region. Osaka, together with its neighboring cities of Kyoto and Kobe, forms the Kinki (近畿) metropolitan area in western Japan. The people of Osaka are cheerful, optimistic and unconventional, a far cry from the stereotypical conservative image of the Japanese.

Magnificent Osaka Castle

The first-generation Osaka Castle was completed in 1583 under the supervision of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and was the largest in Japan at that time. Over the next century, Osaka Castle’s Tenshukaku (天守閣) tower was destroyed twice by war and lightning fire. The current, third-generation tower was rebuilt in 1931, and Osaka Castle Park, with the tower at its center, is the most popular tourist attraction in Osaka and is also known as a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in the city.

Osaka Castle Park

Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Castle

Osaka Castle Park is centered around Osaka Castle's Tensho-kaku Tower, and contains a number of Edo period buildings, including the Sengan Turret, Tamon Turret and Otemon Gate. Osaka Castle Park covers an area of about 100 hectares and boasts extensive greenery, cherry blossoms, peach gardens and plum trees, making it a picturesque park throughout the year.

Old and New Commercial Districts

Dotonbori is Osaka’s most popular shopping district, the streets on both sides of the Dotonbori River are crowded with all kinds of restaurants and shops. The runner billboard next to the Ebisu Bridge has been there since 1935, it has become a symbol of Dotonbori to this day, with many passers-by stopping to take pictures with it.

Dotonbori

Bustling Canal Commercial Streets

Dotonbori is the busiest district in Osaka, and the streets along the Dotonbori River are crowded with popular food and specialty shops of all kinds. The Ebisu Bridge and the giant Japanese Runner billboard are so popular that every visitor to the area stops to take a picture with it.

Tsutenkaku (通天閣) has been a city landmark for over 100 years, located in the southern part of Osaka. The Shinseikai (新世界, New World) shopping district at the foot of Tsutenkaku was the most prosperous area in the city, although it is not “new” anymore. There are still many restaurants in this area, and the deep-fried skewers (串カツ, Kushikatsu) here are irresistible.

Shinsekai / Tsutenkaku

Landmarks of a bygone era

Located in the southern part of Osaka, the Shinsekai commercial district is considered one of the city's landmarks, with a 103-meter-tall Tsutenkaku towering at its center. The streets of Shinsekai are still maintained in the same style as they were in the last century, and the restaurants in the district mainly serve local cuisine such as fried chicken skewers.

In recent years, Osaka has become one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations with the emergence of new business districts such as Osaka Umeda (梅田), Shin-Osaka (新大阪) and Namba (难波).

Osaka Station / Umeda Commercial District

The Nexus of Kanto

Umeda is located in the northern part of Osaka, where six stations, including Osaka Station, and dozens of rail lines intersect. The Umeda district is one of the core business districts in Osaka and is home to a number of major shopping complexes, including Osaka Station City, Hankyu Department Store, and Daimaru Department Store.

The Port of Osaka

The Port of Osaka is one of the five largest ports in Japan, and is divided into the North, Inner and South ports. The Port of Osaka is home to several famous sightseeing spots, including Osaka Aquarium (海遊館, Kaiyukan) and Universal Studios Japan, as well as a large commercial complex, the Tempozan Market Place.

Port Of Osaka

Harbor within Osaka Bay

The Port of Osaka is one of the five major ports in Japan and is divided into several areas, including the North Port, Inner Port, and South Port, which are connected by major bridges such as the Tempozan Bridge and Minato Bridge. The Port of Osaka is home to sightseeing facilities such as the Kaiyukan and Universal Studios Japan, as well as commercial centers such as the Tempozan Marketplace.

Osaka Aquarium / Kaiyukan

The Pacific Ocean in the Sink

Located in the Tempozan area of Osaka Port, the Kaiyukan is one of the largest aquariums in the world. The "Pacific Ocean" tank, which is 9 meters deep, houses marine lives including whale sharks.