Osaka

What to know

Osaka (大阪, Ōsaka) is Japan's second-largest metropolitan area after Tokyo. For centuries, it has been the economic powerhouse of the Kansai region. Originally known as Naniwa, Osaka served as Japan's first known capital before the Nara Period, when the capital moved with each new emperor.

In the 16th century, Toyotomi Hideyoshi chose Osaka as the site for his castle, and the city might have become Japan's political capital if Tokugawa Ieyasu had not ended the Toyotomi line after Hideyoshi's death and established his government in distant Edo (Tokyo).

Activities and attractions

Universal Studios JapanPopular theme park at Osaka’s waterfrontMinami (Namba)Southern downtown of OsakaOsaka Aquarium KaiyukanOne of Japan’s most impressive aquariumsTenjin Festival (Tenjin Matsuri)Popular summer festival with fireworksOsaka Castle (Osakajo)Reconstruction of the large castleSumiyoshi TaishaHead shrine of all Sumiyoshi ShrinesOsaka Museum of HistoryWell done museum about the city’s historyShinsekaiNostalgic district around Tsutenkaku TowerShitennoji TempleOne of the oldest temples in JapanAbeno HarukasVery tall skyscraper with observation deckKita (Umeda)Northern downtown of OsakaOsaka Station CityAttractive complex around Osaka StationMinoo ParkForested park with waterfall just outside OsakaNational Bunraku TheaterVenue for Japanese puppet theater playsNational Museum of Art, OsakaArt exhibitions from Japan and overseasKuromon MarketPopular market street for seafood, produce and moreUmeda Sky BuildingSkyscraper with observation deckOsaka Expo '70 ParkVast commemorative public park on the former site of Expo 70TenmaDistrict known for its shrine and shopping arcadeOsaka Bay AreaNew districts built on man-made islandsOsaka Science MuseumInteractive museum about scienceTennojiDistrict around one of Osaka’s busiest stationsGrand Front OsakaShopping complex north of Osaka StationMozu TombsSite of Japan’s largest ancient tombsAsahi Beer Suita BreweryBeer brewery that offers toursKyotoFor over 1000 years the capital of JapanKoyasan (Mount Koya)Atmospheric temple mountainNaraJapan's first permanent capitalKinosaki OnsenPleasant, old-fashioned hot spring resortHimejiSite of Japan’s most beautiful feudal castleKobeHarbor city, recovered from 1995 earthquake