Osaka serves as the primary international
travel
hub into southern Japan, and is one of the nation’s most
culturally dynamic cities.
Osaka city
is
the largest city in the Kansai region, and a great center
of
Japanese arts and culture. As the second largest city in
Japan, it is southern Japan’s economic powerhouse.
Formerly known as Naniwa, it was Japan’s first capital in
the 7th and 8th centuries. And at the forefront of
Osaka’s
historical treasures stands magnificent Osaka Castle.
The
original fortress was built by the famed samurai warlord
Toyotomi Hideyoshi, though it has had to be rebuilt a
few
times over the years. The castle tower includes a
museum
to commemorate the life of Hideyoshi and to honor
Osaka
Castle’s history.
For a slice of contemporary Osaka, there is Dotonbori
and
Shinsaibashi. Here is where locals go for a night on the
town – where they enjoy the local okonomiyaki (a
pancake
with various toppings) and takoyaki (grilled octopus
rolled
in dough). The people of Osaka are known to be funny
and down-to-earth, although, at times, cruder and
pushier
than other Japanese people. And Dotonbori is full of
classic examples of their blunt and sarcastic sense of
humor in the large displays and bright signage lighting
up
the entertainment district.
Please
see
below for tours that include Osaka:
