basic information

With a population of 2.5 million, Osaka is Japan's third largest and second most important city. It has been the economic powerhouse of the Kansai region for many centuries.

Osaka was formerly known as Naniwa. Before the Nara Period, when the capital used to be moved with the reign of each new emperor, Naniwa was once Japan's capital city, the first one ever known.

In the 16th century, Toyotomi Hideyoshi chose Osaka as the location for his castle, and the city may have become Japan's capital if Tokugawa Ieyasu had not terminated the Toyotomi lineage after Hideyoshi's death and moved his government to distant Edo (Tokyo).

Attractions

Central Osaka

Osaka Aquarium (5) One of Japan's most impressive aquariums. Osaka Castle (1) Reconstruction of the large castle. Sumiyoshi Taisha (7) Head shrine of all Sumiyoshi Shrines. Minami (Namba) (2) Southern downtown of Osaka. Kita (Umeda) (3) Northern downtown of Osaka. National Bunraku Theater (8) Venue for Japanese puppet theater plays. Umeda Sky Building (4) Skyscraper with observation deck. Peace Osaka (6) Museum about the horrors of World War II.

Side Trips from Osaka

Kyoto For over 1000 years the capital of Japan. Mount Koya Atmospheric temple mountain. Nara Japan's first permanent capital. Himeji Site of Japan's most beautiful feudal castle. Kobe Harbor city, recovered from 1995 earthquake. Kinosaki Pleasantly old-fashioned hot spring resort.

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Orientation

Orientation How to get to Osaka and how to get around in Osaka. About transportation in Japan

Accommodation

Sponsored Listings:

Hotel Wakamizu A luxury ryokan in Takarazuka Onsen, 25min from Osaka. Offering soothing hot spring baths and delicious Japanese food. Osaka Yamatoya Honten Japanese style budget ryokan. From 5,775yen. Right next to Dotonbori in Osaka. Weekly Mansion Osaka Furnished apartments in the middle of downtown Osaka for short and extended stays. Free In-Room Broadband. Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport is located in Aeroplaza directly connected to the nearest station and Kansai International Airport. Fushio-kaku A fine ryokan within great nature. 25min from Osaka city. Various rooms with private onsen baths. Free shuttle provided. Kaneyoshi Ryokan A modern Japanese inn in Dotombori. the center of Osaka. 2 subway stations nearby. Close to many shops and Osaka Castle.

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Restaurants

Select area Tokyo-Yokohama Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe Nagoya Kyushu Hokkaido Tohoku Hokuriku Chugoku Okinawa Select type Japanese dishes Western dishes Chinese dishes Asia, ethnic style, borderless Cafe Japanese Izakaya Western style Izakaya Asian, borderless style Izakaya Dining bar, Beer Restauran Bar, pub Space, entertainment Family dining, fast food

All of Osaka Umeda/Osaka Station Namba/Dotonbori

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Tour Packages

Osaka Packages:

From Tokyo - 2 days Shinkansen round trip and hotel from only 23,100 Yen!

Guided City Tours:

Walking Tour 1 Day Guided full day city tour of Osaka. Walking Tour Afternoon Guided half day city tour of Osaka.

Individual Excursions from Osaka:

Tokyo 2 days Hotel and round trip by shinkansen from only 22,500 Yen! Hiroshima 2 days Hotel and round trip by shinkansen from only 19,500 Yen! Takayama 2 days Hotel and round trip by shinkansen from only 19,500 Yen!

Guided Day Trips from Osaka:

Kyoto Guided full day trip to Kyoto. Nara Afternoon Guided half day trip to Nara. Himeji Castle and Sake Brewery Guided full day trip to Himeji and Kobe.

Other:

More vacation packages Individual or guided.

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travel community

Users who have been to Osaka: 358
Most visited: Ranked 3rd out of 84 destinations

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