Osaka

Osaka is a charming and relaxed city, the second largest metropolitan area in Japan and among the largest in the world with nearly 19 million inhabitants. Historically a merchant city, Osaka has also been known as the "nation's kitchen" and served as a center for the rice trade during the Edo period, and fun, and nightlife-with some history and culture peeking through.

Dotonbori

A popular shopping and entertainment district and is also known as a food destination. At night it is lit by hundreds of neon lights and mechanized signs.

Osaka Castle

The construction of Osaka Castle started in 1583 on the former site of the Ishiyama Honganji Temple, which had been destroyed by Oda Nobunaga thirteen years earlier.

Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan offers world-class entertainment such as authentic attractions and shows, based not only on Hollywood blockbusters but also popular entertainment brands, and a variety of seasonal events entertaining its guests to the fullest.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Osaka Aquarium introduces various forms of life inhabiting the Pacific Rim in a well organized and impressive way.

Kuromon Ichiba Market

Kuromon Ichiba is a lively covered market which stretches for 580 meters in Osaka’s Chuo Ward. Nicknamed “Osaka’s kitchen” because both local homeowners and restaurant chefs get their supplies here, the market is famous for its fresh seafood and has recently become a popular tourist location.

Umeda Sky Building

The Umeda Sky Building is a spectacular high rise building in the Kita district of Osaka, near Osaka and Umeda Stations.

Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, situated along the shopping street, presents a glimpse of the streets of Osaka during the Edo Period (1603-1867) through recreated houses which visitors can enter.

Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda (Momofuku Ando Invention Memorial)

On August 25, 1958, Momofuku Ando invented the world's first instant noodles, “Chicken Ramen,” after an entire year of research using common tools in a little shed he had built in his backyard in Ikeda-city, Osaka Prefecture.

Japan Mint

The Osaka Mint Bureau is the head office of Japan Mint, a governmental agency responsible for the supply of coins and medals and the analysis, testing and certification of metals.

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Osaka's most famous shrine by far is Sumiyoshitaisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine), the headquarters of some 2000 Sumiyoshi shrines throughout Japan.