Best Travel Guide Osaka | ArrivalGuides.com

OsakaGuide was updated: 2024-08-27

Sitting in the heart of the Kansai region is Osaka, the third-largest city in Japan. It could be the proximity to Korea, China, and the coast that has made it become known as the "Kitchen of Japan". Osaka's people have a true zest for life. They promote a casual ambience and are slightly, unconventionally boisterous. Osaka is regenerating, now recognising its past beauty and working hard to re-establish it. This stimulating city is now more than ever a must-see.

Do & See

There is plenty of diversity in Osaka and lots to do and see for everyone with an interest in Japanese history, modern technology and eccentric, up-and-coming trends. Shinsaibashi is the most popular shopping area, Soemoncho is the entertainment district and Dotombori is packed with theatres and restaurants. In the Uehommachi district, you will come across the Shin-Kabukiza Theatre and the famous National Bunra-ku Puppet Theatre. Further south is the Shinsekai ward, where you cannot miss the 103-metre Tsutenka-ku Tower, a recognised landmark of Osaka.

The National Museum of Art

This museum is not only impressive for its modern design on the outside, it also offers visitors other interesting things on the inside. It exhibits Japanese, as well as contemporary art from various artists from all over the world. Most of the exhibits are from the post-war era.

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Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is the city's most famous landmark. It was originally built in 1583 by the order of Hideyoshi Toyotomi but suffered several destructions throughout history. Rebuilt in 1931 with the external appearance created by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, the Japanese Government designated the main tower as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property years later, in 1997.

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Osaka Museum of History

The Osaka Museum of History lies just outside Osaka Castle Park. It aims to bring the city's history to life and features a multi-dimensional experience of the 1,400-year history of Osaka, with life-size reconstructions, scale models, and key photographs and movies. An entertaining and fun experience for young and old.

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Shin-umeda City Floating Garden

Shin Umeda City was completed in 1993 and has become one of Osaka's main points of orientation in the city. You can enjoy a great view over the city at the observatory on the 39th floor.

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Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the biggest aquariums in the world, and has a great variety of fish, and even a few whale sharks. The Japanese word Kaiyukan, literally means "Playing in the Sea Pavilion".

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The National Bunraku

In this theatre you can view the fascinating and unusual art form "bunraku", which is a Japanese puppet drama derived from the 17th-century. There are also English programs available and earphones for translations.

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Population:	City: 2,592,413 (2024) Metropolitan Area: 18,967,000 (2024)
Currency:	Japanese Yen (JPY)
Emergency Numbers:	Ambulance/Fire Brigade: 119 Police: 110
Newspapers:	The Japan Times: www.japantimes.co.jp The Japan News: https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp
Opening Hours:	General business hours are from 7.30am to 4.30pm and facilities are usually closed on Sundays. Banks are open from Monday to Friday between 9am and 3pm. Times may vary depending on stores and banks.
Tourist Information:	Visitors' Info Centre 5-16-1 Nishinakajima, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka Open Daily: 8am–10pm +81 6 6131 4550 osaka-info.jp