| Historical Overview |
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Osaka has evolved as an Aquapolis throughout its history of 1,500 years. In ancient times, Japan had its first full-scale capital, called “Naniwa no Miya,” in Osaka. In the 16th century, the feudal lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi built Osaka Castle. During the Edo period (1603-1867), Osaka thrived as the center of the Japanese economy, and was dubbed the “Kitchen of the Nation.” This prosperity was supported by Osaka merchants with their entrepreneurial spirit. Some of them used their private funds to build bridges during the Edo period; during the Meiji era, others constructed, at their own expense, a public hall and a library in the Nakanoshima district.
Osaka, highlighted by its network of “Water corridors,” features a marvelous harmony between historic structures, such as large-scale temples, shrines and castles, and modern high-rise buildings, creating the City’s distinctive urban landscape. |
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| Osaka Castle |
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| The grand Osaka Castle was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi as political center of the unified nation, and as a symbol of authority and power. Despite its reputation for impregnability, Osaka Castle fell during the Osaka-no Jin battle. The stone walls and canals we see now were rebuilt during the Tokugawa era (Edo period). The current Tenshukaku(main tower), the second reconstruction from 1931, now houses a museum where visitors can appreciate genuine historical artifacts. |
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| Cultural Attractions |
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| The Kyoto-Osaka area, which had been Japan’s political, economic and cultural center since ancient times, has generally been called “Kamigata.”While fulfilling its role as the economic and cultural hub, Osaka has nurtured the Kamigata culture, preserving various traditional performing arts such as Bunraku,Rakugo(comic storytelling),Manzai (comic dialog),Kabuki,Noh and Kyogen. |
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| Bunraku (Ningyo Joruri), traditional form of Japanese puppet theatre |
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| Bunraku is a theatrical art in which large puppets come to life to the accompaniment of Shamisen(a three-stringed lute), and droning narration by Tayu in the form of Joruri, a type of dramatic recitation. Osaka is proud to be the birthplace of Bunraku, which was designated an intangible World Heritage by UNESCO in 2003. |
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| Photo credit : National Bunraku Theatre |
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| Downtown Attractions |
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| Along Midosuji, Osaka’s main street, and in its vicinity, you can find many restaurants and shopping zones, such as America-mura and Europe-mura, attracting many young people with fashion boutiques and clothing shops. The Minamisemba and Shinsaibashi districts are home to many brand-name shops. Going south a little, you will reach Dotonbori, a popular tourist spot lined with theaters and eating/drinking establishments, whose huge signs are impressive. |
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| Dotonbori, a gourmet town |
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| Osaka, called the Town of Kuidaore, which means “bankrupt oneself with food,” is a gourmet city renowned for its rich variety of excellent foods from all over the world. Dotonbori in downtown Osaka is always full of vivacity and vitality, its many restaurants serving fine cuisine made from carefully selected, high-quality ingredients at reasonable prices. |
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Despite being one of Japan’s leading merchant cities, Osaka is surrounded by many historic spots, including UNESCO World Heritage sites, within a radius of 75 km. The coexistence of tradition and innovation makes Osaka an exceptional city in Japan. |
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Kyoto |
Nara |
Horyuji
Temple |
Himeji
Castle |
Kii Mountain
Range |
| (Kumano, Yoshino, Koyasan) |
Distance
from
Osaka |
41km |
26km |
21km |
74km |
64km |
Travel
time from
Osaka |
30min |
45min |
35min |
55min |
120min |
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