Osaka

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Osaka | Center of Japanese Economy

Osaka | Center of Japanese Economy

Osaka is the central city of West Japan with a population of 2.6 million. In the Edo Period (1603-1867), it was the distribution center for products from around the country and from Meiji (1868-1913) onward, it developed as the center of the Japanese economy with the wholesale trade. Shinsaibashi is one of the best downtown areas in the city, possessing a wide array of shops. Osaka's north gate, Umeda, has an enormous stretch of underground mall that houses many restaurants, fashion and sundry goods stores. In contrast to Kita with Umeda as its core, Minami is an area with core cities Namba, a popular business and shopping district, and Dotonbori with many restaurants on both sides of Dotonbori-gawa River. Minami is known as a town of public entertainment and has many theaters, shopping, and dining. Osaka's unique open culture can be experienced here. Osaka's Castle, constructed in 1583, is one of Osaka's representative sightseeing spots. The Osaka Castle has a five-layer donjon as its core, on a lawn park that stretches for about 60,000 square meters. The castle tower is surrounded by secondary citadels, gates, turrets, impressive stone walls and moats. The Nishinomaru Garden, encompassing the former "western citadel", is a lawn garden with 600 cherry trees, a tea house, the former Osaka Guest House and nice views of the castle tower from below. During the cherry blossom season in the spring, this park is especially crowded with hanami (cherry blossom viewing).

Osaka | Related Pages

Shin-sekai

Shin-sekai

Known to be a more dangerous area of Osaka with higher homeless rates but great food

Nipponbashi

Nipponbashi

Large shopping mall specializing in anime and character goods

Dotonbori

Dotonbori

Popular nightlife and entertainment area; iconic Glico display

Kansai Int'l Airport (KIX)

Kansai Int'l Airport (KIX)

Japan's second most important international airport on a man-made island

Shinsaibashi

Shinsaibashi

Osaka's largest shopping district and delicious street food

Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine

Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine

One of Japan's oldest shrines; main shrine of over 2,000 Sumiyoshi shrines in Japan

Shitenno-ji Temple

Shitenno-ji Temple

Japan's oldest temple; first temple built by the state

Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan

First Universal Studios park in Asia; features the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Osaka | Movie - The Danjiri Festival

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