Welcome to Osaka
Welcome to Osaka – the city for gourmets
Although it is often overshadowed by Tokyo, Osaka remains one of the biggest city in Japan. But there is something about Osaka that makes it very special. Osaka people are known for being extravagant, outgoing and food-loving, which contrasts with Tokyo, where people are shy and reserved. Osaka is a combination of both traditional Japanese culture, and modern Japanese cities.
Information and Facts
Sightseeing
One of the most beautiful place to visit in Osaka is definitely the Osaka Castle. This monument is an impressive recreation of a 17th century Japan castle. Although it might look really authentic on the outside, when you enter it, you are confronted to a very modern structure. And of course, the castle wouldn't be complete without its gorgeous view over the cherry blossom garden. On the same theme, you can visit one of Japan's oldest temples: the Shitennoji Temple, which was the first Buddhist temple built in Japan (around the 6th century). Even though the monument burned down several times, the Japanese people always kept the original design of the temple in order to keep the authenticity and atmosphere of the place.
Furthermore, Osaka is a very modern city with some incredible buildings. The Umeda Sky Building is the tallest and most spectacular one in Osaka. The 173 meters tall building is not only architecturally impressive, but it is also an amazing lookout point of the city if you get in the garden on the very top of the building. Concerning the modern side, if you get the chance to be near Osaka Station City, you would probably want to admire the incredible technology of the Waterfall Graphic Print that is inside. It continuously tells either the time, the location or draw some patterns with water, definitely a place to see!
Shopping
Osaka has several world class shopping districts and a lot of shopping arcades, malls and streets. One of the busiest shopping destination is definitely the Shinsaibashi Suji covered shopping arcade. The variety of shops and good restaurants make this area suitable for every kind of shopper. Though, if you look for particular items, Osaka has some specialized shopping districts like Den Den Town, for video games, and more widely for electronics in general; Amerikamura for young people who look for clothes and have a limited budget, Minami-Senba for older sophisticated shoppers and Doguya Suji is the shopping destination for professional and amateur chefs.
Public Transportation
Osaka, like most of the big Japanese city, has a very developed subway network. There are 9 different lines that cover the whole city for almost 20 hours a day, everyday. In order not to pay every single journey, you should take an Osaka Amazing Pass thanks to which you can take (for 1 day) the subway and have access to more than 20 sites in Osaka.
Climate
The Seto Inland Sea region, where Osaka is located, has a moderate climate. There is a raining season at the beginning of June until September, but the average amount of rainfall is quite low.
Time
Japan is located in a GMT+9 time zone.