Osaka Travel Guide
Travel guide to Osaka, Japan with comprehensive information about events, shopping, and major Osaka sporting events to help you enjoy your visit more.
Osaka Overview
With a population of some 2.7 million people Osaka is the third largest city in Japan and is one of the countries main industrial centres, with the benefit of a port to maintain a strong flow of goods in and out of the city.
The city is pretty well divided into different districts, each focusing on a particular area. This makes it much easier for visitors to find their way around of course. Shopping for example tends to be found in Umeda and Shinsaibashi home to the malls and big department stores, so having taken a cab to the area everything the visitor needs is close by.
The nightlife in Osaka is excellent, with a great number of clubs and bars where all forms of entertainment can be found, including the locals favourite, karaoke. There is also a wide range of restaurants here, with some of the best food in the country on offer.
Culturally the city has some fascinating sights including the Shitennoji Temple and Osaka Castle. The temple is the oldest state founded one in Japan, being built originally in 593AD while the castle is the largest of its kind in the country.
In contrast to the ancient buildings that are to be found here there are also many modern aspects of the city that identify it as a thriving area. The many high tech shops that abound, the wild and wacky nightlife and the introduction of the theme parks such as Universal Studios Japan show Osaka as a fast developing and vibrant city, and one that is well worth a visit.
Top Osaka Attractions
The Kaiyukan is an aquarium located in Osaka Bay that is home to the worlds largest aquarium tank, holding 5,400 tons of water and containing a wide variety of sealife including whale sharks - the largest known fish that have been recorded at up to 39 feet long. The aquarium is a fascinating place and is wonderfully well put together with great exhibits and some of the most amazing fish that will not be seen anywhere else.
Shopping in Osaka
Shopping in Osaka is concentrated into different areas of the city, often with their own specialisations. As an activity it is one of the most popular in Japan, so be prepared for it being very busy. The Japanese love to shop and when you have seen the shops they have you will understand why. From the very latest high tech gadgets to diverse clothing ranges there is absolutely everything here.
Osaka Sporting Events
For participation golf is the sport of choice here, with the courses and driving ranges packed with players. Moving on to the world stage Osaka will be hosting the World Athletics Championships in 2007, a major coup for the city and one that shows the standard of this city with regard to its infrastructure and ability to cope with the large influx of people for this event.