Osaka Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
designated city in Osaka Prefecture, Japan
About Osaka
Many districts in Osaka derive their names from the Tokugawa-era bridges that were built during the city's reign as transportation hub for the country. Today, Yodoyabashi (淀屋橋) and Kyobashi (京橋) still retain their crossings, while the bridges in Yotsubashi (四ツ橋), Nagahoribashi (長堀橋) and Shinsaibashi (心斎橋) are long gone. 橋 (hashi, often pronounced-bashi, when affixed to a preceding name) is the kanji character meaning 'bridge'. IfTokyois Japan's capital, one might call Osaka its anti-capital. Ask a local, and they'll proudly tell you that while Tokyoites are reserved, polite and boring, Osakans are warm, friendly and colorful, in speech, clothing and spirit. The Osakan rallying cry iskuidaore(食い倒れ), bringing yourself to ruin through extravagance in food, drink and more–a far cry from the
Top Attractions in Osaka
Explore the best things to see and do in Osaka:
- ★Billboard Live Osaka
- ★Kaiyukan
- ★National Bunraku Theater
- ★Osaka Shiki Musical Theater
- ★ROR Comedy
- ★Spa World
- ★Sumo Spring Grand Tournament
- ★Tenpozan Ferris Wheel
Osaka Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 16 sections including: