OSAKA

Osaka Prefecture is located in the centre of the Kinki region in mid-wes t Japan, cover ing the smal les t prefectural land area in Japan, yet boasting the second largest population and population density in the country. Mountains surround three sides of the prefecture and the west faces the arc-shaped Osaka Bay. Osaka once prospered as an impor tant point for land and water transportation, as well as commerce due it its close proximity to Nara and the former capital Kyoto. Osaka’s north gate, Umeda, houses a gigantic stretch of underground malls which contain many restaurants, fashion and other stores. Minami is known as a town of public entertainment and has many theaters and cinemas. The Kita area has Umeda at its core, whilst Namba, a popular business and shopping district, is the centre of Minami. Dotonbori features many restaurants on both sides of the Dotonbori-gawa river. Osaka is unofficially known as kuidaore no machi, which translates as “the city where you eat till you drop”. Two dishes not to miss are Okonomi-yaki, which resembles savoury pancakes, and Takoyaki, which is a simple snack made of diced octopus in batter, served with various condiments.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle, in the centre of Osaka Castle Park, is thought of as the symbol of the spirit of this great, commercial city. Inside the Castle tower are displays of a number of historically significant artifacts including the “Folding Screen” of the Summer War of Osaka and a diorama of the life of Hideyoshi Toyotomi. The Castle tower also offers superb views of the city. The Yagura (turret) and gigantic stone walls remain as they were in the Tokugawa Era. They are awe-inspiring for their grandeur and history. Open: 9:00-17:00 (enter by 16:30). Closed: Dec. 28-Jan. 1. Admission: ¥600.

Umeda

Umeda is the centre of local economy, with a huge railway terminal complex containing JR Osaka Station and other Osaka stations of the Hank yu L ine, Hanshin Line and three subways that can be said to be the starting point of Osaka. Around the terminal complex stand big department stores and high-rise buildings born as a result of redevelopment of the textile wholesale district, which are now offices, banks or hotels. Umeda is also a huge shopping zone crowded with people day and night. The Umeda underground mall, the largest of its kind in Japan, has cof fee shops, restaurants, boutiques, variety stores and food stores standing side by side and forms a single town in itself with the mosaic tiled Izumi-no-Hiroba (“Square of Spring”) in the centre. Umeda’s new must-see spot is the Hep Five giant ferris wheel. Standing on the top of a 9-storied building, it is illuminated at night and has a night view of Osaka.

Dotonbori

Dotonbori is a large scale downtown area along the south bank of the Dotonbori-gawa Canal. Osaka is known as the gastronomists’town, and thus the entire area of Dotonbori is thronging with an unbelievable number of restaurants and amusement facilities, and is dearly loved by Osakaites. There are theatres that feature Bunraku traditional puppet shows, storyteller’s halls, other forms of popular entertainment and a number of movie theatres. Dotonbori is of ten chosen as a set in both Japanese and foreign movies, symbolizing Osaka. Flowerbeds and fountains have recently been built on both sides of the Dotonbori-gawa Canal to offer a better environment downtown. Both sides of the Dotonbori-gawa Canal are lined with advertisements and neon signs, covering entire sides of buildings. The illuminated signboards and neon lamps reflect on the Dotonbori-gawa Canal at night, making Dotonbori even more vibrant.

Tsutenkaku

The original Tsutenkaku obser vation tower, built in 1912, was destroyed in World War II. It has subsequently been rebuilt and is considerd a symbol of Osaka. The new building features a cylindrical elevator, a theatre, the largest clock in Japan, an observation deck and the Biriken statue. Coloured lights on top of the structure display weather forecasts. Open: 9:00-21:00. Admission: ¥600.