Osaka Guide

Formerly known as Naniwa, Osaka is Japan's second largest metropolitan area (with a population over 19 million). Osaka sits at the mouth of the Yodo River, and during the Edo period, it was an important center for rice trade. Osaka has been an important economic center of the Kansai region for hundreds of years. Known for its modern architecture, wide variety of street foods, and lively night scene, Osaka is also home to a number of popular sightseeing destinations. The main attraction is the 16th-century shogunate Osaka Castle. The castle is surrounded by a moat and many pretty cherry, peach, and plum trees in the spring. In addition, tourists visit the Shinto Sumiyoshi-taisha Shrine and Tsutenkaku Tower. Tsutenkaku is located in Naniwaku, near central Shinsekai. Although the tower is not free, Osaka Castle and many other attractions in the city are free.