Osaka

Osaka Castle is the city's most famous landmark. It was originally built in 1583 by the order of Hideyoshi Toyotomi but suffered several destructions throughout history. Rebuilt in 1931 with the external appearance created by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, the Japanese Government designated the main tower as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property years later, in 1997.

The Osaka Museum of History lies just outside Osaka Castle Park. It aims to bring the city's history to life and features a multi-dimensional experience of the 1,400-year history of Osaka, with life-size reconstructions, scale models, and key photographs and movies. An entertaining and fun experience for young and old.

Shin Umeda City was completed in 1993 and has become one of Osaka's main points of orientation in the city. You can enjoy a great view over the city at the observatory on the 39th floor.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the biggest aquariums in the world, and has a great variety of fish, and even a few whale sharks. The Japanese word Kaiyukan, literally means "Playing in the Sea Pavilion".

Shitennoji Temple is the oldest officially administered temple in Japan. The temple was built by Prince Shotoku and had an important status in the city's trade history due to its location on the Bay. Throughout history, the temple has been reconstructed several times.

This is a great place to go if you like playing video games while drinking since these two pleasures are combined at the Video Game Bar Space Station. You can choose from game machines like Xbox, Super Nintendo, Genesis and many more.

Dotonbori is one of Osaka's most popular areas. You can find almost everything here; theatres, bars, nightclubs, cafés, restaurants, you name it. All day and night, entertainment guaranteed!

Another popular area is Shinsaibashi. This area features not only some of the best fashion stores in the world but also a great nightlife and local food.

In Japan the cherry blossom or Sakura is celebrated for its beauty and symbolizes renewal, life as well as ephemerality. In this park along the Okawa River you can watch the spectacle of about 5000 cherry trees blooming in early spring. The best time for picnics amongst the magnificent white and pink trees is late March or early April.

Originally constructed in 1912 and rebuilt after WWII in 1956, the Tsūtenkaku Tower stands 103 meters tall and gives you an outstanding view of all of Osaka. When on top you can venture to step on the platform with a guide and safety belt to experience some exciting vertigo.

Have you ever wondered where this delicious and easy to make Ramen comes from? Then visit this Cup Noodle Museum and learn more about the inventor and the history of the popular dish. As well as free audio guides, the place offers ramen workshops for the whole family.

Experience one of the world's oldest theatrical forms – Noh – at the oldest operational theatre of its kind in Osaka. Opt for the "Kamigata Night” programme to acquaint yourself with all of Kansai Region's traditional performing arts, such as the famed Kabuki, Bunraku Puppet Theatre, Rakugo, and, of course, Noh. The stylish theatre hosts shows in both English and Japanese (the latter are often accompanied by explanatory materials in English, Chinese and Korean), and offers visitors a unique opportunity to attend workshops conducted by professional artists.