Japanese Venice, the gates of the Pacific Ocean, the city of the yakuza - so many names have one of the oldest cities in East Asia, Osaka. Japan is a country of contrasts, and this city is one of its colors.

This is the third largest metropolis in the country, located in the south of the island of Honshu in the Osaka Bay. He made the city a major port and industrial heart of Japan. Osaka attracts many tourists thanks to its own and shopping.

Castles of Osaka

One of the main historical and cultural attractions of the city is Osaka Samurai Castle in Japan. It amazes tourists not only with its size (its area is equal to one square kilometer, its height is 5 floors, and the castle goes underground for another 3 floors), but also with its splendor - its walls are covered. The castle was built in 1597 by commander Hideyoshi. 20 thousand people were employed in its construction. The castle stands on a sheer mound of huge boulders to protect against attacks.

In the 17th century, the castle was destroyed after civil wars, and subsequent attempts to restore it were prevented by a lightning strike that caused a fire. Until the 20th century, the castle stood in ruins, and only in 1931 the city hall restored the architectural monument, placing a museum in it. Then the main tower, destroyed in the 17th century, was restored according to the surviving image on the screen. True, the Second World War again affected the construction - American air raids partially destroyed it.

After the war, the castle was restored and opened to tourists. The interiors of the main tower were completely restored - they are all modern, but the main gates, moats, and a few other buildings are original, preserved from the Middle Ages. In the museum itself, you can see an interesting exposition that tells not only about the castle, but also about the activities of Hideyoshi, about samurai and the history of the region as a whole. A screen is also kept here, which became a sketch for the restoration of the castle in the 20th century.

In addition to Osaka's largest and most famous castle, you can also see Himeiji Castle or herons in the city. It was built in the 16th century, and today it is a whole complex of 80 buildings made in the traditional Japanese style. This castle is no less interesting for tourists, besides it is included in the UNESCO heritage list.

Temples in Osaka

Japan, like any other country in Asia, is full of various temples. There are many of them in the economic center of the country. There are both Buddhist and Shinto religious buildings. At the same time, the largest centers of various schools within Buddhism are among the first.

Shitenno-ji, or Temple of the Four Heavenly Lords, is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the country, representing the own school of Washe. The temple was built back in 593 and since then has experienced many upheavals - for many centuries it has been destroyed by fires and lightning, typhoons, wars and uprisings, bombardments by American troops. And every time the temple was rebuilt. After the Second World War, it was restored, but it was no longer built from wood, as before, but from reinforced concrete. Tourists who come to Osaka in April can attend the festival, held annually at the temple, and see how the bugaku court dances that existed in the 8th-12th centuries in Japan looked like.

Another Buddhist temple, Isshin-ji, is also interesting, mainly because statues from the ashes of dead people are placed on its territory. Since the middle of the 19th century, urns with the ashes of deceased students of this Buddhist school have been placed on the territory of the temple. When there were so many urns that there was nowhere to store them, statues began to be made from the ashes held together with resin. A total of 13 statues were made, but 6 of them were damaged in World War II.

The Shinto branch is represented in Osaka by such large temples as Tenman-gu, built in 949, and Sumiyoshi-taisha, the main shrine of the god of the same name. In the latter, by the way, the oldest Japanese seals are stored.

Modern architecture: objects that amaze the imagination

As the economic heart of the country, Osaka could not do without buildings, striking in scope and manufacturability. You should start with It is unique in that it is built on a completely artificial island. And although the cost of maintaining it will never pay off, this is a one-of-a-kind airport. Osaka (Japan) cannot but arouse admiration for the tenacity of the townspeople.

Despite the presence of ancient temples and castles, the face of the city is still its modern towers and skyscrapers. The Tsutenkaku TV Tower is considered a real symbol of the city and is compared with the Eiffel Tower. At a height of 91 meters there is an observation deck. It is very popular, but not the only one in the city. The skyscraper "Umeda Sky Building" has a platform on the 39th floor. This skyscraper of two towers and a similarity between them of hanging gardens or a space observatory (as you like), hovering at a height of 170 meters, may also interest tourists in the surrounding park, as well as a restaurant imitating a Japanese street of the 19th century.

"Maru-biru" is another symbol of the city. The hotel is located in a skyscraper, and all its rooms have an undeniable advantage - the view from the windows of any room overlooks the main sights of Osaka.

The floating fountains are also interesting. Osaka, Japan, Dream Pond is the location of a unique fountain based on geometric figures with flowing water, as if suspended in the air. It looked like a miracle in 1970 when it was installed for the World's Fair, but today it is one of the city's calling cards.

Another such object is undoubtedly the Osaka Station, mainly due to its unique clock. The flows of water are controlled by a computer and add up not only the numbers that show the time in Japan, but also beautiful patterns - a bewitching and impressive sight.

Amusement parks

The Japanese know a lot about entertainment and attractions. The most important amusement park that Osaka and the whole island of Honshu offers is, of course, "Universal". It is rival to the famous "Disneyland". There are rides and entertainment based on films made by Universal Studios - Jurassic Park, Shrek, Jaws, Harry Potter and many others. The park is so interesting and large (140 hectares) that it is not easy to get around it in a day, so tourists are advised to buy tickets for 2 or 3 days. Here you can even have a bite to eat - in a pizzeria in the style of "The Godfather" or in a French cafe.

If the rides at the Universal are not enough for a tourist, the amusement park near the village of Tempozan awaits him, world-famous for its 112-meter high Ferris wheel, which makes it the largest in the world. Also on the territory of the park there is an aquarium with 35 thousand inhabitants, an observatory, a bird sanctuary, a state-of-the-art cinema and many other entertainments.

Museums in Osaka

Those tourists who crave not only entertainment but also education in Osaka should visit local museums and exhibitions. As the largest port, Osaka has accumulated exhibits on the history of the relationship between man and the sea for many centuries. Therefore, it is no coincidence that the Osaka Maritime Museum is so interesting. It is located at the entrance to Osaka Bay and looks very impressive - a huge steel dome. There are 4 floors inside, which contain a variety of ship paraphernalia, as well as a full-size copy of a merchant ship.

You can also see the most interesting exposition at the Museum of Ceramics, which is located about a kilometer from Osaka Castle. The city with its hustle and bustle remains behind the brick walls of the museum, and far from the hustle and bustle, you can plunge into the calm meditative world of ancient Japanese art and admire its best examples. Fans of modern oriental art should go to the art museum, where, in addition to the main exhibition, representing the art of different periods, interesting exhibitions are held.

The Suntory Museum is also world famous for its inverted cone building and collection of 20th century graphics.

Oceanarium "Kayukan"

We have already mentioned the aquarium in Tempozan, but it is worth talking about it separately, because not only Osaka is proud of it, but Japan as a whole. Oceanarium "Kayukan" - one of the most significant in all of Japan, and it was built in Osaka. This unique building is like a butterfly spreading its wings and is decorated with mosaics. There are 14 tanks inside, which represent the inhabitants of the Pacific Ocean. They are divided into zones according to their habitat. Here you can meet not only fish, but also animals, underwater flora, corals and algae and many other inhabitants of the ocean. The pavilions are arranged in such a way that visitors can see the underwater and surface life of animals, for example, how fur seals bask in the sun and then dive into the depths.

natural attractions

Despite industrial development and a forest of glass and concrete skyscrapers, Osaka, like any other Japanese city, cherishes its nature and its unique places. So, a tourist should visit Tennoji Park, which includes a zoo, a greenhouse and a botanical garden. This is an analogue of the well-known Central Park in Manhattan, the same green oasis in the center of an industrial city. Here you can see the traditional Japanese garden Keita-Koen, which is located around the pond just behind the art gallery. This garden once belonged to the richest merchant and was donated to the city along with the mansion. The garden is part of a large complex along with a unique greenhouse - a completely glass building that has collected flowers and plants from different parts of the world.

The local zoo is home to 1,500 animals and birds, but of particular interest is the hummingbird, as the only one in Japan, and the hippopotamus, for which conditions close to natural have been created.

You can also admire Osaka from the water by taking a cruise around Santa Maria Bay on a three-deck ship. On board there is not only an open deck for exploring the city and the ocean, but also a restaurant and the Columbus Museum.

Entertainment and nightlife

Connoisseurs of traditional Japanese culture in Osaka are waiting for the No and Kabuki theater, Bunraku, as well as sumo fights.

Bunraku is a traditional Japanese puppet theater, and its homeland is Osaka. Japan greatly reveres this art form. The Bunraku National Theatre, located in the Namba quarter, gives performances for everyone, but be aware that tickets are sold out very quickly.

Kabuki is a unique form of theatrical art that combines music, dance and drama. You can watch performances at the Setiku-za theater. Especially sophisticated viewers can go to the Osaka Noh Hall, where plays are staged in a more difficult style for perception.

Nightlife lovers should head to the Ebisu-bashi area, where all the fashionable youth of Osaka hang out, or to the Americamura area. This is a Japanese piece of America with its Statue of Liberty and King Kong. During the day, there are a lot of street musicians and flea markets, and at night local youth drinks and dances in American bars.

shopping

Osaka's center of commerce is the Shinsaibashi area. Here you can buy absolutely everything. Shinsaibashi houses boutiques and shops of all world brands, and the covered street has a huge market 600 meters long. The area includes the American Village, where you can buy incredible souvenirs in shops and flea markets.

You can also go shopping in Den Den Town - this is the Nippombashi area, where the local electronic paradise is located, where you can buy any gadget. Today in Japan, such quarters can be found in any major city.

Cafes and restaurants

Like any metropolis, Osaka can offer tourists everything from Indian to French cuisine, however, to try local specialties, head to the Dotombori or Umeda area. These quarters are literally crammed with restaurants for every taste. Be sure to try the local version of sushi - oshizushi. They are made from rice soaked in vinegar, seaweed and small pieces of fish. It differs in Osaka and - it is boiled in vinegar along with seafood or meat. It is worth finding a restaurant in Osaka that serves special okonomiyaki meat pancakes. Time in Japan differs from Moscow time, ahead of it by 6 hours.

Osaka is the third largest city in Japan.

Founded in the 5th-6th centuries, it originally bore the name Naniva - "rapid waves". And in 1496, during the construction of the Ishiyama Honganji Monastery, the city received its present name - Osaka, which translates as "high slope".

Today Osaka is the largest commercial and industrial center of the state. It is here that one of the most significant ports of the country is located, which receives ships from all over the world. Many Japanese corporations were founded in the city, including Daiwa, Sumitomo and Marubeni. Built on an artificial island, Osaka's Kansai Airport is called a miracle of the 21st century.

Osaka natives are considered the most energetic, cheerful and open people in Japan. It was thanks to their determination that Osaka, completely destroyed during the Second World War, was not only rebuilt, but also did not lose its significance and grandeur.

Climate and weather

Osaka is located in the zone of humid subtropical climate.

Winter here is usually quite mild. The coldest month in Osaka is January, when the average temperature fluctuates around +6 °C. Snow falls extremely rarely.

Summer here is very hot and stuffy, due to high humidity. In July and August, the air during the day can be up to +35°C, and the average night temperature at this time is kept in the area +25°C.

The rainy season in Osaka lasts from May to July, and there is a lot of rain in September.

The most favorable time to visit Osaka is spring and autumn, which are characterized by mild and warm weather.

Nature

The city is located on the east coast of Osaka Bay. The main territory of the city and the prefecture of the same name is located on a plain, surrounded by low mountains from the north and east. River Yodogawa cuts through the city with numerous canals.

And although Osaka is a modern industrial city, there are unique corners of nature that are harmoniously woven into the urban landscape.

There is an unusual Namba park, which is a kind of The Hanging Gardens of Osaka. The park, which occupies 8 floors, is located in a 30-storey complex park tower. Everyone can visit it and relax among fresh greenery, artificial waterfalls and ponds.

Another natural attraction of Osaka is the National Park. "Shanin Kaigan". On its territory there are many land and sea caves, sand dunes and magnificent beaches. Here is the highest waterfall in the prefecture - Tottori.

Attractions

The Second World War destroyed almost all historical architectural and religious sights of the city, but some of them were completely restored. So, to the east of the center of Osaka rises the castle Osaka-jo. Its main five-story tower rises 58 meters high, and the castle itself is surrounded by the largest park in the city.

There is a temple in the Minami-ku area Sumiyoshi where, according to legend, the souls of dead sailors rest. The temple is decorated with a magnificent arched bridge.

Not far from here is the reconstruction of the oldest Buddhist temple Shitennoji. Every year on April 22, a big festival takes place here, at which court dances are demonstrated. "bugaku".

A striking example of modern architecture is the skyscraper. "Umeda Sky Building"- A 40-story giant, consisting of twin towers. You can climb to its observation deck 173 meters high on a glass escalator.

Village by the harbor Tempozan- a huge amusement park, famous for its Ferris wheel (the largest in the world!) and an aquarium "Kaiyukan". The 14-level aquarium, inhabited by Pacific fish and mammals, is one of the most striking sights in Osaka.

Opposite the bay, a little to the left of the underwater tunnel is located Cosmo Square where you can visit the observatory, wine museum and bird sanctuary "Nanko".

Nutrition

People in Osaka are said to be happy and simple-hearted because they eat good food. Indeed, this city is famous for its delicious food, be it traditional dishes or products from other countries.

In Osaka, you will find all kinds of restaurants, ranging from upscale establishments to fast food eateries. For example, on a shopping street Tenjinbashi Suji there are establishments specializing in noodles or sushi, as well as various cafeterias. In total, there are about 600 restaurants in this area.

The widest selection of restaurants is found in the Kita and Minami areas. In addition, a walk around the neighborhood of any of the railway stations will reveal to you many restaurants with a variety of menus and prices.

Prices in most restaurants include sales tax. Tipping in Osaka is not customary. Generally only cash is accepted for payment.

Any visit to Osaka would not be complete without sampling the local delicacies. The brightest representative of the local cuisine - "taco-yaki"(octopus dumplings). Another local dish "okonomi"- looks like a kind of pancake with cabbage, meat, seafood or other ingredients to your taste. Most Popular Restaurants okonomi-yaki — "Chibo" And Fugetsu.

Accommodation

If we talk about the price of a room in Osaka hotels, then its cost in economy class rarely exceeds $100 (you can find it for $50), but accommodation in higher-class hotels will cost at least $250 per day.

The cheapest places to stay — This Hotel Raizan Minamikan, J-Hoppers Osaka Guesthouse, Capsule Hotel Daitoyo, Guesthouse CaminoRo, Weekly Uehonmachi, Raizan Kitakan.

In Osaka, you can find fairly inexpensive traditional hotels (ryokans), for example, Kameya Ryokan.

And, of course, there are many luxurious hotels that can satisfy the most demanding requirements. . For example, Hilton hotel Osaka, Imperial hotel Osaka ,New Otani ,The Ritz-Carlton Osaka.

Entertainment and recreation

In Osaka, you can simply plunge into the sea of ​​entertainment. Numerous clubs and bars in the Namba and Kita areas, stunning rides in the park Universal Studios Japan, a huge oceanarium, a planetarium and much more awaits you in this vibrant city.

You can stroll through the city's museums, many of which are unique. The most interesting of them are the Museum of Science, the Museum of Ceramics, the Naval Museum, the Art Museum and the Osaka History Museum. Each of them is curious. So, although the Osaka History Museum is located in an ordinary building, the streets of the old city are recreated inside it in real size.

One of Osaka's unique attractions is the theater. "Bunraku"(Japanese puppet theatre). Performances there are usually held in November, January, April, June, August or July for three weeks. In addition, in this theater you can see performances of theaters "but", "kabuki" And "rakugo".

Osaka is a city of extraordinary excursions: Treat yourself to a small historical canal cruise or an exciting ATV tour that will allow you to learn the most interesting things about the city and its traditions.

Numerous festivals and holidays will help you feel the true spirit of the city. Osaka's biggest festival Tenjin, it is held annually on July 24-25. Fairy-tale boats float along the rivers, dressed-up townspeople march through the streets, and the sky lights up with fireworks.

Purchases

Osaka has an incredible number of department stores, boutiques and all kinds of small shops. You can start your journey through the shopping streets of the city from the first quarter of Tenjinbashi, where the 2.5-kilometer covered shopping street Tenjinbashi-suji passes. All kinds of shops, laundries, massage and hairdressing salons, pharmacies, banks, post offices, mini-markets are concentrated here.

Another long shopping district starts at the metro station "Shinsaibashi". There are two major department stores here - "Sogo" And Daimaru and about 180 small boutiques and restaurants. If you turn onto Suomachi Street from the middle of the block, you will find yourself in the "American Village", where there are shops selling youth clothing and various accessories. Not far from here is a street "Europe"- an elegant, stone-paved area, where the boutiques of European designers "settled".

Osaka has a huge market "Kuromon", where you can find wholesale and retail stores, mainly selling food.

West of it, on the streets Kaguton and Doguya, there are shops selling kitchen utensils and furniture. To the south of Sakai-Suji you will find Nihonbashi Denden Town, the electronics and electrical engineering quarter.

The Kita area is a kind of visiting card of the city. There are four huge department stores here. The entire area is riddled with shopping arcades, both on the ground and underground.

One of the peculiarities of Osaka is that shops of the same specialization are usually concentrated in one place. For example, shops with traditional dolls and fireworks rallied on Matsuya-suji Street.

Transport

Osaka is served by two airports: Itami (local flights) and Kansai (international flights). The city has an excellent transport system. Osaka has several railway lines, 7 subway lines. In addition, the city has a well-developed network of trams and city buses; you can take a taxi at any time of the day.

Osaka's streets are heavily trafficked during rush hours, so try not to use ground transportation during this time.

Connection

You can call your loved ones from your hotel room. There are several ways to do this. Use Skype on your laptop. All hotels in Japan provide guests with a free WiFi. Also, almost all hotel rooms have landline telephones. The cost of calls depends on the time of day.

On the streets there are pay phones from which you can make calls even abroad. A distinctive feature of international slot machines is a bright green color.

Upon arrival in Japan, right at the airport, you can rent a Japanese mobile phone and a SIM card for it. If your phone is not quite modern, then you will not be able to use it here: old phone models do not receive a signal 3G.

Safety

The crime rate in Osaka is low. As a rule, you can safely walk down the street even at night. However, the risk of crime increases in bars and nightclubs. When visiting such places, we recommend that you refuse to use a credit card. The police phone number is 110.

Japan is a zone of high seismic activity, so you should learn the basic rules of behavior in extreme situations. Remember that if an earthquake catches you indoors, you will need to hide under the table or in the bathroom. Every hotel has maps showing emergency exits.

In connection with the accident in Fukushima, information on the state of the radiation background is constantly updated. In any case, you should not eat products from areas affected by radiation.

You can call an ambulance by calling 119.

Business climate

International Business Promotion Center organized in Osaka (IBPC Osaka Network Center). This center is a subsidiary of the city government, established to promote trade, industry and business between Osaka and various parts of the world. This structure works in close cooperation with the business communities of the city and serves as a kind of bridge for new business entities.

In addition, there is an Investment Promotion Center in Osaka. (IBPC Osaka Investment Promotion Center), where you can get information about the conditions for entering the market, potential business partners, and more. Detailed information about these centers is on the official website of the city.

The main exhibitions are held in the international exhibition complex INTEX OSAKA.

Real estate

Demand for real estate in Osaka, one of the most prestigious cities in Japan, is always high. Housing prices are also on the rise. Firstly, because land in Japan is very expensive due to the small territories. Secondly, because this country uses the latest technologies in construction, which make buildings the most durable and reliable.

Many prefer long-term rental housing. So. Renting an A-class apartment in Osaka will cost you an average of $2,500 per month. As for the purchase, a square meter of housing costs about $5,000-7,000.

To better navigate the city, you need to remember that in Osaka, the streets laid from north to south are called "suji", from east to west - "toori". Toori and suji intersect with each other.

Try to devote the first half of the day to shopping, as the number of visitors to shopping centers increases significantly in the evening.

When planning city tours, keep in mind that queues here are quite common.

Hotel and restaurant service charges are included in the total bill. Leaving a reward in excess of the account is not accepted here.

Negotiate the cost of the trip with the taxi driver in advance, even if the car has a meter.

It may seem that Osaka is far from the most popular tourist route in Japan, because the city has earned fame as an economic, commercial and industrial center. This erroneous opinion is dispelled immediately after getting acquainted with its extraordinary history and architecture. Being the ancient capital of Japan, the city has always played an important role in the life of the country, and even after the complete destruction during the Second World War, hardworking residents have restored its historical appearance.

Being located on the coastal territory, Osaka favorably combines the past, present and future. Its ancient temples and cozy Japanese-style gardens are replaced by a panorama of glass skyscrapers and futuristic towers, and new discoveries await the attentive traveler literally around every corner - relic plantings of a ginkgo tree, fountains soaring above the ground, Shinto and Buddhist temples.

Already at the dawn of its existence, Osaka was the capital and bore the name Naniwa. Its rapid development was largely due to its favorable geographical position - a convenient seaport was located here, which received almost the entire cargo turnover of Japan. With the transfer of the capital to another place, Naniwa fell into decay, but Osaka arose on its ruins with magnificent monasteries and palace buildings. Since the 17th century, the importance of the city as a commercial and port center of Japan has been growing, and it was not by chance that during the Second World War it was chosen for air bombardments. After massive air attacks, only ruins remained from the historical center and almost all industrial enterprises. But it’s not for nothing that the Japanese are considered the most hardworking and patient nation in the world – in a few decades, Osaka has not only come back to life, but has become even more beautiful and interesting.

Despite the fact that the city was rebuilt from the ashes, Osaka has retained its historical layout, where the southern quarters belong to the historical part, and modern business districts are concentrated in the north. Start your walk with an inspection of the magnificent five-tiered samurai castle, around which there is a park, see with your own eyes one of the oldest Buddhist temples, Shitennoji, and do not forget to enjoy modern Osaka with unusual glass and metal buildings, original viewing platforms and a dynamic rhythm of life.

Castle in Osaka

It is no accident that the historical dominant of the city is the Castle, which was built in the 16th century and became the place where the fragmented Japanese lands were united into a centralized state. It is believed that the initiator of its creation was the commander Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who was so impressed with Azuchi Castle that he wanted to recreate it in Osaka. His plan not only succeeded, but also surpassed the original - the castle had five tiers in height and two more underground, it was surrounded by a 90-meter moat filled with water, and the walls were covered with sheets of gold leaf.

Alas, the building was destroyed first by a strong fire in the 17th century, and then by the bombing of World War II. At the end of the 20th century, the central landmark of the city was restored, but it was not possible to return the historical interiors. Today, Osaka Castle has become a kind of museum and an unusual observation deck. After walking along it, go to refresh yourself in the surrounding park with plantings of one of the rarest trees on the planet - ginkgo.

Umeda Sky Building

The title of Japan as one of the most advanced countries is fully confirmed by urban Osaka - futuristic skyscrapers surprise even people accustomed to the architecture of modern megacities. One of the interesting examples is the Umeda Sky Building, which has become the best observation deck in the city. The skyscraper consists of two twin towers, which at a height of 170 meters are connected by a single observation deck - glazed and open on the very roof of the building. High-speed escalators lead to it, and from above you can see the whole city: parks, gardens, modern and historical quarters. It is best to come here in the evening to look at Osaka during daylight hours, catch a stunning sunset and enjoy the lights of the city at night.

Park Universal Studio

The Universal Studio Park in Osaka has become not just an attraction, but also a place for family recreation, which has concentrated attractions for children and adults and thematic exhibitions dedicated to the most popular films of the studio - "Harry Potter", "Sesame Street", "Terminator", "Spider-Man", "Jurassic Park" and many others. Stuntmen reproduce memorable scenes and stunts from films right on the venues, and light and laser technologies are used for the effect of complete immersion in their atmosphere. There are also extreme rides for adults and a world of cartoon characters for kids.

The territory of the park and its entertainment are so vast that it is far from always possible to get around them in one day, which is why the organizers offer to purchase two or three-day tickets.

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

The main Shinto shrine in Osaka is Sumiyoshi Taisha, which recently celebrated its 1800th anniversary. According to legend, Empress Jingu founded it when her fleet could not go to sea, which is why prayers are offered here for the well-being of sailors, poets and warriors. Three buildings were built in the temple to worship the three gods, each of them today can be visited during the tour.

The architecture of the building is so unique that it has become a separate style, named after the Sumiyoshi-zukura temple itself. You should definitely take a walk through the adjacent park and see another attraction - the Soribashi Bridge, which, according to legend, has become a transition between the world of Gods and people.

Science Museum

The Osaka Science Museum began its history in 1931 as the first Museum of Electricity, but its full-fledged opening took place in 1989 in honor of the city's centenary. It is known that the construction was financed almost entirely by donations, and the main theme of the museum was "Energy and the Universe".

Today, the Science Museum is a four-story building filled with interactive exhibits, science exhibits, and original shows. There is also one of the largest planetariums in the world, an IMAX cinema, a library with a collection of books and magazines on astronomy. The museum will be of interest to both adults and children, for whom separate scientific shows with spectacular experiments and educational films are held.

Leisure

Such a developed modern city as Osaka is a huge opportunity for leisure in a variety of areas. First of all, it is worth taking a walk through the parks and gardens, seeing the beauty of ancient temples and fortresses, but if you are already bored with excursions, go for fun to the Tempozan Harbor Village amusement park. It is in it that you will find not only breathtaking rides, but also the second largest Ferris wheel in the world and a unique seven-story aquarium with exotic marine life.

You can touch the cultural traditions of the country at the National Bunraku Theatre, the largest puppet theater in Japan and the custodian of the ancient traditions of this art. The actors are graceful half-human-sized puppets, each of which is controlled simultaneously by three operators.

Tired of the hustle and bustle of the street, enjoy the tranquility of Nagai Park with centuries-old trees, picnic areas, bike and jogging paths. Complete relaxation can be achieved in the Spa World center - massages, all kinds of spa treatments, swimming in the pool are combined here with lunch in an excellent healthy food restaurant.

How to get there

Kansai International Airport is the main air transport hub in Osaka. It itself is unique, as it was built on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, connected to the mainland by a three-kilometer bridge. The airport serves all international flights arriving in Osaka. It also serves domestic flights within Japan. It has all the services necessary for tourists: ATMs and currency exchange offices, travel agency offices, car rental and cell phone rental. The airport also has restaurants and cafes, a playroom for children and free Wi-Fi.

Buses

City buses of various companies depart from the airport terminals. Travel time from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. The fare depends on the chosen route and fare zones.

Taxi

Taxi ranks are located near all terminals. The fare is paid not only depending on the distance. The price includes the cost of toll road sections, and standing in traffic jams.

local transport

Public transport in Osaka is a highly developed system consisting of subways, city buses, monorail and trams.

The movement around the city for passengers is thought out to the smallest detail. At all stops, metro and monorail stations, there are many signs, including interactive ones. For a tourist who finds himself in the flow of passengers for the first time, such signs and arrows will be confusing due to the abundance of information.

City buses in Osaka are mainly used for short trips. Fares are fixed within each transport zone. When traveling from one such zone to another, the price increases.

The Osaka Subway is considered the main mode of transport in the city. The metro is a simple and quick way for citizens to get to school or work, and for tourists to the sights they need. Some metro and train stations are united into single transport hubs. Metro fares are often slightly higher than those on buses, but this is offset by the absence of traffic jams and an extensive network of stations.

The Osaka Monorail is said to be the longest of its kind in Japan. It consists of 1 main line from Osaka-Itami International Airport to Kadoma City in Osaka Prefecture. In addition to the long main line passing through the city, there is an additional Saito line connecting the city and the Osaka University campuses.

Trams in Osaka serve to connect sleeping areas with the city center. Due to the growth of the metro and monorail, the tram is no longer in demand among passengers. However, the habit of riding it remained with many old Japanese. Now the city tram is more of an interesting attraction than an important part of the transport system.

Hotels

Located near Osaka Station, the Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel occupies the top floors of a 59-story skyscraper, so the panorama from its rooms and the observation deck is breathtaking. Services include use of a minibar, fitness center, dining at a classic Japanese restaurant and luxurious suites.

If you are primarily interested in shopping and entertainment, book a room at the Cross Osaka Hotel - it is located in the central area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe city and has already been awarded several times by the Michelin guide.

There are also traditional Japanese hotels in Osaka, for example, Yamatoya Honten - all rooms are covered with tatami mats, guests are invited to stay on original mattresses (futon). In addition, a calm atmosphere reigns here, classic massages, refreshing drinks and full meals are offered.

Restaurants

Among the masterpieces of Japanese cuisine, rapidly spreading across all countries and continents, noodles deserve special attention - you can try dozens of options for its preparation at the Ichiran restaurant. Not only noodles, but also other traditional Japanese dishes are served at Umeda Hagakure Restaurant. If your tastes are far from udon and sushi, check out the original Spanish restaurant Fujiya 1935 or the Chinese restaurant Shantao.

Ichiran, Dotombori is a classic "noodle shop" that serves a variety of variations of the national dish, which is called ramen here. Rich broth and spicy flavor guaranteed!

If you want to sit with friends and have a drink, then L&L Bar and Restaurant is perfect for this. Visitors praise drinks, snacks and hookah.

shopping

Shopping in Osaka can become a journey on its own, as the city's fame as Japan's center of commerce is no coincidence. For example, in the Umeda quarter you will find a whole underground city of shops, boutiques and supermarkets, which, without exaggeration, can take weeks to explore.

In the southern part of the city, souvenir shops and small markets are scattered everywhere, where Japanese textiles, cosmetics, clothes, and inexpensive jewelry are presented in abundance.

Japanese netsuke miniatures, knives, national clothes, chopsticks and fans are popular among travelers as souvenirs.

History of Osaka

Mentioned in the 4th century as the village of Naniwa, which means "fast waves" in Japanese. In the 7th century, with the emergence of the state of Yamato, Naniwa became the first imperial capital of Japan and, accordingly, the cradle of the entire civilization of the islands. One of the world religions - Buddhism - began to spread throughout the country from this region.

In the 7th-8th centuries, Osaka was the residence of several emperors, and therefore the capital of the country.

In the 16th century, due to a change in administrative significance, the city was renamed Osaka, from the Japanese o - "big" and saka - "hill, slope".

Through the city, indented by numerous channels, the Yodogawa River flows, originating in Lake Biwa. Numerous rivers and streams meander along the coastal plain on which the city is spread. More than 1,300 bridges built at different times and in different styles span across the river branches and canals that divide Osaka into separate areas. Osaka is called the "Japanese Venice".

The favorable geographical position of Osaka on the shores of the Osaka Bay was one of the reasons for the transformation of the city into the main trading center of the country. The first large trading houses, the kabuki theater and the bunraku puppet theater were born here.

The port of Osaka was opened for foreign trade in 1868. However, for a long time, large foreign ships could not enter the port due to the shallow water of the Osaka Bay. Therefore, it has become more important for coastal shipping and fishing vessels. The radical reconstruction of the port was carried out after the Second World War, which led to the active development of trade with foreign countries. The port of Osaka, united since the early 1970s with the port of Kobe, is one of the most important in the country.

The city is famous not only for its huge seaport, but also for the Kansai airport, which is built on an artificial island in the sea bay. It is called the "miracle of the 21st century".

Today, Osaka is a major industrial, commercial and port center of Japan, competing due to its location on the same island and a high level of development with the capital of the state - Tokyo.

In the past, the city was famous for its textile industry, for which it was called the "Manchester of the East". Nowadays, electronics, mechanical engineering, and ferrous metallurgy predominate. This is the second most important financial center in Japan (banks, stock exchange, etc.).

Today's Osaka, with an abundance of supermarkets and elegant boutiques, arcades and underground shopping streets, is a huge modern world-class city.

With its attractions, entertainment and shopping, Osaka attracts many tourists.

Sightseeing in Osaka

Osaka is divided, as it were, into two parts: the historical south and the business north. In the southern part of the city is the traditional shopping center of Osaka - the Shinsaibashi quarter. The nightlife of the city has been concentrated in the Dotonbori quarter for 300 years. A significant part of the old urban development was destroyed during the Second World War, and now Osaka is built up with European-style multi-storey buildings.

Castles in Osaka

One of the main historical and cultural attractions of the city - samurai castle osaka in japan. The one-square-kilometer castle stands on top of a stone embankment, at the base of which huge boulders are laid, the largest of which are six meters high and fourteen meters wide. The castle has five floors; three more floors go deep into the embankment.

The castle was built in 1597 by the commander Toyotomi Hideyoshi. From 20 to 30 thousand people were simultaneously employed in the construction.

There were three defense complexes in the castle, one after the other. Thanks to a slender watchtower with white walls 42 m high, the castle seemed light and bright on the outside. It was called the "golden castle" because of the abundance of gold decorations on the pediments of the tiers.

It was destroyed in the 17th century after civil wars, and subsequent attempts to restore it were prevented by a lightning strike that caused a devastating fire. The castle stood in ruins until the 20th century, the surviving premises were turned into barracks. Only in 1931, the city hall restored the architectural monument, placing a museum in it. Then the main tower (tensyukaku), destroyed in the 17th century, rose from the ruins and acquired a modern look. It was restored according to the surviving image on the screen. Major reconstruction was carried out using reinforced concrete.

The buildings of the castle at the end of World War II were damaged by American air raids, but were restored in 1995-97. The site is currently open to tourists. The interiors of the main tower are modern, but the main gates, moats, and a few other buildings are original, preserved from the Middle Ages. Now here is the Historical Museum, which tells about the life and culture of the samurai. A screen is also kept here, which became a sketch for the restoration of the castle in the 20th century. The tower offers a beautiful view of the city. Adjacent to the castle garden is a stadium where world-class musicians touring Japan perform.

Himeiji Castle or Egret Castle

In addition to Osaka's largest and most famous castle, the city also offers Himeiji Castle or Egret Castle. Built in the 16th century, it is a complex of 83 buildings made in the traditional Japanese style. Almost all buildings are built of wood. The castle is on the UNESCO heritage list. Himeji Castle is one of the oldest surviving castles in Japan and the most popular among tourists.

Temples in Osaka

Osaka has both Buddhist and Shinto religious buildings.

Buddhist temples in Osaka

Shitenno-ji or Temple of the Four Heavenly Lords

Shitenno-ji, or Temple of the Four Heavenly Lords, is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the country. One of the oldest centers of Buddhism in Japan. The temple was built in 593. It was the center of the Tendai school throughout the Middle Ages and modern times. In 1946, he separated from it, founding his own Vasya school.

During its long history, the temple has experienced many upheavals, been destroyed by typhoons, fires and lightning, wars and uprisings, bombardments by American troops. And each time the Temple of the Four Heavenly Lords was rebuilt. After World War II, Shitenno-ji was once again restored, but not from wood, but from reinforced concrete. In this form, the temple is preserved to this day.

Another Buddhist temple, Isshin-ji, is also interesting.

Isshin-ji Temple

Isshin-ji (« one heart temple”) is a Buddhist temple in Japan, in the Tennoji area. It belongs to the Jodo-shu school (Pure Land Buddhism), and is one of the oldest centers of Buddhism of this school.

In 1854, the famous Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjuro VIII was buried here, since that time numerous funeral urns have been exhibited in the temple. The number of urns already in 1880 exceeded 50 thousand, and due to lack of space, the abbot in 1887 instructed the sculptors to create statues of Amitabha using the ashes of the dead bonded with resin. So 13 Buddhist statues appeared, in which the ashes of tens of thousands of believers of the school were placed. During the bombing of World War II, the temple and six statues were destroyed. After the war, the temple complex was gradually reconstructed. On April 21, the annual cremation ceremony is held here.

Shinto shrines in Osaka

The Shinto branch is represented in Osaka by such large temples as Tenmangu, built in 949, and Sumiyoshi-taisha, the main shrine of the god of the same name.

Kitano Tenmangu Temple in Osaka

Tenmangu Shinto Shrine in Osaka was founded in the 10th century. The temple was built in order to appease the spirit of the poet and scholar Sugawara Michizane, who was exiled as a result of the political intrigues of his opponent. Since the Japanese name Sugawara Michizane is associated with Tejin, the god of education, visiting the Kitano Shrine brings good luck and academic success.

In the middle of the Heian era, Kitano Tenmangu Temple received the patronage of the emperors, and from 1871 to 1946 had the status of a state-supported shrine of the second rank.

Tenmangu Shrine was destroyed by fire many times. The buildings that exist today were recreated in 1845.

The temple is famous for the plum blossom festival that takes place here every year on February 25th. Participation in it, as a rule, is taken by maiko and geiko.

Locals often visit the temple to ask for academic success. Every 25th, an extensive flea market operates on the temple grounds.

Sumiyoshi Shrine (Sumiyoshi-taisha)

Sumiyoshi Taisha- Shinto shrine, the main shrine of the god Sumiyoshi in the country, dedicated to the patrons of warriors and fishermen. In the temple, according to numerous legends, the souls of dead sailors and soldiers who fell in battles rest.

The majestic Sumiyoshi Taishapo Shrine is a striking example of a Shinto shrine in its architecture. Of the four main buildings of the temple, three are dedicated to the gods - the patrons of fishermen and one - to the god - the patron of warriors.

The exact date of construction of the temple is unknown, but many historians claim that it already existed in the 3rd century. The building of the temple became the standard for the architects of Shinto shrines and early palace buildings. It was built of wood on thick piles with a gable roof protruding forward and crossed gable beams.

Here, every year on June 14, the Otaue-shinji festival is held, local girls organize performances, which are accompanied by dances, music and various symbolic sacrifices.

The entire path to the shrine is lined with stone lamps, there are more than 600 of them. In front of them is the Soribashi Bridge, which is considered the border separating the other world from the real world. The temple holds some of the oldest seals in Japan.

Trees grow on the territory, which are considered the habitat of the kami deities and are called shinboku ("divine tree").

Modern architecture in Osaka

Kansai airport

Kansai airport built by Renzo Piano on a completely artificial island, built in the middle of Osaka Bay. Why on an island, and even an artificial one? Because here, far from residential areas, the airport could be open 24 hours a day, and the locals would not be disturbed by the noise of planes taking off and landing. The only ones who opposed this plan were the local fishermen, but they were generously compensated.

The project was recognized as one of the most outstanding architectural ideas of the 20th century.

Construction began in 1987. For the first time in the world, the airport was located on the water, two kilometers from the coast. An artificial island 4,000 meters long and 1,000 meters wide was built in the middle of the bay. This structure had to withstand high tsunamis, severe typhoons and strong earthquakes. A bridge 3 kilometers long was also built, connecting this island with the town of Rinku, a suburb of Osaka. The project resulted in the construction of the world's largest artificial island, the world's largest double-deck bridge and the world's longest building.

Opened on September 4, 1994, the airport safely survived the terrible earthquake on January 17, 1995, when 6434 people died; typhoon in 1998 with a wind speed of 200 km/h. The building survived thanks to its design, reminiscent of an airplane wing.

Later, next to the first, a second artificial island was built, connected to it by a narrow isthmus.

Tsutenkaku Tower

Tsutenkaku Tower- a television tower built in 1957 on the site of the tower of the same name, built in 1912, destroyed during the Second World War. The tower of 1912 at the time of construction seemed to the inhabitants of Osaka to be an unusually tall building and was a real shock to the people of those years. She had a height of 64 meters and was then the tallest building in the entire East! The Tsutenkaku Tower has become the symbol of Osaka. Travelers often compared it to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The new tower, over 100 meters high, has become a popular landmark in Osaka. From the observation deck, located at a height of 91 meters, offers a beautiful view of the city.

Tempozan Harbor Village

Tempozan Harbor Village- An entertainment complex in Osaka, centered around the Tempozan shopping center of the same name and the Kaiyukan Aquarium. Here is the second largest Ferris wheel in the world, the Naniwa theme park dedicated to the national food of Japan, Mount Tempozan - the lowest mountain in the country, on which there is a cozy park with paths and benches, as well as an observatory, a wine museum, a bird sanctuary, a cinema with one of the largest IMAX screens in the world, a market, many different bars and restaurants.

Ferris wheel has a height of 112.5 meters. It was considered the tallest in the world until the London Eye was built in England. From the top of the Ferris wheel, you can enjoy a great view of the city and other sights of Osaka.

Kayukan Aquarium- one of the most famous and popular aquariums in Japan. This unique aquarium opened in 1990, is seven stories high and is home to over 30,000 marine life, including large stingrays and sharks.

The huge castle in Osaka (its area is 1 square kilometer) is one of the most significant historical monuments of the country.

General Toyotomi Hideyoshi founded the castle in 1597 on the site of an old temple. It was built based on the architecture of Azuchi Castle, the headquarters of Oda Nobunaga. Osaka Castle was planned to be just as impregnable, but larger in every way. That is why the building not only rises 5 floors up, but also goes 3 floors into the ground, and the walls of the tower are covered with gold leaf.

During the time of Hideyoshi, Osaka became not only the most important economic center of the country, uniting the divided Japan, but also the center of major strife. The fortress-castle had to endure two major battles. In the 17th century, it nevertheless fell under enemy pressure and was destroyed. In 1620, it was decided to restore and expand it. But natural forces prevented this - lightning struck the tower and most of the buildings burned down. Until the 20th century, the castle lay in ruins, until the mayor of Osaka found funds for its reconstruction. Since 1931, the castle has again risen above the city, it houses a museum.

The interior of the castle was restored to its original form. Of the original buildings, the main Otemon gate, five Yagura (Thousand Eyes Tower) towers from the Tokugawa period, moats, several barracks and houses have been preserved. The stones of the buildings were laid without mortar, which allowed them to withstand earthquakes. Impenetrable sheer cliffs framing the castle, ditches up to 90 meters wide, with a total length of 12 kilometers, general monumentality and proud beauty - the castle in Osaka is an expressive monument to the ambitions and strength of character of the Japanese leaders.

Kansai International Airport

Kansai International Airport, opened in 1994, is located on an artificial island near the city of Osaka. It was designed by Renzo Piano and is a completely civilian airport.

The airport includes 2 terminals - north and south. The North Terminal receives flights from 24 airlines. It has a three-story building equipped with nine escalators and three glass elevators, one of which is external. On the ground floor there are several duty-free shops and food establishments, including restaurants.

The South Terminal receives nineteen airlines and handles over 12 million passengers a year. It has a four-storey building equipped with 6 travolators and 2 glass elevators. Here, duty-free shops, however, as well as restaurants and cafeterias, can be found on all floors of the building.

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Park Universal studio

Universal Studios is a huge amusement park located in the Japanese city of Osaka and competing with the famous Disneyland. This is a great place to have fun with the whole family. There are a huge number of rides and shows, divided into several thematic zones.

As in all similar parks in the world, the central theme of all the attractions presented in the Universal Park are films shot at the Universal film studio. All the attractions here are very realistic and, of course, of high quality.

The authors of the project tried to make it a great place to relax, not only from the technical side, but in terms of design and design. The almost entirely reconstructed quarters here take you to the old European and American cities. The attractions in the park are divided into several thematic areas according to the most popular films: "Terminator", "Jurassic Park", "Water World", "Jaws", "Shrek", "Spider-Man", "Back to the Future", "Backdraft" ", as well as many others. On one of the attractions, right in front of the eyes of the audience, stuntmen recreate fragments of popular films.

In addition, the park has many restaurants and shops. The entertainment program is so dense that it is unlikely that you will be able to get around everything in one day, but this is not a problem, because the Park offers its visitors 2 and 3 day tickets - so you can visit it several times in a row.

Shinsaibashi shopping arcade and the district of the same name is the real shopping center in Osaka. Here you can buy everything. Elite boutiques coexist with tiny shops, designer goods - with consumer goods. Shops are accompanied by numerous eateries, cafes and restaurants. The dominant feature of the area is the covered Shinsaibashi-Suji street. Here, in Shinsaibashi, a favorite place for local youth is based - the American Village with an appropriate assortment of goods.

The shopping district stretched for about 600 meters. There are two large department stores - Daimaru and Sogo, as well as about 180 small boutiques and restaurants.

In a historical sense, the area got its name from one of the bridges built by local merchants, one of these merchants was Shinsaibashi Okada. The bridge has not been preserved, but the name of the merchant has remained for centuries.

American Village Americamura

Amémura, often abbreviated to "Amemura" in Osaka, is a large shopping area. Everyone who comes here gets the impression that there are only shops, shops and shops. The way it is. Western brand stores sell goods that European travelers are accustomed to. And many local Japanese shops and stores sometimes offer such an incredible product that the sense of reality dissolves.

The area of ​​Americamura is known by another name - the American Village. Apparently, to emphasize a certain connection with another developed country, there is a local statue of Liberty here, watching from above everything that happens in the quarter, as well as King Kong. And there's a lot going on here. Americamura is the cutting edge of contemporary Japanese youth. Here you can see representatives of all subcultures. The imitation of American culture is felt in the local atmosphere. There are many cafes in the American style. On weekends, flea markets are organized here, and street musicians perform well-known American tunes in very different ways.

It's easy to spend a whole day in this area of ​​Osaka, shopping or just walking the streets and watching life. The local flavor will not let even the inveterate phlegmatic get bored.

Chikiri Castle

Kishiwada Castle or Chikiri Castle was built by Hidemasa Koide in 1597. Nobukatsu, the rulers of Okabe Mina, took possession of the castle from Takatsuki in 1640. The Okabe family has maintained its position for 13 generations (before the Meiji Restoration). The main tower of the castle was destroyed when lightning struck in 1827, but was rebuilt in 1954 and is now also used as a museum.

Dotonbori quarter

Dotonbori is a major commercial and business district in Osaka. It is located along the southern bank of the canal of the same name. The area is loved by tourists and residents of the city for the circulation of energy and an active, ebullient, very rich atmosphere. It is always lively and crowded here. In Dotonbori there are many restaurants and cafes with cuisine for every taste - the streets are literally saturated with the aromas of cooking dishes. There are large entertainment centers that are very convenient for shopping, and theaters where performances of the traditional Bunraku puppet theater and other events are held. It is considered to be the center of Osaka's nightlife.

Films are often made in Dotonbori, it acts as a kind of "face" of Osaka. During the day, the area, framed by fountains on both sides of the canal, looks quite business-like. In the evening, it blooms with neon lights and seems to change the outfit. And numerous textured luminous signs such as "Running Man Glico" or "Kani Doraku Crab" give Dotonbori a peculiar, even slightly surreal, very special chic.

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Umeda Sky Building

Everyone knows that Japan is one of the most advanced countries in the world. Buildings like the futuristic office skyscraper "Umeda Sky Building" are obvious proof of this.

The 173-story skyscraper looks ultra-modern. Silvery materials sparkle in the rays of the sun, and at night they look incredible at all, two slender towers are connected by the original floating garden of the Observatory. They let you in for a small fee and the view of the huge living metropolis from the height of the 39th floor is a truly breathtaking sight.

On the minus first floor of the building is the Takimi-koji restaurant, which repeated with its interior the Japanese street of the early Showa period (1912-1945 - the reign of the Showa Emperor).

The skyscraper was built in 1993 by Hiroshi Hara. It was originally planned to build it as an “Air City” and there were supposed to be four towers, not two. But they were cut to fit the funding possibilities, and the result was the Umeda Sky Building.

There is a park around the building. The contrast of man-made, but living nature and modern reinforced concrete structures does not hurt the eyes, but calms in its own way. After all, the manifestation of the harmony of any landscape is a strong feature of the Japanese character.

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