After Tokyo, Osaka is probably one of the most well-known cities in Japan! This beautiful city boasts stunning scenery, fantastic entertainment options, and incredible food. Want to learn a little more about this city? Here are some fun facts about Osaka that might inspire a future trip or two.
1. It is located in the Kansai region.
Osaka is indeed located in the Kansai region of Japan, on the island of Honshu. It is the country’s third-largest city, following Tokyo and Yokohama.
2. It is an important economic hub for Japan.
Osaka is a major economic centre for Japan. It is known for its role in finance, commerce, and the production of goods – and you only have to look at its GRP of around $181 billion to understand why!
3. Dotonbori is the place to visit for entertainment!
When in Osaka, visitors usually like to head to Dotonbori. This bustling district is famous for its neon lights, entertainment options, and a wide variety of restaurants, easily making it an extremely popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Minami is another lively district with theatres, nightlife, and the famous Glico Running Man sign. The city also has a vibrant comedy scene, and the Osaka style of comedy, known as “manzai,” involves a comedic duo engaging in rapid-fire banter.
4. You can visit Osaka Castle, too.
Another popular tourist destination is Osaka Castle. A symbol of Osaka, the castle is a historic fortress that played a significant role in the eventual unification of Japan during the 16th century. And, for more history, Osaka has preserved historical merchant districts like Kuromon Ichiba Market and Hozenji Yokocho, where you can experience the traditional atmosphere.
5. You can also visit Universal Studios.
Osaka is also home to one of only four Universal Studios parks on the planet! The park features various attractions based on popular movies and TV shows. If you’ve checked out the Western parks, be sure to see Japan’s twists on this family resort if you’re in Osaka.
6. It is home to one of the largest aquariums in the world.
Kaiyukan, Osaka, is world famous for being one of the largest sea life centres on the planet. This aquarium showcases a diverse range of marine life and has a unique design that takes visitors through different ocean habitats. There are 15 enormous tanks to explore here with virtual ocean tours available.
7. The city is well-known for its food.
Osaka is famous for its street food and local dishes. Some of the most popular favourites include takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and negiyaki. You can’t visit Osaka without sampling the cuisine first!
8. You can see the whole city from the Umeda Sky Building.
The Umeda Sky Building is, perhaps unsurprisingly, in the Umeda district. It famously offers panoramic views of Osaka and has a unique floating garden observatory. And, thankfully, you can easily visit the whole city as it has an extensive and efficient metro system, making it easy for residents and visitors to navigate the different districts!
9. You can also see the oldest Buddhist Temple in Japan here.
Shitenno-ji dates back to the 6th century, making it one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan! It is a very important cultural and historical site.
10. The city hosts multiple Sumo tournaments.
Get ready for a slamdown, as Osaka is also known for its passion for Sumo wrestling! The city hosts one of the six annual Grand Sumo Tournaments – meaning if you’re big on the sport, Osaka is absolutely the place to be.
FAQs about Osaka
What is Osaka best known for?
Osaka is best known for its entertainment. From incredible nightlife to international tournaments, concerts, and various shows, as well as amazing food, there’s tons to experience in this city.
Is Osaka very different from Tokyo?
Tokyo is considered more of a metropolitan area. It has plenty of famous landmarks, and high-end areas to visit. On the other hand, Osaka is more popular for offering a fun time! The area is generally more laid-back, so keep that in mind if you’re touring Japan.
Is Osaka expensive?
Osaka is actually a more affordable place to visit in Japan than most other cities, such as Tokyo, for example. However, just because it’s a little cheaper doesn’t mean there’s less to do here.
Further reading
https://facts.uk/tag/Japan
https://osaka-info.jp/en/
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2157.html
Do you know any interesting facts about Osaka? Share them in the comments section below!