Ōsaka (大阪, Ōsaka)
Ōsaka Prefecture is located in the Kansai region on the main Island of Honshū. Three sides of Ōsaka Prefecture are surrounded by mountains, and the western area faces the arc-shaped Ōsaka Bay. Ōsaka means: large hill or large slope. Its historical name is Naniwa. Ōsaka’s best-known historical site is the 16th century Ōsaka Castle in Chūō-ku. It is Ōsaka Prefecture’s first World Heritage Site. Hokoku Shrine is located in the Ōsaka Castle Park and is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms in the springtime. Ōsaka’s average winter temperature is 40º F, and its average summer temperature is 80º F. Its time zone is CMTG+9; its Country Dialing Code is 81; and, its Area Code is 06. The Japanese Yen is its currency.
The City of Ōsaka is the capital of Ōsaka Prefecture and was once the capital of Japan. It is located 215 miles west of Tokyo. It is the 2nd largest city in Japan with a population of 2.5 million people spread over 221 sq. kilometers . Ōsaka has many beautiful shrines. Sumiyoshi-taisha is one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines dating back more than a 1000 years and is famous for its red foot bridge and peaceful garden. Ōsaka is also known as the “Nation’s Kitchen. Its two most famous dishes are okonomiyai, a grilled batter containing cabbage, egg, pork or seafood; and, takoyaki, grilled octopus balls. Another delicacy is a savory pancake-like food called negiyaki.
Ōsaka (大阪, Ōsaka) is famous for:
Bunraku – the old art of Japanese Puppet Theatre
Hospitality and friendliness of the people of Ōsaka
Fabulous animal prints worn by Ōsaka grandmas.
Underground shopping malls
Tigers Baseball
Ōsaka Tower
Amerikamura (liveliest nightlife in the Kansai area)
Universal Studio
Ōsaka Aquarium Kalyukan
Tempozan Ferris Wheel
Fugu (blowfish)
Yakiniku (barbecued morsels of beef) Kushikatsu (seasoned, skewered deep fried cutlets of meat)