Osaka

The third largest Japanese city in terms of population, Osaka City is a major trade hub in Japan. Having a high daytime population of 3.7 million, it is one of the command centers of the Japanese economy.

Total area: 85.8 square miles Population: 2.6 million approximately Geographical coordinates: 34°41'37.48''N, 135°30'7.83''E

Osaka City is located in the Kansai area of Honshū Island. With a population of around 2.6 million Osaka is the third most populous city in Japan after Tokyo and Yokohama. The daytime population more than doubles during the day, reflecting the significance Osaka holds in terms of economic affairs. Today, Osaka has emerged as a major industrial city as a result of its rapid modernization.

Tourist Attractions in Osaka
Osaka has a temperate climate, where summers are relatively hot and accompanied with showers. Spring and autumn seasons are the preferred time to visit this city. Events such as Cheery Blossom, Mino Autumn Leaves Photo Competition and Autumn Leaves Festival, are organized at this time.

Places to visit in Osaka include:

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine: Dedicated to the guardian deity of sailors, this is the most famous shrine in Japan. This spot is very popular with tourists who are looking to spend some calm and serene moments.

• Osaka Aquarium: There are 14 exhibits in the aquarium on the theme of the volcanic perimeter surrounding the Pacific. Apart from this, there are over 300 species of marine life on display.
• Umeda Sky Building: This 170-meter-high majestic building offers a stunning view of Osaka city. The Sky Garden is another interesting feature of the building.
• National Bunraku Theater: This is a traditional puppet and kabuki theater.
• Nakanoshima Park: This public park features a rose garden and over 4000 tress, and is the perfect place to enjoy the city's greenery.

Transportation in Osaka

Airports

The international, domestic and cargo flights operate from the two airports in the city: Kansai International Airport and Osaka International Airport. It being a port city, ferry and shipping services are also available extensively. Miyazaki, Kitakyushu, Kagoshima, and Okinawa are some of the ports in Osaka.


Raliway

Rail network coverage in the city is wide-ranging and the major terminals are: Yodoyabashi, Umeda, Tennoji, Namba and Kyobashi. High-speed rail and commuter rail are the two types which operate in the city. Osaka Municipal Subway is another important part of the city's extensive rapid transit system.

The Osaka Municipal Transportation Bureau operates regular bus service along with other companies in the city. The flat fare rate for regular buses can be 100 yen or 200 yen, based on the distance.

Hotels in Osaka
For a luxurious stay, you can book rooms at:

• The Ritz-Carlton
• Imperial Hotel Osaka
• Swissotel Nankai Osaka

If you are looking for reasonable prices hotels, you can check out:

• Lutheran Hotel
• Hotel Sun Route Umeda
• Flexstay Shinsaibashi Inn

Airport hotels in Osaka are:

• Hotel Minoh Osaka
• Chisun Inn Esaka
• Hotel New Archaic