Japan Travel Guide—Osaka

Step into Osaka, located in the central-western part of Japan, in the heart of the Kinki region. Although it is the smallest prefecture in Japan by area, its population and population density are second only to the capital, Tokyo, making it the second largest in the nation. It is surrounded by mountains on three sides, with the western part facing the bow-shaped Osaka Bay. Due to its proximity to Japan's ancient capitals, Kyoto and Nara, it rapidly developed and prospered as a crucial hub for water and land transportation and as a commercial city. In the city of Osaka, there is Osaka Castle, centered around a 5-story castle tower, with a lawn park of about 60,000 square meters. During the cherry blossom season in spring, the park is thronged with visitors admiring the blossoms, creating an endless stream of people. In Umeda, the northern gateway of Osaka, there are many large underground shopping streets, lined with eateries, boutiques selling trendy goods, and miscellaneous shops. The area centered around Umeda is known as 'Kita'; the area centered around Namba and Dotonbori is known as 'Minami'. Namba is a bustling district with a common touch, while Dotonbori is an area along the Dotonbori River lined with eateries. Minami is a famous entertainment district, home to many theaters and cinemas. Best Season: March to August is the best time to travel to Osaka, with pleasant weather and a variety of gatherings and festivals taking place, making it the time when you can experience the most characteristic activities.