OSAKA

The arts, heritage and food haven of Japan

- Anithya Balachandran

Japan's second-largest metropolitan area after Tokyo, the city of Osaka is teeming with things to do, places to see, and unique experiences. Osaka was formerly known as Naniwa and has been a longstanding trading hub. Merchants came in from near and far, gathering in Osaka to buy and sell rice. Known for its passion and enthusiasm for food, the city was once referred to as "tenka no daidokoro," "kitchen of the nation." The importance of the inhabitants of the city attached to the culinary world is instantly evident once you look around Shinsekai, Fukushima, and Tsuruhashi. Guests of the city are often encouraged to indulge in "Kuidaore", an expression which means to seek out delicious food with determination, pouring money into eating until you are bankrupt. This phrase originated in Osaka and has been embedded into the identity of the city. Historically, Osaka's significance increased drastically in the 16th century when Toyotomi Hideyoshi chose Osaka as the location for his castle- Osaka Castle. Currently, Osaka is an eclectic blend of tradition and modernity as it's known for its culinary, nightlife, and historic offerings. A short Shinkansen (Bullet Train) ride from Tokyo, the city has a highly unique personality and is definitely an experience that a traveller should explore!

TOP 10 EDITOR'S RECOMMENDATIONS OF THINGS TO DO

OSAKA CASTLE

One of Japan's most renowned landmarks, the castle played a key role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century. The entire Osaka Castle grounds is huge and has lots of green spaces, sports facilities, a multi-purpose arena (Osaka-jo Hall) and a shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN