OSAKA

               Osaka is Japan's third largest and second most important city. It has been the economic powerhouse of the Kansai region for many centuries. Osaka was formerly known as Naniwa. Before the Nara Period, when the capital used to be moved with the reign of each new emperor, Naniwa was once Japan's capital city, the first one ever known.

Tourist Attraction

Osaka Castle

             Osaka Castle is one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Osaka, where many tourists visit. The top floor of the castle tower provides a panoramic view of Osaka and the lower floors exhibit the history of the castle. You can dress up as a samurai warrior or a samurai daughter at the second floor and have a photo session. The moat and the stone wall are so big as to remind people of how huge the whole castle was.

How to go

               The recommended approach to Osaka Castle is through Otemon Gate at the park's southwestern corner. The closest station is Tanimachi 4-chrome Station along the Tanimachi Subway Line and Chuo Subway Line. The closest JR station to Osaka Castle is Osakajokoen Station on the JR Loop Line, a 10 minute, 160 yen ride from JR Osaka Station.

Shitennoji Temple

                 Shitennoji is one of Japan's oldest temples and the first ever to be built by the state. It was founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, who supported the introduction of Buddhism into Japan. Although the temple's buildings burned down several times throughout the centuries, they were always carefully reconstructed to reflect the original 6th century design.

How to go

                 Shitennoji is a short walk from Shitennoji-mae-Yuhigaoka Station on the Tanimachi Subway Line. Alternatively, it can be reached in a ten minute walk north of JR Tennoji Station on the JR Loop Line. the first ever to be built by the state. It was founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, who supported the introduction of Buddhism into Japan. Although the temple's buildings burned down several times throughout the centuries, they were always carefully reconstructed to reflect the original 6th century design.

Osaka Aquarium

                  Osaka Aquarium, also known as Kaiyukan is located in the Tempozan Harbor Village of Osaka's bay area, and is one of Japan's most spectacular aquarium. It introduces various forms of life inhabiting the Pacific Rim in a well organised and impressive way. 

How to go

                  Osaka Aquarium is located at Osakako Station on the Chuo subway line.

Dontonbori

                  One of Osaka's most popular tourist destinations, this street runs parallel to the Dotonbori canal. It is a popular shopping and entertainment district and is also known as a food destination. At night it is lit by hundreds of neon lights and mechanized signs, including the famous Glico Running Man sign and Kani Doraku crab sign.

Minoo Park

              Minoo Park is a forested valley on the outskirts of Osaka, just north of the urban sprawl. During the fall, it is one of the best places in the Kansai Region to see the autumn colors in a natural setting, as opposed to the attractive fall foliage found at temples and gardens. The colors are usually best in the second half of November.

How to go 

              Minoo Park starts a short walk north of Hankyu Minoo Station. From Umeda in central Osaka, take the Hankyu Takarazuka Line from Hankyu Umeda Station to Ishibashi Sation (15 minutes) and transfer to the Hankyu Minoo Line to Minoo Station (5 minutes). The entire one way trip takes about 25 minutes, costs 260 yen and is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass. There are frequent connections.

Railways map in Osaka 

Credit: http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/