Home to the 3rd largest population in Japan, Osaka is situated on the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay in one of the southern regions of the main island Honshu
The spoken dialect is Osaka-ben a form or Kansai-ben. Differing slightly to the Japanese taught in foreign school in slight ways; i.e. the suffix –hen is used in place of –nai for negative verbs, aho is used instead of baka, just to name a couple.
Osaka is a place full of life, culture and food. Many tourists are drawn to its unique atmosphere and tantalizing sights every year. Much like Tokyo, there is never a dull moment and the night life is almost as busy as the day life. The people are commonly known to be a lot easier going and friendly as opposed to other big cities – but this is subject to opinion.
The big city has also been known to be somewhat cheaper and packs a fine quality of shopping, food and sites to see.
Some popular attractions:
Dontonbori– This is one of the most iconic areas within Osaka, loved my locals and flocked to by tourists. Dontonbori features great shopping, food – both street and restaurants, theatres, nightclubs, and much more. It is also featured in numerous J-Dramas, Documentaries and Movies as it is most identifiable to Osaka.
Tempozan Ferris Wheel – Situated at the mouth of Osaka Bay, the structure stands at 112.5 meters high and has 68 passenger carts with the ability to carry 480 people at one time. Tampozan Ferris Wheel allows its riders a panoramic view of the sea, mountains and the entire great city. Night time also provides a more romantic atmosphere as the city illuminates which has seen it become a popular date spot. The youth of Japan also ‘believe’ if a couple kiss at the top of a ferris wheel that they well have a lasting relationship – also featured in a lot of Shoujo Managa.
National Bunraku Theater – The headquarters of Japans Bunraku (or Puppet Theater) was founded in 1984 and was the fourth National Theatre of the country. It was opened with the intention to preserve, develop and pass on the traditional art form of the Kyoto-Osaka area (or Kamigata). Though they used modern technologies in their performances and functions, it is done in such a way to enhance the traditional atmosphere and characteristics of Bunraku. People have described it as “AMAZING”, “Thoroghly enjoyable even knowing no Japanese” and “Traditional arts persist for a reason”. (Source: http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g298566-d320981-Reviews-National_Bunraku_Theater-Osaka_Osaka_Prefecture_Kinki.html#REVIEWS)
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan – Especially popular in the Spring, this aquarium is a must see. Letting one explore the different levels of sea life through visual and interactive displays, one is sure to be impressed by its variety and if nothing other the 5000 tone take containing the oceans largest, the whale shark. Don’t be fooled though, not only does it contain a wide variety of fish but the Osaka Aquarium also holds the likes of otters, penguins, seals, dolphins and more.
This marvellous poster was created in 1929 for the San Sebastian aquarium by local artist Agustin Ansa Mugica. It’s up for auction shortly. The aquarium is still there and Ansa’s work should still be enough to encourage a visit.
