Osaka is another world

Osaka is the third largest city in Japan and is fascinating in its diversity. This is a place where you can expect to find huge international hotels, futuristic residences and postmodern architecture.

A Tale of Two Cities
Osaka has been an important trading centre since the 6th century, and the mercantile tradition continues to infuse the city. The downtown area is divided into two districts by Chuo-odori Street.

Life in the northern Kita-ku district is as lively underground as on the surface. This is a place where you can move from one gigantic shopping centre to another without ever catching even a glimpse of the light of day. The southern Minami-ku and Doton-bor precincts are more traditional and most lively in the late evening.

Fine fare in restaurants and art galleries
The Umeda Sky Building is a landmark in Osaka. Rising to a height of more than 560 feet, it offers spectacular views of the surrounding region. Art enthusiasts should take a detour to the Suntory museum, which provides a broad exhibition ranging from rare Far-Eastern glass to unique collection of posters by Mucha and Toulouse-Lautrec.

Thousands of artistic treasures in Kyoto

Any serious trip to Oska should also take in a visit to Kyoto, where you will find old Japan at its most genuine. One can grasp something of the sheer number of sights in Kyoto simply by noting the statistic that there are about two thousand temples here with their various artistic treasures.

Thousands of artistic treasures in Kyoto
Any serious trip to Osaka should also take in a visit to Kyoto, where you will find old Japan at its most genuine. One can grasp something of the sheer number of sights in Kyoto simply by noting the statistic that there are about two thousand temples here with their various artistic treasures.