Osaka is Japan's "Second City" after Tokyo. It combines with Kyoto Kobe, and the surrounding area to form Japan's second largest metropolitan area - slightly over 19 million people - 14th largest in the world after New York City. The city has several districts that are reasonably well connected via metro but areas farther away need to be access via train.
Osakans love to eat and the most prevalent dish seems to be Takoyaki, octopus in a half fried, half gelatinous form found at street stalls throughout the city. The chef uses sticks to turn the octopus balls until the are cooked to perfection and ready for consumption.
Osakans love to eat and the most prevalent dish seems to be Takoyaki, octopus in a half fried, half gelatinous form found at street stalls throughout the city. The chef uses sticks to turn the octopus balls until the are cooked to perfection and ready for consumption.
UMEDA
Umeda is the business center of Osaka, primary train station, and a center of nightlife. It can take over fifteen minutes to walk through Umeda Station - while Shinjuku Station in Tokyo has more daily passengers the activity doesn't compare to the mayhem at Umeda.
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DOTONBORI CANAL AND PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY
Dotonbori Canal is the quintessential neon light, larger than life objects protruding from buildings, people mayhe image of Japan. It's busy in the day but best visited at night to see the flashing lights in all their glory. The surrounding area has a few boutique shops and anime stores.
A few metro stops away is Shinsekai which is a "lighter" version of Dotonbori.
A few metro stops away is Shinsekai which is a "lighter" version of Dotonbori.
NARA
Nara is a former capital during the 700s that has several temples including the world’s largest, completely constructed from wood, building. Small, spotted deer wander the temple and park areas and calmly approach people adding to the serenity. A forty minute train ride from Osaka (similar distance from Kyoto).
PHOTOS
For additional Osaka photos see FLIKR ALBUM.