Osaka is the second largest city in Japan, serving as a major economic hub for the country. Osaka is the most unique city and is roughly in the middle of Japan about 500km of the west in Tokyo) for 1400 years, Osaka has been a gathering place. The city has long conducted business not only nationwide but also with China and the Korean Peninsula, playing an important role as a center of trade and cultural exchange. The Osaka regions continued to play an important role in Japan’s development. Osaka’s development into a major city began in the mid-sixteenth century, a time of great social instability and frequent internal warfare. Local feudal lords acted autonomously, unrestrained by a weak central government.

 Osaka is known for its food, in Japan and abroad. Author Michael Booth and food critic François Simon of Le Figaro have suggested that Osaka is the food capital of the world. Osakans’ love for the culinary is made apparent in the old saying Kyotoites are financially ruined by overspending on clothing; Osakans are ruined by spending on food. Regional cuisine includes okonomiyaki (pan-fried batter cake), takoyaki (octopus in fried batter), undo (a noodle dish), as well as the traditional oshizushi (pressed sushi), particularly batter (pressed mackerel sushi). Osaka has started to garner more attention from foreigners with the increased popularity of cooking and dining in popular culture.

 The best time to travel to Osaka in Japan The months May, June, July, September and October have nice weather with a good average temperature.

 The city’s transport network is very well developed. Subways make it possible to reach anywhere in the city with in about 30 minutes. Osaka is about 30 minutes by train from Kyoto and Nara with their many cultural and historical sights, and Kobe with their exotic and fashionable atmosphere.