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JAPAN'S 'RENAISSANCE CITY' — OSAKA

Shopping / Sightseeing / Dining / Afterdark
Japan's oldest city and ancient capital is embracing the future with open arms. As one of the earliest centres for trading with foreign countries, free-thinking and enterprising Osaka is also continuing a tradition of welcoming tourists - with Universal Studios heading its growing list of attractions. Osaka hosted Asia's first World Expo in 1970, opened the world's most advanced airport at Kansai in 1994. Uniquely for Japan, even the underground train system makes announcements in English. If you have not heard of Osaka before, you certainly will in the future because it is a true 'Renaissance City'.
< Shopping >
Kita is the largest shopping district in western Japan with vast underground shopping centres. Check-out Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, the popular American Village and stone-paved European Street. Crysta Nagahori boasts Japan's largest floor space. Latest electrical goods are excellent value in Nipponbashisuji. Festival Gate is eight-storeys of shopping and restaurants.
< Sightseeing >
Osaka's 1,400-year history is revered at sites such as Naniwa Palace, Shitennoji Temple -- the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan -- and Sumiyoshi Grand Shinto Shrine. Nearby Tennoji Park is also home to Festivalgate amusement park and Spa World, featuring spas of various ethnic designs.

Universal Studios is one of the most advanced theme parks in Asia. Osaka Aquarium "Kaiyukan" is one of the world's largest. Sakuya Konohana Kan (The Great Conservatory) is a futuristic architectural marvels.

Osaka Maritime Museum, at a new urban resort called Tempozan, is designed around a life-sized ancient trading ship and explains the role that the sea has played in Osaka's history. The National Museum of Ethnology in Expo Memorial Park exhibits cultural objects from Japan and around the world. Osaka Dome symbolises the city's go-ahead spirit.
< Dining >
In ancient Osaka, many fortunes were lost through the city's notorious over-indulgence in food. Dotonbori and Sennichimae are the major centres continuing this tradition of kuidaore (literally meaning "ruining oneself by extravagance in food"). Kagaman is one of Japan's most prestigious restaurants. Kandagawa Main Outlet is famous for turtle dishes; Sumo Jyaya is famous for sumo food, and sumo-wrestlers. Cheese and wine lovers flock to Vin de Vin.
< Afterdark >
For a birds-eye view of glittering Osaka by night, Floating Garden Observatory is enchanting; the 256-metre WTC Cosmo Tower is fabulous.

Art Creation Center is the hub of Osaka's culture, staging countless exhibitions and performances.

Minami-ku is the liveliest area for nightlife with garish arcades, bars, strip clubs and good restaurants. The Pig & Whistle is an English pub. Kimura Bar has over 700 brands of whisky. Saloon Bar Moulso is pricey but prestigious.

Ask at your hotel if a sumo-wrestling competition coincides with your visit. Osaka is a famous, ancient centre for the sport and witnessing the spectacle is unforgettable - perhaps the ultimate Japanese experience.


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