Osaka (大阪市) is Japanese city situated at the mouth of the Yodo River on the Osaka Bay. Osaka is also referred to as “nation’s kitchen” as well “Mecca of gourmet food”. It’s designated city under the Local Autonomy Law and the capital of Osaka Prefecture. In the history, Osaka was the commercial capital of Japan. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 3,7 million people.
When arriving in Osaka, through the Kensai International Airport you should understand the city of Osaka is the complete opposite of Japan’s capital Tokyo. Its a much commercial centric city, also please mind to stand on the right at the escalators instead of left in Tokyo. Also you’re recommended to try to eastern Japanese cuisine when looking for a restaurant to have lunch or dinner. The more you navigate downtown Osaka the more you discover and learn about the city’s history, culture and sightseeing.
The city is known to be friendly and easy going, perhaps Osaka owes most visitors to the city because of its vibrant nightlife and the excellent shopping facilities. The variety of the restaurants is considered best throughout the country. A trip to Osaka is easily combined with nearby areas of Kyoto and Kobe. Kobe for example is a international city with a Chinatown and ethnic restaurants which is defiantly worth a view, while Tokyo is an ancient capital full of historical sightseeing.
Visitors to Osaka need a valid passport and visa. European and American citizens will receive a 90 days visa upon arrival. Generally seen the city is safe for tourists, regular travel rules apply so have a close look after your belongings. The best period to visit Osaka is in the summer months from June till August.
Nagoya (名古屋市) is the third largest incorporated city after Yokohama and Osaka in Japan. The city is situated on the Pacific coast in the Chūbu region on central Honshū. It’s also one of Japan’s main ports along with those from Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe and Yokohama. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 2,3 million people.
Unlike other big Japanese cities the skyline of Nagoya isn’t that filled up yet with big sky scrapers and office buildings, all though the current plans are that in 2012 it’ll look like any other massive Japanese city like Tokyo or Yokohama. That the city doesn’t have a skyline yet doesn’t bother at all, Nagoya has interesting and historical sightseeing available for tourists and locals. One of the main sights include the in 1612 constructed Nagoya Castle, which is famous for the golden dolphins on the rooftop. Nagoya is active building in downtown adding culture and technology together to create a harmonious environment to its locals and visitors.
In the center of the city, downtown Nagoya it’s full of people, bustling and busy yet its enjoyable with good markets and malls for shopping. Look for the Osu and Sakae area’s as they are both great for shopping, you can find many big shopping malls here that provide quality stores, restaurants and facilities as well several history museums. For some relaxation the nearby Hisaya Odori Park which consists of series of parks is often the “secret hideout” where many go to sit, eat and find peace.
Visitors to Nagoya need a valid passport and visa. European and American citizens will receive a 90 days visa upon arrival. Generally seen the city is safe for tourists, regular travel rules apply so have a close look after your belongings. The best period to visit Nagoya is in the summer months from June till August.
Yokohama (横浜市) is the capital city of the Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan and is situated on the Tokyo Bay just 20 miles south of Tokyo. In the Kantō region region nearby the main island of Honshū. It’s a important commercial hub of the Greater Tokyo Area. As of latest measurements Yokohama has a population of 3.6 million people.
Yokohama was once a mere village that grew into a large Asian port. Today can be described modern international city. The port city Yokohama has a interesting history and sightseeing, many of the sights are located near the waterfront. Minato Mirai is its futuristic heart of the city, the every changing and evaluating area is rich of shops, museums, restaurants and modern art. On walking distance you can find the Akarenga, a pair of red-brick 20th century warehouses which have been converted into dining places and boutiques. When visiting the city Yokohama the much hyped and crowded Chinatown, Chukagai in the old city center. Although nowadays it’s more of a modern district, it still offers it’s historical Chinese temples mixed in between a triangle of popular restaurants.
When visiting Yokohama, a visit to the Sankei-en must be added to your list, it’s a heaven of silence and peace in the massive city. Basically, it’s best described as a spacious park which consists of a collection of historic buildings moved from all over Japan to the city. Surrounding landscapes, as well as the buildings and the park can be best seen in springtime.
Visitors to Yokohama need a valid passport and visa. European and American citizens will receive a 90 days visa upon arrival. Generally seen the city is safe for tourists, regular travel rules apply so have a close look after your belongings. The best period to visit Yokohama is in the summer months from June till August.
Tokyo officially known as Tokyo Metropolis is the capital of Japan since 1868. The Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, as well the home of the Japanese Imperial Family are situated in the city. Tokyo along with Paris, New York and London is considered to be one of the four world cities. The city has a population of over 12 million people.
Tokyo grew from a modest fishing village within 400 years to a giant modern society. It’s split up in several districts containing fabulous shopping and sightseeing, fine restaurants and bars, spacious shopping malls & markets, interesting museums & history events. With its 1250 square miles to explore Tokyo has a variety in geography, it not spans just the city but also the rugged mountains in the west and the subtropical islands in the south.
Once the cost of living in Tokyo was astronomical. This has changed due deflation and market pressures, nowadays its comparable to other large international cities. Travelers from cities as New York, London, Paris and Toronto will not be surprised by the prices. If you plan a trip to Tokyo you should budget similar amount of money then when traveling to other large cities in Europe or North America.
Travelers to Tokyo need a valid passport and visa. American Citizens will receive a 90 days visa upon arrival. The city is generally safe for tourists, general travel rules apply so look after your belongings. The best period to visit Tokyo is in the summer months June till August.
