Osaka is the third largest city in Japan. With nearly 2,7 Million people it is the largest city in the region of Kansai and the metropolitan region of ◼Keihanshin.
Keihanshin (京阪神, “Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe”) is a metropolitan region consisting of Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. Almost 20 million people live on an area of about 13 square kilometers, making it the second-most-populated urban region in Japan after Tokyo.
Osaka (大阪市), which can be translated to “large hill”, is surrounded on three sides from mountains. On the west the city faces the Osaka Bay, which is home to the main port of the city.
Osaka Castle
The main landmark of Osaka is Osaka Castle. The castle was built in the 16th century and played an important role in the unification of Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period.
During the bombing of the city during the Second World War, many parts of the city and historical monuments were destroyed. One of the targets was also Osaka Castle, which at that time served as a military arsenal, 90 percent of which was destroyed.
After more than 30 years of construction work, the castle was restored. Today Osaka Castle is one of the most important tourist destinations when visiting the town.
