History & Evolution
One of the earliest signs of habitation in the area of Osaka was found that
of 5-6th century BC at Morinomiya ruins with its shell mounds. This period
was that of Kofun in which the city develops into a hub port connecting the
region to western part of Japan, as well as Korea. This was also the period
of political empowerment of the city, the proof of which are the large
number of tomb mounds found in the plains of Osaka.
In 645, Osaka became the capital of the Kotoku Empire who named it
Naniwa-kyo. Though this capital was moved to Asuka (in Nara Prefecture
today) in 655, Naniwa has always been a vital connection, by land and sea,
between Yamato (modern day Nara Prefecture), Korea and China.
In 1496, the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist sect set up their headquarters on top of
the ruins of the old Naniwa imperial palace, which were seized by Oda
Nobunaga in 1570. Finally the monks surrendered in 1580, the temple was
razed and Toyotomi Hideyoshi took the place for his own castle, the Osaka
Castle. Probably this was the time when the name Osaka gained prominence
over Naniwa.
From 1603-1867 was the Edo Period in which the city grew into one of
Japan's major cities and returned to its ancient role as a lively and
important port. Its popular culture was closely related to ukiyo-e
depictions of life in Edo. Developing in parallel with the urban culture of
Kyoto and Edo, Osaka likewise featured bunraku and grand kabuki productions,
pleasure quarters, and a lively artistic community.
With the opening of Japan to Western commerce in 1853, the city stepped
into the forefront of Japan's commerce. After the Great Kanto Earthquake in
1923, foreigners started looking to Kobe & Osaka as alternative gateways
for their import and export businesses. Osaka's merchant heritage positioned
it well for industrial growth and soon in 1889, the city was designated as a
‘modern city’ by government ordinance.
Following WWII Osaka further modernized and continues to be the center of
industry and technology in Japan. Osaka's rich history is what helps the
city to encompass both the tradition and history, as well as modern
conveniences.
Site-Seeing
Besides dominantly being a commercial and business center, Osaka has
something to suit everybody’s interest. With fare share of museums,
temples and palaces, the city is also buzzing and lively with various urban
scenes and entertainment throughout the year.
Innumerable underground shopping arcades and vibrant nightlife together
with some exotic and unique cuisines will surely leave you spell bound.
Osaka Castle:
Osaka's best known and Japan's one of the most famous castles, Osaka Castle
has played a major role in the unification of Japan during 16th century of
Azuchi-Momoyama period. Originally called Ozakajo, the castle is built on
two raised platforms of landfill supported by sheer walls of cut rock, each
overlooking a moat. The central castle building is five stories on the
outside and eight stories on inside, built atop a tall stone foundation to
protect its occupants from sword-bearing attackers.
During festive season the spot become more popular especially during the
cherry blossom bloom, when the sprawling castle grounds are covered with
food vendors and taiko drummers. Besides the grounds also house a museum,
the large indoor arena Osaka-jo Hall and the Toyokuni Shrine dedicated to
Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Location: Chuo-ku
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan:
Located in the ward of Minato in Osaka, near Osaka Bay, Aquarium Kaiyukan
is one of the largest aquariums in the world. With some 580 species of sea
life including a whale shark, Kaiyukan is one of its kind aquariums,
featuring creatures from Pacific Rim waters.
Location: Kaigandori, Minato-ku
Universal Studios Japan:
One of three Universal Studios theme parks of Japan, Universal Studios
Japan was opened in 2001.
The attractions of the studio are basically in nine areas of the park. Some
of most alluring charms of the complex are the Amazing Adventures of
Spider-Man Ride, Universal Monsters Live Rock n Roll Show, Animation
Celebration and Hollywood Dream Ride with countless others.
Therefore, its a spectacular movie theme park placing guests of all ages in
the heart of the world of Hollywood motion pictures.
Location: Sakurajima, Konohana-ku
The City Museum of Oriental Ceramics (Shiritsu Toyo Jiki
Bijutsuka):
This excellent museum of ceramics is one of Osaka’s major landmarks
with a wide range of Japanese, Chinese and Korean ceramics, numbering more
2700 pieces in all.
Many of the art works here have been designated National Treasures or
Cultural Properties, and nearly all of them are very beautiful.
Location: Nakanoshima, Kita-ku
Shitenno-Ji (Tenno-ji):
Founded in 593, Shitenno is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan
with the big stone torii (gate) dating back to 1294, making it the oldest of
its kind in Japan. The shrine was built by Prince Shotoku, considered one of
Japan’s most eminent and enlightened monarchs and perhaps was the very
person who established Buddhism as the state religion of Japan.
An exciting flea market on 21st of every month near the shrine is a perfect
place to find some genuine antiques.
Location: Shittenno-ji
