Osaka, The Historic Mercantile and Cosmopolitan Center of Japan

Osaka is located in the geographic center of Japan’s main island, Honshu. The composition of the city of Osaka as we know it today, was incorporated in 1889, has a population of 2.69 million inhabitants, with an area of ​​225.21 square kilometers. Osaka Prefecture, which includes the city of Osaka (its capital) and 42 other municipalities, has a population of 8.84 million and a land area of ​​1,905 square kilometers. Although Osaka is the second smallest prefecture in Japan in territorial extension, its population represents 7% of the country, placing it as the second most populous prefecture after Tokyo. As well as being home to 10% of foreign residents in Japan.

The Kansai region (Hyogo, Kyoto, Nara, Wakayama, Shiga and Osaka) has a land area of ​​27,350 square kilometers within a radius of 100 km from the center of Osaka. Its population exceeds 20 million inhabitants, making it one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. Kansai represents 16% of Japan’s economy, which exceeds the economy of Indonesia alone.

A city with more than 1,400 years of history

Since time immemorial, Osaka has been a place where people from all regions of Japan met. Located on the coast of the Seto Sea, a sea with a lot of traffic, where the cause of several rivers flow. In ancient times, long before we dreamed of cars and trains, Osaka was already a highly developed economic center, as well as being the gateway for travelers and merchants from all over Asia.

The origin of Osaka can be placed in the 5th century

At that time, the area where present-day Osaka is located prospered as the economic and political center of ancient Japan. Located in what would now be the modern Chuo district of the city of Osaka was Naniwa-zu, a newly established port that served as a gateway to Japan for travelers from Korea, China, and even further afield in Asia. These visitors brought to Osaka state-of-the-art technology, production techniques, pottery, blacksmithing, and much more knowledge that flourished in Japan. It is at this time that Buddhism began to spread throughout Japan.

Osaka has always been a fundamental actor and stage in the history of Japan. From extreme cultural growth during the Heian period (794-1185), to battles during the Sengoku era that led to the unification of Japan. Witnessing the passage of great characters in the history of Japan, such as Murasaki Shikibu, writer of the first novel in history “The Chronicles of Genji”; Rennyo, a monk who directed the construction of Ishiyama Hongan-ji, a temple that also served as a fortress; Oda Nobunaga, who initiated the unification of Japan; reaching Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who would complete the unification of Japan, and considered Osaka his “headquarters” by building the famous Osaka Castle.

Economic and Cultural Center

When the Tokugawa clan took control of the country, the political center moved to Edo (present-day Tokyo). With this, Japan entered the Sakoku period, during which it was forbidden to leave or enter Japan. Osaka, which had fallen into disrepair during the unification war, quickly rose from the ashes to become a great economic metropolis. In this era, the city got its nickname of “tenka no daitokoro” (the country’s cuisine). This is because it was the place where the most important food products of the time, such as rice, were traded. Eventually, its importance as a food trading place extended to export and import.

These economic advances pushed Osaka to develop its own “culture”. Stemming from traditional practices, they developed popular and cultural art forms that could be enjoyed by the masses. This included the Jorurui puppet theater, Noh theater, among others. Osaka made great contributions to education, being the cradle (educational) of great intellectuals who were a direct influence on the development of Japan.

Since 1970, when Osaka was chosen as the first city in Asia to host the World Expo, it has welcomed all kinds of international events with open arms. Therefore, its infrastructure for communications, conventions, exhibitions and lodging is of the highest level in the world. Definitely a city that is ready to welcome you!

It is very easy to get to Osaka by train , including the super fast Shinkansen or bullet train , making it a comfortable ride from Tokyo. And although it is possible to travel by plane, bus or boat, the train offers the best prices and convenience of all . For an even better price, we recommend traveling with the Japan Railways universal pass called JR PASS , which you can purchase on their website. This pass is purchased before traveling to Japan , arriving at the airport or at any train station , you can pick up your pass with proof of purchase .