Dig deep into the charm of Osaka Prefecture! Introducing the trajectory of history and my travel experiences
- History and culture of Osaka prefecture – evolution from past to present
- Osaka’s modern charm – food, entertainment, and scenery
- Osaka’s hidden spots and heartwarming encounters
- summary
- Historical buildings selected by Kasumi
History and culture of Osaka prefecture – evolution from past to present
Historical Background of Osaka Prefecture
Osaka has been called the “City of Water” since ancient times, with so many rivers and waterways flowing through the city. During the Heian period, Osaka (now Osaka) was an area where many people gathered as the economic center of Japan and a place for cultural development. During my travels, I saw many old buildings and ruins and realized the depth of their history.
Osaka merchants and their influence
When I visited central Osaka, I stopped by commercial areas such as Dotonbori and Kuromon Market. These places are steeped in the history built by Osaka merchants, and many people are still drawn to them today. In particular, the wisdom and business acumen of Osaka merchants are said to have laid the foundation for Japan’s economic development.
Modern Osaka Prefecture
Current Osaka Prefecture has grown as a city that is home to a variety of cultures, services, and businesses due to its historical background. For example, major companies such as Panasonic and Sharp are based in Osaka and have made their names known around the world. Furthermore, in recent years, the average number of visitors to the Osaka Expo held in Osaka Prefecture has continued to rise, making many people reaffirm its appeal.
As mentioned above, Osaka Prefecture has gone through many changes throughout its history and has built the prosperity it enjoys today. I feel truly blessed to have been able to experience the charm and history of Osaka during my travels. In the next part, I would like to introduce in more detail the modern charm of Osaka Prefecture and the spots I visited.
Osaka’s modern charm – food, entertainment, and scenery
Digging deeper into Osaka gourmet
i love to eat And Osaka is one of the best gourmet treasures in Japan. In particular, “Takoyaki” and “Okonomiyaki” are representative dishes of Osaka and are very popular with tourists from Japan and abroad. However, there are many other dishes that have a unique Osaka flavor, such as “kushikatsu” and “negiyaki.” What particularly left an impression on me was the exquisite kushikatsu at Kushikatsu Daruma in Tennoji, Osaka. The harmony between the crispy batter and juicy ingredients is exquisite, and once you try it, you’ll never forget it.
entertainment capital
Osaka is also known as an entertainment center. On this trip, I visited Universal Studios Japan (USJ), a representative entertainment spot in Osaka. The average number of visitors per year is said to be about 8 million people, and this number shows how popular it is. In particular, you can discover new charms every time you visit the Harry Potter series and the Minions area.
Spectacular Spots in Osaka
The appeal of Osaka lies not only in its gourmet food and entertainment, but also in its spectacular scenery. I was captivated by the view from the observatory of “Abeno Harukas”. From here, you can see not only the city of Osaka, but also Kobe and Wakayama in the distance. The night view is also exquisite, and I felt that it is worth visiting once.
Osaka is full of various charms, from old history to new culture. What I felt through my travels is that you can’t feel all the charms in just one visit. That’s why it’s a place that makes you want to visit again and again.
Osaka’s hidden spots and heartwarming encounters
Osaka’s hidden spot: Sakai City
There are many sightseeing spots in Osaka Prefecture, but my favorite is “Sakai City” which is a little far away. This area is known as a place where Japanese swordsmith culture has taken root. I actually participated in a Sakai swordsmithing experience workshop and was able to see the skills of the craftsmen up close. Sakai’s historical buildings and beautiful Japanese gardens are also worth a visit.
Heartwarming encounters: people of Osaka
The best part of traveling is not only experiencing new places and cultures, but also meeting local people. The people of Osaka are cheerful, generous, and most of all, friendly. I had a fun time chatting with local grandmothers at the old folk house cafe “Tokimono” in Nakatsu, Osaka. From their stories, we were able to obtain information that is not found in guidebooks, such as daily life in Osaka, past episodes, and even hidden recommended spots.
Traditional culture of Osaka: Rakugo of Naniwa
Osaka is also rich in its own traditional culture and performing arts. In particular, “Naniwa no Rakugo” is entertainment unique to Osaka. I enjoyed a rakugo performance at Tenma Tenjin Hanjotei in Tenma. Its unique humor and stories based on everyday life will make the audience smile and provide a heartwarming time.
summary
My trip to Osaka brought me a lot of learning and inspiration through its history, culture, and encounters with people. Through these experiences, I was able to deeply feel the charm of Osaka again. We know that Japan has 47 prefectures, each with its own unique charm, but we believe that Osaka is a special place among them. From now on, I would like to keep my brush in order to convey the charm of Osaka to as many people as possible.
Historical buildings selected by Kasumi
Osaka Prefecture has many historical buildings from the good old days. This time, I, Kasumi, would like to introduce five historical buildings that I particularly recommend. Each building will also have its own “haze points” and explanations, so please use them as a reference.
Osaka Castle (Chuo Ward, Osaka City)
Kasumi points:
The gorgeous castle tower and beautiful garden are attractive. A historical building that represents Kansai, you can enjoy beautiful scenery in each season. The cherry blossoms in spring are especially spectacular.
Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine (Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka City)
Kasumi points:
It is considered one of the oldest shrines in Japan and has four unique main shrines. The large trees and stone steps that line the approach make visitors feel the weight and sacredness of history.
Senba Center Building (Chuo Ward, Osaka City)
Kasumi points:
This building, which features retro architecture, is a historical building that supported the economic development of Osaka. The building is dotted with shops and cafes that retain an old-fashioned atmosphere.
Senfukan (Tennoji Ward, Osaka City)
Kasumi points:
This building was once the residence of a wealthy merchant, and allows you to feel the culture and atmosphere of Osaka’s townhouses. The interior garden and floor plan convey what life was like at the time.
Settsu Kokubunji Temple Ruins (Higashisumiyoshi Ward, Osaka City)
Kasumi points:
The site of Kokubunji Temple, which conveys ancient Japanese Buddhist culture. The stone monuments and towers still remain today, giving you a sense of its high status and historical background.
These buildings convey the long history and culture of Osaka Prefecture. Please visit these buildings and experience their history and charm firsthand.
