Osaka Travel Guide The history of Osaka is of great significance to the country. Throughout the centuries, Japanese Emperors established their courts in Osaka. Though it wasn't until the 16th century when Hideyoshi Toyotomi became the most powerful lord in Japan and established his presence in Osaka, that the city experienced enormous growth, becoming the administrative and commercial center of Japan. The administrative center was moved from Osaka to Tokyo in the 17th century, when Japan came under the rule of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who succeeded Hideyoshi Toyotomi. Today, Osaka is a thriving commercial and industrial center; it is the second-largest economic center in Japan and the third-largest urban area in population. Thirty out of the top 500 corporations in the world are based here, as well as several major banks. The city also has the third-most-active stock market in the world. Osaka alone produces approximately 2% of the world's GNP (Gross National Product). Osaka is located on the south coast of Honshu at the mouth of the Yodo River. The main tourist destination of Kyoto is close by. Because of Osaka's central location and easy access for shipping, rail and air traffic, it is often used as a point of entry to Japan by tourists. LOCAL CUSTOMS General: It is customary in Japan upon entering a home to remove your shoes at the door (they can be left on in a Western-style building). Most places will accommodate you with a pair of house slippers. You also remove your slippers before entering a bathroom. You will be provided with a pair of special slippers only for use in the bathroom; when you leave the bathroom, don't forget to retrieve your house slippers at the bathroom door. The traditional way to bathe in Japan is not in a bathtub. Instead, you first sit on a low stool facing a pair of hot- and cold-water faucets or a bathpan. While sitting on your stool, you then proceed to pour the bathpan water over yourself, soaking your entire body. After you have completed rinsing yourself off and are soap-free, you go into a deep, hot tub to soak. When greeting people, always bow before the person, and they will bow to you as well. The other person's age, status and social connections determine how deeply he or she will bow and for how long. This is the customary meeting procedure and usually is used in place of the (Western) handshake. The handshake is used sometimes. If you do shake hands, do not do so forcefully - the Japanese do not share the notion that strength of grip is a reflection of one's character. When invited to a Japanese home, take a gift such as candy for the hostess. Do not take flowers; they are not considered an appropriate gift. Business: Allow plenty of extra travel time when you have an appointment. The Japanese expect punctuality. When addressing Japanese colleagues, it is best to use their family names with the honorary suffix "san." The Japanese do not like an aggressive approach to negotiations, and losing your temper or showing impatience when things are not moving along will invariably ruin your business deal. Business cards are essential in Japan. It is helpful to have your cards printed in both English and Japanese. The Japanese like to be aware of exactly who they are dealing with. Japanese make a point of reading business cards; in fact, it would be considered impolite simply to put someone's card inside your jacket pocket. Gifts play a major role in Japanese business. It is customary to exchange gifts. It is considered good luck to give gifts in pairs, such as a double pen set. Do not give gifts in groups of four, as the Japanese word for four means death. Wrap the gift in pastel colors, but not white, as this color is associated with death. CURRENCY The Japanese unit of currency is the yen. There are banknotes for 500, 1000, 5000, and 10,000 yen and coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500. THINGS TO KNOW Population: 2,636,260 Primary Industries: Metallurgy, engineering, chemical, textiles, printing and foodstuff City Code: 06 Shop Hours: Shops remain open from 10am to 7pm throughout the entire week. Bank Hours: Banks remain open from 9am to 3pm on weekdays. Time Zone: Japan is 14 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, 11 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time and 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Tipping: Not recommended, unless for a special service. Restaurants: No tipping is recommended. Hotel maids: At the best hotels, a 10 to 15 percent service charge is added to the bill in lieu of tipping. Taxis: Tipping is not practiced. Pay only the metered fare. WEATHER CONDITIONS Osaka experiences slightly warmer temperatures than Tokyo in the summer and is a little cooler in the winter. The average daily maximum in January is 41°F (5°C), and in August it is 75°F (24°C). Osaka has a rainy season from mid-June to mid-July. In September, Osaka experiences a typhoon season, which is mild. Please click on the weather icon on your left screen for the current weather condition for Osaka. CITY ORIENTATION As in Tokyo, Osaka is administratively divided into regions, or "ku." The northern part of town is known as Kita-ku. This is considered the business district, with many highrise buildings and well-known department stores. Minami-ku is on the southern end of Osaka. This is where you will find entertainment areas, many restaurants and discount shopping. The Osaka Station is located in Kita-ku. However, if you are traveling from Tokyo to Osaka, your stop will be Shin-Osaka Station. This station is about 10 minutes from Osaka Station. LOCATION Air distances between Osaka and: Beijing - 1,627 miles (2,619km) Berlin - 5,480 miles (8,820km) Hong Kong - 2,116 miles (3,407km) London - 5,910 miles (9,500km) Los Angeles - 5,710 miles (9,190km) Manila - 2,183 miles (3,515km) Melbourne - 5,050 miles (8,120km) Montreal - 11,780 miles (18,950km) New York - 6,900 miles (11,110km) Rome - 6,040 miles (9,710km) Shanghai - 1,414 miles (2,277km) Singapore - 3,624 miles (5,835km) SIGHTS Kita This area has large-scale underground shopping centers; Kita is said to represent the modern face of Osaka. Kita-ku Osaka TIC: . (06)3053311 Ohatsu Tenjin Shrine This shrine is noted as the setting of the famous story "Sonezaki Shinju" (Lover's Suicide at Sonezaki). It is surrounded by places where visitors can eat and drink. Located near Umeda Station Osaka TIC: . (06)3053311 Osaka Aquarium One of the world's largest aquariums, this complex opened in 1990. The aquarium features marine life from the Pacific Ocean. Osaka . (06)5765533 Osaka Castle This is one of Japan's finest castles. It offers a spectacular view of the city - if you are up to climbing to the top of the castle tower. The castle's gardens are quite beautiful. 1-1 Osaka-jo, Higashi-ku . (06)9413044 Sakuya Konohana Kan This is a greenhouse - one of the largest in the world - exhibiting 15,000 plants from regions throughout the world. Osaka . (06)9120055 Shitennoji Temple Founded in 593, this is considered the oldest temple in Japan. Although damaged by significant natural and man-made disasters, the temple today is completely restored to its original state. 1-1-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji-ku . (06)7710066 Sumiyoshi-taisha Shrine This shrine was the only historic structure to survive the Second World War. It is said to date back to 202 A.D., though today's four main buildings were constructed in 1810. "i" Information Center: . (06)3452189. Temmangu Shrine This shrine is known nationally for its "Tenjin Matsuri" Festival and is often visited by students, as the "God of Academics," Michizane Sugawara, was enshrined here in the 9th century. Osaka TIC: . (06)3053311 PARKS Expo Memorial Park As the site of many of Osaka's museums, this park also offers several sport facilities and a classic Japanese garden with two tea houses. Senri, Suita-shi . (06)8762151 Hattori Ruokuchi Park This park offers horseback riding, tennis, and a Farmhouse Museum. There are old farmhouses on the premises that evoke images of Japan's past. Please call to obtain the address and directions to get there. . (06)3456020 Nakanoshima Park This park is on the Nakanoshima Island; it has a beautiful rose garden and is a pleasant area for taking a walk. 1-1 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku . (06)2230055 Other popular parks in Osaka are Tennoji Park and Utsubo Park. Consult the Osaka Tourist Information Center for addresses and phone numbers of these parks. MUSEUMS City Museum This museum bases its nine rooms on diverse themes, all illustrating the history and culture of the city. Located next to Osaka Castle, a 15-minute walk northwest from Morinomiya Station (JR Loop Line) Osaka . (06)9417177 Osaka Japan Folk Crafts Museum This museum has a collection of traditional Japanese craft objects. 10-5 Senri-Banpaku-Koen Suita . (06)8771971 The Mint Museum This museum, which has a spectacular garden, is filled with prehistoric money, Olympic medals, and domestic and foreign currencies. 1 Temma, Kita-ku . (06)3518509 Museum of Oriental Ceramics This is a creative museum in which priceless antique Chinese and Korean ceramics are on display. Behind City Hall, a 5-minute walk north from Kitahama Station (Keihan Railway and Sakai-suji Line). Osaka . (06)2230055 Osaka Municipal Museum of Art This museum has two wings. One offers the ancient arts, and the other examples of modern art. 1-82 Chausuyamacho Located in Tennoji Park, Tennoji-ku Osaka . (06)7714874 Panasonic Square This is a hands on, high-tech museum featuring many types of computerized sports equipment and modern technical developments. Twin 21 National Tower Building 2nd Floor, 2-1-61 shiromi, Higashi-ku . (06)9492122 The Science Museum Exhibits relate to space travel, energy, perpetual motion and general science. An 8-minute walk south of Higobashi Station (Yotsubashi Line) . (06)4445656 TOURS & CHARTERS You can take a tour of the sights in northern Osaka on the Aua-Liner. It brings you to the waterways near Osaka Castle, the Mint Museum and Nakanoshima Island. Contact Osaka Qua-bus Co., Ltd: . (06)4445000 The City Transportation Bureau offers eight different half-day tours around the city. For further details, call: Umeda Sightseeing Bus Information Center: . (06)3112995 For futher information on specific tours or charters, please contact: Osaka Tourist Information Center JR Shin-Osaka Station . (06)3053311 Osaka City Tourist Information Office JR Osaka Station . (06)3452189 SHOPPING There is lots of shopping to be done in Osaka. Major department stores offer a fine selection of local crafts such as pottery, textiles, basketry, lacquerware, paper goods, and delicate cloisonné? and porcelains. Other items to buy are cameras, electronic goods, pearls and watches. Some purchases may be more expensive here, so check prices in your hometown before purchasing any high-priced merchandise. Some of the many shopping complexes are: Namba City This complex has over 360 shops, many of which are clothing boutiques. 5-1-60 Namba, Minami-ku . (06)6442500 Whity Umeda This is Japan's largest underground mall; it has 560 boutiques, specialty shops and restaurants. 4-2 Umeda Chikagai Komatsubaracho, Kita-ku . (06)3122187 Some department stores are: Daimaru 1-118 Shinsaibashi-suji, Minami-ku . (06)2711231 Hankyu 8-7 Kabutacho, Kita-ku . (06)3611381 Hanshin 1-13-13 Umeda, Kita-ku Closed on Wednesday. . (06)3451201 International Market Place 1-3-7 Shiromi, Chuo-ku . (06)9451313 Takashimaya 5-1-5 Namba, Minami-ku . (06)6311101 Tax-free shops include: Japan Osaka Shop 3-5-21 Minami-senba, Chuo-ku . (06)2458800 Mikimoto Shin Hankyu Building 1-12-39 Umeda, Kita-ku Naniwa Camera Shinsaibashi-suji, Minami-ku . (06)2814111 Okubo Brothers Royal Hotel . (06)4433438 Panasonic Echo Royal Hotel, 5-3-68 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku . (06)4481008 Sony Tourist Shop Osaka Avic Royal Hotel . (06)4432438 Yakamatsu Pearls 1-4 Sinsaibashi-suji, Minami-ku . (06)2511287 SPORTS The "big" sport here, as in other areas of Japan, is Sumo. The major tournament is held in March. Make sure that you book your tickets in advance. Just about any sport can be played in Osaka. Most people, however, enjoy jogging and working out in fitness centers. New Japan Sauna 2-3-28 Dontonburi, Minami-ku . (06)2110832 New Rubia Sauna 2-2-20 Dotonburi, Minami-ku . (06)2132256 RESTAURANTS $$$ Benkay Seafood Hotel Nikko Osaka, 7 Nishinocho Daihoji-machi, Minami - ku . (06)2441111 $$$ Chambord French Cuisine Royal Hotel 5-3 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, 530 . (06)4481121 $$$ Hanagoyomi Japanese Cuisine Nankai South Tower Hotel 10F 5-1-60 Namba, Chuo-ku . (06)6461111 $$$ Kani Doraku Japanese Cuisine 1-6-18 Dtonbori, Chuo-ku . (06)2118975 $$$ Le Rendezvous French Cuisine The Plaza, 2-2-49 Oyodo-Minami, Kita-ku 531 . (06)4531111 $$$ Little Pirates Continental Cuisine Hotel New Otani Osaka 1-4-1 Shiromi, Chup-ku, 540 . (06)9411111 $$$ Osaka Joe's Western Cuisine IM Excellence Building, 2nd floor 1-11-20 Sonezaki-shinchi, Kita-ku . (06)3440124 $$$ The Seasons Continental Cuisine Hilton International Osaka 8-8 Uumeda 1-chome, Kita-ku . (06)3477111 $$$ Japanese Cuisine 1-11-11 Sonezaki-shinchi, Kita-ku . (06)3411638 $$ Fuguhisa Japanese Cuisine 3-14-24 Higash-ohashi Higashinare-kuu . (06)9725029 $$ Kanki Japanese and Western cuisine 1-3-11 Shibata-cho kita-ku . (06)3740057 $$ Olympia International Cuisine New Hankyu Hotel B1 1-35 Shibata 1-chome Kita-ku, 530 . (06)3725101 $$ Osaka Boteju Japanese Cuisine 3-5 Soemoncho, Chuo-ku . (06)2114478 $ Studebaker's International Cuisine 2-14-12 Nakazaki-Nishi, Kita-ku . (06)3721950 NIGHTLIFE Bars Bar Seven Seas Nankai South Tower Hotel . (06)6461111 Glass Umbrella ANA-Sheraton Hotel . (06)3471112 Jet Stream Sky Lounge The interior of this lounge simulates the effect of being in an airplane. Hotel Nikko . (06)2441111 Library Bar A quiet place. ANA-Sheraton Hotel . (06)3471112 Jazz Clubs Blue Note Southwest of Mishi Umeda Station, opposite the Sankei Newspaper Building . (06)3475495 Jazz Club St James Niko Building, a 3-minute walk north from Namba Station (Mido-suji Line), southeast of Dotonbori River . (06)2111139 Live Houses Live houses are places where you can hear live music. Banana Hall Rock-oriented music. 10-minute walk southeast from Umeda Station, 2 blocks east of Doyama intersection . (06)3616821 Club Quattro Rock and reggae, popular with foreigners. Parco Building near Exit 5, Shinsaibashi Station . (06)2818181 Royal Horse Jazz music. 5-minute walk south from Umeda Station . (06)3128959 Zombie Palace Rhythm and Blues and rock music. Popular with foreigners. 15-minute walk southeast from Umeda Station, east of the Doyama intersection. . (06)3125003 PERFORMING ARTS Festival Hall Western and Japanese classical concerts are held here on a regular basis. 2-3-18 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku . (06)2312221 National Bunraku Theater This theater has "Bunraku" (puppet drama) performances, seven times a year. 1-12 Nipponbashi, Minami-ku . (06)2122531 or . (06)2121081 Nakaza Theater You will be able to find Kabuki performances here in June. 1-7-19 Dotonburi, Minami-ku . (06)2111566 Otsuki Noh Theater Classical performing arts. 5-minute walk southeast from Tanimachi 4 Chome Station Exit 10 (Tanimachi Line) . (06)7615101 SEASONAL EVENTS January: 9-11 - Toka-Ebisu Festival: thousands of people visit the God of Wealth and Fortune, enshrined at Imamiya-Ebisu Shrine, to pray for a successful business year. March: The second major Sumo event in Japan is held mid-month in Osaka. April: Cherry blossom viewing in the Mint garden. 22 - anniversary of Prince Shotoku. "Bugaku" (Ancient Court Dance) is performed at the Shitennoji Temple in his honor. June: The Sumiyoshi-taisha Shrine is the location for the Rice-Planting Festival. Seedlings are planted in the Shrine's holy paddies by young girls in traditional costume. July: The Ceramic Ware Festival (Setomono Matsuri) is a large event held at Zama Shrine. Tenjin Matsuri of Temmangu Shrine features a procession of highly decorated floating shrines on the Dojima River. The Sumiyoshi-taisha Shrine is the site for the Sumiyoshi Grand Festival. August: Ikutama-jinja shrine (Osaka Takigi Noh performances at night). November: 15 - Shichi-go-san, when children ages 3, 5 and 7 dress in fine clothes, visit the shrines and pray for good health. Enshrined in the Sukuna-Hikona Shrine at Doshomachi is the God of Medicine. During the Shinno-sai Festival, those wishing for a year free from evil and drug-medicine wholesalers visit the shrine. EMERGENCY NUMBERS Emergency: 110 Police: 110 Fire/Ambulance: 119 Medical Referral: International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers IAMAT 417 Center Street. Lewiston, NY 14092 . (716)7544883 Hospitals: Osaka Teishin Hospital 2-6-40 Karasugatsuji, Tennoji-ku . (06)7737111 Yodogawa Christian Hospital 2-9-26 Awaji, Higashi Yodogawa-ku . (06)3222250 Counseling: Japan Help Line (24-hour): . (0120)461997 Call is toll-free, and counseling is in English. PRACTICAL INFORMATION Using Public Phones: The typical charge for using a public phone is 10´? for a three minute call. The red and pink phones accept only ´?10 coins; yellow and green phones will accept ´?10 and ´?100. Be sure to carry lots of change - the warning buzzer will give you barely a second, and then it will disconnect your call. Green phones also accept magnetically coded "telephone cards," which you can obtain at any kiosk, convenience store, department store or hotel lobby in denominations of ´?500, ´?1,000, ´?3,000 and ´?5,000. A digital display will let you know how much time you have left on your card. There are new gray telephones appearing throughout Japan. These are equipped with a monitor screen that can supply instructions in either English or Japanese. Directory Assistance (in English) : . (06)3131010 International Access Code: There are three companies operating within Japan offering international direct dialing: 001(KDD) - 0041 (ITJ) - 0061 (IDC) Country Code: 81 City Code: 06 When calling an Osaka telephone number from within Osaka, delete the city code from the number. When calling a number in Osaka from another city, use the complete area code. When calling a number in Osaka from another country, omit the first digit (0) from the city code. Postal Information: For complete and detailed postal information on the location, hours of operation and other information, please contact, Osaka Tourist Information Office : . (06)3452189 Your hotel may also assist with mailing. Post Office Location: The Osaka Central Post Office is located at 3-2 Umeda, Kita-ku: . (06)3451321 American Express Office: American Express Travel Service Ushu Honmachi Building 3-1-6 Honmachi, Chuo-ku . (06)2646300 BUSINESS SERVICES The following hotels have business centers: Osaka Hilton International: . (06)3477111 Royal Hotel: . (06)4481121 Hotel Nikko Osaka: . (06)2441111 Hotel New Otani Osaka: . (06)9411111 Audiovisual Rental: Nishio Rent All 4-12-12 Minamisenba, Minami-ku . (06)2646300 Computer Rental: Rentacom: . (06)3391900 JACOS (Japan Computer Service): . (06)2811094 Justin Rentic: . (06)2711045 Orix: . (06)4495051 Overnight Mail: DHL: . (06)8432580 Federal Express: . (06)942929 TNT SkyPak: . (06)8437562 UPS: . (47)3276121 Messenger Service: Ask at your hotel VISITORS INFORMATION Osaka Tourist Information Center JR Shin-Osaka Station . (06)3053311 Osaka City Tourist Information Office JR Osaka Station 3-1-1 Umeda Kita-ku, Osaka 530 . (06)3452189 Osaka Castle Information Counter: . (06)9440546 Travel Phone: EasteJapanrn Japan: . (0120)222800 Western Japan: . (0120)444800 A toll-free telephone service for visitors in need of assistance. CONVENTION CENTERS International Exhibition Center Osaka INTEX OSAKA 1-1-12 Nanko-kita, Suminoe-ku . (06)6128800 My Dome 2-5 Hon-machibashi, Chuo-ku . (06)9474324 Osaka Castle Hall 3-3-7 Osakajo, Higashi-ku . (06)9410345 AIRPORT INFORMATION Airport Osaka International Airport, the second-largest airport in Japan, is situated 15 kilometers (9mi) northwest of central Osaka. There is an information and hotel reservation counter on the first-floor arrival lobby. Airlines Air France: . (06)2013761 Air India: . (06)2641781 All Nippon Airways: . (06)3721212 British Airways: . (06)3470771 Canadian Airlines: . (06)3465591 Delta Air Lines: . (06)2432525 Japan Airlines: . (06)2031212 Japan Asia Airways: . (06)2232222 Northwest: . (06)2280747 Philippine Airlines: . (06)4442541 Qantas: . (06)2621041 Singapore Airlines: . (06)3640881 United Airlines: . (06)2715951 Airport Transportation The best way to reach your hotel destination from the airport is by taxi or by bus. Airport Bus: The bus can take you to: Shin-Osaka Station in about 25 minutes; to Osaka station, the bus takes about 30 minutes; and it can reach the downtown hotels in about 30 minutes. Buses depart from outside the domestic terminal building. For more information and details for your return to Osaka International Airport, contact: Osaka Airport Transport Co: . (06)8441124 Taxi: Taxis take approximately the same amount of time as the buses but are more expensive. Taxis are located outside the domestic and international buildings. CAR RENTAL Budget: . (06)3620543 or . (800)5270700 Mazda Rent-a-Car: . (06)3043667 Mitsubishi Rent-a-Car: . (06)3761210 National: . (06)8418175 or . (800)2273876 Nippon Rent-a-Car: . (06)8532723 Toyota Leasing: . (06)2416070 TAXI SERVICE Taxis can be waved down or boarded at taxi stands. Japanese taxis have automatic doors, so do not open them by hand either from inside or outside (the only exception is in the front seat). Fares will be shown on the meter, and tips are not expected. Some drivers may refuse to take you on short-distance journeys. Dai-ichi Taxi: . (06)3941941 National Taxi: . (06)9343001 Nishiki Taxi: . (06)7722621 Osaka Taxi: . (06)3231120 Shin-Osaka Taxi: . (06)4415001 Shochiku Taxi: . (06)5742250 LIMOUSINE SERVICE Daitaku Kanko Jusan Eigyosho 2-15, Nonaka Kita 1-chome Yodogawa-ku, Osaka-shi . (06)3916681 Hinomaru Higher 9-6, Kukou 1-chome Ikeda-shi . (06)8536221 Kansai Kukoo Limousine 8-2, Minowa 3-chome Toyonaka-shi . (06)8440265 OK Taxi 5-5, Wakae Higashi-machi Higashi Osaka-shi . (06)7248181 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Trains The train service in Osaka is convenient and provides great coverage of the city. The system can be complicated, as there is the JR system (six national companies) as well as the subway and private railway lines. All have their own terminals. There are five subway lines running north and south: Mido-suji, Sakai-suji, Tanimachi, Yotsubashi and Sennichi-mae. Running east and west is the Chuo line. The point of convergence for most of the lines is near the JR Osaka Station. For complete information on train services in Osaka, please contact: Osaka Station 3-1 Umeda, Kita-ku . (06)3730001 or Osaka Tourist Information Center JR Shin-Osaka Station . (06)3053311 Osaka City Tourist Information Office JR Osaka Station 3-1-1 Umeda Kita-ku, Osaka 530 . (06)3452189 Buses Buses service the city area, but as in Tokyo, the train service is faster and more efficient (as well as easier to use). You enter at the rear and exit from the front of the train. Payment is made upon exiting into the machine next to the driver. Some buses will issue you a numbered ticket upon entering, and you pay the corresponding fare when exiting. Most bus services stop at 11pm. For complete information on bus services provided in Osaka, please contact the Osaka Tourist Information Office at: . 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