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Osaka

Ōsaka (大阪) is the beating heart of Japan's Kansai region and the largest of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto trio of cities, with a population of over 17 million people in the greater metropolitan area. With fantastic food and nightlife, great connectivity and accommodation options in every price bracket, it makes a great base for exploring the entire region.

Districts
"Osaka" can mean either the larger Osaka prefecture (大阪府 Ōsaka-fu), covered in a separate guide, or central Osaka city (大阪市 Ōsaka-shi), the topic of this article. The city is administratively divided into 24 wards (区 ku), but in common usage the following divisions are more useful.

Understand
If Tokyo is Japan's capital, one might call Osaka its anti-capital. Ask a local, and they'll proudly tell you that while Tokyoites are reserved, polite and boring, Osakans are warm, friendly and colorful, in speech, clothing and spirit. The Osakan rallying cry is kuidaore (食い倒れ), bringing yourself to ruin through extravagance in food, drink and more – a far cry from the austere Zen discipline often associated with Japan.

Osaka dates back to the Asuka and Nara period. Under the name Naniwa (難波), it was the capital of Japan from 683 to 745, long before the upstarts at Kyoto took over. Even after the capital was moved elsewhere, Osaka continued to play an important role as a hub for land, sea and river-canal transportation. (See "808 Bridges" infobox.) During the Tokugawa era, while Edo (now Tokyo) served as the austere seat of military power and Kyoto was the home of the Imperial court and its effete courtiers, Osaka served as "the Nation's Kitchen" (天下の台所」 tenka-no-daidokoro), the collection and distribution point for rice, the most important measure of wealth. Hence it was also the city where merchants made and lost fortunes and cheerfully ignored repeated warnings from the shogunate to reduce their conspicuous consumption.

During Meiji era, Osaka's fearless entrepreneurs took the lead in industrial development, making it the equivalent of Manchester in the U.K. A thorough drubbing in World War II left little evidence of this glorious past – even the castle is a ferroconcrete reconstruction – but to this day, while unappealing and gruff on the surface, Osaka remains Japan's best place to eat, drink and party, and in legend (if not in practice) Osakans still greet each other with mōkarimakka?, "are you making money?"

Tourist Information Site
Osaka Info is the official multilingual guide site, jointly run by the city and the prefecture.

By plane
Kansai International Airport is the main international gateway to Osaka (Metropolitan area airport codes: ).

Also, Kobe Airport is nearby and easily reachable by boat from Kansai Airport.

Itami Airport

Getting there and away:
 * By monorail – The Osaka Monorail connects the airport, but is expensive and traces an arc around the northern suburbs. To get to the centre of the city, you will need to transfer to the subway or a suburban Hankyu railway line.
 * By "bus" – A more convenient option for most are the Airport Limousine Buses, which run frequently from Itami to various locations within Osaka and elsewhere in the region (including Kansai Airport), with fares starting around ¥500-600.
 * By taxi – A taxi from Itami airport to Osaka castle area costs ¥4,000 plus ¥700 for toll road.

By train
Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen (新幹線) trains arrive at Shin-Osaka station, to the north of the city center. From Shin-Osaka, you can connect to the city center by using the Midosuji subway line, or connect to the local JR network for other destinations. If you are on a JR Pass, Osaka Station in the city centre is connected to Shin-Osaka via the JR Kyoto Line.

 * From Tokyo, Nozomi (のぞみ) trains cover the one way ride in about 2 hr 15 min (¥14,720); Hikari (ひかり) trains take 3 hours and all-stopping Kodama (こだま) trains take 4 hours (both ¥14,400). With the Japan Rail Pass, Hikari or Kodama services can be used without any extra charge, while Nozomi services require a supplement.
 * From points west of Osaka, Nozomi trains run from Okayama (¥6,660, 45 min), Hiroshima (¥11,150, 80 min) and Hakata station in Fukuoka (¥16,220, 2 2 hr 15 min). Japan Rail Pass holders can use the Sakura (さくら) or Hikari service, which runs at a comparable speed to the Nozomi and makes a few more stops, or pay a supplement for the Mizuho (みずほ) . Slower Kodama trains connect the rest of the stations on the route.
 * Sakura trains start in Kyushu, with service to Osaka available from Kumamoto (¥19,080, 3 hr 15 min) and Kagoshima (¥22,510, 4 hours). Mizuho trains are slightly faster and slightly more expensive.

Tickets can be purchased in advance through Japan Railways' official SmartEX App, available in English and other languages, with a ¥200 discount. Look for hayatoku fares, which can offer big savings on trips purchased at least three days in advance. For example, two passengers from Tokyo could travel for ¥12570 each in ordinary class on the Nozomi or for ¥11410 each in the Green Car (first class) if willing to take the all-stations Kodama service.

If travelling from the east without a rail pass, you can take advantage of the Puratto (Platt) Kodama Ticket (now in Japanese only), which offers a discount for Kodama services if you purchase at least one day in advance. You get a reserved seat and a coupon for a free drink (including beer) which can be redeemed at a "Kiosk" convenience counter inside the station. With this ticket a trip from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka costs ¥11,100. There is only one Kodama service per hour from Tokyo, and a few early-morning Kodama trains cannot be used with this ticket. Travel from Nagoya with this ticket costs ¥4300.

During travel periods when the Seishun 18 Ticket is valid, you can go from Tokyo to Osaka during the day in about nine hours using all-local trains. Travelling in a group, however, discounts the cost significantly from the standard ¥8500 fare: a party of three costs ¥3800 per person, and a group of five traveling together brings the cost down to ¥2300 per person. See the Seishun 18 Ticket article for more information.

Those travelling from the Hokuriku region can use Thunderbird (サンダーバード) limited express trains from Kanazawa (2 hr 45 min, ¥7650). Kanazawa is the present terminal of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, connecting to Toyama, Nagano and Tokyo.

There are many regional railway lines connecting Osaka to nearby cities:
 * From Kyoto, JR offers fast, but slightly more expensive, shin-kaisoku (special rapid) trains to Osaka Station. The cheaper but slower alternative is the Hankyu Railway's limited express service. Both lines terminate in the Umeda area of Osaka. Keihan Railway offers Kyoto-Osaka trains. The Yodoyabashi terminal in Osaka does not connect directly with JR, but it is possible to transfer to the JR Osaka Loop Line at Kyobashi. In Kyoto, Keihan and Hankyu trains do not connect with JR Kyoto Station but both travel to stations which are more convenient for reaching the centre of the city. 30–45 minutes.
 * From Kobe, JR again offers slightly faster and slightly more expensive service than Hankyu. The third choice is Hanshin Railway, which is identical to Hankyu in terms of cost and similar in time, useful for getting to Koshien Stadium to see Hanshin Tigers games. All three lines go to Osaka/Umeda. about 20 minutes.
 * From Nara, JR offers trains to Tennōji and Osaka Stations, and Kintetsu offers trains to Namba. Kintetsu station in Nara is closer to Tōdaiji and Nara Park. 35–50 minutes for ¥580 to ¥820.
 * From Nagoya, an alternative to the Shinkansen is Kintetsu's premium limited express service, the Urban Liner (アーバンライナー) which goes directly to Namba. Trip times are as little as two hours each way, with departures at 0 and 30 minutes past the hour at a cost of ¥4150. In comparison, the shinkansen takes just under an hour for ¥5670.

Stations with the same name but belonging to different railway companies are sometimes in different locations. For example, the Nakatsu stations on the Hankyu and subway networks are about a 10-minute walk from each other. Allow up to half an hour for walking between the various Umeda stations and about the same for the various Namba stations, especially if you are a first time visitor.

In Kobe the Sannomiya stations belonging to JR and Hankyu are connected but Hanshin Sannomiya is across a street.

Hokuriku Arch Pass
The Hokuriku Arch Pass allows unlimited travel between Tokyo and the Kansai area via the Hokuriku region, using the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kanazawa and the Thunderbird from Kanazawa to Kyoto and Osaka. At a cost of ¥24500 for seven consecutive days of travel (¥25500 if purchased inside Japan), the Arch Pass is about half the cost of the national Japan Rail Pass. On the other hand, a trip from Tokyo to Kyoto is twice as long via Kanazawa compared to the more popular Tokaido Shinkansen, though the trip times will go down a little when the next section opens in March 2024.

Overnight travel
Overnight trains used to be one of the prides of the national railway network, but aging rail equipment combined with competition between buses and the shinkansen has resulted in the elimination of almost all services to/from Osaka.

Only one daily train remains: The Sunrise Izumo/Sunrise Seto, which passes through Osaka en route to the Chugoku and Shikoku regions. Unfortunately, it may only be useful as a means to travel to and from Tokyo. The daily eastbound service picks up passengers in Osaka at 00:34, arriving in Yokohama at 06:44 and Tokyo at 07:08. The daily westbound service from Tokyo (22:00) and Yokohama (22:23), on the other hand, don't stop in Osaka at all - the first morning stop is in Himeji at 05:25. From Himeji, you will have to backtrack to Osaka on a commuter service or the shinkansen on a separate ticket.

If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can book a carpeted floor space on the above service at no charge. Otherwise you can travel in a compartment or room by paying the applicable room fee and surcharges. From Himeji you'll be able to backtrack to Osaka in a commuter train, or in a non-reserved seat on the first Kodama shinkansen service of the day, simply by showing your pass.

Failing this, overnight travel can be done with a stopover in another city along the way, which is easy to do with a Japan Rail Pass or a basic long-distance ticket that is valid over a period of several days.

By bus
As Osaka is a major city, there are many day and overnight buses which run between Osaka and other locations throughout Japan, which can be a cheaper alternative than shinkansen fares.

Buses in Osaka drop off and pick up at one or more different locations spread throughout the city, so be sure to check the details before booking a trip. Some of the main stops where buses congregate include the JR Highway Bus Terminal in Osaka Station for JR buses, the Willer Bus Terminal at the Umeda Sky Building, and the Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) at Namba Station. Some also serve Shin-Osaka Station for the bullet trains, and Universal Studios Japan.

From Tokyo
The run between Tokyo and the Kansai region is the busiest in Japan. Buses use the Tomei or Chuo Expressway from Tokyo to Nagoya, then the Meishin Expressway to Osaka. Trips take between 8 and 9 hours depending on the route and stops.

Fierce competition between operators has led to buses offering better amenities and lower prices. Part of this strategy is the adoption of dynamic pricing on many bus routes. This generally means that daytime trips, weekday trips, tickets bought in advance and buses carrying more passengers are cheaper, while night trips, weekend/holiday trips, walk-up fares and buses with fewer (and more comfortable) seats will be more expensive.

As a rule of thumb, fares for a weekday trip between Tokyo and Osaka go for around ¥4000-6000 per person during the daytime, and around ¥5000-8000 per person for overnight trips. Children usually pay half the adult fare.

Two of the major bus operators between Tokyo and Osaka are Willer Express and JR Bus. Tickets for all carriers can generally be purchased at major departure points, and can also be purchased (with some Japanese language help) at kiosks inside convenience stores.

Willer Express runs daytime and overnight trips with a variety of seating options ranging from standard seats to luxurious shell seats. Bus journeys can be booked online in English, and Willer's Japan Bus Pass is valid on all of their routes with some exceptions. Willer's buses in Tokyo leave from the Shinjuku Highway Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku), above the JR tracks at Shinjuku Station, which is served by many of Japan's highway bus operators. Willer also sells tickets for other bus operators on their website, but these trips are not valid with Willer's Japan Bus Pass.

JR Bus reservations can be made in English through their Kousoku Bus Net web site. You can also make reservations in train stations at the same "Midori-no-Madoguchi" ticket windows used to reserve seats on trains. Buses depart from Tokyo Station - Yaesu Exit (八重洲口) and from Busta Shinjuku.

At a much higher price point, Kanto Bus and Ryobi Bus operate the Dream Sleeper. The bus carries only 11 passengers, each assigned to a reclining seat in individual cabins with sliding privacy doors. Fares start at ¥18000 each way and tickets can be booked online in English. Advance purchase fares of ¥15000 are offered, but those can only be purchased online in Japanese. In Osaka, the bus stops at both OCAT in Namba and Osaka Station (in front of ALBi Osaka). In Tokyo, it stops at Ikebukuro Station West Exit and Shinjuku Station West Exit (not at Busta Shinjuku).

From Yamaguchi Prefecture
Bocho bus offers a nighttime bus from the cities of Hagi, Yamaguchi, Hofu, Tokuyama, and Iwakuni to Kobe and Osaka. It costs between ¥6300 and ¥9480 for a one-way ticket, depending on where you get on and where you get off. The bus departs Hagi Bus Center at 19:55 nightly, and arrives at Osaka station at 07:15 daily. The bus makes a return trip from Osaka station at 22:05 nightly, and arrives at Hagi bus center at 09:25 daily. Full details including round trip fares are on their website. It is a good deal if you have time to spare.

From elsewhere
There are a variety of nightbus options from Yamagata, Sendai, Koriyama, Fukushima, Maebashi, Mito, Iwaki, Ashikaga, Saitama (Omiya), Tokyo, Kawasaki, Yokohama, Kofu, Karuizawa, Yamanouchi (Yamanaka), Niigata, Shizuoka, Mishima, Kurashiki, Hiroshima, Kurayoshi, Yonago, Izumo, Tsuwano, Imabari, Matsuyama, Kochi, Sukumo, Susaki, Fukuoka, Kurume, Oita, Kumamoto, Miyazaki (Miyako City), and Kagoshima.

Same-day arrivals depart from Tokyo, Kawasaki, Kofu, Nagano, Matsumoto, Minowa, Toyama, Kanazawa, Fukui, Obama, Hamamatsu, Nagoya, Takayama, Yokkaichi, Maizuru, Fukuchiyama, Kyoto, Shirahama (Adventure World), Shinonsen, Kinosaki Onsen, Arima Onsen, Okayama, Kurashiki, Tsuyama, Maniwa, Niimi, Shobara, Miyoshi, Hiroshima, Tottori, Kurayoshi, Yonago, Izumo, Tokushima, Naruto, Takamatsu, Marugame, Imabari, Matsuyama, Kochi, Muroto, and Susaki.

By boat
Osaka International Ferry Terminal is in Nankō (南港) in the Osaka Bay Area. There are no banks, post office, shops, or restaurants in the terminal. The nearest subway station is Cosmosquare Station (C11), which is about a 15-minute walk from the terminal. A free shuttle bus is available at the station. Taxis are also available at the station.

Osaka-Busan
The PanStar Line operates a ferry between Osaka and Busan. The ferry leaves Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, at 15:10 from both Osaka and Busan and arrives the following day at 10:00. In Busan, the luggage check-in time is prior to the passenger check-in time: for the Busan-Osaka run, luggage check in is 12:40-14:00 and the passenger check in time is 14:15–14:45; for the Osaka-Busan run, luggage check in is 13:00-14:00 and the passenger check in time is 13:00-14:30.

Many different room options are available, including family rooms. Fares start at ¥17,000 and range through seven different room/suite classes culminating in a Presidential Suite, which is ¥250,000 per night. Tickets can be purchased online, but much of the website content is only available in Japanese and Korean, and may be difficult to navigate for English speakers. Tickets are easily obtainable through agents specializing in Korean or Japanese travel. The ferry holds live musical performances, magic shows, and other entertainment on the run. Schedule varies.

You can take your car on the ferry, but there are documentation requirements. The cost for a single basic room and a car is ₩690,000. Room upgrades are available. Temporary insurance must be purchased at the port upon arrival in Osaka.

Get around
If you are planning to travel beyond city limits you might consider using the tickets from Surutto Kansai. For use in Osaka and other cities in the west of Japan, there are some other useful tickets.

By subway

The Osaka Subway is Japan's second-most extensive subway network after Tokyo, which makes the underground the natural way to get around. The Midosuji Line is Osaka's main artery, linking up the massive train stations and shopping complexes of Shin-Osaka, Umeda, Shinsaibashi, Namba and Tennoji.

The signage, ticketing and operation of the Osaka subway is identical to its larger counterpart in Tokyo, and Tokyo's Pasmo/Suica smartcards are accepted as well. Fares ¥200-350, depending on distance. Station arrivals are displayed and announced in Japanese and English. Keep your ticket when you enter the train — it is required when you exit.

By train
True to its name, the JR Osaka Loop Line (環状線 Kanjō-sen) runs in a loop around Osaka. It's not quite as convenient or heavily-used as Tokyo's Yamanote Line, but it stops in Umeda and Tennoji, and by Osaka Castle. Namba and Universal Studios Japan are connected to the Loop Line by short spurs. Fares ¥120-250, depending on distance.

By bicycle
Many residents get around by bicycle, as the city is mostly flat and easily navigable by bike. Riding on the sidewalks is permitted and some sidewalks even have bike lanes marked. If nothing is marked, try to stay to the left where possible (but often you simply need to find the best path through the pedestrians).

Rental bikes are available, but if you are staying longer than a few weeks, purchasing a used bike can be a good deal. Finding a used bike can be a bit tricky, however, particularly if you don't speak Japanese. Craigslist and websites such as Gaijinpot.com have classified listings, and there are a few used bike shops around. Renge, near Osaka Castle, sells a range of used bikes starting at around ¥5500.

You are required to register your bicycle with the police. Bikes registered under a name other than the rider may be considered stolen, and bicycle theft is not uncommon. Bike shops can help with the simple registration process.

By car
It is generally a bad idea to use an automobile to visit Osaka. Many streets do not have names, signs are usually only in Japanese, and parking fees are astronomical. In addition, an international driver's license is required.

Talk
Osaka has a distinctive dialect of Japanese, which is favoured by many comedians in Japanese popular culture. The Osaka dialect is traditionally associated with the merchant class and gangsters, and as such is regarded by many Japanese as rather rough-sounding compared to standard Japanese. While generally not a problem for advanced Japanese speakers, it may be difficult to understand if you have just started learning Japanese. All non-elderly locals are able to speak and understand standard Japanese though, so if you don't understand, politely ask them to repeat themselves in standard Japanese (hyōjungo 標準語) and they will usually oblige.

As with most other major Japanese cities, English is spoken in major tourist attractions and large international hotels, but is otherwise not widely spoken.

See

 * Osaka's best known sight is the Osaka Castle. While it is a reconstruction, it is pretty and has a nice castle park. To learn more about the history of Osaka, you can head to the nearby Osaka Museum of History.
 * Osaka Science Museum on Nakanoshima is an interactive activity center with planetarium and cinema.
 * The Umeda Sky Building is a weirdly shaped building with an observation deck and an escalator suspended between two buildings mid-air. It is near the Osaka station.
 * The Sumiyoshi Shrine is south of the city center. It is one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines and has a very unusual architecture. It is also famous for a bridge arching over a pond.
 * Japan mint is in Osaka and is especially famous for the nearby cherry blossom tunnel road, a prime spot to see the annual cherry blossom.
 * The Tsūtenkaku landmark tower in the Shinsekai area with an observation platform at 91 meters.
 * The Shitennōji temple is near the Tennōji station. It is regarded as maybe the first Buddhist temple in Japan dating back to the 6th century. The building of today's temple however, are a reconstruction.
 * In Ryokuchi Park is the Open Air Museum of Old Farmhouses, a collection of Edo period farmhouses. This gives a good insight in the lives of the common people during this period. It is north of the city center.
 * The Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum in Namba is dedicated to ukiyoe, Japanese woodblock prints.
 * Tobita Shinchi in the South is Japan's largest red-light district that can easily compete with Amsterdam's one. It is well worth a visit, even though not everyone's taste.

Do

 * The festival hall in Nakanoshima, near Umeda, and the symphony hall in Umeda host modern and classical recitals, while Umeda Koma in Umeda, and Shin-Kabukiza in Uehommachi host Enka performances. For more independent or underground music, try Banana Hall in Umeda or Big Cat in Amerika-mura.
 * The festival hall in Nakanoshima, near Umeda, and the symphony hall in Umeda host modern and classical recitals, while Umeda Koma in Umeda, and Shin-Kabukiza in Uehommachi host Enka performances. For more independent or underground music, try Banana Hall in Umeda or Big Cat in Amerika-mura.
 * The festival hall in Nakanoshima, near Umeda, and the symphony hall in Umeda host modern and classical recitals, while Umeda Koma in Umeda, and Shin-Kabukiza in Uehommachi host Enka performances. For more independent or underground music, try Banana Hall in Umeda or Big Cat in Amerika-mura.
 * The festival hall in Nakanoshima, near Umeda, and the symphony hall in Umeda host modern and classical recitals, while Umeda Koma in Umeda, and Shin-Kabukiza in Uehommachi host Enka performances. For more independent or underground music, try Banana Hall in Umeda or Big Cat in Amerika-mura.
 * The festival hall in Nakanoshima, near Umeda, and the symphony hall in Umeda host modern and classical recitals, while Umeda Koma in Umeda, and Shin-Kabukiza in Uehommachi host Enka performances. For more independent or underground music, try Banana Hall in Umeda or Big Cat in Amerika-mura.
 * The festival hall in Nakanoshima, near Umeda, and the symphony hall in Umeda host modern and classical recitals, while Umeda Koma in Umeda, and Shin-Kabukiza in Uehommachi host Enka performances. For more independent or underground music, try Banana Hall in Umeda or Big Cat in Amerika-mura.
 * The festival hall in Nakanoshima, near Umeda, and the symphony hall in Umeda host modern and classical recitals, while Umeda Koma in Umeda, and Shin-Kabukiza in Uehommachi host Enka performances. For more independent or underground music, try Banana Hall in Umeda or Big Cat in Amerika-mura.

Work
The occupation of most resident Americans, Europeans and Australians is teaching English (as is the case in most of Japan). There are also many international students and staff at various universities in Osaka. The economy in the Osaka region has been relatively stagnant compared to Tokyo's: although there are jobs in law, finance, accounting, engineering and other professional fields in Osaka, demand for foreign professionals tends to be higher in Tokyo (as is pay). Osaka does have several educational publishers that employ foreign workers, but these jobs require fluent Japanese language ability. Temporary work in a variety of industries is available.

Buy

 * Osaka's most famous shopping district is Shinsaibashi (心斎橋), which offers a mix of huge department stores, high-end Western designer stores, and independent boutiques ranging from very cheap to very expensive. Within Shinsaibashi, the Amerika-mura (アメリカ村, often shortened to "Amemura") or "American Village" area is particularly popular among young people, and is often said to be the source of most youth fashion trends in Japan. Just west of Amerika-mura, Horie (堀江) is a shopping area with fashionable Japanese boutiques, centered around Tachibana-dori (which is often translated as Orange Street).
 * The many shops in Umeda are also popular among trendy locals, particularly in the Hep Five and Hep Navio buildings adjacent to Hankyu Umeda Station, although these shops tend to be too expensive to captivate most tourists' interest. For example, the “E-ma” buildings next to Hanshin department store, and “Nu-Chayamachi” (Nu 茶屋町) near Hankyu Umeda station.
 * For electronics, the Nipponbashi (日本橋) area southeast of Namba, and particularly the "Den-Den Town" shopping street, was once regarded as the Akihabara of western Japan; nowadays, more people would rather shop at the new, enormous Yodobashi Camera (ヨドバシカメラ) in Umeda or BicCamera (ビックカメラ) and LABI1 in Namba, although Nippombashi still offers good deals on many gadgets, PC components and used/new industrial electronics.
 * For Japanese and foreign books, try Kinokuniya in Hankyu Umeda Station, or Junkudo south of Osaka Station.[[Image:Osaka night.JPG|300px|right|Tenjinbashi-suji]]
 * The Official Hanshin Tigers (baseball team) Shop is on the 8th floor of Hanshin Department Store at Umeda.
 * Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street (天神橋筋商店街 Tenjinbashi-suji Shōtengai) is said to be the longest straight and covered shopping arcade in Japan at approx. 2.6 km length. The arcade is running north–south along Tenjinbashi-suji street, and is accessible from multiple subway and/or JR stations, e.g. Tenma, Minami-Morimachi, and Tenjinbashi-suji 6-chome.  Nothing meant for sightseeing, the arcade is a live exhibition of Osaka's daily life, open since Edo period.

Eat
The widest selection of restaurants is in Osaka's main entertainment districts, with the highest concentration of all in the Umeda and Dotombori areas.

Even in a nation of obsessive gourmands Osaka is known as an excellent place to eat, exemplified by the Osakan maxim kuidaore, "eat yourself into ruin". The best place for trying out kuidaore is probably Dōtonbori (道頓堀) and neighboring Hōzenji-yokochō (法善寺横町) or Soemon-cho (宗右衛門町), the whole area containing nearly nothing but one restaurant after another.

Some typically Osakan foods worth trying include:

 * Battera (バッテラ), is a block type sushi, with mackerel put on rice and squeezed very hard in a wooden box, cut into pieces when served. Battera sushi is a variant and direct descendant of primitive sushi, this one from Osaka is unique for its squarelike shape. Available not only in sushi restaurants but also as take-away in department stores and train stations.
 * Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き), fried cabbage cakes that resemble a cross between a pancake, pizza, and omelette.
 * Takoyaki (たこ焼き), bits of octopus inside fried eggy dumplings. The quintessential Osakan street food snack.
 * Kushikatsu (串かつ), battered and deep-fried skewers of various sorts of food (meat, vegetables, cheese, etc), dipped in a runny black sauce and washed down with beer. Osaka's working class answer to fancy tempura.

Okonomiyaki is best eaten in hole-in-the-wall restaurants, while takoyaki is best eaten from street vendors' carts, which can be found all over the major districts around nightfall. The best place to find kushikatsu (串カツ) is in Shinsekai, between Dobutsuen-mae and Ebisucho stations on the Sakaisuji subway line.

Drink
There are many nightlife districts in Osaka. Nightlife in Osaka is very popular.

This area, south of JR Osaka station, is the most famous nightclub and entertainment district of contemporary Osaka. It's just like Tokyo's Ginza, filled with many hundreds of high-class bars, clubs and small restaurants where Japanese businessmen entertain their clients. This area is the centre of nightlife.
 * Kitashinchi (北新地)
 * Dotonbori (道頓堀)
 * Hozenji-Yokocho (法善寺横丁)

Sleep
Osaka has a vast range of accommodation, including some of the best hotels in the world. Most of the city's moderate and expensive hotels can be found in Umeda, Namba, Shin-Osaka and Kyobashi, though they also have their share of budget options.

Backpackers have begun to use budget hotels around the JR Shin-Imamiya (新今宮) and subway Midosuji Line Dōbutsuen-mae (動物園前) stations, in Tennoji area. Room quality varies widely and prices vary from ¥800-3000, but there are many options. The area is rather poor and there are many homeless that wander about during the day, but generally they are harmless and safety is not an issue. One benefit of the district being so poor is that prices at the supermarkets and such are generally very low. However, as always use common sense when traveling in unfamiliar areas.

Connect

 * Opti Café is a surprisingly cheap internet café in Umeda. ¥100/30min. Yodobashi Camera department store's groundfloor, next to Excelsior Café. You are requested to register for membership but it doesn't cost anything.
 * Y-net Cafe, Labi 1 Namba GF, Nambanaka 2-11-35, Naniwa-ku. First hour of use is free and no registration needed.

Consulates

 * 🇦🇺 Australia
 * 🇨🇳 China
 * 🇫🇷 France
 * 🇩🇪 Germany
 * 🇮🇩 Indonesia
 * 🇰🇷 South Korea
 * the Netherlands
 * the Philippines
 * 🇷🇺 Russia
 * 🇸🇬 Singapore
 * 🇹🇭 Thailand
 * the United Kingdom
 * the United States

Crime
By Japanese standards, Osaka has a dangerous reputation, but is still remarkably safe for a city of its size, and the overall crime rate still compares favorable with any Western city of similar size. However, some areas, particularly Shinsekai and Tobita, may be a little dodgy at night and the Airin/Kamagasaki area — Japan's largest slum, home to a lot of jobless and/or homeless people — south of Shin-Imamiya is best avoided at most times, especially after dark.

Incidentally, despite the movie stereotype of gangsters speaking in Osakan dialect, the actual base of Japan's biggest yakuza families is neighboring Kobe — and the most gang violence occurs in Tokyo. Unless you're dealing drugs, you're unlikely to get involved with the local mafia.

Bicycles
Osaka is a city where people use bicycles heavily, so much and chaotic that even traffic police regular does "raids" along bicycle ways to check whether cyclist adhere to the rules.

As a pedestrian it can become quite nerve-wrecking to have cyclist speeding on the sidewalk while you are trying to enjoy your travels.

It's better to pay a little more attention in Osaka when changing route or sidewalks. And always try to walk at one side of the sidewalk and not in the middle, so cyclists don't run you over.

Go next

 * Its location makes Osaka a perfect base for doing one-day trips to nearby cities like Kyoto (30 minutes), Kobe (20 minutes), Nara (40 minutes) or Himeji (1 hour). (Typical times shown on JR Trains available without extra express charges starting from Osaka Station.)
 * The Expo Park in Suita, the huge commemorial park of the Japan World Expo '70, with its interesting Japanese Garden and Museum of National Ethnology. It's a very large park, and a good place for a picnic.
 * Hirakata - Home to the child-friendly Hirakata Park and Kansai Gaidai University.
 * Church of Light (茨木春日丘教会 Ibaraki Kasuga-oka Kyoukai)(Ibaraki), one of the masterpiece architecture by Tadao Ando.
 * Minō, a popular maple watching spot in autumn and nature escape all year round. From Hankyu Umeda station take the train to Minō station. It is a pleasant walk to the waterfall (~30 minutes one way) through shady forest, with wild monkeys and deer . Try the local Minoh beer or maple leaves in sweet tempura batter.
 * The temples and lush greenery of Mount Koya, 90 minutes away by train, are an entirely different world and the perfect getaway when all the concrete starts to get to you.
 * Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the world's longest single-span suspension bridge is near Kobe, about 40 minutes away by train.
 * Tokimeki Beach is a good get away if you want to spend the day at the seaside. Take the Nankai line from Namba station to Tannowa Station. The trip costs around ¥720 and takes about 45 minutes. The bag and shower service closes at 5PM.

title: Osaka


text:
Osaka (prefecture)

Osaka Prefecture (大阪府 Ōsaka-fu) is in the Kansai region of Japan.

Tourist Information Site
Osaka Info is the official multilingual guide site, jointly run by the prefecture and the capital city.

Cities

 * - the city that gives the prefecture its name
 * - known for the Nintoku-ryō Tumulus, a giant ancient tomb
 * - North eastern suburban city
 * - Northwestern suburban city
 * - Northeastern suburban city; headquarters of Panasonic
 * - Suburban city that lies in the north end of Osaka basin
 * - Northern suburban city whose part of it comprises a part of the large "new town" of Senri
 * - Northeastern suburban city in Osaka Prefecture
 * - Northern suburban city whose part of it comprises a part of the large "new town" of Senri
 * - Northern suburban city whose part of it comprises a part of the large "new town" of Senri

See

 * Enter Osaka Castle, a reconstruction of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's castle (Osaka)
 * Pay homage at the Nintoku Tombs, the largest burial mounds in the nation (Sakai and the southern part of the prefecture). There are a huge number of them, and 45 have been listed as a world heritage site by the name Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group: Mounded Tombs of Ancient Japan
 * Marvel at the Tower of the Sun in Expo Park (Suita)
 * Escape the city with a stroll to Minoh Falls (Minoh)
 * Enjoy the exhibits at the National Art Museum (Osaka)
 * Learn more about one of the inventors of the tea ceremony, Sen no Rikyu in his hometown and visit Nanshuji Temple where he studied (Sakai)
 * Wander the historic area in Tondabayashi
 * Visit the largest Yayoi culture museum and Yayoi village in the country (Izumi)
 * Stare in awe at the tiger shark and other fish at the Kaiyukan Aquarium (Osaka)

Learn
There are a number of Japanese language schools in and around Osaka. Included among these are Japanese language programs offered by the YMCA and the YWCA.

Osaka has many universities, although its schools generally have less of an international reputation than those in Tokyo. Note that universities in Kyoto and Kobe are also close to Osaka.

 * Kansai Foreign Language University (関西外国語大学 Kansai Gaikokugo Daigaku), better known as Kansai Gaidai, is located in Hirakata City, east of Osaka City and has exchange programs with a number of universities overseas.
 * Kansai University (関西大学 Kansai Daigaku) has its main campuses in Suita City and Takatsuki City, in northern Osaka Prefecture.
 * Osaka University (大阪大学 Osaka Daigaku) is the city's most prestigious university, dating back to the formation of the national university system in the late 1800s. It has two campuses in Suita and Toyonaka cities, north of Umeda.
 * Kinki University (近畿大学 Kinki Daigaku) also being called `Kindai` is the biggest University at Kinki area. Located at Higashi Osaka-shi, North-east of Osaka.

Eat

 * Takoyaki (Octopus balls) is a popular food in the Kansai area. The most famous specialty of Osaka.
 * Okonomiyaki
 * Ikayaki
 * Kitsune Udon
 * Osaka Sushi

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Osaka (prefecture)


text:
Osaka/Bay Area

The Bay Area is the westernmost district of Osaka city. Largely built on reclaimed land, it has large-scale facilities for shopping and entertainment, and has become popular among young people in particular.

See
The Bay Area's top attraction, Universal Studios Japan, is covered in its own article.

Eat

 * If you are visiting Boat Race Suminoe for the boat races, you will find several cheap eats available throughout the facility.
 * If you are visiting Boat Race Suminoe for the boat races, you will find several cheap eats available throughout the facility.

title: Osaka/Bay Area


text:
Osaka/Kita

The Kita (キタ) is the newest centre of Osaka city. The area around Umeda station, where major terminals for the Osaka subway, Japan Rail (JR), Hankyu and Hanshin railways can be found, boasts department stores, buildings full of fashionable shops and various attractions. The southern edge of the ward is Nakanoshima, a sandbank in the middle of the river which is home to cultural institutions and government offices.

By train
There are two main train stations in this area, namely Umeda Station, and Osaka Station. Both are very close.

Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen (新幹線 trains arrive at Shin-Osaka station, to the north of the city center. From Shin-Osaka, you can connect to Umeda Station by using the Midosuji subway line, or connect to the local JR network for other destinations.

The best train between Kansai International Airport and Osaka Station used to be Kansaikuko which is operated by JR-West. The journey takes approximately 65 minutes at a cost of ¥1160. However, starting on March 13, 2023 (with the completion of the new underground platform) the JR Limited express "Haruka" began calling at Osaka station. The trip takes about 45 minutes and costs ¥2450 (and is included in JR Pass).

Umeda Station
 * Hankyu Railways
 * Kobe Line - Offers services to the following cities: Nishinomiya and Sannomiya (Kobe).
 * Kyoto Line - Offers services to the following cities: Takatsuki, Settsu, Ibaraki, and Kyoto.
 * Takarazuka Line - Offers services to the following cities: Toyonaka, Ikeda and Takarazuka.
 * Hanshin Electeric Railways
 * Main Line - Offers services to the following cities: Amagasaki, Nishinomiya and Sannomiya (Kobe).

Osaka Station
 * JR-West
 * Osaka Loop Line - Offers services to the following cities: Universal City, Tennoji, Kansai International Airport, Wakayama,  and Nara.
 * JR Kyoto Line - Offers services to the following cities: Shin-Osaka, Suita, Takatsuki, Settsu, Ibaraki, and Kyoto.
 * JR Kobe Line - Offers services to the following cities: Amagasaki, Nishinomiya and Kobe.

 * The JR Kyoto Line is the common name of a portion of the Tōkaidō Main Line, between Kyoto Station and Osaka Station.

By bus
There are several bus terminals around Osaka railway station. Airport Limousine bus runs from Kansai International Airport to Hotel New Hankyu bus station, ¥1500 one way.

 * Hotel New Hankyu Bus Station (Next to Hankyu Umeda Station)
 * Bus tickets is available at hotel counter.
 * Kansai Airport Transportation, Osaka Airport Transport, Hanshin Bus
 * Airport - Osaka Airport, Kansai Airport

 * Hankyu Sanban-Gai Bus Terminal (Hankyu Umeda Station Terminal Building North 1st Floor)
 * Ticket office windows: 08:00-18:30
 * Hankyu Bus(Japanese Website)
 * Kansai - Amanohashidate, Arima Onsen, Sumoto (Awaji-Island)
 * Kanto - Tokyo, Yokohama, Chiba, Tokyo Disney Land
 * Chubu - Shizuoka, Matsumoto, Nagano, Suwa, Kanazawa, Fukui, Toyama, Niigata
 * Shikoku - Takamatsu, Kochi, Tokushima, Awaikeda
 * Kyushu - Fukuoka, Kitakyushu, Nagasaki, Kagoshima

 * Herbis Osaka Bus Terminal (5 minutes walk from JR Osaka station Central Gate, Herbis Plaza ent B1 Floor)'
 * Ticket office window: 08:008-20:00. Bus tickets to the airport can be purchased through any automatic ticket vending machine
 * Osaka Airport Tansport, Hanshin Bus
 * Airport - Osaka Airport, Kansai Airport
 * Hanshin Bus (Japanese website) -
 * Kanto - Tokyo, Yokohama, Chiba, Tokyo Disney Land
 * Shikoku - Uwajima, Naruto, Tokushima, Awaikeda, Imabari
 * Chugoku - Tsuwano, Hamada, Masuda

 * Osaka station - JR Express Bus Terminal (JR Osaka station North Gate Building 1st Floor)
 * Ticket office windows: 05:45-23:50
 * West JR Bus(Japanese website) +81 (0)6-6371-0111 - 09:00-19:00
 * Kansai - Shirahama, Sumoto (Awaji-Island)
 * Kanto - Tokyo, Yokohama, Omiya, Tachikawa, Tokorozawa
 * Chubu - Kanazawa, Toyama, Fukui
 * Chugoku - Hiroshima, Okayama, Kurashiki, Tsuyama, Kure, Hamada, Masuda
 * Shikoku - Tokushima, Naruto, Takamatsu, Sakaide, Marugame, Zentsuji, Kochi, Matsuyama, Saijo, Suzaki
 * Kyushu - Fukuoka, Kitakyushu, Nagasaki, Kagoshima

 * Willer Bus Terminal Osaka-Umeda (12 minutes walk from JR Osaka station North Central Gate, Umeda Sky Building Tower East 1st Floor)
 * Willer Bus +81 (0)50-5805-0383 - English/Korean M-F 10:00-14:00
 * Tohoku - Sendai, Fukushima
 * Kanto - Tokyo, Yokohama, Tokyo Disney Land, Makuhari
 * Chubu - Nagoya, Nagano, Niigata, Toyama, Kanazawa, Kofu, Shizuoka
 * Chugoku - Hiroshima, Fukuyama
 * Shikoku - Matsuyama, Kochi
 * Kyushu - Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Saga, Kurume, Kumamoto, Kagoshima

See

Do

 * The festival hall in Nakanoshima, near Umeda, and the symphony hall in Umeda host modern and classical recitals, while Umeda Koma in Umeda, and Shin-Kabukiza in Uehommachi host Enka performances. For more independent or underground music, try Banana Hall in Umeda or Big Cat in Amerika-mura.
 * The festival hall in Nakanoshima, near Umeda, and the symphony hall in Umeda host modern and classical recitals, while Umeda Koma in Umeda, and Shin-Kabukiza in Uehommachi host Enka performances. For more independent or underground music, try Banana Hall in Umeda or Big Cat in Amerika-mura.
 * The festival hall in Nakanoshima, near Umeda, and the symphony hall in Umeda host modern and classical recitals, while Umeda Koma in Umeda, and Shin-Kabukiza in Uehommachi host Enka performances. For more independent or underground music, try Banana Hall in Umeda or Big Cat in Amerika-mura.

Buy

 * For Japanese and foreign books, try Kinokuniya in Hankyu Umeda Station, or Junkudo south of Osaka Station.
 * The Official Hanshin Tigers (baseball team) Shop is on 8th floor of Hanshin Department Store at Umeda.
 * Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street (天神橋筋商店街 Tenjinbashi-suji Shōtengai) is said to be the longest straight and covered shopping arcade in Japan at approx. 2.6 km length. The arcade runs north-south along Tenjinbashi-suji street, and is accessible from multiple subway and/or JR stations, eg. Tenma, Minami-Morimachi, Tenjinbashi-suji 6-chome, etc. Nothing meant for sightseeing, the arcade is a live exhibition of Osaka's daily life, open since the Edo period.
 * For Japanese and foreign books, try Kinokuniya in Hankyu Umeda Station, or Junkudo south of Osaka Station.
 * The Official Hanshin Tigers (baseball team) Shop is on 8th floor of Hanshin Department Store at Umeda.
 * Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street (天神橋筋商店街 Tenjinbashi-suji Shōtengai) is said to be the longest straight and covered shopping arcade in Japan at approx. 2.6 km length. The arcade runs north-south along Tenjinbashi-suji street, and is accessible from multiple subway and/or JR stations, eg. Tenma, Minami-Morimachi, Tenjinbashi-suji 6-chome, etc. Nothing meant for sightseeing, the arcade is a live exhibition of Osaka's daily life, open since the Edo period.

Capsule hotels

title: Osaka/Kita


text:
Osaka/Minami

Minami(大阪 ミナミ) is the largest commercial area in Osaka, Japan.

All manner of shops and entertainment can be found in the Minami Area, which stretches from Semba (Honmachi) to the area surrounding Namba station. In Minami, locals and tourists alike can enjoy the city atmosphere of Osaka.

Get in
The beating heart of Minami is (難波, なんば Nanba), which is actually three separate but connected stations. Just plain Namba, the biggest of the three, is the Nankai Railway and metro hub, while JR serves JR Namba station and both Kintetsu and Hanshin connect to Osaka-Namba station.

By plane
Nankai's Rapi:t limited expresses from Kansai International Airport take 34 minutes and cost ¥1390. Cheaper but slower trains are also available.

Namba Station

 * Nankai - Offers services to the following cities: Sakai, Kansai International Airport, Wakayama, and Mount Koya.
 * Osaka Metro - From Shin-Osaka station and Umeda (Osaka) stations, you can connect to the city center by using the Midosuji subway line.

JR-Namba Station

 * JR-West - Offers services to the following cities: Tennōji, Nara, and Horyuji.

Osaka-Namba Station

 * Kintetsu - Offers services to the following cities: Nara, Ise, Shima, Yokkaichi and Nagoya.
 * Hanshin - Offers services to the following cities: Amagasaki, Ashiya, Nishinomiya, and Sannomiya (Kobe).

By bus
There are two bus terminals around Namba railway stations. Kansai Airport Limousine bus runs from Kansai International Airport to Namba OCAT bus terminal, ¥1050 one way.

 * Namba Highway Busterminal (なんば高速バスターミナル)
 * Ticket office window: 09:00 - 20:00
 * Nankai Bus

 * OCAT Bus Terminal (湊町バスターミナル)

 *  Kintetsu Bus (Japanese Website)
 * Ticket office window: 07:30 - 22:00
 * Tohoku - Yamagata, Sendai, Fukushima, Koriyama, Iwaki
 * Kanto - Tokyo, Shinjuku, Hachioji, Yokohama, Odawara, Kawagoe, Kumagaya, Kuki, Mito, Tsukuba, Tsuchiura Utsunomiya, Tochigi,
 * Chubu - Obama, Takayama, Gujo-Hachiman, Kofu, Numazu, Mishima, Shizuoka, Gotemba, Fujionomiya, Fuji, Ueda, Karuizawa
 * Chugoku - Fukuyama, Onomichi, Fuchu, Tokuyama, Yamaguchi, Hagi
 * Shikoku - Aki, Nahari, Nakamura, Sukumo
 * Kyushu - Nagasaki, Oita, Beppu, Kagoshima

 * Nankai Bus ::Kanto - Tokyo, Shinjuku, Tachikawa, Akishima, Akihabara, Narita Airport, Choshi, Odawara, Fujisawa, Kamakura
 * Chubu - Nagano, Kashiwazaki, Nagaoka, Sanjo
 * Shikoku - Naruto, Tokushima, Takamatsu
 * Chugoku - Hiroshima
 * Kyushu - Sasebo, Takeo

 *  Nihon Kotsu Bus (Japanese Website)
 * Ticket office window: 06:30 - 22:50
 * Kansai - Fukuchiyama, Maizuru
 * Chugoku - Tottori, Yonago, Kurayoshi

 * Ryobi Bus (Japanese Website)
 * Chugoku - Okayama, Kurashiki, Tamano

Buy
Osaka's most famous shopping district is Shinsaibashi (心斎橋), which offers a mix of huge department stores, high-end Western designer stores, and independent boutiques ranging from very cheap to very expensive. Within Shinsaibashi, the Amerika-mura (アメリカ村, often shortened to "Amemura") or "American Village" area is particularly popular among young people, and is often said to be the source of most youth fashion trends in Japan. Near Amerika-mura, Horie (堀江) is shopping street of mainly Japanese brands shops. The many shops in Umeda are also popular among trendy locals, particularly in the Hep Five and Hep Navio buildings adjacent to Hankyu Umeda Station, although these shops tend to be too expensive to captivate most tourists' interest. Shopping buildings include the“E-ma” buildings next to Hanshin department store, and “Nu-Chayamachi” (Nu 茶屋町), near Hankyu Umeda station.

For electronics, the Nipponbashi (日本橋) area southeast of Namba, and particularly the "Den-Den Town" shopping street, was once regarded as the Akihabara of western Japan; nowadays, more people would rather shop at the new, enormous Yodobashi Camera (ヨドバシカメラ) in Umeda or BicCamera (ビックカメラ) and LABI1 in Namba, although Nipponbashi still offers good deals on many gadgets, PC components and used/new industrial electronics.

Beware of tourist traps around the Kuromon Ichiba Market. Some shops (especially seafood and waygu/Kobe beef shops) charge exorbitant prices for their products.

Eat

Dōtonbori (道頓堀) is a canal north of Namba station. Lined on both sides with countless restaurants and bars, with plenty of eye-catching neon signage, it is perhaps the most famous entertainment district in all Japan and exemplifies the Osakan maxim of kuidaore (食倒れ), "eat till you burst". The busiest stretch is between Dotonboribashi to the west and Nipponbashi to the east.

Dotonbori is also the most touristy place in Osaka, for Japanese and foreign visitors alike. The neon is worth a gawk but there are better and cheaper options for a night out.

Drink

 * Try Amemura area - There you will find all kind of bars with different genre from hip-hop to reggae.

Nightclubs

 * Try Amemura area - There you will find all kind of bars with different genre from hip-hop to reggae.
 * Try Amemura area - There you will find all kind of bars with different genre from hip-hop to reggae.
 * Try Amemura area - There you will find all kind of bars with different genre from hip-hop to reggae.
 * Try Amemura area - There you will find all kind of bars with different genre from hip-hop to reggae.
 * Try Amemura area - There you will find all kind of bars with different genre from hip-hop to reggae.

Sleep
The usual suspects tend to be within a 5-10 minute walk north to north-west of JR Namba (a few blocks past the love hotel district). The big advantage here is that this district is also roughly a 10-minute stroll from Dotonbori. Thus, for the light traveller, a cost effective way to stay in a nice hotel is to simply enjoy the food and atmosphere along the canal until midnight, then take advantage of the various after midnight check-in discounts (typically about 30% off the regular night rate). For example, the Toyoko Inn reduces its single room prices from ~¥6500 to a clean ¥4500, and the Dormy Inn from a regular ¥7000 fee down to ¥4900.

Capsule hotels

Go next
The serene mountaintop temple lodges of Mount Koya are 90 minutes away from Namba by direct train.

title: Osaka/Minami


text:
Osaka/North

Northern Osaka covers the wards of Higashiyodogawa-ku (東淀川区), Nishiyodogawa-ku (西淀川区), and Yodogawa-ku (淀川区), which sprawl along the northern side of the Yodogawa river. (For the Kita district, literally meaning "north" but on the other side of the river, see Osaka/Kita.)

By train
The primary reason for visitors to find themselves in northern Osaka is Shin-Osaka Station, the city's Shinkansen (bullet train) hub, with frequent services east towards Tokyo and west towards Fukuoka. Hop on the Midosuji subway line to get to the city center.

The fastest trains between Kansai International Airport and Shin-Osaka station are "Ltd. Express Haruka" which operates by JR West. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes at a cost of ¥2490: ¥1320 regular fare + ¥1150 limited express fare.

By bus
Expressway buses arrive at Hankyu Highwaybus Shin-Osaka terminal (阪急ハイウェイバス新大阪ターミナル), near the JR Shin-Osaka Station.

Airport limousine buses from Itami (¥500, roughly 25 min) and Kansai (¥1,550, 90 min).

Drink
The area around Jūsō (十三) station is a well-known red-light district. Squarely targeted at locals, most adult establishments will refuse entry to non-Japanese, but there are plenty of affordable watering holes and casual restaurants if you'd like to experience nightlife like an Osakan salaryman.

title: Osaka/North


text:
Osaka/Osaka castle

The Osaka Castle area is in Osaka city. This area consisting of many buildings surrounded by water is home to Osaka-castle, Osaka-jo Hall, classical music halls, theaters where you can enjoy the performing arts, hotels, shopping and sports facilities.

Get in
The eastern section of the JR Osaka Loop Line crosses through this district. From Kansai International Airport, take a JR Haruka or Kansai Airport Rapid service to Tennoji and change to the Osaka Loop Line in the direction of Kyobashi. By standard JR trains the trip takes around 75 minutes to Kyobashi and costs ¥1190.

From the bullet train station at Shin-Osaka, take any regular JR train one stop to Osaka station and change to the Osaka Loop Line towards Kyobashi (15-20 min, ¥180).

From Kyoto, an alternate method of reaching the area is to use the private Keihan Railway. The railway runs from the eastern section of Kyoto city and runs through Kyobashi before terminating at the business district in Yodoyabashi. From Shichijo station (a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station) it takes around 40 minutes to reach Kyobashi (¥400). Taking the Kintetsu Railway from Kyoto Station to Tambabashi and changing to the Keihan Railway takes about an hour and ¥600 to Kyobashi, versus around 40 minutes and ¥800 by JR.

Fees and permits
Most of the fortress is free, just the castle building itself costs ¥600 for adults, while children are free.

title: Osaka/Osaka castle


text:
Osaka/South

South Osaka covers the southern wards of Osaka: Nishinari, Abeno, Ikuno, Sumiyoshi and Hirano. For the central Minami area (literally "South"), see Minami.

South Osaka is the poorest part of the city, with few top-rank attractions. However, the budget hotels that have long drawn in day laborers and itinerant workers have started to pivot towards frugal backpacker market, and while some parts of the city are seedy and rough, they are rarely if ever dangerous.

Eat
Tsuruhashi (鶴橋), near the train station of the same name, is home to a large Korean community and is particularly famous for its many yakiniku (Korean-style BBQ) restaurants.

Drink

Tobita Shinchi (飛田新地) near Dobutsuen-mae station is Japan's largest red-light district, where ladies pose at genkan entrances Amsterdam-style to attract clientele. It's not really a tourist attraction though, and non-Japanese clients are likely to be refused point blank.

Stay safe
The ward of Nishinari, home to Japan's largest red-light district Tobita Shinchi (see Drink and its largest slum Airin/Kamagasaki, has an exaggerated reputation of being the most dangerous place in Japan. While definitely down-at-heel, street crime is virtually unknown.

title: Osaka/South


text:
Osaka/Tennoji

Tennōji (大阪 天王寺) is a city district of Osaka.

Understand
On the southeast side of Osaka, Tennōji is named after the nearby ancient temple of Shitennōji, which dates back to 593. Today it's better known as a major train hub with plenty of shopping and eating options. The south side of the district is a working class neighborhood, and Shinsekai (新世界, "New World"), built in 1912 in conscious imitation of New York and Paris, has acquired a bit of a rough reputation.

By plane
The fastest trains between Kansai International Airport and Tennoji station are "Ltd.Express Haruka" which operates by JR West. The journey takes approximately 32 minutes at a cost of ¥1760: ¥1030 regular fare + ¥730 limited express fare.

By train
Tennoji is a major train hub and well connected not just to Osaka, but other major cities in the region. The JR Kyoto Line links to Shin-Osaka (for Shinkansen services) and Kyoto, the JR Yamatoji Line to Nara, while the subway Midosuji Line connects to Namba and Umeda and the JR Loop Line to the rest of the city.

Stay safe
Ironically, the promised "New World" of Shinsekai has turned into one of the poorest neighborhoods in all Japan, with a large homeless population. Visitors are highly unlikely to be targeted by criminals, but it's still not the most savoury place in Osaka to hang around, especially after dark.

title: Osaka/Tennoji


text:
Osasco

Osasco is a city in the state of São Paulo, located in the metropolitan area of the city of São Paulo. Fully conurbated with São Paulo and other cities, the dense Osasco is an important industrial district and an emerging business destination, although it has not much to offer to the casual tourist.

Understand
For a city with more than 650,000 inhabitants, the history of Osasco is quite recent. It emerged around the train station with the same name, constructed in 1895 and to this day the main train station of the city. Osasco was officially founded in 1962, when it was emancipated from São Paulo. In the second half of the 20th century, Osasco grew enormously with industrialization and the expansion of the urban area of São Paulo beyond the municipality limits.

Despite its size, Osasco is not particularly interesting for non-business oriented visitors, although this may change in the future, with the recent and impressive economic growth of the city. Osasco is also carrying out an ambitious, long-term re-urbanization plan, which consists of remodelling its city center along the shores of the Tietê river.

Osasco is also well-known for its premier female volleyball team, the Sollys, being possibly the only Brazilian city where volleyball rivals football in the hearts of the local people. Note that volleyball is the second most practiced sport in Brazil, and the most practiced among women.

By car

 * Castelo Branco Highway (SP-280)
 * Anhanguera Highway (SP-330)
 * Rodoanel Mário Covas Highway (SP-21)
 * From the city of São Paulo, it is possible to reach Osasco by taking Av. Corifeu de Azevedo Marques, which becomes Av. dos Autonomistas when it reaches Osasco.

By train

 * The 8/Diamante line comes in from the city of São Paulo via Lapa.
 * The 9/Esmeralda line connect the city to Santo Amaro and Grajaú.

By bus
Osasco is served by five bus companies: Rápido Ribeirão Preto, Rápido Macaense, Viação Cometa, Expresso Itamarati, and Auto Viação 1001.
 * Osasco Bus Station, Rua Erasmo Braga 1500 - Presidente Altino, tel. 11 3698-5387.

By bus

 * Amador Aguiar Terminal (Vila Yara), Avenida dos Autonomistas.
 * Largo de Osasco Terminal, Rua da Estação.

See

 * Casa de Angola, Av. Visconde de Nova Granada, 513 – Jd. Alvorada.
 * Casa de Angola, Av. Visconde de Nova Granada, 513 – Jd. Alvorada.

Do

 * Corrida de Santo Antônio - Held annually on June 13, the city's anniversary festival brings various events to the Bortolosso Events Center, Av. Visconde De Nova Granada, 11.

Buy

 * Calçadão, Rua Antonio Agú, Centro.
 * Fantasy Shopping, Av dos Autonomistas.
 * Mercado Municipal de Osasco
 * Fantasy Shopping, Av dos Autonomistas.
 * Mercado Municipal de Osasco
 * Mercado Municipal de Osasco

Go next

 * Sorocabana

title: Osasco


text:
Osceola (Iowa)

Osceola is a city in South Central Iowa.

By car
Most people drive, but it's not the only option.

title: Osceola (Iowa)


text:
Osceola County

Osceola County is the name of three counties in the United States:

 * Osceola County (Florida) — part of Greater Orlando
 * Osceola County (Iowa)
 * Osceola County (Michigan)

title: Osceola County


text:
Osceola National Forest

Osceola National Forest is in North Central Florida.

Understand
The Osceola National Forest is in the northeastern portion of Florida between Lake City and Jacksonville near the crossroads of I-10 and I-75 and the crossroads US 90 and US 441. It is located in parts of Columbia, Baker, Bradford, and Hamilton counties. The forest is headquartered in Tallahassee, but there are local ranger district offices in Olustee.

Ranger District Offices

 * Osceola Ranger District, P.O. Box 70, Olustee, FL 32072. Phone: +1 386 752-2577. Hours: M-F 7:30AM - 4PM.
 * Olustee Depot Visitor Center, Osceola National Forest, East Highway 90, Phone: +1 386 752-0147. Hours: M-F, 9AM-4PM.

History
The years 1565 to 1763 marked the period of Spanish occupation in Florida. Spanish activities during this time centered primarily in North Florida included the development of the mission system and establishing trade with the native Floridians. The Native Americans living in the area were the Northern Utina, a Timucuan tribe.

During the 20-year British occupation, 1763-1783, the Osceola was included in the "land claimed by the Creek Indians." It was not until after the Revolutionary War that individuals began to settle in the Forest establishing an agricultural based economy. Less than ten years after Florida's entrance into the United States (1845) there were 14 sawmills around Jacksonville receiving timber harvested from the Forest.

The Battle of Ocean Pond (Olustee), fought in 1864, took placed within the Forest on the Olustee Battlefield Historic Site. During this encounter Union soldiers attempted unsuccessfully to cut off major railroad supply lines to confederate troops.

The Osceola was proclaimed a National Forest by Presidential Proclamation on July 10, 1931 and is one of 154 National Forests managed by the USDA Forest Service for the benefit of the American public.

This new "forest" had been cutover and heavily burned. A management plan was developed that focused on establishing new growth through reforestation. Fire controls were implemented to ensure the survival of the young trees. During the 1940s a new concept, prescribed burning, was developed and managed fires began to be used to reduce the fuels and lessen the threat of wildfire.

In the 1960s, management in the USDA Forest Service National Forests was expanded from managing primarily for timber production to include managing for range, water, recreation and wildlife, with an emphasis on the "multiple use" of forest resources. Wise stewardship has left the Osceola National Forest with an abundance of natural and cultural resources. Today the forest is managed for multiple uses on an ecological basis with the mission of "Caring for the Land and Serving People."

Landscape
This "flatwoods" forest is a mosaic of low pine ridges separated by cypress and bay swamps. It is typical of the flatwoods country with elevations ranging from 90 to 200 feet. Visitors enjoy quiet, peaceful woodlands named in honor of the famous Seminole Indian warrior, Osceola.

Most of the Osceola has a high water table and poorly drained soil. Ground water normally fluctuates from 0-40 inches below the earth's surface. Many intermediate swamps flow through the flatwoods.

The northern portion of the forest is characterized by Pinhook Swamp and Impassable Bay. These wetland ecosystems link the forest to the Okefenokee Swamp and form the headwaters of the Suwannee and St. Marys Rivers.

Big Gum Swamp is a 13,600-acre Wilderness Area in the north central part of the Forest. The Osceola also has a 373-acre Research Natural Area included on the register of National Natural Landmarks.

Flora and fauna
Vegetation on the Forest is generally divided into two types; swamps and ridges (a ridge may only be a few feet higher than a swamp.) Longleaf and slash pine, saw palmetto, gallberry, wiregrass and wax myrtle grow on the ridges. Cypress, blackgum, bay maple, ferns, mosses and briars are found in the swamps. These vegetative types provide plant species that have high value as wildlife food.

The Osceola National Forest has been known for its ability to produce high-quality timber. Remnants of old railroad grades used to move logs to sawmills crisscross the forest. Trees across the forest were tapped for resin and remnants of old turpentine camps can be found throughout the forest. The Olustee Experimental Forest was established in the 1930s to provide research for the naval stores industry.

Climate
The temperatures for the dry months of November through February range from a daily average of to a high of. The summer season is much warmer and wetter. Short afternoon thundershowers often raise the humidity to about 90%, while the temperatures range from to. The average rainfall is approximately $$ per year.

Lodging
There are no hotels or motels in Osceola National Forest. Try nearby Lake City or Macclenny if you need traditional lodging.

Ocean Pond Campground
Ocean Pond Campground is located on the north side of Ocean Pond, a 1760-acre natural lake. 67 campsites are available for tents, trailers, or motor homes. Many of these campsites are waterfront sites allowing guests to enjoy the water or fish right from their campsite. A beach area, boat ramp, drinking water, hot showers, and flush toilets are located in the campground. No sewer hookups are available; however, a sewage dump station is located near the campground entrance. Electrical hookups are available at 19 of the sites. Fees vary from $8 to $18 depending on campsite.

Group camping
Large families and small groups will enjoy the secluded "Landing Group Area" which is available by reservation only. A maximum of 50 persons is allowed at this area where your group may enjoy swimming, boating, camping, picnicking, or just visiting with friends and family. Facilities include a sand beach, boat launch for small boats, picnic shelter, large group grill, and restrooms with showers. Reservation can be made by calling the Olustee Depot Visitor Information Center at +1 386 752-0147. The fee is $50 per 24-hour period.

Hunt camps
Hunting is a very popular activity on the Osceola National Forest. General gun season runs from mid November to early January and during that time all camping is restricted to designated hunt camps and Ocean Pond Campground. There are 9 hunt camps in the forest and are open year round to the public. One of the hunt camps have toilet and water facilities year round and toilets are provided at the remaining eight camps during the hunting season.

Backcountry
Primitive camping is allowed anywhere on the national forest except at Olustee Beach. However, camping is restricted to designated hunt camps and Ocean Pond Campground during hunting season. A primitive camp shelter is located along the Florida National Scenic Trail and is available on a first come first served basis.

Go next

 * Lake City

title: Osceola National Forest


text:
Osh

Osh is a city in the Ferghana Valley of Kyrgyzstan. Osh is a lively place, with the largest and most crowded outdoor market in all of Central Asia, now called the Great Silk Road Bazar. The city is at least 3,000 years old.

Understand
Osh (Kyrgyz: Ош) is the second largest city in Kyrgyzstan. It's in the south of the country and often referred to as the "capital of the south". It has served as the administrative center of Osh Province since 1939. The city has an ethnically mixed population of about 322,000 (2021), about 46% Uzbek, 43% Kyrgyz and several smaller ethnic groups. On the whole it is much more Islamic than other parts of Kyrgyzstan

By plane

Getting there/away: A taxi to the city centre costs around 250-400 som. A Yandex.Taxi is about 170 som. Marshrutka 107 takes 25 min to Jayma Bazaar, it then continues towards the centre parallel to Prospektesi Lenina.

The following airlines operate at the airport:
 * Aeroflot - St Petersburg
 * Turkish Airlines - Istanbul
 * Pegasus - Istanbul, Bishkek (from €20)
 * China Southern Airlines - Ürümqi
 * Kyrgyzstan Airlines - Bishkek, Moscow-Domodedovo, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg
 * S7 Airlines - Moscow
 * Uzbekistan Airways - Tashkent
 * Avia Trafik - Bishkek (around 40€)
 * SCAT Airlines - Bishkek (around 40€)

By bus or marshrutka

 * Bishkek – Marshrutkas are 500-700 som per person. They are actually much more comfortable than a shared taxi, because they have sleeping bunks. It takes some time to get to the centre—in Osh marshrutkas start from KaraSu market (30 som from the center); in Bishkek from DorDoi market (12 som from the center). These vans take just 2-3 hr more than shared taxis and always run overnight, starting at 15:00-18:00. Unfortunately, you will miss the great view on the Bishkek-Osh road because of this.

 * Arslanbob – One or two buses go direct between the new bus station in Osh and Arslanbob for 200 som. If you miss them, go via Jalalabad and Bazar Korgon.

 * Sary-Tash – Reportedly, marshrutkas go between Osh and Sary-Tash, 300 som (August 2019). From Osh at 14:00 from Dostole bridge.

From Uzbekistan
From Andijan you can take a bus to the border and then a taxi or a mashrukta or direct to the Osh bus station from the Andijan Bus Station. The bus to the border is about 1000 Uzbek som.

From China
There are two weekly sleeper buses (Monday and Friday) from Kashgar in China leaving at 10:00 (Beijing time) and the trip takes about 18 hr. The price is ¥470 and the buses depart from Kashgar international bus station. As the road through Irkeshtam is at high altitude, remember to take warm clothes to the bus even during summer. Sit on the left for better views.

By shared taxi

 * Bishkek – Prices of shared taxis from Bishkek vary quite a lot. In spring, when seasonal workers are travelling from Osh to the capital and then to Kazakhstan or Russia, it will cost less, and vice versa in autumn. The price of a shared taxi Bishkek-Osh was 1,000-1,500 som per person as of May 2012. Taxis to Bishkek park on Zainabetdinova street.

 * Jalal-Abad – Shared taxis between Osh and Jalal-Abad to/from the New Bus Station (Novy Avtovokzal) in Osh, somewhat out of town. A taxi from the bazaar to this station is 150 som (Jun 2017). The price for the ride between Osh and Jalal-Abad is 250 som (Jun 2017).

 * Sary-Tash – A shared taxi costs 400-500 som (May 2012). They park somewhere on Zainabetdinova street, like the Bishkek ones. Leaving Osh, they could wait for passengers quite a long time, so a better option is to just head to the highway (for example take a marshrutka to Karatai or Gulcha from the old bus station), and hitch a ride from a marshrutka or private car passing by. Trucks can be very cheap (free or just up to 200 som), but are quite slow. Cars make it in 3 hr, but a truck could take 5-6 hr or more. (In Sary-Tash, usually there are a lot of trucks to Irkeshtam pass—daytime on workdays, 100 soms should be enough. But there is very very few extra transport on Pamir highway, and direct transport from Osh to Murghab could be full.)

From Tajikistan
The Pamir Highway runs from Dushanbe to Osh via Khorog and Murghab. Taking this route requires not only a visa for the country but also a permit for the region; see Pamirs.

 * Murghab – A place in a shared taxi to Murghab is 1,500 som (May 2012), in Russian jeep or normal jeep, though the last one is much more comfortable. Drivers like to overcharge tourists, but remember, they badly need passengers, and finally will agree to the regular price. You don't have to pay extra for a reasonable-sized backpack or for a good seat (just be the first passenger to reserve one). But the driver might ask you extra money if you would like to stop on the way to take photos. Anyway, don't pay over 2,000 som. Jeeps to Murghab park inside the car stand to Bishkek; ask around. There are very few jeeps every day, and some days there are none. No fixed schedule, all depends on demand. When they get enough passengers, they leave. You could come to the stand in the afternoon, exchange phone numbers with a few drivers and later join one, who will be leaving first. There is no public transportation directly to Khorog; you have to change in Murghab. Note, you will pay the full fare to Murghab even if you want an intermediate destination.

Get around
Taxis are cheap, a ride from the city to the airport is about 300 som.

See
The city has several monuments, including one to the and one of the few remaining statues of Vladimir Lenin, and the largest mosque in the country (beside the bazaar).

 * North of the bazaar there is a park with carnival games and amusements for children
 * North of the bazaar there is a park with carnival games and amusements for children

Eat

 * The bazaar has a range of cheap local food
 * The bazaar has a range of cheap local food

Drink
Alcohol is perhaps more elusive in Osh than in the capital, but there are nonetheless a few good bars in the city. The national beer is "Arpa", and really quite good, even by international standards. 80 som for a pint is fairly standard.

Go next

 * Arslanbob – An Islamic village popular with local tourists and famous for its picturesque walnut tree forest.
 * Chon-Alai – Chon-Alai is a region Southwest of Osh containing the Lenina peak, the highest mountain in Kyrgyzstan.

title: Osh


text:
Oshakati

Oshakati is a city in the Four-O region in Namibia. Oshakati is one of Namibia's largest cities.

Understand

The town is in the Owambo heartland. This region contains the greatest population centres in Namibia, but draws few tourists.

Oshakati (popularly known as 'Otshakati tsha Nangombe' by the native Kwambi people) is within the Kwambi traditional authority.

Climate
Oshakati has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and relatively mild winters (with warm days and cool nights). The annual average precipitation is 472 mm, with most of the precipitation occurring during the summer.

Get in
Oshakati is on the B1, Namibia's main highway, which stretches from South Africa through the capital Windhoek and on to the Angolan border.

Get around
Shared taxis are numerous through Oshakati and most trips within one town will cost N$12 per passenger. A shared taxi ride from Ondangwa to Oshakati is also inexpensive.

Do
The annual Oshakati Totem Expo combines the celebration of local traditions with a modern business exhibition. It takes place annually for a period of four days in the months of June or July.

Buy
There are many shops like Jet, Mr Price, furniture stores, shoes stores, pharmacies, etc.

Dr. Frans Aupa Indongo Open Market consists of seasonal market spaces, formal fresh food markets, formal cooked food markets.

Eat

 * Rocha's Hotel (see Sleep) serves a wide selection of Portuguese and Angolan dishes.

title: Oshakati


text:
Oshamambe

Oshamambe is a town in Hokkaido's Southern Circuit, known for Kanimeshi bento (crabmeat on rice).

Tourist information site
The local tourist association has a Japanese-only guide site.

See

 * Koboro Seashore
 * Mount Oshamambe-dake
 * Shizukari Wetland

Go next

 * Kuromatsunai
 * Rankoshi
 * Niseko
 * Toyako
 * Shimamaki
 * Imakane
 * Yakumo
 * Mori
 * Nanae

title: Oshamambe


text:
Oshawa

Oshawa is a city of 160,000 people (2016) in southern Ontario, 50 km east of Toronto.

Understand
The name Oshawa originates from the Ojibwa term aazhaway, meaning "the crossing place" or just "(a)cross".

While Oshawa is rapidly becoming merely the eastern edge of Toronto's sprawling surrounding urban area, it was long best known for manufacturing motorcars. Col. Sam McLaughlin established the McLaughlin Motor Car Company Limited in 1907 as the successor to his father's McLaughlin Carriage Company. He became director and vice president of General Motors Corporation in 1916; the Oshawa factory became General Motors Canada in 1918. The last Oshawa-built Chevrolet Impala, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles will hit the road in 2019, ending a 112-year history which inspired Oshawa's former mottos "The City that Motovates Canada" and "The City in Motion".

Today, Oshawa is an education and health sciences hub. The city is home to three post-secondary institutions (Durham College, Trent University Durham and University of Ontario Institute of Technology) and to Lakeridge Health Oshawa, Lakeridge Health and Education Research Network (LHEARN Centre) and the Oshawa Clinic, the largest, multi-specialty medical group practice in Canada.

By car
Oshawa is on Highway 401, exits 415 through 418. All interchanges exit to Bloor Street in the city's south end. Highway 2 (King Street) is the main street of downtown Oshawa.

By train

 * Oshawa GO station is served by:
 * Routes operating to Oshawa:
 * Between Montreal and Toronto including stops in Dorval, Cornwall, Brockville, Kingston, Belleville, Cobourg, and Oshawa. Operates multiple times daily.
 * Between Ottawa and Toronto including stop in Smiths Falls, Brockville, Gananoque, Kingston, Napanee, Bellevile, Trenton, Cobourg, Port Hope, and Oshawa. Operates daily.
 * Provides all-day half-hourly train service to/from Toronto, plus various long-distance bus routes. Fares vary by distance; Oshawa to downtown Toronto (one-way) via GO Transit is $11.20 (cash, as of 2019), half-fare for seniors, plus ~10% discount for Presto card users.

By bus
Intercity express bus service in the Montréal-Toronto corridor stops in Whitby, an Oshawa suburb, at the Whitby GO commuter rail station. Express bus service from Greater Toronto Area to Oshawa are provided by GO Transit.

Learn
Oshawa is home to two post-secondary institutions, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology and Durham College. They share a campus on the northern side of Oshawa.

title: Oshawa


text:
Oshima

 * Izu Oshima
 * Oshima (subprefecture)

title: Oshima


text:
Oshkosh

Oshkosh is in east-central Wisconsin on the shores of Lake Winnebago. Its unusual name has travelled far as the name of "Oshkosh b'gosh" clothing, and as a synonym for EAA Airventure, one of the world's great celebrations of aviation, held at the Wittman Regional Airport here.

By plane

Commercial air service for Oshkosh is provided by

By car
Oshkosh is approximately 45 minutes south of Green Bay, 20 minutes south of Appleton, and 1.5 hours north of Milwaukee. The main north-south route is Interstate 41 and the main east-west route into Oshkosh is State highway 21.

Get around

 * Oshkosh City Cab Co. +1 920 235-7000
 * Yellow Cab Co. +1 920 235-1950
 * Yellow Cab Co. +1 920 235-1950

AirVenture
The AirVenture grounds stretch for kilometers, literally. You will walk a lot. There are helpful trams that run north and south parallel to the flight line, and stop near many of the main attractions. The AirVenture map lists the routes. Cars aren't allowed on the AirVenture grounds, except by certain staff.

If you can bring a bicycle, it will make travelling around much easier. There is a bike corral about 200 m from Theatre in the Woods in the direction of Camp Scholler. However, there aren't other bike corrals. This means that you may not be able to lock your bicycle in other places; you'll need to keep it with you as you explore.

For people who have a hard time walking, electric carts are available for rent from near the main gate.

EAA AirVenture

 * Air show every day at 3:30PM-5PM. Features a mix of world-class aerobatic performers, military aircraft demonstrations, and other rare and notable aviation demonstrations. The performers are all volunteers; AirVenture is to airshow performers as Carnegie Hall is to musicians. The schedule of performers is different every day. See the AirVenture Today newspaper for details. Just before the airshow at 2:30PM, there is a showcase of various classic aircraft flying by.
 * Boeing Square, on a direct line from the main gate to the flight line, has an assortment of particularly notable military, historic, or record-making aircraft. For instance, in 2007 AeroShell square was filled by a huge C-5 Galaxy cargo plane, a slender glider which carried Steve Fossett to the world glider altitude record, a B-24 Liberator bomber, and a dozen more. In the past, Concorde and SpaceShip One both were here. Several of the planes allow walk-throughs.
 * Warbirds in the north end of the show area. Hundreds of aircraft from the 1930s to the 1970s. P-51's, L-39's, DC-3's, a huge smorgasbord.
 * Homebuilt aircraft park just behind the flight line from the control tower south to AeroShell square. This area is also a great place to watch the air show.
 * Vintage aircraft, a way to the south of AeroShell Square, feature hundreds of aircraft from the early 1900s through 1970.
 * AirVenture is so large, it's pretty much impossible to see and participate everything there in the week available. Read the schedule, look for what interests you, or just stroll around and make discoveries. But don't fret about what you miss.
 * Evening presentations at Theatre in the Woods feature historical or famous aviation figures.
 * Fly-in Theatre features a different aviation-themed film each night at 8:30PM, projected on giant outdoor screen, located just north of Camp Scholler. Frequently an aviation celebrity introduces the film. Film and popcorn both free.

AirVenture
EAA AirVenture, last Monday in July through Sunday. Sometimes known simply as "Oshkosh", it is one of the world's great aviation gatherings. A week-long aviation event offering seminars, product demonstrations, aircraft tours and daily airshows. One of the largest airshows in the world. Hundreds of thousands of people drive in, tens of thousands of aircraft fly in. A tent city sprouts under the wings of parked aircraft and beyond. Be on the alert for closed roads all around Wittman airport and Highway 41 during the festival. Hotels can be filled for tens of miles around, but local universities open their dorm rooms, and private homes their spare bedrooms, to the visitor. See the AirVenture and Chamber of Commerce websites for leads on housing. If you plan to fly into Wittman airport during AirVenture, you must absolutely get the AirVenture NOTAM and follow it carefully. Flights originating from international destinations must stop at either Appleton International Airport (KATW) or General Mitchell International Airport (KMKE) to clear customs before continuing onto Oshkosh.

Volunteering at AirVenture is a great way to experience the event at a whole different level. Flight Line Operations volunteers, clad in fetching orange vests, direct incoming and departing aircraft as they taxi between runway and parking. It's an exciting way to be close to a huge variety of noisy, smelly machines. Protect Our Planes volunteers walk among the planes on display, reminding visitors not to touch and perhaps damage the planes, or smoke near them. It's a way to help the festival while getting a good look at planes you wanted to see anyhow. And there are many other possibilities, too. Come to the Volunteer Information Center on the grounds and offer your services.

Forums are a held in a dozen open-walled lecture rooms to the north of AeroShell square. Experts and enthusiasts volunteer to deliver hundreds of talks on every conceivable aviation topic. Frequently the audience contains experts every bit as authoritative as the presenters. The AirVenture Today newspaper contains the full forum schedule for each day.

Buy
Most of the retail in Oshkosh is mostly your traditional hardware, grocery type stores, etc. Most of the clothing shopping is located within the Outlet Mall, A large amount of retail can also be found with-in the Fox River Mall district in Grand Chute, about 20 minutes north via I-41.

AirVenture

 * Hangars A, B, C, D are filled with hundreds of vendors offering everything from T-shirts to turbochargers. The major aviation retail vendors and equipment makers tend to be here. There are usually excellent show special prices on the latest and coolest gadgets.
 * Fly Market, between AeroShell Square and the Forums area, have small booths with vendors of parts, junk, memorabilia, and dozens of other products. Look for especially good deals in the last day or two of the festival, as vendors try to move merchandise so they don't have to cart it home.
 * Aircraft vendors have elaborate booths along the road from the main gate to AeroShell Square, and spilling north and south along the festival area. It's not an exaggeration to say that every significant manufacturer of general aviation aircraft for North America are present here. They may feature their latest, coolest craft which were just announced at AirVenture.

Eat

If sit-in dining is not your thing Oshkosh also has plenty of chain restaurants like McDonald's, Culver's, Chick-fil-A, Subway, Jersey Mikes, Five Guys, FireHouse Subs, and many more.

AirVenture
Food courts are scattered at a dozen locations throughout the grounds. They can be broken into the "Brats and Burgers" and "Cafe" groups, each of which have similar menus. Prices are a bit inflated; a full lunch will be $8-10. All vendors operate out of stalls, and you eat on nearby picnic tables.

Vegetarian food and healthy food is hard to find at AirVenture. "Park Cafe", "Warbirds Cafe", and "Classic Cafe" offer a vegetarian wrap which is reasonably tasty at $8, but their "Chef's Salad" sadly has a stratum of ham. Pizza vendors usually have a cheese pizza option: see for example the pizza counters on the northeast corner of Hangar B and the southwest corner of Hangar A.

AirVenture
There are no bars or nightlife on the AirVenture grounds, except perhaps for private parties at various campsites.

title: Oshkosh


text:
Osijek

Osijek is a city in Eastern Croatia. It is an important transport hub and the principal city of Slavonia.

Understand
Due to its important location near the junction of the Drava and Danube rivers, this large and prosperous town (the fourth largest city in Croatia with a population around 120,000) bore much of the brunt of the conflict in the 1990s. Many fine buildings have been restored to their former glory, though do not be surprised to see some scars still remaining. Some buildings still have bullet holes or shrapnel markings in them, though like the local economy, the town is mostly back to where it was in pre-war days. Osijek is the largest city and the economic and the cultural centre of the eastern Croatian region of Slavonia, as well as the administrative centre of Osijek-Baranja county. Osijek has a large student population, as it home to the University of Osijek where approximately 18,000 students attend.

Get in
Osijek is the major rail and road hub for eastern Croatia.

By rail
Rail services to Osijek terminate at the grand 1880s railway building at the bottom edge of the central town. In addition to the numerous train services operate each day to Zagreb (including the high-speed tilt train which completes the journey in around 3 hours), there are services to Koprivnica and Rijeka as well as other local services within Croatia to places like Slavonski Brod and Đakovo. The Croatian Railways has information on train times and tickets. The railway station is being renovated and modernised. There are daily connections with places in the city area. There are also daily connections to Bizovac spa.

By bus
The bus station adjoins the train station and offers international as well as domestic services. Some of the many destinations on offer include Vukovar, Đakovo, Novi Sad, Belgrade, Pecs and Tuzla. Timetables, tickets and information are easily accessible. Panturist is the major bus operator out of Osijek and has listings of domestic and international bus travel - click on the vozni red icon. Central bus station is renovating and it will become the biggest one in south-eastern Europe. Bus companies Panturist, Polet, APP, Croatiatrans and many other smaller companies are daily connecting the city with all parts of the country.

By plane

There is also a secondary airport, used exclusively for sport and private flying purposes (Sport Airport Čepin). It is also used for exhibitions. When Pope John Paul II visited Croatia, this was the place where the service was held. The annual car-show is also held at this airport.

By road
Main highways pass nearby to Osijek from Zagreb through to Belgrade (Beograd), and the pan-European corridor Vc from Budapest through to Sarajevo.

Highway A5 or Slavonika connects Osijek with the A3 highway which runs from Zagreb to the Serbian border.

Driving to Osijek is easy with good signposting from all directions, and there is on-street as well as lot parking in the town.

Get around
Osijek is divided into two main regions - the upper town (focusing on the city square, Trg Ante Starcevic), and Tvrđa, the preserved fortress town to the east of the town centre along the Drava River. The whole city has 12 districts/blocks: Upper Town, Lower Town, Fortress, New Town, South 1, South 2, Green Field, Retfala, New Retfala, Industrial District, Tvrdjavica and The Left Coast.

Osijek has a tram system dating back to 1884, and the three main lines connect the railway station, town square, Tvrđa, industrial district, all city borders (tickets can be bought from the driver, or you can purchase a BUTRA-universal bus/tram card for unlimited riding). The network is being completely overhauled and more than doubled in length, and the city's old trams are being modernized. Local buses fill the gaps where the trams do not run and are quite frequent. A map of the local transport system can be found on the Tourist Board's website. . You can also experience the ride with the oldest tram in Europe, which has been renovated for sightseeing tours. Buses are riding about every 10-15 minutes in the city area, and every 20-25 minutes those which are connecting the settlements around the city (Tenja, Sarvas, Visnjevac, Josipovac, Cepin, Vladislavci, Bilje, Darda, Bizovac, Nemetin, Bijelo Brdo).

There are numerous bicycling routes all around the city, such as Donji grad-Bilje, Jug II.-Industrijska četvrt, and so on.

Taxis are serving the line within the main railway station/airport to the city centre.

Otherwise, it is fairly straightforward and well-designed city to traverse by foot with few hills.

See

 * Tvrđa is the self-contained 18th-century Hapsburg defensive fortress just east of the city centre. This immaculately-preserved baroque military compound, designed by Maximillian de Gosseau in 1721, contains many fine buildings to view by day, and at night becomes the hotspot with bars and clubs. Luckily there was no damage during the 1990s conflict to the site, ensuring great viewing and photos. Tvrđa is based around the main square, Trg Svetog Trojstva, and the Museum of Slavonia is located here with artefacts throughout history as early as Roman times. There are also situated high schools, and university of Osijek. On the main square is also Archeological museum, and Music school. Fortress is also the place for a good night-life with numerous bars, discos and restaurants.
 * Co-Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul This is the tallest church in Croatia and has a spire of 90 m. The Co-Cathedral was planned by Josip Juraj Strossmayer, and the internal stonework is by renouned Austrian sculptor Hauser. The church contains many stunning stained glass windows and a large, fine-sounding pipe organ constructed by the Walcher firm of Linz, Austria. Co-Cathedral is often place for big concerts of classical and religious music.
 * Croatian National Theatre, Zupanijska Ul. A beautiful building designed in 1886 and severely damaged in the 1990s conflict. A painstaking restoration has restored it to its former glory, though shortly afterwards a McDonald's restaurant opened up on the ground floor. Shows, concerts and opera are performed weekly.
 * Promenada is located along the banks of the Drava River and is a pleasant walk past the marina, cafes, and parklands. In the Winter port are also many bars, and the second tallest building in the city, Hotel Osijek (4-star hotel).
 * Pejacevic Castle is on the edge of the Upper Town and on the entrance to Retfala district. Part of the castle is owned by Little sisters of St. Mary, and they will be delighted to show you the whole castle and around it. Do not be afraid of the dog in the yard, which is a pet of the nuns. There are around 10 sisters in the convent, with few candidates.
 * The Municipal Park of King Petar Krešimir IV and the Tomislav Park date from the beginning of the 20th century, and are protected national landmarks. They are excellent place for a relaxing break after walking around the city.
 * Church of St. Roch is a little church in the Upper Town, and it is the first Catholic church built after Ottoman Empire ruled the city.
 * Church of St. Michael is the second biggest church in the city, built in high baroque and royal style, by models from Vienna and Budapest. Priest lives right next door, and he will proudly take you inside the church, and explain everything about the past, style, and some interesting facts about the church. On the square in the front of the church can be seen traces where was before over hundred years ago a Muslim mosque.
 * Water Gate the only remained entrance to the fortress from Habsburg Empire times. Near the gate is a path to the fortress walls which are surrounding 3/4 of the fortress.
 * City Area Administration Palace is across the street from the Croatian National Theatre, quite near the main city square.

Do

 * Visit the Franciscan monastery of St. Cross, situated in Tvrdja (Fortress). Franciscan monks will be delighted to show you the beautiful church, with interior decorated in high baroque style. They can also take you to see the rich monastery library. Franciscans are very, very polite and they will help you if you have any questions, not only about the monastery, also about the city.
 * There are numerous shops and mall centres across the city, such as Esseker Centre, Emezetta, Ipercoop, Kaufland, Interspar, Mercator etc. Company Konzum has shops and market centres all around the city, and it is really easy to notice them.
 * Go with a bicycle on a route from Osijek to village Bilje (about 10 km from Osijek), and explore the beauty of golden fields and green forests. Pay attention on "Mine field" signs, and do not go in the forests on your own.
 * Visit numerous festivals in the city: Osijek Cultural Summer; Autumn in Tvrdja; Osijek Beer Festival; UFO - Urban Fest Osijek; Kristfest; Festival of Tamburitza music
 * If you would like to see some excellent folk dance shows, there are two very good folk ensembles holding concerts around not only the city and country, also in the world. HKUD "Osijek 1862." and HKUD "Zeljeznicar" are one of the best folk ensembles in the country.
 * Visit the open market place, right in the centre of the city. Explore the thrilling feeling while walking through a mass of people, sounds of offers to buy something, two grandmas arguing whose stuff is more better, sexier or with high quality.
 * Visit the factory of chocolate "Kandit" which is one of the biggest in the country, and it is well known for the rich and full taste of candies and chocolate
 * In summer time, refreshment can be found in the open-air swimming pools on a river beach called Copacabana, or Kopika. And the best thing is, it is free. If you prefer closed swimming pools, there are also City pools, in the southern district of the city.
 * Osijek has one of the best night-life in the country. Discos and bars are open during the day and night.
 * Football: NK Osijek play soccer in Prva HNL, the top tier. Their home ground is Opus Arena (capacity 13,000) one km west of town centre.

Buy

 * Handmade ethno souvenirs can be bought in a little shop "Rukotvorine" not far from the Croatian National Theatre. Antiquity shops and souvenirs shops are all around the city
 * There are several traditional instrument shops around the city
 * Traditional table cloths can be found on the city market for a very low and reasonable price
 * CD and computer shops are also situated around the city
 * Clothes and shoes can be both in numerous shops around the city. For example: Mango, Castello, S.Oliver, WGW, New Yorker, Beneton, Armani, Esseker Centre, NAMA, and several underground shops, under the main city square
 * Fresh and delicious food can be found on every open-air market place

Eat
The specialty of Slavonia is undoubtably food.
 * Numerous pizzerias all around the city. Ones with a special atmosphere are El Paso in the Winter Port, and Galija on the upper coast of the river Drava
 * Traditional food restaurants are situated mostly in the Fortress
 * Fresh bread and "burek" can be bought in every single bakery. Every single street has at least one bakery

With culinary influences from all directions, and a love of spicy food, Osijek has many great restaurants serving traditional Croatian cuisine. Two specialties of the area include riblji paprikas (fish stew with hand-made noodles) or kulen (spicy sausages). Going out to eat in restaurants in Osijek is often far better value than in other large Croatian cities, though for those who insist on self-catering there is a supermarket and an open-air market between the town square and railway station.

Drink
Smoking is permitted in most bars and coffee shops.
 * "Q Club" (Fortress)
 * "Strossmayer" (Strossmayer Street)
 * "Kavana Waldinger" (Zupanijska Street)
 * "Patrick Pub" (Fortress)
 * "Luna" (Fortress)
 * "Klub Oxygen"
 * "Cafe Voodoo"
 * "Old Bridge Pub" (Fortress)
 * "Vinoteka Vinita" (Strossmayer Street)
 * Osijek has the oldest beer brewery in Croatia, which was founded in year 1687. Brewery is producing not only beer, but also non-alcoholic drinks.
 * Price of one beer is per bottle (0.5 l). In every bar is a big menu of beers, domestic and imported ones.
 * Bars and discos serve various drinks, from wines, whiskeys, traditional rakija, cocktails and etc.
 * No age limit for bars or discos. Only for night-clubs

Go next

 * There are natural thermal spas just to the west of Osijek in the town of Bizovac. They provide much better value than spas closer to Zagreb or Varazdin, and see fewer tourists. The spa is easily accessible by train or bus.
 * The town of Vukovar is less than an hour away and buses leave very regularly (almost every hour, 7 days a week). This town was completely blown up in the 1990s conflict due to being on the border of Croatia and Serbia and having a mixed-ethnic population, and provides the visitor with a fascinating (if not sobering) view on the war.
 * Đakovo and its enormous Cathedral are a half-hour to the south of Osijek. Besides the beautiful Cathedral which completely dominates the town, there are Lipizzaner horses being trained just on the edge of the city (a great morning's viewing), and every year in July is the annual folk and embroidery festival which attracts visitors from far and wide.
 * The Kopački Rit is the biggest natural wetlands in Europe and the birdlife is spectacular. This enormous nature park, located around 15 km north of Osijek where the Danube and Drava rivers flow into one another, is a great day out in the countryside - though bring some insect repellent as the mosquitos do bite! There is no public transport to the park, so take the local bus to Bilje and its a 2-3 km walk.

title: Osijek