Osaka

Osaka is a major city in the Kansai region of Honshu, Japan. It functions as the economic and cultural hub of western Japan, alongside nearby Kyoto and Kobe. The city has about 2.7 million residents, while Osaka Prefecture is roughly 8.8 million and the greater metropolitan area surpasses 19 million.

Geographically, Osaka sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay. It has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and cool winters.

Historically a thriving mercantile center from the 16th century onward, Osaka developed as Japan’s merchants’ city and port, earning the nickname tenka no daidokoro, or “the nation’s kitchen,” for its wholesale markets. The modern city was formed through municipal mergers in the late 19th and 20th centuries and expanded after World War II.

Economically, Osaka hosts corporate offices and industries in electronics, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. Companies such as Panasonic maintain a significant presence in the region, and the Osaka area is a major logistics hub. Kansai International Airport (KIX) lies on an artificial island in Osaka Bay and serves international and domestic flights; Itami Airport (ITM) mainly serves domestic routes near central Osaka. The city is served by an extensive rail network, including JR West, Osaka Metro, Nankai, Hankyu, and Hanshin lines.

Culturally, Osaka features lively districts such as Dotonbori, Namba, and Umeda. Notable landmarks include Osaka Castle, Shitennoji Temple, and Sumiyoshi-taisha. The Umeda Sky Building and the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan are popular attractions. The region is known for cuisine such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki, and hosts the Tenjin Matsuri festival. Major higher education institutions include Osaka University, Osaka City University, and Osaka Prefecture University.