Osaka City

The Symposium will take place in Osaka City, an economic and cultural center of Japan.

The origin of Osaka's glorious history dates back to the 5th century when it flourished as the political and economic center of Japan. In the 7th century, the Naniwa-no-Miya Palace was built, which is considered to be the oldest palace in Japan. As a focal point of international exchange, Osaka then led Japan's economic development from the 17th through 20th centuries. Osaka has inherited a lot of unique characteristics as a result of being an economic and cultural center of the nation.

Each of the urban communities of Osaka has their distinctive characteristics. Kita (North) is Osaka's gateway, while Minami (South) is a busy entertainment precinct of find food and night life. Higashi (East) has the Osaka Castle, whereas the Bay Area (West) provides amusement facilities. Visitors can choose which areas to go and experience the best entertainment, dining and shopping opportunities Osaka has to offer. Other tourist sites include the Universal Studios Japan, a theme park based on Hollywood movies, and Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium, where you can see a giant whale shark swim gracefully. During the Edo period, Osaka developed as the "Kitchen of the Nation," distributing various commodities throughout the nation. Enjoy delicious local foods such as "okonomiyaki" (Japanese pancakes) and "takoyaki" (octopus balls). Geographically, Osaka is at the heart of the Kansai region, which just one hour drive to the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara featuring numerous World Heritage sites as well as to a fashionable port city of Kobe. Osaka is characterized by its rich food culture, the hustle and bustle of the neon-lit entertainment precinct and lively people with the best sense of humor in Japan.

Shinsekai - A retro downtown area of southern Osaka

Other links

Osaka Info by Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau