Osaka is a large port city and an economic center on the Japanese island of Honshu. It is known for its modern architecture, nightlife and diverse food stalls. The most important historical landmark is Osaka Castle from the times of the Shogunate in the 16th century, which has been restored several times. Surrounding the castle are a moat and a park with plum, peach and cherry trees. The Sumiyoshi Taisha is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan.
With a population of around 7 million, it is the largest city in the region, whose inhabitants rival those of the Kantō region and, in particular, the capital Tokyo in a friendly manner. Typical for Ōsaka and the Kansai region, apart from the pronounced interest in baseball and the typical local food, is the fact that right-hand traffic applies in pedestrian traffic and especially on escalators (as opposed to the usual left-hand traffic practiced by pedestrians in most regions).
Osaka was the capital of Japan under the old name Naniwa several times until the 8th century, one of the central districts still bears this name today. Today it is predominantly a modern industrial and commercial center.