Planet-ta-kun’s Observations of New Japan
In this column, our original company character ‘Planet-ta-kun’ will travel to tourist spots in Japan that are popular with overseas visitors and will introduce some topics related to the charms and inbound expenditure of these places.
Osaka Prefecture, centered in the middle of the Kansai region, surpassed 10 million overnight stays by foreign visitors to become Japan’s second most visited city after Tokyo, according to 2016 figures released by the Japan Tourism Agency.
Osaka - What to see and enjoy -
In this issue, we will introduce the charms of Osaka from the point of view of “what to see and enjoy,” with the help of Ms. Kage from Dainihon Jochugiku Co., Ltd., which was established in Osaka in 1885 and is famous for its KINCHO brand; Mr. Kitayama and Mr. Matsukawa, president and director respectively of Osaka-based Nihon Iryou Eisei Sinbunsya Co., Ltd.; and Ms. Naka, a reporter from Shogyoukaitenbou Co., Ltd.
Kaiyukan
A world-class aquarium with a gigantic tank. Features like its underwater tunnel have long been famous, but now that popularity has spread worldwide! It’s popular with both families and individuals.
Shitenno-ji Temple
A temple with a long history, established in 593 by Prince Shotoku. Starting with visitors from the Greater China region, it is now bustling with people from all around the world.
Osaka Castle
A castle connected with Toyotomi Hideyoshi, known as the “unifier of Japan.” The keep houses a full size replica of his Golden Tea Room, as well as historical materials. The view from the observation deck is also a must-see.
Visitors are very diverse, from countries and regions such as China and Korea, as well as Europe and America and also Islamic countries.
Umeda Sky Building - Kuchu-Teien Observatory
The only building in Japan to be included in a list of the top 20 buildings around the world. 173m tall
Abeno Harukas (300m tall!!)
The tallest skyscraper in Japan.
Tsutenkaku Tower (108m tall)
The observation deck where you can see all of Osaka as well as a great night view is popular. It’s also a great place to see the sunset.
Maishima Incineration Plant
An extremely flamboyant building located on Maishima, Osaka Bay’s reclaimed island famous for its leisure and sports facilities! You may think it’s a theme park, but in fact it is an incineration plant for the cities of Osaka, Yao and Matsubara! It is the design of Viennese artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser whose work brings together nature and architecture. With a prior reservation via telephone in Japanese, visitors can take a free tour of the facility. Large numbers of foreign tourists take part in the popular daily tours.※ The facility has become the latest popular spot in Osaka! There are some visitors who spotted it when landing at Kansai International Airport.
※All the explanation during the tour is in Japanese.If you do not understand Japanese, please come with an interpreter.And if you come by group, one interpreter is required for every 20 participants of the group.
Figures in this article are based on available information from relevant organizations at the time of publication.
