Osaka
URL: https://knowledge.ivjn.us/en/places/jp-pref-osaka.html

A prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan, with its capital at Osaka City.

## Overview

Osaka is a first-level administrative division of [Japan](https://knowledge.ivjn.us/en/places/japan.html) in the Kansai region. Its area is about 1,905 km2 and its population about 0.1 million (2024), with its capital at Osaka.

## History

From the Naniwa Palace of the Asuka era, Toyotomi Hideyoshi built Osaka Castle in 1590; in the Edo period it was 'the kitchen of the realm', the economic center of Japan. The present prefecture dates from 1871.

## Geography and industry

The smallest prefecture by area with about 8.8 million people. Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Tsutenkaku Tower and Universal Studios Japan are famous; the Osaka Metro network covers the prefecture.

## Transport

Shin-Osaka Station, where Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen meet, connects with the [Osaka Loop Line](https://knowledge.ivjn.us/en/concepts/jp-rail-osaka-loop.html) and subways throughout the city.

Updated: 2026-10-28

Tags:
- 行政区划 https://knowledge.ivjn.us/en/tags/admin-division.html

Sources:
- 大阪府 https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%A4%A7%E9%98%AA%E5%BA%9C 日本語ウィキペディア・公式サイト, 2026-10-28確認