Osaka

Overview

Osaka is a first-level administrative division of Japan 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 and subways throughout the city.