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Osaka,
Japan is loaded with attractions and recreational facilities.
Particularly popular is the waterfront area which includes Tenpozan
Harbor Village, the Kaiyukan Aquarium, and O's (nside the ATC complex).
Other notable attractions include its colorful Osaka hotels, restaurants,
ORC 200, Tsurumi Hana Port Blossom, Rinku Papara, and the Expo '70
Commemoration Park. Maishima Sports Island offers a place on the city's
outskirts where you can enjoy outdoor sports. Umeda
boasts the Floating Gardens, an oasis in the heart of urban Osaka.
Tsutenkaku, built in 1912 (rebuilt in 1956) on the model of the
Eiffel Tower in France, is well-known as the spiritual landmark
of the people of Osaka.
Since Japan's first capital was established in Osaka in the seventh
century, Osaka has been the consistent leader in Japanese culture.
The spirited Osaka merchants were free thinkers, contributing to
and supporting the creation of a rich tradition of popular culture.
For example, the Japanese traditional arts of the tea ceremony and
flower arrangement, and the world-famous performing arts of Bunraku,
Kabuki, and Noh originated and were cultivated in Osaka. In the
field of education, the Tekijuku, a school that taught Western medical
science in Dutch in the mid-19th century, contributed to the spread
of modern civilization in the country. As the city has been blessed
with an abundance of products from the sea and the mountains since
olden times, Osaka has become popular as a gourmet's paradise. The
tastes of sushi, globefish, eel, udon (noodles) and the like are
extensive and presented in original cooking styles. Furthermore,
one cannot fully describe Osaka, the ancient "water capital," without
mentioning its many bridges and the river cruises that operate on
its waterways. The city will continue to cultivate its varied culture
while conserving its lovely waterside scenery for posterity.
Shrike, the Bird of Osaka: The Shrike is a small bird (wing
length: 9 cm) that deftly mocks the cries of other birds. Through
a citizen vote in June 1965, the Shrike was designated the symbol
of the Prefecture's effort toward wildlife conservation.
Gingko, the Tree of Osaka: The Gingko is a beautiful tree,
with fresh green leaves in spring and yellow leaves in autumn. The
view of Midosuji Street lined with gingko trees is symbolic of Osaka.
The Gingko was designated the Tree of Osaka through a citizen vote
in October 1966, in connection with a greening campaign.
Ume, the Blossom of Osaka: Red or white plum flowers bloom
in February and March. The flower is associated with Osaka in the
Kokin wakashu, an ancient collection of poems. The Ume was designated
the Flower of Osaka through a citizen vote in January 1988, in connection
with a greening campaign. |
