Osaka - host for World Cup. (Allsport)

Osaka has a population of 8.8 million and has been famous as a commercial city since the 16th century. It has alsp played a role as a prefecture in hosting many international events.

The opening of Kansai International Airport and the contiunuing developments to the transportation network have made Osaka even more accessible to visitors.

Accomodation

A wide range is available downtown in Sendai, from affordable business hotels to first-class city hotels.

In other tourist areas around the prefecture, especially at hot spring resorts, a stay at a ryokan is highly recommended to experience the traditional Japanese lifestyle.

Places of Interest:

Shi-Umeda City: An area featuring Umeda Sky Building and Westin Osaka, a park and a garden. Umeda Sky Building is eye-catching because of its unique construction and its observatory called Sky Floating Garden.

Chayamachi Applause: A multi-purpose building including a hotel, restaurants and two theatres.

Dotombari: Osaka's most famous district glittering with colourful signs and extravagant restaurant decorations.

Osaka Temmangu Shrine: It was founded in 949 in honour of Michizane Sugawara, a noted scholar in Chinese literature. Tenjin festival, which is the largest festival in Osaka, is held here on July 24 and 25.

Shitennoji Temple: A non-sectarian Buddhist temple founded by Prince Shotoku.

OAP Plaza: A multi-purpose building tower containing shops and restaurants.

Where To Eat:

Cysta Nagahori: An underground arcade of 100 shops and restaurants extending from Yotsubashi Station.

Hozenji-Yokocho: A district known for the 70 quaint restaurants which line its cobbled streets.

Festival Gate: Indoor park which has an amusement park, amusement space and restaurants.

To the World Cup stadium :

To Nagai Station: Go from the Shin-Osaka Station using the Subway Midosuji Line. It takes 30 minutes and the fare is Y310. To Tsurugaoka Station from the Tennoji Station. Use JR Hanwa Line - all stops. It takes six minutes and costs Y160. To Hineona Station from Kansai Airport Station. Take the JR Kanku Line. The journey takes 10 minutes and costs Y950. It is the same fare for Tsurugaoka Station from Hineona Station. The JR Hanwa Line, all stops is the route and costs one hour.