1、City GuideOSAKA 大阪LU QIJIELUISE2LUISE31.About OsakaOsaka (大阪, saka) is Japans second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo. It has been the economic powerhouse of the Kansai region for many centuries. Osaka was formerly known as Naniwa. Before the Nara Period, when the capital used to be moved with
2、the reign of each new emperor, Naniwa was once Japans capital city, the first one ever known.In the 16th century, Toyotomi Hideyoshi chose Osaka as the location for his castle, and the city may have become Japans political capital if Tokugawa Ieyasu had not terminated the Toyotomi lineage after Hide
3、yoshis death and moved his government to distant Edo (Tokyo).LUISE42.What To See Universal Studios Japan-Popular theme park at Osakas waterfront.Universal Studios Japan (USJ) was the first theme park under the Universal Studios brand to be built in Asia. Opened in March 2001 in the Osaka Bay Area, t
4、he theme park occupies an area of 39 hectares and is the most visited amusement park in Japan after Tokyo Disney Resort. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan -One of Japans most impressive aquariums.Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (海遊館, Kaiykan) is located in the Tempozan Harbor Village of Osakas bay area, and is one of
5、 Japans most spectacular aquariums. It introduces various forms of life inhabiting the Pacific Rim in a well organized and impressive way. Minami (Namba）-Southern downtown of Osaka.Located around Namba Station, Minami (南, “South“) is one of Osakas two major city centers. It is the citys most famous
6、entertainment district and offers abundant dining and shopping choices. The district is easily accessible as it is served by three train companies as well as three subway lines and a highway bus terminal. The other major city center is Kita (北, “North“) which is located around Osaka and Umeda Statio
7、ns.LUISE5 Osaka Castle (Osakajo) -Reconstruction of the large castle.The construction of Osaka Castle (大阪城, sakaj) started in 1583 on the former site of the Ishiyama Honganji Temple, which had been destroyed by Oda Nobunaga thirteen years earlier. Toyotomi Hideyoshi intended the castle to become the
8、 center of a new, unified Japan under Toyotomi rule. It was the largest castle at the time. Shitennoji Temple -One of the oldest temples in Japan.Shitennoji (四天王寺 , Shitennji) is one of Japans oldest temples and the first ever to be built by the state. It was founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, who su
9、pported the introduction of Buddhism into Japan. Although the temples buildings burned down several times throughout the centuries, they were always carefully reconstructed to reflect the original 6th century design. ShinsekaiNostalgia -evoking district around Tsutenkaku.Shinsekai (新世界) is Osakas “n
10、ew world,“ a district that was developed before the war and then neglected in the decades afterwards. At the districts center stands Tsutenkaku Tower, the nostalgia evoking symbol of Shinsekai.LUISE6 Abeno Harukas -Tallest skyscraper in Japan with observation deck.Standing at 300 meters, Abeno Haruk
11、as () in Osaka is the tallest skyscraper in Japan. The building stands on top of the Kintetsu Osaka Abenobashi Station and is conveniently located across from JR Tennoji Station. It houses a department store, an art museum, a hotel and an observation deck.3.Get There and AroundLUISE74.Side Trips fro
12、m OsakaKyoto For over 1000 years the capital of Japan.Kyoto (京都, Kyto) served as Japans capital and the emperors residence from 794 until 1868. It is now the countrys seventh largest city with a population of 1.4 million people and a modern face.Nara Japans first permanent capital.Japans first permanent capital was established in the year 710 at Heijo, the city now known as Nara (奈良). As the influence and political ambitions of the citys powerful Buddhist monasteries grew to become a serious threat to the government, the capital was moved to Nagaoka in 784.LUISE8MY NOTE
