Online dictionary of geography and travels in Japan: Osaka

Osaka city

大阪市
alternative words: Osakashi city, Osakashi, Osaka-shi, Osaka shi, Oosakashi, Oosaka-shi, Osaka, Oosaka
keywords: harbor , osaka , town
related topics: Osaka prefecture , Hanshin electric railway , Shitennoji temple , Nakanoshima island , Universal studio Japan , Osaka castle
related web sites: http://www.city.osaka.jp
explanation: Town located at the center of Osaka Prefecture. Its population is 2.6 millions. Close to the old Japanese political center "Nara" and facing Inland Sea at the same time, Osaka has been always a strategic place in Japanese history. After the defeat of Toyotomi family at the beginning of 17th century, its political role has been diminished but always remained as an economic center of Japan and has many industries. The town has also many tourist spots like Osaka Castle and Shitennoji Temple.

Osaka Prefecture

大阪府
alternative words: Osaka, Osakafu, Osaka fu, Oosaka Prefecture, Oosaka, Oosakafu, Oosaka fu
keywords: osaka , prefecture
related topics: Kansai airport , Osaka city , Nankai electric railway , Osaka bay
related web sites: http://www.pref.osaka.jp
explanation: Osaka prefecture occupies the western part of Kinki region, facing Osaka Bay. Its surface is 1,867 km2 and the population 8.6millions. The prefectural office is at Osaka City. Though it is the most tiny prefecture in Japan, the prefecture has the second largest population and many industries like steel, machinery, automobile, chemistry etc. As one of the oldest political centers of Japan, there exists many tourist spots. In 1994, a new international airport was open in an artificial island.