Osaka, JAPAN
Airing Date: Mar 1st, 2004
Osaka may not be Japan's largest city, but it certainly knows how to throw a party! This chaotic city is packed full of locals celebrating the six serious annual festivals.
For those lucky enough to be visiting over September 14 and 15, you'll encounter the Danjiri Festival. This annual festival began in the 18th Century and is probably the liveliest of the Osaka festivals. It involves the pulling of Danjiris, large wooden floats, which weigh more than four tonnes and take 1000 people to pull them.
Can't make it for the Danjiri festival? There's still plenty to see and do in Osaka. The Osaka Aquarium is the second largest fish tank in the world, with 14 different underwater environments and almost 40,000 sea creatures.
If you are after a taste of traditional Osaka, try the Osaka Castle. The original Osaka-Jo castle was built in 1583. Since then it has been rebuilt three times, most recently in 1997 at a cost of seven million yen. It now has a very Japanese contemporary look and houses history displays. From the top there are some amazing views of the city below.
For technology buffs, Sony Tower is a must see. Here you'll find the best of the best and some stuff you didn't know had been invented yet. From widescreen plasma televisions to micro digital cameras, the Sony Tower has it all.
For food lovers, Osaka is the home of exquisite fresh food. Mimiu Restaurant serves up amazing udon noodles and some of the best sea food in Japan.
The facts:
Japan Airlines flies to Osaka daily. Jalpak have packages including flights and four nights at the Imperial Hotel in the centre of town starting from $1969 from the east coast.
Entry to the Osaka Castle costs around $8, and a day ticket to the aquarium costs $25.
Jalpak
Tel: 02 9285 6603
Japan National Tourist Organization
Tel: 02 9251 3024
Osaka Hotels
Tel: 9377-8444
Prices correct at 01/03/04
