Things to See in Osaka

Bunraku (puppet theatre) did not originate in Osaka, but was popularised here. The most famous bunraku playwright, Chikametsu Monzaemon (1653-1724), wrote plays set in Osaka concerning the lives of merchants and other regular folk normally ignored by traditional Japanese drama. Bunraku became a favourite art form and this theatre seeks to revive its popularity.

Osaka Aquarium, also known as Kaiyukan, is expensive, but worth the visit. It has the world's biggest aquarium tank, which is home to a whale shark and an astonishing variety of smaller sharks, rays and other fish. Exhibit captions are in Japanese and English. The crowds can be avoided if you arrive early in the day.

Universal Studios is a major theme park: fluorescent, noisy, and strenuously cute. It has many rides, most of them based on particular Universal movies, all of them with trademarked or copyright-protected names. These include 'Shrek's 4-D Adventure' and 'Jurassic Park - The Ride®'. The opportunity to buy Universal movie tie-in products is virulent.

With more than 2700 pieces in its permanent collection, this museum has one of the finest collections of Chinese and Korean ceramics in the world. At any one time, about 300 of the pieces from the permanent collection are on display, and there are often special exhibits.

Osaka's most popular attraction is a 1931 reconstruction of the original 1583 castle. Although it's a copy, it's a very good one, and both the castle and the heritage museum inside are very popular. The castle is surrounded by a beautiful park with many cherry blossom trees.

This hall holds n (classical Japanese dance-drama) shows about twice a month, most of which are reasonably priced. Unfortunately, neither place has regularly scheduled shows. The best thing is to check with the tourist information offices about current shows, check the listings in the Meet Osaka guide or look in Kansai Time Out.

Karma is a long-standing club popular with Japanese and foreigners alike. On weekends techno is generally the order of the day (or night, as the case may be). Although Minami is Osaka's real nightlife district, there are still plenty of bars, clubs and izakaya (pub/restaurants) in the neighbourhoods to the south and east of Osaka station.

Tin's Hall is possibly the best bar in the Tenn-ji area. It's a casual spot trading in the classic combo of good burgers and great beer, with an innovative twist on the happy hour concept - here it goes for three hours.

If you find yourself all sushied out and hanker for a different flavour, head to Pina Khana where you can jam yourself in for some good Indian food. Situated in the Kappa Yokoch Arcade, this restaurant does tend to get crowded, but once you've eaten there you'll understand why.

This is part of an upscale chain that serves a variety of tofu-based dishes. Take the elevators from Midsuji and look for the restaurant signs posted only in Japanese (the other one on the 11th floor is posted in English).

Locals line up outside this Kitashinchi noodle house for their fantastic udon noodles. It's on the B2 floor of the Ekimae Daisan building. Wondering what on earth to slurp? Check out the pictures outside to help with your ordering.