The region where the castle now stands was the first inhabited spot in the city; it's the palace where the story of Osaka begins. From the once stunning Naniwanomiya Palace to the shining white walls of the castle itself, this is the district to experience the echoes of great and long-vanished ages. And on the eastern outskirts of Osaka lies a vast area of green, sparkling with seasonal flowers and plants of all kinds. This is Tsurumiryokuchi, former site of a flower expo. You'll also find shopping, a botanical conservatory, sports facilities and other fun things to see and do. Be sure to make Tsurumiryokuchi one of your must-see destinations in Osaka.
The Place where Osaka Began
The central part of Osaka is dominated by Osaka Castle, the city's most prominent and revered symbol. It's an area rich in history, and provides beautiful views unique to a city with so many waterways. The Uemachi Daichi Plateau where the castle is located, which was once a narrow peninsula on the eastern end of the Inland Sea, comprises the city's true roots. This spot is the oldest inhabited place in Osaka, and saw unprecedented rapid development once the castle itself was constructed. The area has always been the center and focal point of the metropolis, and has numerous traditional and historical attractions. Moreover, since rivers cross here, there are several riverside parks and much beautiful scenery to enjoy.
Things to See and Do
Located just outside the castle's gigantic stone ramparts and outer moat is the Osaka Museum of History. This museum contains a reconstruction of the Naniwanomiya Palace, and features multi-media displays where visitors can experience different Periods of Osaka's 1,400-year history.
In front of the museum are
Remains of Naniwa-no-Miya Palace. This is the starting point of an historical walk through the Uemachi Daichi Plateau. Historical spots along the way include the Grand Cathedral of the Virgin Mary of Osaka, which contains statues of Hosokawa Galacia and Takayama Ukon, two people of the samurai class who converted to Christianity in the 16th century. There's also Tamatsukuri-Inari Shrine, named after families who made magatama, or comma shaped ornaments, and Ikutama Shrine, whose history goes back to Japan's first emperor. Outdoor Osaka Takigi Noh plays are staged here in August. Taiheiji Temple contains the graves of some of Osaka's most historical figures, such as Juan Kitayama, a distinguished Edo Period doctor, and Monzaemon Chikamatsu, a master Bunraku playwright.
To the north of Osaka Castle is Osaka Business Park, a group of modern skyscrapers with showrooms, restaurants and theaters. On the bank of the Okawa River is The Mint Museum, an approximately 100-year-old Western-style building with a fine collection of coins and materials from Japan and other countries. In the spring, the mint's cherry trees are in full bloom, creating a kind of tunnel that attracts vast crowds.
One of Osaka's Major Areas of Green
On the eastern limits of Osaka City is the Tsurumiryokuchi Area, home to the rich green park that was the venue for the International Garden and Greenery Exposition, Osaka, Japan 1990. The legacy of this Expo still remains, making the whole area, in particular Tsurumiryokuchi Park, seem like one large green zone full of beautiful scenery and green attractions to enjoy all year round.
Things to See and Do
The highlight of the area is the huge Tsurumiryokuchi Park. Designed around a pond, the 106-hectare park contains numerous varieties of flowers carefully selected so that something is blooming in every season. Of special note are the gorgeous roses and tulips. The park also contains Japan's largest conservatory with a collection of 2,600 plant species, including rare and precious ones, and a 90-meter high observation tower, which gives a commanding view of the entire city. Nearby is the Mitsui Outlet Park Osaka Tsurumi, Japan's first outlet mall with wholesale flower markets a store that sells Snoopy and Peanuts character clothing and goods.
