After Convention

Addition to the high quality of convention facilities, Osaka is proud of its fulfilling after-convention entertainment. People gather here from all over to this city which is the source of rich culture, tradition and fashion. Needless to say Osaka has an air of enthusiasm and has so much to offer. Come and experience Osaka for yourselves. Here, we recommend major tourist spots of Osaka, model courses, hot Springs, programs for spouse and etc. Courses are planned to meet the needs of various types of tourists, such as single persons, groups of tourists and families.

Recommended spots

Osaka provides a dramatic setting for your visit that is sure to be filled with discovery. Abundance of originality, laughter, friendly people and delicious food are just some of the features awaiting you. Whether it is exciting things to do, places to have fun, or things to learn – you can't have enough because there is always something new. Osaka is truly one of Japan's greatest international tourist cities. Here are some of those recommended spots;

Recommended Model Courses

Going shopping and trying out the food at various restaurants, visiting museums and art galleries, strolling around the Uemachidaichi Plateau, which is full of Osaka's historical and cultural sites, enjoying traditional performing arts, visiting classical buildings; these are all part of the courses that you can search and choose by theme. Please refer to the estimated time of course duration, admission fees, and type of course. Information on gourmet spots and souvenirs are provided by the locals, together with each course. Please check here for details.

Corporate Museums and Factory Tours

Osaka is a city that has fostered workmanship for many years. Various types of corporate museums are scattered around Osaka. Types of museums include those for machinery, metal, food, drinks, electric appliances, bio, and robots, which have attracted attention lately. They all make you realize the close connection between Osaka and workmanship. Some companies offer study tours of their factories or opportunities to experience the manufacturing of products. Why don't you experience one? Please check here for details.

Hot Springs

Japan, a volcanic archipelago, is well known for the numerous hot springs found throughout the country. Hot springs with various mineral compositions are often used for medical purposes. There are many Japanese inns and hotels built near hot springs that have developed into large-scale resort complexes. Open air hot springs called "rotenburo" give a bather complete relaxation.

Within 30 minutes to one hour from downtown Osaka, there are dozens of hot springs located along the valley or at the foot of the mountain. You can relax in the quiet natural settings served with delicious meals. Major hot springs in Osaka are;

Beyond Osaka, there are other famous hot springs such as Shirahama Spa, Katsuura Spa (both in Wakayama Prefecture), Arima Spa, Kinosaki Spa (both in Hyogo Prefecture), and Yunohana Spa (in Kyoto Prefecture).

Shirahama Spa

Shirahama Spa in Wakayama Prefecture is considered one of the three best in Japan, along with Atami and Beppu. Situated in the southwestern region of the Kii Peninsula in Wakayama, Shirahama Spa is a large-scale resort complex equipped with leisure facilities. Shirahama Spa includes five districts. One of them, Yuzaki, is well known as being a fine open-air spa, separated from the sea by a mere rock. It is open to the public for free. Shirahama Spa can be reached in three hours from Osaka.

Arima Spa

Arima Spa is one of the oldest spas in Japan. The earth-generated springs at Arima are rich in iron and common salt. Nature can be enjoyed here all year round, and there are also some sightseeing spots associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who built Osaka Castle, in the area. Arima Spa is about one and half hours from Osaka.

Spouse Programs

The OCTB offers a wide selection of spouse programs that enable the participants of meetings and incentives alike to experience Japanese culture on first-hand. The selected programs are;

Noh or Kyogen Workshop

Noh is the oldest extant theater art in the world with more than 600 years of tradition, while Kyogen is the comedy theater. You can learn and experience these traditional arts through the organized workshop.

City Tour and Shopping

The City's Minami (South) district is full of real Osaka color with busy shopping streets and popular gourmet arcades.

Museum Tour

Major museums include the Museum of Oriental Ceramics, the National Museum of Ethnology, the National Museum of Art, the Maritime Museum, the Science Museum, and Osaka Museum of History. The Museum of Oriental Ceramics has the largest collection of oriental ceramics in the world.

Sushi, Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki making

Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki are Osaka's specialties. The number of restaurants serving Okonomiyaki in Osaka is as many as 4,000, the biggest in Japan. Try not only to taste it, but also make one!

Zen meditation at Katsuoji Temple

The history of Katsuo-ji Temple is marked by faith in the winner's luck, to be a winner in every aspect of life. Situated in the Minoh Quasi-national Park, the temple can offer you a quiet moment to meditate.

Bay and River Cruise – Running through Osaka

Osaka is known as a water metropolis. From the deck of an open-roofed cruiser will give you a fresh perspective and a close-up view of historical and lively Osaka.

Flower Arrangement, Tea Ceremony and Kimono fitting

Experience traditional culture such as flower arrangement, tea ceremony and kimono fitting on first-hand. Enjoying these activities will lead you to greater understanding of the Japanese culture.

Excursions

Other than conventions, Osaka features historic buildings, cultural attractions, and high-tech amusement facilities. Neighboring cities have great features as well; such as Kyoto, an ancient capital of Japan, Kobe, a fashionable port city, and Nara with numerous World Heritage sites. These unique destinations form a culturally endowed urban region. From Osaka, these cities can each be reached within about 30 min. by express train.