Why Osaka?

Known for its modernity and tradition in harmony, Osaka, a mega-city with nearly nine million people, has always been a veritable magnet for those in search for new discoveries. We would like to give you six powerful reasons why Osaka is your ideal destination.

1. Excellent Access

Reaching Osaka is easier than ever thanks to Kansai International Airport (KIX), which provides direct service to 73 cities in 30 countries and regions (2006 winter schedule). As an Asia-oriented hub airport, it serves a large number of flights to Asia-Pacific cities. The KIX is also conveniently accessible to downtown Osaka within 30 minutes by train.

4th in Airport of the Year 2006

Kansai International Airport (KIX) was ranked 4th in the World's Best Airport Awards in 2006, according to SKYTRAX, which conducts the world's largest, independent passenger survey of airport standards.

2. Top-notch Meeting Facilities and Accommodations

Osaka is equipped with first-class meeting and event facilities, including the state-of-the-art Osaka International Convention Center, Osaka Central Public Hall, and INTEX Osaka, Asia-Pacific Trade Center, and Kyocera Osaka Dome.

With approximately 40,000 guest rooms throughout the city, Osaka is also home to some of the world's foremost hotels as well as many reasonably priced accommodations.

3. Diversity of sightseeing attractions: center of World Heritage sites

Having been the center of economic and cultural development for many centuries, Osaka has many traditional and modern sightseeing attractions. There are always things to do, places to visit, and something new to impress you.

One of Osaka's greatest advantages is its proximity to the World Heritage sites scattered in the neighboring prefectures of Kyoto, Nara, Hyogo and Wakayama. Many of the designated sites are only 30 minutes to one hour from Osaka.

4. Enchanting Cuisine and Delightful Shopping

Known for its rich food culture, Osaka has been a gourmet paradise offering the best from land and sea. Shopping is also a delight in Osaka. From the largest underground mall to the longest shopping arcade, department stores, top foreign fashion brands, outlet malls, and customer electronic districts, there is no better place for shopping than a town famed as a City of Merchants. Visitors will enjoy the best dining, entertainment and shopping opportunities Osaka has to offer.

5. Competitive, Safe and Friendly City

Japan is not as expensive as you may think. Prices are extremely stable; airfares and hotel rates are globally competitive. Japan is also outstandingly safe, and a vast majority of Japanese people are extremely honest. Street crime is rare. English is widely used and understood. People in Osaka are known for their friendliness with big hearts.

6. Professional assistance and support service by OCTB

With our friendly and professional attitudes, attention to detail, and absolute commitment to providing top quality service, the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau (OCTB) will help you organize an unforgettable event that your attendees will remember for the years to come.