Osaka Castle

Originally built by Hideo Toyotomi in 1583, this is one of the most magnificent and best preserves castles in Japan, with pure white walls, a turquoise roof and striking gold accents. It is both the city's most famous landmark, and its symbol. The Castle itself is also surrounded by a charming park, where the city's residents often go to relax and excercise.

Tempozan Harbor Village

Located just 20 minutes from the heart of the city, this huge leisure park has a wide variety of entertainments: the Osaka Aquarium "Kaiyukan," considered one of the largest in the world; the giant Ferris Wheel, the Suntory Museum with the world's largest IMAX theatre and the Marketplace, where visitors will find shops, restaurants, concert halls and other facilities.

WTC Cosmo Tower

At 256 metres, this is the highest tower in western Japan and serves as a centre of trade information. Visitors can take a nonstop elevator to the 55th floor for an amazing 360-degree panoramic view.

Keitakuen Garden

For lovers of Japanese style gardens, this 19,800 sq m park is one of Japan's loveliest examples of the type. Constructed in the late Meiji era, by Jihei Ogawa, one of the master gardeners of the period. It is best in May and October, when the azaleas and chrysanthemums bloom.

Kema Sakuranomiya Park

This 4.5km promenade along the bank of the Okawa River is famous for its cherry blossom trees, all 5,000 of them, which burst into bloom from late March to early April, making it a popular place for cherry-blossom viewing,

Nagai Park

This huge park (657,000 sq m) is a popular place for the locals to bike, walk and generally have fun out in the sun. The park is so large, it holds the Nagai Soccer Stadium, the Botanical Gardens, a Historic Forest area and the Flower, Greenery and Nature Information Center.

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