Osaka - The Nation's Kitchen

Osaka's nickname – Tenka no Daidokoro (the nation's kitchen) – originally referred to its Edo Period status as Japan's rice-trade hub. Nowadays, it refers to its reputation as a gourmand's paradise.

## **Districts**

### **Kita (Umeda) Area**

The heart of Osaka is the Kita Area, which is also known as Umeda. This is the city’s main business and transport center, and it’s packed with hotels, restaurants and shops.

### **Minami (Shinsaibashi and Namba) Area**

Osaka’s second urban hub is the Minami Area, which consists of the Shinsaibashi and Namba neighborhoods. This is primarily a shopping and entertainment district and it’s definitely the place to go for a night out in Osaka, with some of the area's most famous restaurants and bars.

### **Shin-Osaka Area**

Osaka’s main shinkansen (bullet train) station is not in the heart of the city but north of the Yodo-gawa River, about 3km north of Kita, the city’s true downtown. If you’re coming by train from Tokyo, you’ll probably arrive here.

### **Osaka Castle Area**

Osaka’s most famous tourist attraction, Osaka-jo Castle is about 3km southeast of Kita. There are lots of good hotels and restaurants in the areas around the castle.

### **Central Osaka (Honmachi) Area**

Lying directly between Kita and Minami, the Central Osaka Area, which consists primarily of the Honmachi neighborhood, is a convenient area in which to be based. It’s packed with reasonably priced hotels and some great restaurants.

### **Tennoji Area**

About 2km southeast of Minami, the Tennoji Area is a formerly low-rent area of the city that is quickly morphing into a trendy urban hub. There are several great attractions here, including Osaka’s tallest building, the Tsutenkaku Tower.

### **Osaka Bay Area**

About 8km west of Kita, the Osaka Bay Area comprises two groups of major attractions: the Universal Studios Japan theme park and the Tempozan Area, which contains a fantastic aquarium and several other key sights.

### **Northern Osaka**

Northern Osaka Prefecture includes some first-class attractions including the Open-Air Museum of Japanese Farmhouses, the beautiful waterfalls at Minoh and the attractions around Banpaku Memorial Park, one of the best collections of attractions in all of Kansai.

### **Eastern Osaka**

Eastern Osaka Prefecture, in the direction of Kyoto and Nara, is home to several great attractions, including Hirakata Park, an amusement park, and Mt Ikoma, a superb viewpoint and hiking spot.

### **Southern Osaka**

Southern Osaka Prefecture is home to the city of Sakai, which is famous for its knife and sword-making traditions. It’s also home to some fascinating and vast burial mounds (known as kofun).

## **Notable Locations**

### **Businesses**

#### **Kinoshita Tower**

    The ultimate symbol of the Kinoshita's power and presence in Osaka, the Kinoshita Tower holds a notable place in the Osaka skyline, located in the heart of Umeda. The tower itself is fifty five stories tall, with the first fifty floors consisting of a combination of the Kinoshita's own legitimate and leased businesses. The top four floors are reserved for Yakuza business and the personal residences of the Kinoshita family. The layout is as follows:

52nd Floor - The Kinoshita Clan offices.

53rd Floor - The Kinoshita Clan receptions and meeting hall.

54th Floor - Rina Kinoshita's personal apartments.

55th Floor - Hiroto and Nozomi Kinoshita's personal apartments.

#### **Kinoshita Residence**

The ancestral home of the Kinoshita clan, occupied by the family before the construction of Kinoshita Tower. Nowadays it is used by the clan more as a symbolic ground for special occasions, such as weddings and funerals of importance.

#### **Umekichi Plaza**

    While not as impressive in size as the Kinoshita Tower, at thirty five stories, the Umekichi Plaza is nevertheless a noted structure in downtown Umeda. Like the Kinoshita Tower, its consists of a mixture of clan owned and leased businesses, with the Yakuza offices and residences atop the tower. Unlike the Kinoshita Tower however, Umeda Plaza has more of a striking exterior, with a mixed design of mirrored glass, golden panels and an open view of the top floors.

#### **Earth and Sky**

A hole-in-the-wall bar frequented by Jin, a local drinking spot only minutes from his residence.

#### **Hirano Studios**

A small and privately owned music studio often visited by Rina, where she is able to practice her musical skills away from the prying eyes in Kinoshita Tower.

#### **The Sakura Lounge**

A intimate jazz club and lounge, where Rina works part time as a performer. Popular among residents of Osaka for its unique cocktails and gourmet meals, as well as a place to see nightly performances of jazz, blues and soul music.

#### **TAO**

Umeda's current premier nightlife offering. Located in the heart of the district, it crowns one of the highest skyscrapers, combining several floors.

##### **TAO - Restaurant and Bistro**

Highly exclusive and not for the light of wallet, TAO Restaurant and Bistro is the dining must-experience for Umeda's wealthy and recognisable faces. Offering some of the finest in Asian delicacies, the meals are provided by world class chefs while guests are treated to open-plan views of the city as they dine.

##### **TAO - Nightclub**

Divided into two sections, the TAO Nightclub offers a large traditional dancefloor and full bar, with an upper section where guests can seat themselves and mingle, complete with even more exclusive VIP tables and private attendants.

##### **TAO - Rooftop Bar**

At the height of the skyscraper sits the TAO - Rooftop Bar, where guests can escape the noise of the club and the bustle of the restaurant. Here, guests can enjoy both drinks and food served while taking in panoramic views of Osaka.