Osaka

Osaka is known for its varied cuisine and friendly people, and two of its most important landmarks marvellously depict the old and new Japan. The five-storey Osaka Castle dates back to the 1500s and represents the traditional pagoda architecture with arched ceilings. In contrast, the 173-metre-tall Umeda Sky Building is an amazing, futuristic double skyscraper that offers magnificent views of the city's skyline dotted with neon lights.

In addition to the National Museum of Art, shaped like a bamboo shoot, and Osaka Museum of History, the city boasts brilliant temples and shrines, the largest aquarium in Japan, and the movie industry theme park Universal Studios Japan. At the Osaka Food Theme Park, you'll get to experience everything Japanese cuisine has to offer from fugu puffer fish to octopus balls and yakitori chicken skewers.