Many tourists arrive in Japan near Osaka, the major port city at the northern tip of the inland sea. It is a bustling commercial city crowned by the gold-embellished castle, Osaka-jo. It has great night life, endless shopping opportunities and its own traditional dish, Okonamiyaki.
It is easy to travel from Kansai International Airport by train and then use the local subway services to get around town. The subway spreads throughout the city with stops that conveniently drop you near tourist destinations in the city. There are also many private railway lines providing transportation within and beyond the city. And if you pick a centrally located hotel, walking to nearby shops and tourist stops is pretty easy.
The premier attraction in Osaka is Osaka-jo, a shimmering green and gold castle in the central park. Classic Japanese gardens surround the castle that includes a museum of samurai weapons and equipment. From the top of the castle, you get an expansive view of the city which blends modern architecture with simple post-war buildings.