If Tokyo can be described as the staunch, rigid capital of eastern Japan, Osaka is her rowdy sister to the west. Osaka seems to be a little more informal than Tokyo, and a little more rambunctious, too! Osaka is the reigning queen of nightlife and clubbing, and although it may strike you as incongruent, it is also the city in which to see the traditional Japanese drama, Kabuki. Indeed, Osaka is as diverse and colourful as her inhabitants, who are known for their humour and open nature.

Osaka can be divided into three main areas: Kita (north), Minami (south) and the newer bayfront area. Kita generally follows the stereotype of the typical uptown and Minami is definitely downtown. The bay area is more of an urban playtime retreat.

Below is a summary of the major areas of Osaka, and a list of some of the fun things you can do there.

Kita:

The north is centered around Umeda, the busiest and liveliest part of Kita. This area features skyrises and administrative buildings. A highlight is the ultra-modern Sky Building and the splendid views from it's observation decks. Umeda draws large and decidedly well-dressed crowds to its many department stores and restaurants. The Hankyu shopping centre and the Hep Five shopping centre (the one with the giant ferris wheel on the roof and the huge whale hanging from the ceiling) are two shopping diversions. Pulsing just beneath the surface of Umeda is an underground shopping center. This shopping complex is huge, and you may well find yourself completely disoriented after wandering around underground here.

Outside of the Umeda downtown, but still in the northern part of Osaka is the Kyobashi entertainment district. One might question what kind of entertainment goes on here, but it is certain to keep you occupied. One can easily find pachinko (Japanese gambling) parlours and other such diversions. There are also plenty of inexpensive eateries around this area.

Also in northern Osaka is the reconstructed Osaka castle. Besides wandering around this magnificent castle, you can also enjoy the expansive park grounds which surround it.

Minami:

Shinsaibashi offers the colourful shopping districts of America Mura (America village) and European Street. It's a good place for trend-spotting or shopping for unique goods. It also hosts quite a number of ethnic restaurants and large department stores. Heading south and crossing the canal will bring you to the popular Namba area. Namba is the lively, bustling central area of the south. In the evening, the canal area is all aglow with neon billboards and trendy youth.

This is the famous Dotonburi canal in the Namba District.

Outside of the more central downtown area, you will find Tennoji. This area boasts an urban amusement park named Festivalgate as well as the popular Spa World bathing and steaming complex. Besides these modern complexes, you can also enjoy a number of historical temples and shrines, as well as a stroll around Tennoji Park. Near Tennoji is the ironically named Shinsekai (it means 'new world'). The area is a rare look into an older, less developped version of Japan. None of the glitter and modernity have rubbed off on the tiny eating establishments and ancient pachinko parlours. This is one of the few places in Japan that has a distinctively Asian feel. The area is a jumble of cheap eateries, run down pleasure houses and rautious bars. Heading yet further from the central downtown area, you will come to Den Den town. This area is overflowing with electric goods. This is beyond a doubt the best place to shop for consumer electronics.

Osaka Bay:

Escape the urban rush in the more relaxed atmosphere of the Osaka Bay area. This area is predominantly built on reclaimed land, so it enjoys some benefits of urban planning. The boulevards are wider and sometimes tree-lined, and it generally feels less crowded than other parts of Osaka. There are lots of opportunities for amusement here. The pride of Osaka's baseball fans is the Osaka Dome. You can also get lost in the areas largest outlet shopping center ATC. Children and adults alike enjoy the world's largest acquarium, as well as the recently constructed Universal Studios Japan. There is also a campground in a small wood that is perfect for those hoping to escape the urban madness.