Osaka, Japan’s second largest city, dates back to Japan’s earliest recorded history when it was called Naniwa, and even served briefly as a capital of the country 1500 years ago. Its location and role as a hub for land, sea and river-canal transportation made it a center of trade and earned it the nickname of “the Nation’s Kitchen.” With the large number of merchant operations and trade, Osaka developed a distinct culture with a unique accent, and food that contrasts what you will find in Tokyo. The people of Osaka have a reputation of being more lively and outgoing, and have produced many of the country’s comedians.

The city hosts an international airport and acts as a major stop on the Shinkansen, making access to neighboring Kyoto, as well as Tokyo, very easy. Shopping in Shinsaibashi offers a mix of huge department stores, high-end Western designer shops, and independent boutiques. Shinsaibashi is also home to Amerika-mura (often shortened to “Ame-mura”) or “American Village” which is a source of most youth fashion trends in Japan along with Harajuku and Shibuya in Tokyo. Osaka also hosts Universal Studios Japan.

Since Osaka is a large city, it has a well developed infrastructure that is accessible. Some visitors with disabilities have reported, though, that it can be necessary to be more vocal about their needs when riding the train when compared to other areas of Japan.

Recently added hotels with wheelchair accessible rooms in Osaka