Osaka (Kyoto and Nara), Japan Cruises

Osaka (Kyoto and Nara), Japan Cruise Port

Osaka is the third largest city in Japan, and is known as being the commercial center of the country. Their commerce is now in high tech products, with companies like Panasonic and Sharp headquartered here. In the 1600s, known as the Edo period in Japan, the big trade was rice. This commodity gave Osaka the nickname of the nation’s kitchen. This nickname has stuck and you can find lots of interesting dishes to sample here, like pressed sushi and a pan-fried batter cake. At night, the city lights up with lots of neon signs, welcoming restaurants and theaters. Check out these things to see and do when cruising to Osaka, Japan:

• Check out a Bunraku show, Japan’s version of a puppet show. These puppets have intricate heads and beautiful clothing that depict traditional Japanese dress.
   
• Wander along the 11 Edo-era farmhouses at the Open Air Museum of Old Japanese Farmhouses. Not only is the park beautiful, it shows you the fascinating structures of the past.
   
• Enjoy yourself at Spa World. This large complex has a world tour of spas. You can experience a European bath, or try out the Asian spa which features Persian and Balinese elements. It’s the spa version of Disneyworld’s Epcot.
   
• Eat, eat and eat some more. Osaka has a lot of restaurants. You’ll want to try okonomiyaki, which is a meat and seafood pancake of sorts. There is also kitsune udon, a noodle soup with fried tofu.