Introduction of Osaka
Osaka (大阪市 Ōsaka-shi) is a city in Japan, located at the mouth of the Yodo
River on Osaka Bay, in the Kansai region of the main island of Honshū. The city
is the capital of Osaka Prefecture. Often dubbed the second city of Japan,
Osaka was historically the commercial capital of Japan, and is the heart of
Japan's second largest, and the world's ninth largest metropolitan area. The population
ranks third place in the Osaka at 2.6 million. Osaka Prefecture, located at the
approximate center of Japan, is divided into 33 cities, 9 towns, and 1 village.
Osaka is a large port city and commercial center on the Japanese island of
Honshu (Ichirō Matsui). It's known
for its modern architecture, nightlife and hearty street food. The 16th-century
shogunate Osaka Castle, which has undergone several restorations, is its main
historical landmark. It's surrounded by a moat and park with plum, peach and
cherry-blossom trees. Sumiyoshi-taisha is among Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines.
There are totals 33 cities, towns or villages based in Osaka which are Sakai,
Kishiwada, Toyonaka, Ikeda, Suita, Izumiōtsu, Takatsuki, Kaizuka, Moriguchi,
Hirakata, Ibaraki, Yao, Izumisano, Tondabayashi, Neyagawa, Kawachinagano,
Matsubara, Daitō, Izumi, Minoh, Kashiwara, Habikino, Kadoma, Settsu, Takaishi,
Fujiidera, Higashiōsaka, Sennan, Shijōnawate, Katano, Ōsakasayama, and Hannan.
Osaka Map
Flight Time to Osaka from Malaysia
Non-stop flight time from Kuala Lumpur to Osaka is around 6 hours 30
minutes.
Fastest one-stop flight between Kuala Lumpur and Osaka takes close
to 9 hours. However, some airlines could take as long as 32 hours based on the
stopover destination and waiting duration.
This is the average non-stop flight time from any of the 2 airports
in Kuala Lumpur to one of the 2 major airports that serve Osaka.
Apparently, connecting flights and direct flights with stopover take
longer time than non-stop flights. In such cases, Kuala Lumpur - Osaka flight
time depend on the layover destination specified by your airline or the one you
choose while booking your ticket.
Waiting time at intermediate airports could be anywhere between 1
hour to 24 hours
Distance from Kuala Lumpur to Osaka
Distance from Kuala Lumpur to Osaka is:
3068.1 Miles (4937.6 Kilometers / 2664.3
Nautical Miles)
Currency Yen = MYR
Climate & Seasons
Average Rainfall in Osaka
Osaka Info 
Osaka Info
Physical Geography
Osaka, one of Japan's largest cities, lies
on the south coast of western Honshu at the point where the River Yodo flows
into the wide sweep of Osaka Bay, which opens out into the Pacific. The city is
bounded on one side by the Kii Peninsula and is shut off from the Inland Sea to
the west by the island of Awaji. Its location on the Yodo delta with its
network of watercourses and canals spanned by more than a thousand bridges has,
deservedly, earned Osaka the nickname: the "Venice of the East."
While the origins of Osaka date back to the mythological early days of the
Japanese Empire, today the city is undoubtedly one of the most modern in Japan,
boasting a futuristic skyline along with countless impressive examples of
modern architecture. Its world-class status is cemented by its many cultural
institutions, from its superb museums and art galleries to its ultra-modern
entertainment, theater, and music venues.
Osaka, one of Japan's largest cities, lies
on the south coast of western Honshu at the point where the River Yodo flows
into the wide sweep of Osaka Bay, which opens out into the Pacific. The city is
bounded on one side by the Kii Peninsula and is shut off from the Inland Sea to
the west by the island of Awaji. Its location on the Yodo delta with its
network of watercourses and canals spanned by more than a thousand bridges has,
deservedly, earned Osaka the nickname: the "Venice of the East."
While the origins of Osaka date back to the mythological early days of the
Japanese Empire, today the city is undoubtedly one of the most modern in Japan,
boasting a futuristic skyline along with countless impressive examples of
modern architecture. Its world-class status is cemented by its many cultural
institutions, from its superb museums and art galleries to its ultra-modern
entertainment, theater, and music venues.
10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Osaka
Osaka Castle
Oaska Castle (Ōsaka-jō), completed in 1586
in just three years, was ordered built by famed Japanese warrior and politician
Toyotomi Hideyoshi and was, at the time, the largest castle in Japan. Almost
all Hideyoshi's military commanders were required to contribute stones for its construction,
the largest being the Higo-ishi stone, near the south entrance, standing nearly
six meters high, 14½ meters long and brought by the celebrated General Kato
Kiyomasa from the island of Shodo. After Hideyoshi's defeat in 1615, the castle
was destroyed, only to be rebuilt by the Tokugawa shoguns for reasons of
prestige. Again destroyed after the fall of the Shogunate, the castle was
reconstructed in its present form in 1931. Highlights include the five-story,
42-meter-tall main tower containing exhibits on the history of the castle and
the city, as well as superb views over Osaka from its upper floors. Also of
interest in Osaka Castle Park is the Hokoku Shrine dedicated to Hideyoshi and
his family.
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka,
Osaka Prefecture 540-0002
Official site: www.osakacastle.net/english/
Shitennō-ji Temple
Osaka's best-known temple, Shitennō-ji, can
trace its roots back to AD 59 and was Japan's first Buddhist temple. Although
rebuilt numerous times through the centuries (the most recent reconstruction
took place in the 1960s), this lovely temple remains the oldest such religious
site to be officially administered. Highlights of a tour include the site's
five-story pagoda along with a number of other exquisitely decorated buildings
including the Golden Pavilion (Kondō) with its fine statues and paintings, the
Lecture Hall (Kōdō), and a lovely covered corridor linking three of the site's
gates. Other buildings of note in the complex include the teaching area, a
pharmacy and hospital, along with a pleasant garden.
Address: 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji Ward,
Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 543-0051
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Looking a little as if it might be made of
giant Lego blocks, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is well worth exploring. One of
the world's biggest such attractions, this walk-through aquarium takes guests
on a fascinating tour of a number of marine habitats, including the Pacific
Ocean and Antarctica, along with the Great Barrier Reef and Monterey Bay. A
variety of Japanese marine life is also featured, including freshwater species,
as well as native reptiles and mammals. All told, the site boasts 27 tanks, the
biggest being nine meters deep and capable of easily accommodating large marine
life including manta rays and sharks.
Address: 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward,
Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 552-0022
Official site: www.kaiyukan.com/language/eng/index.htm
The Tempozan Ferris Wheel
Providing some of the best views over Osaka,
particularly of the port area and the Tempozan Harbor Village in which it's
located, the massive Tempozan Ferris Wheel is one of the largest such
attractions in Asia. At more than 112 meters tall and with a diameter spanning
100 meters, this huge ferris wheel has been in operation since 1997 and offers
a thrilling 17-minute journey that is especially enjoyable at night when the
wheel is lit up in a variety of different colors dictated by the weather
(orange when sunny weather is predicted, green for clouds, and blue for rain).
Hot Tip: Thrill seekers can opt for one of the special
"see-through-bottom" cars for an incredible all-round view of Osaka
Bay.
Address: 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward,
Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 552-0022
Twin Towers: Tsūtenkaku and the Kobe Port Tower
Osaka boasts not just one, but two tall
towers that have become synonymous with the city. The oldest, the Tsūtenkaku,
is in the city center and stands on the site of a replica of the Eiffel Tower
that was built in 1912 and destroyed in WWII. The current structure, completed
in 1956, still offers some of the best views over Osaka, especially from the
observation level on its fifth floor, where you'll also find a shrine of the
God of Happiness. A little further away, on the outskirts of the city, stands
the 108-meter-tall, red steel Kobe Port Tower. Opened in 1963, this tower also
boasts an observation deck affording great views over the city and the Kobe
Port area. Hot Tip: Both towers are particularly pleasant to view at nightfall
when they are lit up.
Official site: www.tsutenkaku.co.jp/Guide-pdf/mishiran-guide-english.pdf
The National Museum of Art
The National Museum of Art, Osaka,
(Kokuritsu Kokusai Bijutsukan), is a unique underground art museum just a few
minutes from the city center on Nakanoshima, a small island between the
Tosabori and Dōjima rivers. Opened in 1977, this important gallery contains a
large collection from some of the leading international artists of the post-war
period, including examples by Picasso and Cézanne and Japanese artists
Kuniyoshi and Foujita, along with many important relics and statues. Even if
art isn't your thing, it's worth visiting for the spectacular steel structure
outside the museum, a massive installation designed to look like reeds bending
under a breeze. Also worth a visit is the Osaka Municipal Museum of Fine Art,
home to a collection of ancient Chinese calligraphy and artwork by Japan's most
revered artists.
Address: 4-2-55 Nakanoshima, kita-ku, Osaka,
530-0005
Official site: www.nmao.go.jp/en/index.html
Tennōji Park and Zoo
Osaka's largest green space, Tennōji Park
(Tennōji Kōen), serves as a place of respite from this otherwise busy city.
Noted for its many fragrant flower beds and, in spring, its cherry blossoms,
the park is a delight to explore thanks also to its many fun sculptures, ponds,
and bridges. It's also home to some of Osaka's most important tourist
attractions, including the Tennōji Zoo, opened in 1915 and featuring a variety
of species including lions, giraffes, and elephants, housed in such a way that
they seem to be roaming the African savannah. Also worth a visit is the hippo
pool and reptile house. Hot Tip: Try to time your visit for the free tours of
the park's greenhouses and other areas not usually open to the public.
Address: 1-108 Chausuyamacho, Tennoji-ku,
Osaka
Osaka Science Museum
Looking not unlike the bridge of a large
ship - a fact that could be credited to its waterside setting - the Osaka
Science Museum (Ōsaka Shiritsu Kagakukan) is a delightful outing for those
traveling with kids. Opened in 1989 above the National Museum of Art, the
museum contains numerous hands-on and interactive exhibits based on a number of
science-related themes covering everything from astronomy to energy sources (it
also boasts the country's first planetarium). Also worth a visit is the Osaka
International Peace Center (Ōsaka-kokusai-heiwa-sentaa), a museum dedicated, as
the name suggests, to matters of peace. Highlights include sobering displays
relating to the destruction of war, as well as a replica of the famous Doomsday
Clock.
Umeda Sky Building
In addition to the stunning architecture
associated with its museums and art galleries, Osaka boasts many other fine
examples of modern architecture. Perhaps the best known is the aptly named
Umeda Sky Building (Umeda Sukai Biru), a stunning landmark consisting of two
office towers joined at the top by a large platform-like structure. It's this
rooftop structure that draws visitors, due largely to the network of bridges
and an escalator that join the two towers, providing views of 170-plus meters
straight down that send shivers down the spines of those sensitive to heights.
The views from the rooftop observatory with its garden are simply stunning.
Afterwards, be sure to wander the urban garden at its base with its pleasant
paths, fountains, and ponds, as well as a fun underground market.
Universal Studios Japan
One of Osaka's newest attractions, Universal
Studios Japan is also one of the city's busiest, attracting around 10 million
visitors each year. One of only four Universal theme parks worldwide, the Osaka
location offers a number of well-known brands, along with a few unique to the
location. Recent additions include Hollywood Dream: The Ride, a fun
rollercoaster that actually travels backwards at times; rides based on the
Spiderman franchise; and Universal Wonderland, a family-friendly area perfect
for those traveling with younger kids. Uniquely Japanese-themed entertainment
and characters are found in rides based on games and TV shows in the Universal
Cool Japan area, including Monster Hunter and the One Piece Premier Show. Also
of interest to fans of both the books and movies is The Wizarding World of
Harry Potter, based on the popular rides in Universal's Island of Adventure in
Orlando, Florida.
Address: 1-33 Sakurajima, Osaka Prefecture
554-0031
Official site: www.usj.co.jp/e/
Human Geography
Population
The population in Osaka based on the statistics result of City of Osaka, Population News of Majors Cities is in total 2,702,455 human beings.
Culture & Ethnicity
Tokyo is "Sponge". It soaks up all
kinds of information and people are somehow drawn to this metropolis. The
majority of companies hold their headquarters in Tokyo and that's one of the
reasons behind it. Sponge can do everything. It can wash all kinds of dishes.
Tokyo provides great opportunities to reach and meet a key person.
Osaka is "Pot cleaner. It may seem
rough around the edges and some people might feel a little put off. They have
the elements relating to or resembling a small village. However, trust can be
so much deeper and firm once relationship is built up between people. When
Tokyo people get employed by Osaka-based Company, they will find it difficult
to fit in due to local language barrier. "Pot cleaner" is not the
all-around player, but it can wash off serious dirt reliably. The style might
be rough around the edges but when in need, Osaka people get the job done
thoroughly and carefully. Osaka people do not seem to have any intention to
adjust their Osaka dialect even when they are in Tokyo. They feel stubbornly
proud of their "Kansai" identity and as one of them.
Tokyo people have good manners in general. A
lot of foreigners are impressed how people are always standing in row and
waiting in line at train and subway stations. They cherish harmony, peace and
atmosphere. It is rarely see people talking in a loud voice on trains. I would
say many people have become softened by maturity.
Many
Osaka people have unique and unusual personalities. They do form a line
tentatively, but that will somehow disappear once trains arrive. Such people start
crossing a street once they see the signal in the opposite lane turns to
yellow. They are rational and individualistic in a good sense.
Tourist Statistics & Tourist Volume
According to JNTO, the estimated number of
international travelers to Japan in January reached to 2.3million (+24% from
January 2016), recording the highest figure for January and second highest on
monthly basis following July 2016
Overseas Residents' Visits to Japan by
month in 2016
Available Activities based on Climate
Spring
March
|
|
Mid – March
|
March Grand Sumo Tournament (Osaka
Prefectural Gymnasium)
|
March 18 - 24
|
Spring Higan-e Ceremony (Shitennoji Temple)
|
Late-March to early-April
|
Cherry blossom viewing (Osaka Castle Nishinomaru
Garden and various locations)
|
April
|
|
Early-April for approx. 3 weeks
|
April Bunraku Performance (National Bunraku Theatre)
|
Early- to mid-April
|
Cherry blossom viewing in Japan Mint
|
April 13
|
Rice Planting Ritual (Kumata Shrine)
|
Mid- to late-April
|
Spring Boating Festival (Temmabashi Bridge)
※An event to enjoy
spring by water and land
|
April 22
|
Shoryo-e (Shitennoji Temple)
※Dance celebrating
the anniversary of Prince Shotoku Taishi’s death
|
One day between late-April to early-May
|
Concert under the Starry Sky (Osaka Castle
Nishinomaru Garden)
|
May
|
|
Late-April to late-May
|
Peak rose blossom period (various locations: Nagai
Botanical Garden, Nakanoshima Park, Utsubo Park, Expo ’90 Commemorative Park
Tsurumi Ryokuchi)
|
May 1 - 5
|
Manbu Oneri Ritual (Dainenbutsu ji Temple)
※Recreating the
world of paradise, a unique event to celebrate the blessings of faith to the
common people
|
Early-May
|
Unoha Ritual (Sumiyoshi Taisha
Shrine)
※A ritual to
commemorate the establishment of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
※A solemn festival
with a dedicated dance on the stone stage
|
Early-May
|
Midosuji Open Festa (Midosuji Shinsaibashi - Namba)
※Osaka’s famous
main street is open to pedestrians
|
Late-May to early-June
|
Peak iris blossom period (Shirokita Park, etc.)
|
Summer
June
|
|
Early June
|
June Bunraku Appreciation Class
(National Bunraku Theatre)
|
June 14
|
Rice Planting Ritual (Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine)
※A ritual
designated as an Important Intangible Folk-Cultural Property
|
Mid to late June
|
Peak hydrangea blossom period (various locations:
Osaka Prefectural Nature Park Nukata Site, Ikasuri Shrine, Osaka Prefectural
Flower Garden)
|
Late
June to Early July
|
Peak lotus blossom period (Nagai Botanical Garden)
|
June 30 – July 2
|
Aizen Festival (Shoman-in Aizen-do)
※Marking the
arrival of the summer festival season in Osaka
|
July
|
|
July 7
|
Heisei OSAKA Legend of the Milky Way (Temmabashi
Bridge - Nakanoshima Park)
※Milky Way is
recreated by a stream of LED-powered bulbs on the Okawa River
|
July 11 - 12
|
Summer festival at Ikukunitama Shrine
※A summer festival
at a city shrine pays particular respect to formalities
|
July 11 - 14
|
Summer festival at Kumata Shrine
※A dynamic festival
with nine floats traveling about the city
|
July 15 - 16
|
Summer festival at Tamatsukuri Inari Shrine
※Summer festival at
Tamatsukuri Inari Shrine
|
July
18 - 19
|
Drum Stand Festival (Kanda Shrine, Kaizuka city)
|
July 24 - 25
|
Tenjin Matsuri Festival (Osaka Temmangu Shrine )
※One of three major
festivals in Japan. The climax is a boat procession of over 100 vessels
coming and going on the Okawa River on the evening of the 25th
|
Late July to early August
|
Osaka Castle Summer Festival (Osaka Castle Park)
A Summer Vacation Bunraku
|
July 30 - August 1
|
Sumiyoshi Festival (Sumiyoshi
Taisha Shrine)
※Osaka’s final summer festival
|
August
|
|
Early August
|
A Naniwa Yodogawa River Firework Display (Yodogawa
River riverbanks)
|
Early August
|
An All-Nippon Kawachi Ondo Dancing Competition
(Yamato River riverbanks, Kashiwara city)
|
August 8
|
A court dance under torch light (Shitennoji Temple)
|
August 11 - 12
|
Osaka Takigi Noh (Ikukunitama Shrine)
※Noh drama under
torch light
|
August 13 - 16
|
Urabon-e (Shitennoji Temple)
※A mystical candle
light service to honor ancestors
|
August 24
|
Gangara Fire Festival
|
Autumn
September
|
|
First Saturday & Sunday
|
Hikohachi Festival (Ikukunitama
Shrine)
※A fan appreciation
festival dedicated to Hikohachi Yonezawa, one of the pioneers of Kamigata
rakugo, including outdoor stalls and an open-air stage
|
One week in early September
|
Osaka Classic (Midosuji area)
※A classical music
event with various concerts around Midosuji
|
August 15 of the Lunar Calendar
|
Moon viewing event (Osaka Temmangu Shrine, Sumiyoshi
Taisha Shrine)
|
The first and second days prior to the third Monday
|
Kishiwada Danjiri Festival (around Kishiwada and
Haruki stations on Nankai Railway)
|
September 20 - 26
|
Autumnal Higan-e (Shitennoji Temple)
|
October
|
|
Second Monday
|
Dango Tea Ceremony (Tamatsukuri Shrine)
※Tea party
associated with Taiko Hideyoshi
|
One week in early October
|
World Super Junior Tennis Championship (Utsubo
Sports Center)
※Competition
between up-and-coming tennis stars
|
Early October
|
Midosuji Kappo (Yodoyabashi, Shimbashi)
※Midosuji Street is
open for pedestrians
|
Mid October to Mid Nov
|
Osaka Castle Chrysanthemum Festival (Osaka Castle
Park)
Osaka City Chrysanthemum Fair (Tennoji Park)
|
Late
October
|
Aqua Metropolis Osaka Festival (various locations
including Nakanoshima Park and Hachikenyahama)
※Celebrating Osaka’s waterways with boat rides, guided walks and more Osaka Marathon
(INTEX Osaka, etc.)
|
November
|
|
Early November
|
A special viewing of the Important Cultural
Properties Sengan Yagura and Tamon Yagura (castle turrets) (Osaka Castle
Park)
|
Early November for approx. 3 weeks
|
Bunraku performance (National
Bunraku Theatre)
|
November 22 - 23
|
Shinno Festival (Sukunahikona Shrine)
※Festival where
people come to collect a lucky papier-mache tiger
|
Mid Nov to early Dec
|
Peak autumn leaf viewing (various locations: Osaka
Castle Park, Amanosan Kongoji Temple, Minoh, Settsukyo Gorge Park)
|
Early August
|
An All-Nippon Kawachi Ondo Dancing Competition
(Yamato River riverbanks, Kashiwara city)
|
Winter
December
|
|
December 14
|
Gishi-sai Festival (Kisshoji
Temple)
|
Mid December for approx. 2 weeks
|
Osaka Hikari-Renaissance (Nakanoshima area)
※The Nakanoshima
area glows with an illumination of lights
|
Mid Dec to mid-January
|
Midosuji Illumination (Midosuji, Yodoyabashi
intersection - Shimbashi intersection approx. 1.9km)
|
December 25
|
Sacred Rice-Straw Hawser Hanging Ritual (Hiraoka
Shrine, Higashiosaka city)
|
January
|
|
December 31 - 1 January
|
First shrine visits on New Year’s Day (various sites
in the city)
※New Year’s Eve bell ringing at Shitennoji Temple and New Year’s Day first shrine visits on at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine and other
locations
|
January 3 for approx. 3 weeks
|
New Year Bunraku Performance
(National Bunraku Theatre)
|
January 7
|
White Horse Shinto Ritual (Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine)
※A ritual based on
a traditional belief that seeing a white horse on New Year’s Day is a sign of good luck
|
January 9 - 11
|
Ten-day Ebisu (Imamiya Ebisu Shrine, Horikawa Ebisu
Shrine)
※One of Osaka’s signature festivals where people pray for good business in the
year to come
|
January
14
|
Doya-doya (Shitennoji Temple)
※A unique festival
where young men compete vigorously to lay hold of a talisman
|
Third
Sunday
|
Tug-of-War Ritual (Namba Yasaka Shrine)
※A rope shaped like
a large serpent is pulled to forecast the fortune of the year
|
Last
Sunday
|
Osaka Women’s Marathon (Nagai Stadium)
|
February
|
|
February 3
|
Setsubun (Abiko Kannon, various sites in the city)
※Spring starts on
February 4 in the Japanese calendar. This event, held on the day before,
features scattering of beans to ward off evil spirits and attract good
fortune. See people in costume roaming the shopping quarters of Kita and
Minami.
|
Mid February to Early March
|
Peak plum blossom period (Osaka
Castle Park)
※Osaka Castle Park
Plum Orchard is one of the best in the Kansai area.
|
Train
Railway is a major public transportation for Japanese people and has a very
well established network nationwide. It's very accessible which at the same
time, these public facilities such as ramps, escalators, and elevators are
available at major stations. Train car floors and platforms are usually level,
making it easier to get on and off the train. Special issues which need to be
reminded that Tokyo metropolitan area can get extremely crowded during morning
and evening peak hours, sometimes too dangerous to move around in
wheelchairs.
Shinkansen
Shinkansen (bullet train) is the fastest and the most convenient express train
in Japan, and all stations are wheelchair accessible. Elevators on platforms
are available for all passengers. Train car floors and platforms are almost
level, but train doors are not so wide 71cm. The aisle width is 57cm. They have
a wheelchair friendly coach (#11 of Tokaido Shinkansen), equipped with wider
doors 101cm, spacious toilet, wheelchair space, and even a special private room.
Wheelchair space and multipurpose room requires advance booking and additional
fare for reserved seat.
Metro
Most stations have very good accessibility; elevators, almost no
steps and gaps between platforms and train cars. It may have difficulty at times
in finding elevators from the street, because terminal buildings have many
entrances. Also be careful of the crowd when using Tokyo Metro during morning
and evening peak hours.
Bus
In Japan, there are more non-step buses recently, but the number of such
vehicles is still less than half of all the buses operating, and even less in
country side areas. Although nonstop buses are physically accessible by
wheelchair, it may sometimes feel uncomfortable sensing rejection or
non-welcoming atmosphere among drivers or other passengers. Japanese roads and streets are not wide
enough to leave much space around the bus stop area, so it may sometimes find
it difficult to board a bus. Also Japanese buses are not so big.
Long Distance Bus
Long
distance buses are called “highway bus” or “limousine bus” in Japan, and they
are the cheapest means of transportation. Many different bus operators form
network among major cities. Unfortunately, buses are not wheelchair friendly
because they only have stairs at the door, and there are no wheelchair
accessible toilets inside. But still, if
you request the front row seat, kind drivers and passengers will help
Taxi
Unfortunately, taxi fare is not cheap in Japan. Most taxis are small sedan type
cars, and in urban areas, many cars carry natural gas tanks in the trunk,
leaving less space to load wheelchairs. Care taxi (welfare taxi) services,
which you can board on your wheelchair, are available. They normally provide transportation
service for elderly and disabled people in the local community, but can also be
chartered for sightseeing purpose. This
will be useful especially when you are traveling in a group or with your
family.
Rental Car
In Japan, you can also rent a car.
If you are going to drive, be reminded that most cars are automatic, and
not many manual cars are available.
Also, there is basically no (or very limited) service for hand
controllers. If someone in your group is
going to drive, some car rental companies have cars with lifts. With this, you can go wherever you like.
Ship
Ship
Japan being
an island country, ship (ferry) network is very well established. Most of these services are owned and operated
by small local companies. Ships are basically wheelchair accessible, with
slopes at the boarding site. Some smaller ships may have steps at the door, but
a kind and mighty ship crews will help you out. New vessels are legally
required to have space and restroom for wheelchair passengers. Bigger car ferries,
long distance vessels, and new ships have elevators inside, but not for the
older ones. So in this case, you will have to stay either on the deck or in
your car.
Air
Kansai International Airport is the main airport: it is a rectangular artificial island that sits off-shore in Osaka Bay and services Osaka and its surrounding cities of Nara, Kobe, and Kyoto. Three mountains were excavated to create the island on which the airport is situated. The project became the most expensive civil works project in modern history, after twenty years of planning, three years of construction and twenty billion dollars of investment. However, much of what was learned went into the successful artificial islands in silt deposits for New Kitakyushu Airport, Kobe Airport, and Chubu International Airport. The airport opened in 1994. On January 17, 1995, the airport survived unscathed through the Kobe earthquake, whose epicenter was only 20 km away, mostly due to the use of sliding joints in its construction. In 1998, the airport survived a typhoon with wind speeds of up to 200 km/h. On April 19, 2001, the airport was one of ten structures given the "Civil Engineering Monument of the Millennium" award by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Kansai is the geographical term for the area of western Honshū surrounding Osaka. The airport is linked by a bus and train service into the center of the city and major suburbs. Osaka International Airport, laid over the border between the cities of Itami and Toyonaka, still houses most of the domestic service from the metropolitan region.You will not find any accessibility problems at airports. Most airports have bridges, so it is easy to board and disembark aircraft. If someone needs any special assistance on a domestic flight, he or she can go and ask at the boarding counter. Free wheelchair rental service is available at all airports, and if necessary, airport staff will guide your way. Powered (electric) wheelchair passengers should consult the airline company in advance for special assistance.
Personal Reflection
In overall, I would say Japan is a great country for a tourist to travel along with friend or family. Beside communication problem, in other point of view, they do have a lot advanced technologies and also a lot convenience public transportation. When travelling alone in Japan, you will not worries u couldn’t get any food or place to stay, because convenience shop and accommodation located anywhere, vending machines also you could see anywhere. Not only that, their hospitality service is very professional not matter is intangible or tangible service, as in mostly they provide you a wonderful stay no matter where you from, with their facilities, some of the accommodation which include Japanese Public Bathing to allow local to enjoy your style of living and at the same time it allow the traveler to enjoy and exposes what local culture seem like.
Recommendation To Improve
The recommendation that I could suggest so far is to improve communication issue. Based on my experience, travelling in any place in Japan beside high-end city, it is very difficult to find a local who can speak international language which is English. When both parties couldn’t connect the conversation it’s very difficult to achieve the goal where like for example, I would like to ask how to go shinkansen, although they roughly can get what I mean because they hear the word shinkansen, it is their language, but if in the sentence it’s all pure English language, they are not able to reply you with the language that you speak. Beside communication, although in Japan is very convenience because u could easily get transportation anywhere to the destination that you wish to go, but in public transport, some of the signboard is showed Japanese word with some of the mandarin word, but there is not English working so it cause inconvenience to other traveller who doesn’t understand Chinese word. Last thing I would like to recommend making improvement which is increase the number of public dustbins in public area. Thru my experience, it is very difficult to get a dustbins to throw your rubbish, mostly u might saw those recycle rubbish bins but we are not able to throw as those item are not able to be recycle.
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References
1.
Introduction to Osaka, Osaka
Prefectural Government, available from: http://www.pref.osaka.lg.jp/f-iko/koho/en/introduction/index.html,
Last view on 18th of March.
2.
Osaka Convention & Tourism
Bureau, Osaka Info, http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/
, Last view on 18th of March.
3.
The Editors of Encyclopædia
Britannica (2015), List of cities and towns in Japan, available from: https://global.britannica.com/topic/list-of-cities-and-towns-in-Japan-2039519#toc330414/,
Last view on 18th of March.
4.
Japan Tourism Marketing Co.
(2017), Japan-bound Statistics, available from: http://www.tourism.jp/en/tourism-database/stats/inbound/,
Last view on 18th of March.
5.
City of Yokohama (2017),
Population News of Major Cities, available from: http://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/ex/stat/jinko/city/new-e.html,
Last view on 18th of March.
6.
Japan Accessible Tourism Center
(2016), available from: http://www.japan-accessible.com/index.htm,
Last view on 18th of March.
1.
10 Top-Rated Tourist
Attractions in Osaka (2017), available from: http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/osaka-jpn-ks-o.htm,
Last View on 31st of March.
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