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Located in the west of Honshu, Osaka is the third largest city in Japan and an important centre for industry, trade and technology. It\'s history dates back to the Asuka period, and it was the country\'s former capital from 683 to 745. It continued to play an important role after it lost this title and became known as the \'nation\'s kitchen\', due to its prominence for distributing rice. Industrial development also benefited the city and vast fortunes were made by local entrepreneurs.

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Osaka Castle: is one of the most popular attractions and the largest of its kind in Japan. Construction started in 1583 and lasted for 3 years, using more than 600,000 workers. The huge stone walls that surrounded the castle were 3kms long and 2kms wide. It was destroyed by the Tokugawa clan in 1615 and then rebuilt in their own style.

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Shitennoji Temple: was built in 593 and is Japan\'s oldest state-founded temple. It was originally built by the Emperor Suiko but has been reconstructed several times due to fires. The temple is notable as a rare example of a continental style due to the layout of the buildings inside the complex.

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