Conference Venue: Osaka

Introduction

For 1400 years, Osaka has been a gathering place. Often called the Water Metropolis, the city has since ancient times been the destination point of busy river and sea routes from China and Korea as well as from other parts of Japan. Sailing into Naniwaku, as the city's bustling port was known, people met here to trade goods and ideas.
Between the third and eighth centuries, Osaka was declared the nation's capital several times and was a principal center of trade and cultural exchange with China.
In later time, Osaka remained one of Japan's most important centers: in the Middle Ages as a base for pilgrimages to many of the region's temples and in early modern times as the so-called Kitchen of the Land.
Long a center for lively exchange in business and culture, Osaka is a product of its distinctive history: the city goes its own way with its own character, and the people are unabashedly hospitable and fun-loving.
Whatever the season, Osaka -- the ancient and the modern -- lies waiting to capture your imagination and steal your heart. And as Japan's gourmet capital, it's sure to make you hungry for more. With something to suit everyone's taste, Osaka is yours to enjoy.

Climate

Located at a latitude of 34o35'-46' degrees north and a longitude of 135o23'-36' degrees east. Although there is considerable seasonal variation, the climate is relatively warm.

Telephones

To make a call from a public telephone, pick up the receiver, put in a JPY10 or JPY100 coin, or a telephone card, and dial the number.

Tourist information services

The Osaka Visitors Information Centers are open everyday (except from the end of December to January 3) from 8:00 to 20:00. There are maps available, as well as brochures giving information on sightseeing, shopping, restaurants, and accomodation. All staff speak English.

Visitors Information Center (Shin-Osaka) 06-6305-3311
Visitors Information Center (Umeda) 06-6345-2189
Visitors Information Center (Namba) 06-6643-2125
Visitors Information Center (Tennoji) 06-6774-3077
Kobe Information Center Hello Station Kobe 078-322-0220
Kyoto City Information Center 075-343-6655
Nara City Information Center 0742-22-3960

Transport

Osaka is roughly in the middle of Japan and is very conveniently placed for travel in all directions. The city's transport network is very developed. Subways make it possible to reach anywhere in the city within about 30 minutes. Osaka is about 30 minutes by train from Kyoto and Nara with their many cultural and historical sight.

Fares and Travel Time to Major Cities in Kansaki
OSAKA-KOBE
JR Shin-Osaka15 min. JPY1,380*JR Shin-Kobe
JR Osaka22 min. JPY390JR Sannomiya
Hankyu Umeda26 min. JPY310Hankyu Sannomiya
Hanshin Umeda26 min. JPY310Hanshin Sannomiya
OSAKA-NARA
JR Tennoji30 min. JPY450JR Nara
Kintetsu Namba35 min. JPY540Kintetsu Nara
OSAKA-KYOTO
JR Shin-Osaka17 min. JPY1,380*JR Kyoto
JR Osaka30 min. JPY540JR Kyoto
Hankyu Umeda42 min. JPY390Hankyu Kawaramachi
Keihan Yoboyabashi48 min. JPY460Keihan DemachiYanagi
* Includes express fare of Shinkansen

Other information : Jump to other site

ICAM2010