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| Osaka was first established on the lower reaches of the Yodo River, which flows into Osaka Bay. This large city has always prospered as a rival of Tokyo and the center of Western Japan. It has always flourished, first as a port town, then as a temple town, and then as a castle town. The area south of Osaka Station called "Kita" has many high-rise hotels, department stores, and high-class night clubs. There are also many large restaurant and shopping streets underground. Areas near the Yodo River show just how commercial this city really is; Nakanoshima Island, with a number of classical buildings, government offices, and office buildings; remains of Osaka Castle, built by Hideyoshi Toyotomi; the Kitahama financial district in Senba, where merchants were located; Doshu-cho, a pharmaceutical town: and Dobuike, a textile town. Midosuji Avenue, lined with ginkgo trees, runs from north to south, with numerous office buildings lining the street. The arcade of Shinsaibashisuji Avenue has various small shops. The areas of Dotonbori and Namba, collectively called "Minami," are known for their many gourmet restaurants and are called the town of "Kuidaore" (which means you might die from eating too much). These areas are lit up with neon lights and have countless restaurants, night clubs, and bars. There are also great storytellers´ theaters, play theaters, and cinemas. These areas represent the energetic and dynamic atmosphere of Osaka. Bay areas such as Tempozan and Osaka Nanko have been rapidly developed over the past several years and have been attracting more and more people after the opening of Universal Studios Japan. |
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