Osaka, Japan is a city of contrasts. Demure and dynamic. Ancient and avant-garde. Traditional and trendy. Each season in Osaka also brings contrasts. Visit in the springtime and savor the glory of the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Summers are hot and humid and fireworks often light the evening sky. Fall ushers in brilliant red and gold foliage, temperate days and ceremonies for the Harvest Moon and winter brings a glittering showcase of holiday lights.
Known as the “Water Metropolis” because of the vast amount of coastal waterfront, rivers and canals, a water tour of Osaka is a must. Cruise the canals throughout Osaka listening to “Rakugo” storytelling on a Naniwa Tanken Cruise. Take a cruise on the Osaka Aqua-Liner, a long, flat boat that skims the water surface easily passing under low bridges. See Osaka from the water with a cruise aboard the Santa Maria (an up-sized version of Columbus’ sailing ship in which he discovered America). Or, hop on an old-fashioned wooden river ferry and journey across the rivers as passengers have been doing since ancient times.
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