Explore the cities, localities, and regional context that make up Ōsaka.
Ōsaka is a prefecture of Japan.
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Regional answer
Where does Ōsaka fit?
Ōsaka is a prefecture of Japan. This directory lists 57 cities and localities in Ōsaka.
Country
Japan
Administrative type
Prefecture
Listed localities
57
About Ōsaka
Osaka is a prefecture in the Kansai region of western Japan, centered on the vibrant city of Osaka, the nation's second-largest metropolitan area. Long known as the kitchen of Japan, it is famous for its food, commerce and outgoing, humorous culture. It is a dynamic counterpoint to the more formal Tokyo.
Osaka Prefecture sits on Osaka Bay where the Yodo River meets the sea, a densely urbanised plain ringed by mountains. It is one of the smallest prefectures by area but among the most populous. The climate is humid subtropical.
Osaka is celebrated for its street food, including takoyaki and okonomiyaki, its comedy tradition, and a famously friendly, direct local character. Landmarks include Osaka Castle and the neon-lit Dotonbori entertainment district.
An ancient center of trade once known as Naniwa, Osaka served briefly as an imperial capital and grew into Japan's mercantile heart during the Edo period. It remains a powerhouse of commerce, manufacturing and food culture.
Key facts
Its capital is the city of Osaka, Japan's second-largest urban area.
It is nicknamed the kitchen of Japan for its food culture.
Osaka Castle is a major historic landmark.
The Dotonbori district is famous for neon signs and street food.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Osaka is a prefecture in the Kansai region of western Japan, centered on the vibrant city of Osaka, the nation's second-largest metropolitan area. Long known as the kitchen of Japan, it is famous for its food, commerce and outgoing, humorous culture. It is a dynamic counterpoint to the more formal Tokyo.
