OSAKA

Japan's third largest city is a metropolis studded with skyscrapers, including the breathtaking Umeda Sky Building, with its twin towers connected by a fantastic circular observatory, and the 300-metre high Abenobashi Terminal Building. From above, at night, Osaka projects us into the future: contemplating the spectacular glass and metal panorama, you almost forget that Osaka is located in the Kansai region, in the south of the large island of Honshu and facing Shikoku, the island guardian of Japanese history. Remind yourself with a visit to Osaka Castle, symbol of the reunification of the Japanese archipelago. It was the field of prestigious battles and major wars in the history of Japan.

Further down the map, in the south of the city, beats the heart of Japan in the country's oldest Buddhist shrine, the Shitennō-ji Temple, near Tennōji Park. Here, the whole aesthetic of the Japanese garden awaits you, with its pond full of turtles, carp, and water lilies, its century-old trimmed shrubs, its cherry blossoms and small bridges, and, of course, its tea pavilion. The garden was designed over a ten-year period at the end of the 19th century by the legendary landscape artist Ueji. A century and a few subway stations separate it from the hanging gardens of Namba Parks, which transform the lively Namba neighbourhood into a futuristic Babylon.

Inevitably, you will find yourself drawn towards Dōtonbori, attracted by the culinary reputation of the neighbourhood, renowned as both Osaka’s Times Square and the belly of the nation. In a joyous confusion, you can stroll along the colourful, gourmet streets and even discover, as you turn down a narrow lane, the soul of old Osaka from the Edo epoch, quivering like a firefly.

Take advantage of your stay to discover the Osaka area: Kyoto, of course, but also Kobe, Hiroshima, Nara, and Himeji Castle.