Osaka was founded in the 5th century and is situated in a bay of the same name. The city flourished from the 6th century onwards and continued to grow and prosper over the centuries: it expanded tremendously during the industrial revolution and became one of the world’s principal rice markets.

Much of the city was destroyed by bombs during the Second World War but Osaka still has old buildings and monuments reflecting the charm and refinement of its culture (the Shitennoji Buddhist temple is the finest example), at the same time modernising and now has high buildings on a par with the most modern cities in North America.