Trivia & fun facts about Osaka Prefecture

There are many fossils in the underground mall in Umeda.

In Osaka’s Umeda, an extensive underground city spreads out, and because of its vastness and maze-like passages, it’s sometimes called the Umeda Dungeon or Umeda Underground Labyrinth.

While the underground expanse and the complexity of its routes often draw attention, another noteworthy feature is the presence of fossils in various places.

It’s said that the main reason fossils can be seen is the use of marble on walls and pillars.

The walls were built during the bubble era, using marble quarried in Europe as-is, which allowed the fossils embedded inside to appear on the surface.

It makes you want to visit in person to see where and what kinds of fossils are embedded there.

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Osaka has the longest shopping street in Japan.

Osaka, also known as the nation’s kitchen, is home to many shopping arcades.

In fact, Osaka boasts the longest shopping arcade in Japan! It’s the Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street in Kita Ward, Osaka City, stretching about 2.6 kilometers.

In addition to foodie favorites like takoyaki and croquettes, there are places to try on kimono and plenty of souvenir shops, making it a perfect spot for sightseeing in Osaka.

By the way, the “Tenjin” in Tenjinbashisuji refers to Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, which is located very close to the arcade.

When you visit Osaka, be sure to check out this spot where you can truly feel the spirit of the city of commerce.

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In Osaka City, north–south roads are called “XX-suji,” and east–west roads are called “XX-dori.”

When you look at place names and train lines in Osaka, it’s striking how often “-suji” and “-dōri” are used.

There’s a rule behind them: roads running north–south are called suji, and roads running east–west are called dōri.

The city of Osaka is laid out like a grid where suji and dōri intersect, so if you remember the major ones, it can be helpful for sightseeing.

Unlike Kyoto, which was modeled after Tang China, it’s said that Toyotomi Hideyoshi created this cityscape for administrative purposes.

Feeling the history through the shape of the town is another interesting point.

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The platform at Tsuruhashi Station smells like grilled meat.

At Tsuruhashi Station, which serves JR, Kintetsu, and Osaka Metro lines, you’re greeted by the aroma of grilled yakiniku the moment you step onto the platform.

It’s no wonder—right outside the station there are lots of yakiniku restaurants lined up! If you get off the train hungry, you’ll definitely crave yakiniku.

In fact, this very scent at Tsuruhashi Station was chosen for the Ministry of the Environment’s “100 Fragrant Landscapes.” If you love meat, be sure to savor the aroma at Tsuruhashi Station and then enjoy some delicious yakiniku at one of the restaurants!

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Around Osaka Castle, it’s all 1-chome.

Osaka Castle, known for having been built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, is a beloved local spot also called Taikō-han’s castle.

One reason it feels like a symbol of Osaka is the prevalence of districts named 1-chome around it.

Because the addresses are ordered outward from the castle—1-chome closest, then 2-chome, and so on—there end up being many 1-chome areas around Osaka Castle.

There are similar examples in Japanese place names, such as Bizen, Bitchu, and Bingo being named by their proximity to the capital, offering a handy bit of trivia that shows what was considered central in a given area.

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