9^th World Congres on Probiotics, Functional foods & Nutraceuticals February 17-18, 2020 Osaka, Japan

Tokyo may have more money and Kyoto more culture; Nara may have more history and Kobe more style. But Osaka has the biggest heart – Vikas Swarup

Osaka is a designated city in the Kansai region of Japan. Osaka is a cosmopolitan city near the ancient capital, Kyoto, best known for its dynamic food and drinking culture. Being the capital of Osaka prefecture and the third-largest city in Japan, with a population of 2.7 million. It has been the economic powerhouse of the Kansai Region for many centuries. The historical highlight of Osaka is undeniably a beautiful Osaka Castle - perched on top of a hill and surrounded by a moat and beautiful Nishinomaru Garden. Osaka has also been known as the “nation’s kitchen” and is known for its food, in Japan and abroad. Regional cuisine includes okonomiyaki (pan-fried batter cake), takoyaki (octopus in fried batter), udon (a noodle dish), as well as the traditional oshizushi (pressed sushi). And okonomiyaki is arguably Osaka's most famous dish.

One of the most famous festivals held in Osaka, the Tenjin Matsuri. Other festivals in Osaka include the Aizen Matsuri, the Sumiyoshi Matsuri, and Tōka-Ebisu. The annual Osaka Asian Film Festival takes place in Osaka every March. The National Museum of Art (NMAO) is a subterranean Japanese and international art museum, housing mainly collections from the post-war era. Osaka Science Museum is in a five storied building next to the National Museum of Art, with a planetarium and an OMNIMAX theatre. Tourist attractions include Amusement parks, Shin-michi/Kitashinchi district – Well known for its upscale dining and hostess clubs, also offers more reasonably priced izakaya as well as bars and nightclubs that cater to tourists and foreigners.