For centuries known as the "Merchant City" Osaka is at the hub of bustling Kansai a name identifying the region between Kobe right up to Kyoto and containing some 30 million of Japan's population.
The merchant personal is exemplified by the local greeting in the local dialect of Japanese known as Osaka Ben. When presented with the phrase "Moo Karri Makka" a polite response is "Bochi Bochi Denn Na". The first means are you making a profit and the reply means - no, not very much. How's business would be a close Western equivalent but unlike the Japanese propensity for politeness the Westerner would usually respond in the positive.
Osaka has two main areas, linked by the one way eight lane road Mido Suji Dori. On the north side there lies the CBD of Osaka, Umeda which has the world's largest underground shopping precinct. One can travel the length and breadth of Umeda without ever coming to the surface. Very convenient during the rainy season.
At the southern end lies Namba with such satellite areas as America Mura - the fashion centre for the young and young at heart, and Shinsaibashi famous for its wall to wall nightclubs, shot bars and pubs.
Umeda's information centre is The Blarney Stone owned by a long time Osaka resident and consummate Irishman, Tom. In the south side the same would apply by paying a visit to the very famous, and first English Pub in Japan - The Pig and Whistle (Osaka Branch as there is also a branch in Kyoto). The owner Mori San is most affable and both he and his patrons of Japanese and expatriates will bend over backwards to lend you assistance. Mention our name and the first beer is on us!!