Osaka Prefecture forms western Japan's largest economic metropolitan area, developing as commercial city center known as "nation's kitchen." Housing World Heritage "Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Groups," it represents region with rich history and culture continuing from ancient times to present.

"Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Groups" (registered 2019) represents kofun groups built from late 4th through late 5th centuries, with 49 kofun including Nintoku Emperor Mausoleum (Daisen Kofun) registered as World Cultural Heritage. Nintoku Emperor Mausoleum, Japan's largest keyhole-shaped tomb mound at approximately 486 meters long, ranks among world's three great tombs alongside Egypt's Khufu Pyramid and China's First Emperor's Mausoleum.

Osaka Castle, castle construction begun by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1583, features keep reconstructed in 1931. Built on Ishiyama Honganji Temple ruins, this castle served as Toyotomi family base and Siege of Osaka battlefield. Toyokuni Shrine within castle grounds enshrines Hideyoshi, while Osaka Castle Park is beloved for cherry blossoms.

Sumiyoshi Taisha, head shrine of approximately 2,300 nationwide Sumiyoshi shrines, represents ancient shrine with over 1,800 years history. Four main hall buildings designated as national treasures feature distinctive Sumiyoshi-zukuri architectural style. New Year shrine visit numbers rank highest in Kansai, with approximately 2.3 million annual visitors.

Shitennoji Temple, one of Japan's oldest authentic Buddhist temples built by Prince Shotoku in 593, features Shitennoji-style temple layout with chumon gate, five-story pagoda, golden hall, and lecture hall aligned straight, serving as Japanese temple architecture prototype. Current buildings, reconstructed postwar, faithfully recreate ancient temple layouts.

Dotonbori, representative Osaka entertainment district, developed as theater quarter continuing from Edo period. Scenes with flashy signboards including Glico signs and Kani Doraku crab signs represent globally famous Osaka symbols. Also battlegrounds for Osaka gourmet including takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu.

Shinsekai, pleasure quarter developed in 1912, represents downtown atmospheric area symbolized by Tsutenkaku Tower. Original Tsutenkaku built in 1912, current second generation completed in 1956. Surrounding areas feature numerous kushikatsu shops as kushikatsu birthplace.

Osaka food culture features "kona-mon" (flour-based) dishes using wheat flour, with takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu as representatives. Takoyaki, allegedly originating around 1935, now represents globally known Osaka soul food. Okonomiyaki features Kansai-style abundant vegetables seasoned with sauce and mayonnaise.

Hanshin Koshien Stadium, representative Japanese baseball stadium opened in 1924, is beloved as National High School Baseball Championship sacred ground. Koshien soil symbolizes young players' dreams, with summer Koshien representing Japanese summer traditions.

Universal Studios Japan (USJ), theme park opened in 2001, attracts popularity through attractions experiencing Hollywood movie worlds. Recent additions including Nintendo World and Harry Potter areas create major Kansai tourist destinations welcoming approximately 15 million annual visitors.