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Osaka, Japan
Photo: Nankou Oronain (as36…, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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住吉大社
One of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines, with a history stretching back 1800 years. Its traditional architecture is unusual among Japan's shrines, and its park-like surroundings with the sacred bridge arching over a tranquil pond make it a restful break from the busy environment of Osaka.
飛田新地 / Red-light district
This is Japan's largest red-light district outside Tokyo, where ladies pose at genkan entrances Amsterdam-style to attract clientele, accompanied by an older woman (called a yarite-baba or mama-san) who serves as the pimp and collects money from customers. However, this place is arguably more interesting to walk through than its Amsterdam counterpart, and most of the brothels operate out historic buildings dating back to the Taisho era (1912-1926), giving visitors a rare glimpse into what Japanese red-light districts looked like before the prostitution ban came into effect in 1958. No photographs allowed, even in the streets! Women walking through the area will be met with stern looks from the mama-san making it clear that they are not welcome, and even foreign men have long been unwelcome, though that is gradually changing as a few of the brothels have started accepting foreign customers if they can speak Japanese. If you don't mind that, it is well worth the experience, even if you just came for the looks.
セレッソ大阪
The local J. League soccer team plays at Nagai Stadium.
ヤンマースタジアム長居
Nagai Stadium is the home of the professional soccer team Cerezo Osaka.
鯛よし百番
Most of the "restaurants" in the area are really brothels in disguise (since prostitution is illegal in Japan), but this extravagant century-old brothel is a Tangible Cultural Property that has been turned into an actual restaurant open to the public. Specialities include hot pot dishes like sukiyaki and yosenabe.
フォーリーブスイン長居
Hiro's Guesthouse is in the heart of Koreatown in Osaka. It is a little far from the station, but in a nice, social neighbourhood. The open first floor of the guesthouse is very social and great to hang out and make friends at. Hiro and the others go out of their way to help and ensure you have a good time - this is more than just a place to sleep at.
大阪市立長居ユースホステル
長居パークホテル
The Nankai line from Kansai Airport to Namba passes through Nishinari Ward, while the JR line from the airport loops further inland through Abeno and Sumiyoshi.
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Osaka · International · ITM
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