Osaka

Founded in 1982, the Museum of Oriental Ceramics has one of the largest collections of ceramics in the world, with some 2 700 rare pieces exhibited in rotation. — Michelin Guide

You cannot miss the forest of buildings and upturned roofs of Osaka Castle. — Michelin Guide

Stepping into Shin Sekai is a chance to see the Osaka of a generation ago. — Fodor's

Informative as it is enjoyable, the Osaka Museum of History immerses you in the city's history from pre-feudal times to the early 20th century. — Fodor's

Tenno-ji, as this temple is popularly known, is one of the most important historic sights in Osaka and the oldest temple in Japan. — Fodor's

Osaka's landmark Sky Building (1993) resembles a 40-storey, space-age Arc de Triomphe. — Lonely Planet

Nearly every major city in Japan has its tower, and while they all offer lovely views, most are not much to look at themselves. — Fodor's

Founded in the 10th century, this shrine is where Osaka students come to pray for success: it's dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, also known as Tenjin-san, the Shintō god of scholarship. — Lonely Planet

Sumiyoshi Taisha is one of three shrines built prior to the arrival of Buddhism in Japan (the other two are Ise Jingu in Mie Prefecture and Izumo Taisha in Tottori Prefecture). — Fodor's