Osaka Castle Reigns As Top Draw To Foreigners

Above, yours truly at Osaka Castle in 2015.

Over the years, I have been to Osaka Castle twice.

The first was during the 2004 G-TOUR, a tour of Japan of Godzilla fans to sites and attractions associated with "The King of the Monsters." Osaka Castle was featured in Godzilla Raids Again (1955). The second time was during my 2015 trip to Japan.

Above, Osaka Castle in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to an article posted by Kyodo News, Osaka Castle reigns as the top draw among foreign visitors.

It begins with:

TOKYO, Japan Wire - Osaka Castle was the most popular of Japan’s castles among foreign visitors in 2025, topping rankings for both Asian and Western tourists, according to an analysis by travel app provider Navitime Japan Co. 

While the two visitor groups showed different preferences further down the rankings due to travel styles, Osaka Castle reigned as the universal favorite between January and December last year, in rankings based on an association list of 100 notable castles in Japan.

Tokyo-based firm Navitime Japan used GPS data and survey responses gathered from users of its travel service app for foreign visitors, Japan Travel by Navitime, to compare the number and length of visits to castles between Asian and Western visitors for the analysis published in April.

Among visitors from Asia (predominantly Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong, South Korea, and China), Nagoya Castle and Kumamoto Castle made up the top three behind Osaka. 

Nijo Castle, in Kyoto, and Himeji Castle completed the top three for Western visitors (predominantly from the United States, Australia, and France). 

To read more, go here. 

TheTravel: Things To Do In Osaka

Above, for foodies, Osaka's Dotonbori district is the place to go. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When one visits Japan, they should venture out of Tokyo to see other regions and cities. There are definitely noticeable differences everywhere one goes.

One place that should be on everyone's "bucket list" is Osaka. I have visited it twice and had an enjoyable time each time. 

Above, yours truly at Osaka Castle in 2015.

For kaiju fans, Osaka was featured in Godzilla's Counterattack (1955) (a.k.a. Godzilla Raids Again) and Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989).

TheTravel has posted their "complete guide" of things to do in Osaka in three days.

They begin it with:

Osaka, the heart of Japan's Kansai region, is renowned for its culinary culture and street food scene. From mouth-watering Takoyaki to savory Okonomiyaki, Osaka's local cuisine will tantalize even the most discerning of taste buds.

But exploring the city's food culture is not the only attraction — Osaka also boasts a rich history and a unique blend of traditional and modern attractions. From the iconic Osaka Castle, a towering monument to Japan's rich feudal history, to the neon-lit streets of the Dotonbori district, a sensory explosion of colorful signs, bustling crowds, and mouth-watering aromas, there's no shortage of amazing experiences to be had in this incredible city.

Joining the ranks of Tokyo and Kyoto as one of Japan's must-visit destinations, Osaka is a city that rewards exploration, discovery, and a willingness to dive headfirst into the unknown. So pack those bags and prepare to discover the rich tapestry of culture, history, and cuisine that makes this city such a beloved destination for travelers from around the world.

This complete guide is the perfect companion to discovering the best that Osaka has to offer. Get ready to fall in love with Osaka's dynamic energy and indulge in some of the best street food in the world.

Above, a view of Osaka Business Park from Osaka Castle. It got
trashed by Godzilla in Godzilla vs. Biollante. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

Osaka Castle, Osaka's Civic Symbol

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

What Japanese castle was demolished in the second Godzilla movie?

For a G-fan that answer is easy. It was Osaka Castle in (where else?) the city of Osaka in Godzilla's Counterattack (or Godzilla Raids Again) in 1955. It got demolished during the battle between Godzilla and Anguirus.

The current Osaka Castle was built in 1931 and has now served as a symbol of Osaka for over 90 years. I first visited the Castle in 2004 during G-TOUR and then in 2015.

The Japan News has posted and article on Osaka Castle with some interesting history on the structure.

It begins with: 

OSAKA — Ask a child, “Who built Osaka Castle?” and the answer you’ll probably get is, “Carpenters!” Yet people who know their history are just as likely to say “Toyotomi Hideyoshi.” Turns out, both answers are correct.

Hideyoshi was a powerful warlord who unified Japan in the late 16th century before the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate. He is especially popular in Osaka as a historical figure who rose to power from a peasant background.

However, when it comes to the current Osaka Castle tower that has been transformed into a modern museum with the appearance of a keep, the “carpenters” answer to the riddle is still correct. The castle tower was built by major construction company Obayashi Corp.

The eight-story structure with reinforced concrete was built in 1931 as part of a project to commemorate the accession of Emperor Showa to the throne five years earlier. Since then, it has served as a landmark as well as a symbol of Osaka for more than 90 years.

To read more, go here. 

Stripes Japan: Visiting Osaka Castle

Above, Osaka Castle in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For Godzilla fans, when Osaka Castle gets mentioned, they immediately think of Godzilla Raids Again (1955) (Gojira no Gyakushū, lit. 'Godzilla's Counterattack'). For it was at Osaka Castle in the movie that Godzilla vanquishes Anguirus.

Today, Osaka Castle is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Osaka, Japan. I have visited it twice.

Above, yours truly with samurai swords at Osaka Castle in 2015.

Stripes Japan - Stars and Stripes posted an article on visiting Osaka Castle, calling it the "symbol of Japan's third largest city."

They begin with:

It only took me ten minutes of walking from JR Osakajokoen until I finally saw the tip of the castle from Osaka Park. Yet it was enough to amaze me. Even from afar I could see that the castle boasted impressive gold ornaments and intrinsic detail, making it aesthetically pleasing to the eyes.

The symbol of Osaka was built in 1583 on the former site of Ishiyama Honganji Temple, as ordered by Hideyoshi Toyotomi during the Azuchi-Momoyama Period. He was a famous warlord who successfully brought all provinces in Japan under his rule, unifying the nation in 1590.  

Every building in the complex remains in their original construction, except the main tower. It was reconstructed in 1931, following the original exterior design from the Toyotomi era. This building consists of 8 floors in total and acts as the centerpiece of the complex.

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan features a spotlight on Osaka Castle.

To read more, go here. 

10 Things To Do In Osaka

Above, Osaka Twin 21 and other buildings demolished in Godzilla
vs. Biollante  as viewed from Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Godzilla paid Osaka a visit a couple of times. 

First, it was in 1955 in Godzilla Raids Again (a.k.a. Godzilla's Counterattack and Gigantis, The Fire Monster). Second, Godzilla's next visit was in 1989 in Godzilla vs. Biollante.

You, too can follow in Godzilla's footsteps (and then some) by also visiting Osaka.

Thankfully, The Travel has a list of "10 Things To Do In Osaka".

They begin with:

Whenever you think about Japan, you may think of the flashing bright lights of Tokyo and temples that can be found in generally every corner of the country. Not to mention the incredible food scene to sample popular foods such as sushi, ramen or yakitori. Japan is the place to have unique experiences such as crazy nights out or bathing in an onsen (Japanese hot spring).

Japan has tons to offer and Osaka is usually within the top places to visit when traveling in Japan. Osaka is the third-largest city in the country. The people in Osaka are known to be friendly and outgoing. The area itself is praised for having some of the best food too. Here are the ten best things to do in Osaka.

The Osaka Godzilla locations are covered in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

To see what they are, go here. 

Japan Cheapo's Osaka Accommodation Guide

Above, Osaka's Dotonbori restaurants have interesting signage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For kaiju fans and non-kaiju fans alike, Osaka is a great place to visit. Godzilla paid the city "visits" in 1955 (Godzilla Raid Again, a.k.a. Godzilla's Counterattack) and in 1989 (Godzilla vs. Biollante). It is also known as Japan't food capital.

If one is planning a visit to Osaka, where should they stay?

Fortunately, Japan Cheapo has a guide with advice on places to bunk in for the night (or two).

They start with:

Osaka needs more than a day trip to make the most of its neon charm, so if you’re keen to sample the nightlife and spend the night, where do you stay? 

Days exploring castles and temples, evenings spent eating everything from oonomiyaki to kushikatsu before trying out the bars and izakayas at night—you’re going to need at least one night’s sleep in the wonderful city of Osaka. The city is actually the birthplace of the capsule hotel, so it’s the perfect place to give it a try, but there are plenty of more traditional options too! Best seen at night, the glowing Dotonbori is a sight to behold, and there are simple too many restaurants to choose from, so finding somewhere to stay might be the last thing on your mind for the city. Whether you want convenience for late-night stumblings or early morning departures, take a look at our accommodation guide to see which areas and which places suit you!

To read more, go here.

Tokyo To Osaka, Fastest and Cheapest Ways of Getting There

Above, a view of the Former Headquarters of 4th Division of Imperial Japanese Army from Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one happens to be in Japan on vacation and is also a foodie, Osaka is the place to visit.

Of course, Osaka was featured in Godzilla Raids Again (1955) and in Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989), which is reason enough for kaiju fans to want to visit the city.

There are several ways to getting to Osaka and Tokyo Cheapo has an article on the fastest and creative ways to get there from Tokyo.

They begin with:

Osaka: cheaper, dirtier and a whole lot friendlier than Tokyo. A vibey city of 2.7 million, it’s bigger than neighboring Kyoto and also more down to earth. Osaka, a port city, was once the business hub of Japan, with merchants from all over selling their wares and serving up good grub. The food culture prevails—Osaka is known as the kitchen of the country. Whether you’re heading from Tokyo to Osaka to chow down, check out Universal Studios Japan, or you’re on a secret mission, here are the fastest and cheapest ways of getting there.

To read more, go here. 

Osaka Is Japan's Fastest Growing Tourist Destination

Above, a view of Osaka Business Park from Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo has long been the primary destination for foreign visitors to Japan, but Osaka is catching up as it is Japan's fastest growing tourist destination.

Of course, Godzilla fans make pilgrimages to Osaka to see Osaka Castle, where Godzilla and Anguirus battled in Godzilla Raids Again (1955) and Osaka Business Park, which was featured (and destroyed) in Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989).

According to Gulf Today:

Osaka, long Japan’s “second city,” is winning the race against Tokyo to draw foreign tourists, but after a boom, its retailers and property developers are adapting to shifting tourism spending patterns. 

Inbound tourism to Osaka surged five-fold between 2012 and 2017, faster than visits to Tokyo, as the city lured low-cost carriers and promoted itself as a base to visit the 25 World Heritage sites in nearby Kyoto and Nara. 

Initially, developers and retailers scrambled to build new hotels, expand floor space, and install cashless payment systems like AliPay and WeChat to keep up with the sudden influx of big-spending tourists, mostly from China. 

But tourism is entering a new phase now, where instead of loading up on luxury brands, visitors want to spend more on services like makeup consulting, maternity goods, and other cheaper items.

To read more, go here.

Japan Cheapo: Things To Do In Osaka

Above, yours truly at Osaka Castle.

Godzilla has trampled through Osaka a couple of times (Godzilla Raids Again in 1955 and Godzilla vs. Biollante in 1989), and I have also been there twice.

Osaka is a draw for kaiju fans for those reasons, but there's other things to see and do in Osaka that would delight any visitor, kaiju fan or not.

Japan Cheapo has an article on ten things to do in Osaka.

They begin with:

Known as Japan’s Kitchen and home to dozens of weird and wonderful sights, Osaka is the second largest metropolitan area in Japan, but often gets overlooked in favor of neighboring Kyoto.  

Originally a vital trade hub with a strong reputation for Edo-period Kabuki and Bunraku theater, Osaka has become one of the most vibrant and interesting places to explore. Stereotyped from as far back as the 18th century as a city full of inhabitants who are both incredibly stingy and “devour their food until they collapse”, I cannot think of a city better suited to experiencing Japan on a budget. Obviously we can’t scratch the surface of such a ridiculous city, but here are some of the top things to do in Osaka!

Above, Osaka's Dotonbori is a mecca for foodies. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

T + L: Visit Osaka Before Everyone Else

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Godzilla paid Osaka a couple of visits over the years. Most notably, the visits were made in Godzilla Raids Again (1955) and in Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989).

Travel + Leisure recommends booking a visit to Osaka "before everyone else."

They wrote:

On Tuesday, MasterCard revealed the results of its annual Destination Cities Index. The survey not only provides insight into the spending of international travelers but also predicts where they’ll visit next year. 

According to MasterCard, Osaka is the fastest-growing destination in the world — and has been since 2009. Over the past seven years, overnight stays from international visitors have grown 24 percent. 

MasterCard interprets that Osaka’s rapid tourism growth is indicative of the growing importance of Asia and the Middle East. The index’s fastest growing cities for tourism include Chengdu, Colombo, Abu Dhabi, Jakarta, Tokyo, Hanoi, Riyadh, Lima and Taipei.

To read more, go here.

Japan Visitor: History of Osaka Castle

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Osaka Castle was featured in two Godzilla movies, Godzilla Raids Again (1956) (a.k.a. Gigantis The Fire Monster) and Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989). It was in Godzilla Raids Again that Osaka Castle was demolished during the final battle between Godzilla and Anguirus.

Today, Osaka Castle is one of Osaka, Japan's biggest tourist attractions. I have visited Osaka Castle twice (in 2004 and 2015).

Japan Visitor has an article on Osaka Castle's history.

It begins with:

Osaka Castle History 大阪城 

Osaka Castle was Japan's finest castle when it was constructed, and, although rebuilt in concrete, is still Osaka's most interesting sightseeing spot, and a must-see if you are in Osaka, together with the beautiful Osaka Castle Park that surrounds it - home also to the pleasant, airy Jo-Terrace Osaka restaurant and dining complex.

The article is interesting as it also goes into some detail on the stones of the walls surrounding the castle.

Above, a section of the stone walls surrounding the castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The article states:

The massive stones, planed nearly paper-smooth, the largest weighing about 130 tons, were transported from all over Japan, but principally from the islands of the Inland Sea. The overcoming of the difficulties involved in quarrying, floating and dragging them such distances speaks eloquently of the levels of organization and economic development involved. The Osaka Castle Stones Michi No Eki on Shodoshima has a museum dedicated to the tools used to mine the stones, transport them as well as some of the original stones themselves. Construction of the (wooden) castle itself, however, was the preserve of the Shogun.

To read more, go here.

Osaka Saw Record Foreign Visitors In 2016

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One Japanese city that is often overlooked by tourists is Osaka.

Most tourists when coming into Japan largely confine themselves to Tokyo. When venturing out of Tokyo, they will head to Hiroshima or Kyoto. Since Osaka is a next-door neighbor to Kyoto, it is an easy place to reach.

Osaka is about a 30-minute commuter train ride from Kyoto. When in the city, there are subways available (although not quite as extensive as Tokyo's subway and train system) to get visitors to the city's attractions such as Osaka Castle and the Dotonbori restaurant district.

More people are discovering Osaka as record numbers of foreign visitors headed there in 2016 (I was last in Osaka in October 2015).

According to The Japan Times:

OSAKA – Over 9.4 million foreign tourists visited Osaka last year, the largest number ever, Osaka tourism authorities announced earlier this week. 

The figure represents a 31 percent increase on 2015, and is more than triple the number of foreign nationals who visited the city in 2013, officials added.

Naturally, since Osaka had been featured in Godzilla Raids Again (1955) and in Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989), kaiju fans have reason to visit the city.

To read more, go here.

The Exciting, Vibrant City of Osaka

Above, interesting sign at the "foodie" section of Osaka, Dotonbori. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one is planning a trip to Japan, they should also try to include a visit to Osaka in their itinerary. 

While it is a large city, it has a more relaxed and different vibe to it than Tokyo (but I enjoy them both). I visited Osaka a year ago and enjoyed it.

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To help a potential visitor to make up his or her mind about visiting Osaka, the Daily Express (U.K) has an article that just may be the convincing clincher.

It begins with:

What with Google Earth, YouTube and more travel blogs that you can shake a selfie stick at, it's rare for anywhere to come as a complete surprise these days. 

Yet, despite all of the above - and what I quaintly imagined was some exhaustive research - Osaka did exactly that. 

People I met in Tokyo had raised their eyebrows ever so slightly when I told them where I was travelling next.  

Osaka, I was led gently to believe, was regarded as somewhat louche.  

Given that this is Japan, where that could mean anything from loosening your tie to a full-scale Bacchanalian orgy, I wasn't quite sure what to expect.  

What I found, however, was an astonishing, vibrant, exciting city and the very warmest of welcomes.

Godzilla fans can visit Osaka locations used in two movies, Godzilla Raids Again (1955) and Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989).

To read more about Osaka, go here.

4th Division Headquarters Near Osaka Castle To Be Renovated

Above, the former 4th Division H.Q. from the observation level of Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When watching the battle between Godzilla and Anguirus in Godzilla Raids Again (1955) (or the bastardized version released by Warner Bros., Gigantis The Fire Monster), one may wonder what the building shown near Osaka Castle was.

Above, the building in the background in Godzilla Raids Again.

It was the former headquarters of the Japanese Imperial Army 4th Division.

Above, a ground-level view of the 4th Div. H.Q. building. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The building has been sitting vacant since 2001, but will be reopened as part of a planned Osaka Castle theme park.

According to the Asahi Shimbun:

The building erected in 1931 near the main castle building that served as the Imperial Japanese Army's 4th Division headquarters until the end of World War II will be renovated to house cafes and restaurants. The building had been used as a city museum from 1960, but was left unused since it closed in 2001. 

Above, another view from Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The accompanying photographs were taken during my recent visit to Osaka Castle.

To read more, go here. 

Mount Fuji and Osaka Castle

Above, Mount Fuji from the shinkansen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We left Atami and headed down to Osaka via shinkansen (bullet train).

The room we had at the ryokan was so nice, we were a little reluctant to leave it. But, there are things to see and do down in Osaka and Kyoto.

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

On the way, we were treated to a view of Mount Fuji. I have seen Fuji from the air, at night and been on its slopes, but hadn't seen it from a bullet train's window due to cloud cover.

Above, a little fun before touring the castle (in the background). 

Once we got to Osaka, we found that the check-in time for our hotel room was at 4:00 PM. So we killed time by going to Osaka Castle.

I had been to Osaka Castle during G-TOUR 2004, but have a limited number of photographs as I was using a film camera (Olympus OM-1) at the time. These shots are from my new Canon Rebel digital camera.

Above, fans of Godzilla vs. Biollante will find these buildings familiar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It seems that the exhibits inside Osaka Castle had been changed since 2004. Some were unfamiliar and a few were familiar, but presented differently. Godzilla fans are familiar with Osaka Castle as it was the site of the final battle between Godzilla and Anguirus in Godzilla Raids Again.

After touring Osaka Castle, we headed back to the hotel and checked in. The plan for tonight is to go to Dotonbori, the foodie area of Osaka.

Osaka Sees Record Numbers of Foreign Visitors

Above, Osaka Castle, site of the final battle between Godzilla and Anguirus in Godzilla Raids Again. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Osaka, Japan is seeing a big influx in foreign tourism this year. The number of tourists visiting the city may exceed 5 million for the year.

According to the Japan Times:

OSAKA – Thanks to a favorable exchange rate, relaxed visa restrictions, more discount airlines flying into Kansai airport and an increase in the number of duty-free shops downtown, the number of foreign visitors to Osaka this year is expected to top 5 million for perhaps the first time. 

From the luxury hotels and tony brand-name shops of the city’s northern Umeda district to bars and restaurants of the southern Shinsaibashi and Namba districts, as well as in Tsuruhashi’s Koreatown, the Osaka Castle area and the working-class Nishinari district, foreign visitors are arriving in droves. And they are spending money and injecting much-needed revenue into a city that until fairly recently was rarely if ever on the itinerary of most foreign tourists.

I will be doing my part in helping Osaka achieve its 5 million as it is on the itinerary during my October Japan trip.

To read more, go here.

Hiroshi Koizumi, R.I.P.

Above, Hiroshi Koizumi in Godzilla Raids Again.

Hiroshi Koizumi, the Japanese actor who appeared in many kaiju movies including Godzilla Raids Again (1955), Mothra (1961), Godzilla vs. The Thing (1964), Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster (1964), Return of Godzilla (1984) and Godzilla x Mothra x Mechagodzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003) has passed away at age 88 on May 31.

According to Dread Central:

The Kaiju universe has lost another cherished star as Hiroshi Koizumi has passed on at age 88 due to pneumonia. Koizumi was probably one of the most recognizable faces working in the industry throughout the Sixties, and he’s left behind a cornucopia of giant monster memories.

Koizumi specialized in scientist roles emoting quiet scholarly dignity amid the chaos surrounding him and his co-stars.

Osaka Castle Theme Park Planned

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Asahi Shimbun has posted an article on a planned Osaka Castle theme park that will be constructed on the grounds of the castle.

They wrote:

OSAKA--Visitors to Osaka Castle Park can soon take a trip back to the Edo Period (1603-1867) where they can dress up like a samurai and dine in restaurants that recreate the feel of those olden times. 

The Osaka city government on Oct. 16 selected the firm that will manage the Edo Period theme park that will be situated on the grounds of the castle, originally constructed in the 1580s by warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536-1598). 

The theme park, scheduled to open within the next fiscal year, will be located directly in front of Osakajokoen Station on West Japan Railway Co.'s Osaka Loop Line. 

Attractions in the theme park will include a photo studio that allows visitors to be photographed in samurai outfits and restaurants that let customers experience the Osaka of the Edo Period.

Godzilla fans are familiar with Osaka Castle as being the site where Godzilla finishes off Anguirus in Godzilla Raids Again (1956) (released in the U.S. as Gigantis, The Fire Monster in 1959). I would be impressed if the planners of the theme park included a special Godzilla exhibit to commemorate the movie.

Above, Anguirus and Godzilla battle at Osaka Castle. Toho Co., Ltd.

To read more, go here.

Godzilla and James Bond As Tour Guides

Above, the Wako department store was featured in Godzilla (1954). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I started out making The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan several years ago, it was with the premise that fans will want to visit Japan to see for themselves the landmarks and locations featured in Godzilla, Gamera and other giant monster movies.

Sure enough, I was right. For the most part, members of the baby-boomer generation received their first exposure to Japan and Japanese culture through these movies. So, too, fans of James Bond movies were exposed to the exotic locations that were featured in the 007 movies.

An article has been posted in the Philippines' Sun.Star on James Bond and tourism. They got the premise right, but goofed on the pre-title sequence of Thunderball (1965). The writer describes the scene in Hong Kong where Bond (Sean Connery) is assassinated in a Chinese Murphy Bed. That sequence was actually in You Only Live Twice (1967), where the movie's main center of action was Japan.

It is still an interesting article to read and it begins with:

THERE is no doubt that James Bond movies are promoting tourism… places, festivals, food, lifestyle, and fashion. Agent 007 is suave but dynamic charmer, equally capable of disarming both bomb and bombshell. That makes James an effective tour guide. 

When I presented my paper before a group of college students taking up BS Tourism, many eyebrows went up. Probably (just probably), they have just realized (and their teachers, too) that James Bond movies are not just about James, super villains, fantastic girls, prodigious gimmicks, neoteric guns, and phantasmal gadgets. 

I am encouraging tourism students, teachers, tourism officers and those who are involved in tourism to review (see again) James Bond movies. When producers, Harry Saltzman and Albert Broccoli, introduced James Bond (Sean Connery) in 1962 in the movie “Dr. No”, the movie audience was brought to scenic Jamaica (sun and beach).

Likewise, Japan's giant monster movies also are promoting tourism: Godzilla (1954) is centered in Tokyo. Godzilla Raids Again (1955) is centered in Osaka. King Kong vs, Godzilla (1962) prominently features Tokyo and Atami. Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964) is centered in Nagoya. Rodan (1956) is centered in Kyushu (mainly Sasebo and Fukuoka). Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993) prominently features Kyoto as does Gamera 3 (1999).

To read more, go here.

Osaka, Japan's Foodie City

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the places in Japan I plan on exploring is the city of Osaka.

I was briefly there in 2004, but that was for a tour stop at Osaka Castle, the site of the final battle between Godzilla and Anguirus in Godzilla Raids Again (1955). The plan for the next trip to Japan (either next year or the year after) is to spend some time roaming around Osaka.

Osaka is known as a "foodie city" thanks to the many restaurants the city has available to partake in.

News On Japan wrote:

Kyoto is no small town. Its population is 1.5 million; its metro system is extensive; it has 23 Starbucks. Nonetheless, it's quaint-and after a few days of temple hopping, urbanites craving a taste of the big city would do well to hop the commuter rail to Osaka, just 30 minutes away. Japan's second-largest metropolis is well known for its food and for that most American of pastimes: baseball. 

Here's a video of Osaka's Namba Dōtonbori area:



For more (including videos), go here.