I begin a new series of videos from Japan in Osaka, the country’s third largest city and main point of entry after Tokyo.

Osaka lies at the heart of a sprawling urban area of nearly 20 million people that includes culturally significant Kyoto. As a result, it sometimes suffers unjustifiably by comparison.

While modern and dynamic and better known as home to some of the world's largest electronics manufacturers (Sharp, Panasonic, Sanyo), Osaka has a lot to offer visitors. Dotonbori, the thriving entertainment, nightlife and shopping district lines both sides of an eponymous 400-year-old canal.

And for a “retro feel” of Japan—something you don’t find just anywhere in this compulsively contemporary country—there are few better examples than the Shinsekai neighborhood, designed a century ago as an homage to both New York and Paris.

If you're flying in, just try to take a commuter train from the airport (convenient and low cost) and avoid one of the world's most expensive taxi rides, which can easily set you back $140 (US) or more!

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