Osaka Trivia Questions

Which of these is NOT a major district in Osaka?

Namba
Shinsaibashi
Shibuya
Umeda

Correct Answer: Shibuya

Correct Answer Explanation: Shibuya is a major district in Tokyo, not Osaka. The others are all major districts in Osaka.

The famous Osaka Castle was first built in 1583. Who was responsible for building the castle?

Oda Nobunaga
Tokugawa Ieyasu
Toyotomi Hideyoshi
Emperor Meiji

Correct Answer: Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Correct Answer Explanation: Toyotomi Hideyoshi built Osaka Castle in 1583 after defeating the Buddhist monks who had previously occupied the site.

During which period did Osaka become known as Japan’s economic hub?

Kofun
Asuka
Edo
Meiji

Correct Answer: Edo

Correct Answer Explanation: Osaka’s position as Japan’s primary economic center started during the Edo period when Osaka’s merchants developed a rice exchange and a thriving trade network. The city was also known as a center of Japanese culture during this time.

What famous Osaka dish is a fried batter cake filled with ingredients like cabbage, meat, and seafood?

Takoyaki
Okonomiyaki
Sushi
Udon

Correct Answer: Okonomiyaki

Correct Answer Explanation: Okonomiyaki is a popular street food in Osaka and is known for its versatility, with many different fillings and toppings.

What famous landmark is considered the symbol of Osaka’s postwar reconstruction?

Osaka Castle
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Tsutenkaku Tower
Abeno Harukas

Correct Answer: Tsutenkaku Tower

Correct Answer Explanation: The Tsutenkaku Tower was rebuilt in 1956, replacing the original tower destroyed during World War II. It is a symbol of Osaka’s resilience and a popular tourist attraction.

Osaka-ben, the local dialect of Osaka, is known for its unique features. What is one characteristic of Osaka-ben?

Using the copula “ya” instead of “da”
Using the suffix “-hen” instead of “-nai” in negative verb forms
Both of the above
None of the above

Correct Answer: Both of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: Osaka-ben is known for its use of “ya” instead of “da” and “-hen” instead of “-nai” in negative verb forms.

The city of Osaka is known for its vibrant arts culture. Which of these traditional performing arts forms originated in Osaka?

Bunraku
Kabuki
Noh
Kyogen

Correct Answer: Bunraku

Correct Answer Explanation: Bunraku is a form of traditional Japanese puppet theater that originated in Osaka. It is known for its intricate puppetry, dramatic storytelling, and musical accompaniment.

What is the name of the famous canal entertainment area in Osaka?

Dōtonbori
Namba
Shinsaibashi
Umeda

Correct Answer: Dōtonbori

Correct Answer Explanation: Dōtonbori is a vibrant canal district in Osaka known for its restaurants, shops, and street performers. It is also famous for its glowing signs, including the iconic Glico Man.

What is the tallest building in Osaka, and is also the second-tallest building in Japan?

Abeno Harukas
Umeda Sky Building
Tsutenkaku Tower
Osaka Castle

Correct Answer: Abeno Harukas

Correct Answer Explanation: Abeno Harukas is a 300-meter tall skyscraper that was the tallest in Japan from 2014 until 2023 when it was surpassed by the Azabudai Hills Main Tower in Tokyo.

What is the name of the famous Osaka dish that consists of octopus balls in fried batter?

Takoyaki
Okonomiyaki
Sukiyaki
Tempura

Correct Answer: Takoyaki

Correct Answer Explanation: Takoyaki is a popular Osaka street food consisting of octopus balls in a spherical, fried batter.

Which of these is NOT a professional sports team based in Osaka?

Hanshin Tigers
Orix Buffaloes
Gamba Osaka
Yomiuri Giants

Correct Answer: Yomiuri Giants

Correct Answer Explanation: The Yomiuri Giants are based in Tokyo, not Osaka. The other three teams are all based in Osaka.

What famous Osaka festival is held on July 24 and 25 at Osaka Tenmangū?

Tenjin Matsuri
Aizen Matsuri
Sumiyoshi Matsuri
Shōryō-e

Correct Answer: Tenjin Matsuri

Correct Answer Explanation: The Tenjin Matsuri is one of Osaka’s most famous festivals. It features a grand procession of boats and floats along the river.

What is the name of the Osaka-based entertainment conglomerate that operates the Namba Grand Kagetsu hall for manzai and other comedy shows?

Yoshimoto Kogyo
Shiki Theater
Shochiku-za
Umeda Arts Theater

Correct Answer: Yoshimoto Kogyo

Correct Answer Explanation: Yoshimoto Kogyo is one of Japan’s largest entertainment companies and is known for its manzai comedy shows.

What is the name of the famous Umeda area shopping mall and complex?

Hankyu Sanbangai
Dōtonbori
Shinsaibashi
Namba

Correct Answer: Hankyu Sanbangai

Correct Answer Explanation: Hankyu Sanbangai is a large shopping mall and complex located in the Umeda district of Osaka. It features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Osaka is part of a larger metropolitan region called “Keihanshin.” What two other cities are part of this region?

Kyoto and Kobe
Nagoya and Yokohama
Tokyo and Hiroshima
Sapporo and Sendai

Correct Answer: Kyoto and Kobe

Correct Answer Explanation: The Keihanshin region is a metropolitan area that includes the cities of Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. It is known as one of the major urban centers in Japan.

What is the name of the world’s first futures market that was established in Osaka in 1697?

Dōjima Rice Exchange
Osaka Securities Exchange
Osaka Futures Exchange
Kyoto Rice Exchange

Correct Answer: Dōjima Rice Exchange

Correct Answer Explanation: The Dōjima Rice Exchange was a pioneering market that traded rice futures, allowing merchants to buy and sell rice at a future date.

What is the name of the famous Osaka university known for its research in engineering and science?

Osaka University
Kyoto University
Tokyo University
Keio University

Correct Answer: Osaka University

Correct Answer Explanation: Osaka University is a prestigious university known for its contributions to engineering, science, and medicine.

What is the name of the major Osaka street that runs through the business districts of Kita and Minami and features a long line of shops and department stores?

Midōsuji
Dōtonbori
Shinsaibashi
Namba

Correct Answer: Midōsuji

Correct Answer Explanation: Midōsuji is a wide boulevard that runs through the heart of Osaka, connecting the Kita and Minami districts. It is a popular shopping and dining destination.

Which of these is NOT a traditional Osaka food?

Sushi
Takoyaki
Oshizushi
Battera

Correct Answer: Sushi

Correct Answer Explanation: Sushi originated in Japan but is not traditionally from Osaka. The other three are all traditional Osaka dishes.

Which of these is NOT one of the five major national newspapers in Japan?

The Asahi Shimbun
Mainichi Shimbun
Yomiuri Shimbun
The Japan Times
Sankei Shimbun

Correct Answer: The Japan Times

Correct Answer Explanation: The Japan Times is an English-language newspaper in Japan. The other four are Japanese-language newspapers.

What is the name of the famous Osaka park that is home to the Osaka Museum of Natural History and the Osaka Municipal Museum of Art?

Tennoji Park
Osaka Castle Park
Nakanoshima Park
Umeda Park

Correct Answer: Tennoji Park

Correct Answer Explanation: Tennoji Park is a large park in Osaka known for its museums, gardens, and zoo.

Osaka is known for its many bridges. What is the old Japanese phrase that was used to express the impressiveness and “uncountable” number of bridges in Osaka?

“808 bridges of Naniwa”
“One hundred bridges of Osaka”
“Bridge of a thousand steps”
“The bridge to nowhere”

Correct Answer: “808 bridges of Naniwa”

Correct Answer Explanation: The phrase “808 bridges of Naniwa” (Naniwa being an old name for Osaka) was used to express the vast number of bridges in the city.

What is the name of the large slum in Osaka, the largest slum in Japan?

Kamagasaki
Namba
Shinsekai
Umeda

Correct Answer: Kamagasaki

Correct Answer Explanation: Kamagasaki is a large slum area in Osaka that has a long history.

What is the name of the former imperial palace in Osaka that existed during the Asuka period?

Naniwa Nagara-Toyosaki Palace
Osaka Castle
Sumiyoshi-taisha
Shitennō-ji

Correct Answer: Naniwa Nagara-Toyosaki Palace

Correct Answer Explanation: Naniwa Nagara-Toyosaki Palace was built by Emperor Kōtoku in the 7th century, making Naniwa (modern-day Osaka) the capital of Japan for a brief period.

What is the name of the large shopping district in Osaka known for its electronic and manga/anime stores?

Den Den Town
Shinsaibashi
Namba
Umeda

Correct Answer: Den Den Town

Correct Answer Explanation: Den Den Town is often called Osaka’s “Akihabara” and is known for its wide selection of electronics, anime, and manga merchandise.

What is the name of the famous Osaka shrine that was founded by Empress Jingū?

Sumiyoshi-taisha
Osaka Tenmangu
Shitennō-ji
Namba Shrine

Correct Answer: Sumiyoshi-taisha

Correct Answer Explanation: Sumiyoshi-taisha is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan and was established by Empress Jingū in the 3rd century.

What is the name of the famous Osaka district known for its stylish shops and boutiques catering to young people?

Amerikamura
Shinsekai
Namba
Umeda

Correct Answer: Amerikamura

Correct Answer Explanation: Amerikamura, meaning “American Village,” is known for its trendy clothing, cafes, and street culture.

Which of these is NOT a neighboring city of Osaka?

Sakai
Kobe
Kyoto
Nagoya

Correct Answer: Nagoya

Correct Answer Explanation: Nagoya is a major city in the Chubu region of Japan, not in the Kansai region. The other three cities are neighboring Osaka.

What is the name of the world’s fair that was held in Osaka in 1970?

Expo ’70
Osaka World Expo
Japan World Expo
The World’s Fair

Correct Answer: Expo ’70

Correct Answer Explanation: Expo ’70 was the first world’s fair to be held in an Asian country and was a major event for Osaka.

What is the name of the Osaka-based multinational electronics corporation that is known for its home appliances and consumer electronics?

Panasonic
Toyota
Honda
Sony

Correct Answer: Panasonic

Correct Answer Explanation: Panasonic, formerly known as Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., is headquartered in Osaka.

What is the name of the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan, located in Osaka?

Shitennō-ji
Sumiyoshi-taisha
Osaka Tenmangu
Honganji Tsumura Betsuin

Correct Answer: Shitennō-ji

Correct Answer Explanation: Shitennō-ji is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Japan and was founded in the 6th century.

What is the name of the major Osaka station that serves as a hub for both local and Shinkansen (bullet train) services?

Shin-Osaka Station
Osaka Station
Umeda Station
Namba Station

Correct Answer: Shin-Osaka Station

Correct Answer Explanation: Shin-Osaka Station is a major transportation hub in Osaka, serving as a stop for Shinkansen lines and providing connections to various local train lines.

What is the name of the major Osaka university known for its business and economics programs?

Osaka University of Economics
Osaka University
Osaka Metropolitan University
Kansai University

Correct Answer: Osaka University of Economics

Correct Answer Explanation: Osaka University of Economics is a respected university known for its business and economics programs.

What is the name of the famous Osaka district that is known for its nightlife, entertainment, and theaters?

Namba
Umeda
Shinsaibashi
Kita

Correct Answer: Namba

Correct Answer Explanation: Namba is a vibrant district in Osaka known for its nightlife, entertainment, shopping, and theaters.

What is the name of the professional rugby team based in Osaka?

Kintetsu Liners
Gamba Osaka
Cerezo Osaka
Osaka Evessa

Correct Answer: Kintetsu Liners

Correct Answer Explanation: The Kintetsu Liners are a professional rugby team based in Osaka.

Which of these is NOT an important cultural property designated by the country in Osaka?

Osaka Castle
Sumiyoshi Taisha main shrine
Osaka Central Public Hall
Kyocera Dome Osaka

Correct Answer: Kyocera Dome Osaka

Correct Answer Explanation: Kyocera Dome Osaka is a modern sports stadium. The other three are historical sites and buildings designated as important cultural properties in Osaka.

What is the name of the famous Osaka park that is home to the Osaka Castle?

Osaka Castle Park
Tennoji Park
Nakanoshima Park
Umeda Park

Correct Answer: Osaka Castle Park

Correct Answer Explanation: Osaka Castle Park is a large park that surrounds the historic Osaka Castle.

What is the name of the professional baseball team based in Osaka that plays its home games at Kyocera Dome Osaka?

Orix Buffaloes
Hanshin Tigers
Gamba Osaka
Cerezo Osaka

Correct Answer: Orix Buffaloes

Correct Answer Explanation: The Orix Buffaloes are a professional baseball team based in Osaka that plays its home games at Kyocera Dome Osaka.

What is the name of the Osaka neighborhood that is home to one of the largest populations of Korean residents in Japan?

Ikuno
Shinsekai
Namba
Umeda

Correct Answer: Ikuno

Correct Answer Explanation: The Ikuno district in Osaka has a significant Korean population and is known for its Tsuruhashi KoreaTown.

What is the name of the Osaka university that has a campus in the nearby city of Minoh and is known for its international programs?

Osaka International School of Kwansei Gakuin
Osaka University
Osaka Metropolitan University
Kansai University

Correct Answer: Osaka International School of Kwansei Gakuin

Correct Answer Explanation: Osaka International School of Kwansei Gakuin is a private international school located in Minoh, near Osaka, that provides education for students from various countries.

What is the name of the professional basketball team based in Osaka that plays in the B.League?

Osaka Evessa
Gamba Osaka
Cerezo Osaka
Kintetsu Liners

Correct Answer: Osaka Evessa

Correct Answer Explanation: Osaka Evessa is a professional basketball team based in Osaka and has won several championships in the B.League.

Which of these is NOT a sister city of Osaka?

San Francisco
Shanghai
Toronto
Kyoto

Correct Answer: Kyoto

Correct Answer Explanation: Kyoto is a neighboring city in the Kansai region, not a sister city of Osaka. The other three cities are sister cities of Osaka.

What is the name of the Osaka area known for its large number of wholesalers and retail shops?

Semba
Dōtonbori
Shinsaibashi
Namba

Correct Answer: Semba

Correct Answer Explanation: Semba is a business district in Osaka that houses many large corporations and financial institutions. It is also known for its numerous wholesalers and retail shops.

What is the name of the Osaka neighborhood known for its large number of electronic appliance stores?

Den Den Town
Umeda
Shinsaibashi
Namba

Correct Answer: Den Den Town

Correct Answer Explanation: Den Den Town is often referred to as Osaka’s “Akihabara” and is known for its many electronic stores.

What is the name of the Osaka area that was once a foreign settlement?

Kawaguchi
Namba
Shinsekai
Umeda

Correct Answer: Kawaguchi

Correct Answer Explanation: Kawaguchi is a district in Osaka that was once a foreign settlement during the Meiji era when Osaka was opened to foreign trade.

What is the name of the major Osaka street that is known for its fashionable shops and boutiques, often attracting young people?

Shinsaibashi
Midōsuji
Dōtonbori
Namba

Correct Answer: Shinsaibashi

Correct Answer Explanation: Shinsaibashi is a major shopping street in Osaka known for its upscale boutiques and stylish shops.

What is the name of the Osaka neighborhood known for its traditional Japanese puppet theater performances?

Namba
Shinsekai
Umeda
Kita

Correct Answer: Namba

Correct Answer Explanation: Namba is a district in Osaka that houses the National Bunraku Theatre, where traditional puppet plays called bunraku are performed.

What is the name of the major Osaka park that is known for its beautiful gardens, museums, and an iconic observation deck with stunning views of the city?

Nakanoshima Park
Osaka Castle Park
Tennoji Park
Umeda Park

Correct Answer: Nakanoshima Park

Correct Answer Explanation: Nakanoshima Park is a beautiful urban park in Osaka located between the Kita and Minami districts. It features gardens, museums, and the Umeda Sky Building, which offers panoramic views of the city.

What is the name of the Osaka neighborhood that is known for its popular “tsūtenkaku” tower, a symbol of the district’s distinctive atmosphere?

Shinsekai
Namba
Umeda
Kita

Correct Answer: Shinsekai

Correct Answer Explanation: Shinsekai is a unique neighborhood in Osaka characterized by its retro atmosphere and the iconic Tsutenkaku tower, a symbol of the district.

What is the name of the Osaka district known for its traditional Japanese-style shopping arcades, called “shōtengai”?

Tenjinbashi-suji
Shinsaibashi
Dōtonbori
Namba

Correct Answer: Tenjinbashi-suji

Correct Answer Explanation: Tenjinbashi-suji is one of the longest shopping streets in Japan and features a traditional shopping arcade with numerous shops, restaurants, and other businesses.

What is the name of the major Osaka station known for its complex of buildings, shops, and restaurants, and is often considered a hub for the city’s northern districts?

Umeda Station
Namba Station
Shin-Osaka Station
Osaka Station

Correct Answer: Umeda Station

Correct Answer Explanation: Umeda Station is a major station in Osaka that serves as a hub for the city’s northern districts. It is connected to a complex of buildings, shops, restaurants, and other amenities.

What is the name of the Osaka neighborhood that is known for its international atmosphere and its many Korean restaurants?

Tsuruhashi
Shinsekai
Namba
Umeda

Correct Answer: Tsuruhashi

Correct Answer Explanation: Tsuruhashi is a vibrant neighborhood in Osaka that is known for its large Korean population and its many Korean restaurants.

What is the name of the Osaka neighborhood known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment, and is home to the popular Glico Man sign?

Dōtonbori
Shinsaibashi
Namba
Umeda

Correct Answer: Dōtonbori

Correct Answer Explanation: Dōtonbori is a famous entertainment district in Osaka that is known for its vibrant nightlife, its glowing signs, including the iconic Glico Man, and its many restaurants and shops.

What is the name of the Osaka neighborhood that is known for its many luxury shops and department stores, and is considered the city’s most upscale shopping district?

Shinsaibashi
Namba
Dōtonbori
Umeda

Correct Answer: Shinsaibashi

Correct Answer Explanation: Shinsaibashi is a high-end shopping district in Osaka known for its luxury boutiques, department stores, and fashionable shops.

What is the name of the Osaka neighborhood that is known for its many theaters, musical halls, and entertainment venues, and is considered a cultural hub for the city?

Umeda
Namba
Shinsaibashi
Kita

Correct Answer: Umeda

Correct Answer Explanation: Umeda is a district in Osaka that is known for its many theaters, musical halls, and entertainment venues. It is considered a cultural hub for the city.

What is the name of the Osaka neighborhood that is known for its many restaurants, shops, and street performers, and is considered the heart of the city?

Namba
Dōtonbori
Shinsaibashi
Umeda

Correct Answer: Namba

Correct Answer Explanation: Namba is a lively district in Osaka that is considered the heart of the city. It is known for its many restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, and street performers.

What is the name of the Osaka neighborhood that is known for its vibrant nightlife, its many bars and clubs, and its youthful energy?

Amerikamura
Shinsekai
Namba
Umeda

Correct Answer: Amerikamura

Correct Answer Explanation: Amerikamura, which translates to “American Village,” is a district in Osaka known for its fashionable shops, cafes, and lively nightlife. It is a popular destination for young people.

What is the name of the Osaka neighborhood that is known for its traditional Japanese-style houses and gardens, and is considered a peaceful oasis within the bustling city?

Nakanoshima
Shinsekai
Namba
Umeda

Correct Answer: Nakanoshima

Correct Answer Explanation: Nakanoshima is an island in the middle of the city of Osaka that is known for its beautiful parks, gardens, museums, and historic buildings. It offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

What is the name of the Osaka neighborhood that is known for its traditional Japanese-style streets, its many temples and shrines, and its historical significance?

Tennoji
Shinsekai
Namba
Umeda

Correct Answer: Tennoji

Correct Answer Explanation: Tennoji is a district in Osaka that is known for its many temples, shrines, and historical sites. It is a blend of traditional and modern architecture, offering a glimpse into the city’s history.

What is the name of the Osaka neighborhood that is known for its many restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, and is considered a vibrant and bustling hub for the city’s southern districts?

Minami
Kita
Shinsaibashi
Umeda

Correct Answer: Minami

Correct Answer Explanation: Minami, meaning “south,” is a major district in Osaka that is known for its bustling atmosphere, its many restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, and its vibrant nightlife. It is considered a hub for the city’s southern districts.

What is the name of the Osaka neighborhood that is known for its many skyscrapers, its financial institutions, and its modern architecture, and is considered a hub for the city’s northern districts?

Kita
Minami
Shinsaibashi
Umeda

Correct Answer: Kita

Correct Answer Explanation: Kita, meaning “north,” is a district in Osaka that is known for its modern architecture, its skyscrapers, its financial institutions, and its many businesses. It is considered a hub for the city’s northern districts.

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