Osaka is a Japanese city that is situated on Osaka Bay at the entrance to Yodo River. The city covers an area of eighty-six square miles and has a population of over two million and six hundred thousand resident. An interesting fact about the city of Osaka is that there is a stark difference between its evening population and its daytime population. During the evening the population is over two and a half million residents and during the daytime hours, the population of Osaks swells to almost four million residents. This variance is due to the large influx of people entering the city for work.

The Gross Domestic Product of the city exceeds twenty-one billion Japanese Yen a year. The major economic sectors of the city can be divided into three main industries which include commerce, services and manufacturing. Commerce accounts for thirty percent of Osaka’s GDP, while services account for twenty-six percent and manufacturing account for eleven percent. The Gross Domestic Product of the larger Osaka area is over three hundred and forty-one billion U.S. dollar. According to a recent study done by an American research team, the city of Osaka is the eight most expensive city in the world.

Osaka is a modern city that has an incredible selection of wholesale and retail shops. As of 2009, there were over twenty-five thousand wholesale outlets and thirty-four thousand retail shops in the city. These outlets cover all different kinds of shopping venues and goods including traditional Western malls, shotengai shopping strips and Tenjinbashi-Suji arcades. Osaka shopping districts include American Village (popular among young Japanese), Namba (a tourist and restaurant centered district), Shinsaibashi (providing exclusive and expensive luxury products), Umeda (entertainment district containing boutiques, theaters and department stores) and Dotonbori (considered to be the main shopping district of the city). Osaka is also a city that is in love with its annual festivals. Some of the more prominent festivals in the city include the Toka-Ebisu, the Osaka European Film Festival, Aizen-Matsuri, Tenjin-Matsuri and Shoryo-e.

Osaka is a culturally rich city that contains many different attractions available to visitors. One of the more popular attractions is the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. This aquarium is one of the largest of its kind in the world and is situated in the Minato Ward of the city, near Osaka Bay. It features many exhibits that are spread over sixteen tanks, with the largest tank containing over sixteen thousand cubic feet of water and filled with a diverse collection of manta rays, sharks and fish. All of the aquarium tanks combined contain over three hundred metric tons of acrylic glass. One of the tanks in the aquarium has a pane of glass that measures eighteen feet by fifteen feet and weighs approximately ten tons. Animals housed at this aquarium include Pacific Whitesided Dolphins, California Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, King Penguins, Sea Otters, Gentoo Penguins, Sunfish, Rockhopper Penguin and Whale Sharks. Other features around the aquarium include a market, Ferris wheel, reproduction of the Santa Maria and Suntory Museum.

Another popular attraction in the city is Universal Studios Japan. This amusement park is very similar to the Universal Studio in Orlando, and in fact has many of the same rides. Most of the tourists to this attraction come from other parts of Japan or from other parts of Asia such as Taiwan, China and South Korea. This park has nine distinct themed areas which include New York, San Francisco, Hollywood, Snoopy Studios, Jurassic Park, Land of Oz, Lagoon, Water World and Amity Village. Rides in the park include “The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man”, “Back to the Future”, “Jurassic Park The Ride”, ”Magical Oz-Go-Round”, ”Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic”, ”Snoopy’s Sound Stage Adventure”, ”Universal Monsters Live Rock and Roll Show”, ”Waterworld: A Live Sea War Spectacular” and ”Space Fantasy The Ride”.

A popular attraction in the city for tourists is the Umeda Sky Building. This forty story building is one of the most recognizable symbols of Osaka. The building rises five hundred and sixty-eight feet above the city and was designed by Hiroshi Hara in 1993. On the roof is an observatory call the Floating Garden Observatory and in the base of the building is an underground market. At the base of the tower is a garden that is complete with water features and walking trails.

Not to be missed during any visit to Osaka is the National Museum of Art. This is a subterranean art museum that is situated on an island between the Tosabori and Dojima Rivers called Nakanoshima. The museum is located in a building that is a work of art in and of itself. The design of the building is intended to represent reeds being blown by the wind. On the main floor are temporary exhibits and most of the rest of the museum is located beneath ground. Artists represent in the collection located here include Pablo Picasso, Yasuo Kuniyoshi, Paul Cezanne, Boris Mikhailov, Tsuguharu Foujita, Ryuji Miyamoto, Miyako Ishiuch, Max Ernst and Leiko Ikemura.

Other attractions in the city of Osaka include Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, Nanba Grand Kagetsu, Sakuya Konohanakan, Chayamachi Neighborhood, Dotonbori Neighborhood, Kitashinchi Nightlife Area, Namba Parks, Japan Mint Osaka Branch, Tennoji Park, Takoyaki Museum, Ebisu Bridge, Osaka Castle, Tsutenkaku Tower, National Bunraku Theater, Kyobashi Station, WTC Cosmo Tower, Shitennoji Temple, Umeda Station, Tennoji Zoo, Osaka Castle Park, Osaka Science and Technology Museum, Osaka Station, Abikosan Taishokannonji Temple, Tempozan Harbor Village, Tsuruhashi Station, Hanjotei Comic Theater, Osaka City Central Hall, Acty Osaka Observation Deck, Tempozan Ferris Wheel, Kitahama Retro Building, Hep Five Ferris Wheel, Osaka Business Park, Yodoyabashi Station, Tennoji Station, Joypolis, Nakanoshima, Flower Expo Memorial Park Tsurumi Ryokuchi, Sumiyoshi-taisha Shrine, Osaka Shki Theater, Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, Kyobashi Station, Isshinji Temple, Don Quixote Ferris Wheel, Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Japan Folk Crafts Museum, Municipal Museum of Fine Art, Umeda Sauna New Japan, Osaka Hotel, Osaka Maritime Museum, Nipponbashi Denden Town, Creeds Hotel, Japan Broadcasting Corporation BK Plaza and Yamamoto Nohgakudo Hall.

Algarve is a region located in the southernmost portion of Portugal. This region covers an area of fifty-four hundred square miles and has over four hundred thousand permanent residents. Algarbe contains sixteen municipalities and the city of Faro contains the region’s administrative center. Other cities in the region include Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Albufeira, Loule, Portimao, Lagoa, Quarteira, Lagos, Olhao, Tavira and Silves. Most of Algarve’s economy hinges on tourism, especially during the summer months when tourism is at its peak. Other economic activities in the region include fruit and vegetable, seafood and fish production. Fruits and vegetables grown in the region include almonds, oranges, figs and carob beans. Algarve is one of the most important regions for tourism in Portugal and its population doubles during the holiday season. The Algarve Region has many rolling hills and is also dotted with many valleys. The region’s tallest point is Foia Mountain. Foia Mountain is located in the Monchique Mountain Range and has a elevation of almost three thousand feet. The Algarve contains many municipal areas which include villages, towns and cities. The region is also dotted with several islets and islands as well.

The Cynetes established roots in the Algarve Region during the sixth century BC. They were a pre-Roman people who originally hailed from the Iberian Peninsula and were greatly influence by a Celtic tribe known as the Celtici. Fifty years later, the Carthaginians founded the city named Portimao (Which was originally known as Portus Hanibalis. During the second century BC, the Roman Empire extended its reach into the Iberian Peninsula and erected many monuments. Some of the ancient ruins can still be seen to this day. It was not uncommon for the Romans to construct salting tanks and bath complexes along the shoreline in many parts of the region. Notable bath complexes can be seen in Vilamoura and Praia da Luz. During the fifth century, Visigoth tribes entered the area and took control of it. They would maintain this hold on the Algarve Region until the Moors invaded during the eighth century. The Moors called the area ‘Al Gharb Al Andalus’, which meant simple “The West”. The twelfth century saw an end to the Moorish occupation of the region. This was due in part to several successful military actions that were undertaken by the Kingdom of Portugal against the Moor invaders. Within a hundred years, the Portuguese had stabilized the area and thwarted several attempts by the Moors to retake the region. Between the sixteenth and nineteen centuries, Algarve was an autonomous region of the country and had a completely seperate system of taxes from the rest of the country. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Portuguese First Republic was established and Algarve became its southernmost area.

During the 1960s, the Algarve Region would become very popular among tourists, especially those from the United Kingdom. Nowadays, its not only popular among the British, but also receives many visitors from Germany, Holland, Ireland and the United States. There is such a predominance of English speaking people in the region, there are several newspapers and other publications catered to those speaking that language. Many tourists come to Algarve to experience its beautiful natural splendor, exquisite beaches and a large collection of golf courses. The area has also become well known for its hotel spas and luxury resorts. There are also many European residents who buy property in the region. This is due not only to its beauty and low costs of living, but also because of the ease in which property can be bought. Since Portugal is a member of the European Union and Algarve is one of its regions, European residents can purchase property here without much hassle.

A prominent attraction in the Algarve Region is the resort town called Vilamoura. This resort town was founded by a banker from Lisbon who started it in 1974. Its situated fourteen miles from Faro and it covers twenty or so kilometers of land, making it one of the biggest beach resorts in Europe. Contained within its center is the Vilamoura Marina. This marina can accommodate over a thousand boats and is surrounded by luxury hotels, restaurants, bars and a casino. Many tourists charter vessels at the far end of the marina to be used for big game fishing. Also located here are jet skiing and parasailing rental facilities. And if all that doesn’t suit your taste, then there is a shooting range, a ton of nighclubs and even sport clubs. For history buffs there are also Roman ruins and a museum.

Another popular attraction in the region is Praia da Luz. This is a resort village that is situated about six kilometers from Lagos. Not only is this a small fishing village, but it is also a resort thanks to the villas that have sprouted around its perimeter. The beach located here goes by the same name and is a Blue Flag beach (given by the Foundation for Environmental Education) and has two seperate areas. One area has the sugar white sands that is characteristic of beaches in the region and the other area is mostly rocky soil. Notable sights at Praia da Luz include Nossa Senhora da Luz Church and a Roman archaeological dig.

Other attractions in the Algarve Region include Quinta da Ria, Rua Dr. Francisco Gomes, Quad Ventura, Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, Algarve Seafaris, The Old Tavern, Delphinus Divers, Quinta do Lago South, Fortress at Sagres, Holistic Riding Center Quinta Creativa, Montechorro Strip, Zoo Marine Algarve, Flannery’s Irish Bar, Erin’s Isle, Loule Castle, Palmares, Angelus Bar, Chapel of Bones, Vilamoura Old Course, Quinta dos Vales, Santa Bernarda, Body & Skincare Center, Vale do Lobo Tennis Academy, Silves Castle, Costa Vincentina National Park, Church of St. Anthony, Pinhal Golf Course, Faro Archaeological Museum, Museu Municipal Dr. Jose Formosinho, San Vicente de Albufeira Statue, San Lorenzo Golf Course, Pego Do Inferno, Palacio Nacional de Mafra, Parque da Floresta, Monte Velho Nature Resort, Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, Vilamouratenis Center and Olhos de Agua Beach.

Agra is a city located on the Yamuna River in the country of India. This city, which is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, covers an area of seventy-three square miles and has a population of over one and a half million people. This city was founded in the sixteenth century by the Sultan Sikandar Lodi. He ruled from this city until he was defeated by Mughal leader Babar. With the reign of the Mughal Empire, a period of growth and prosperity would be visited upon Agra. This was also a time when significant civil works would be initiated. The Persian gardens called the Aram Bagh would be constructed during this time, as well as the Great Red Fort. It was also during this time that the Taj Mahal would be built as a monument to
Mumtaz Mahal, wife of Shah Jahan. During the decline of the Mughal Empire, Agra would eventually fall into the hands of the British Raj in the early part of the nineteenth century. In 1835, the Presidency of Agra was formed by the British and Agra became the seat of government. In 1838, the Agra Famine began and an Indian rebellion soon ensued. Two infantry companies uprose from Agra and began a march on Delhi. Within two months the British had restored order and captured Delhi. This would secure British rule until 1947 when the independence of India relieved them of this control.

Today, Agra’s economy is mainly dependant on tourism. This city is home to some of the most prestigious spas, resorts and hotels in all of India. In fact, one of the largest spas in all of Asia is the Kaya Kalp which is located in the Hotel Mughal. The economy of Agra is also dependant on indrustrial production. This is particularly important in the fields of apparel and garment manufacturing. But, the cities industrial base also produces automobiles, leather goods, handicrafts and stone carving. Agra has also developed a thriving export business.

Ever since ancient times, Agra has been a national hub for education. During the Mughal Empire the city was the main center of Islamic education in Asia. Today the educational needs of the city are supplied by many universities, colleges and specialty schools. Universities in Agra include Agra University, Dayalbagh Educational Institute and the Central Institute of Hindi. Colleges in the city include Agra College, The Institute of Engineering & Technology Khandari, Sarojini Naidu Medical College, St. John’s College, Raja Balwant Singh College, Anand Engineering College and B.M.A.S Engineering College. Specialty schools include St. Conrad’s Inter College, Army School Agra Cantt, Air Force School Kheria, Government Inter College, Mahavir Digember Jain Inter College, St. Clare’s Senior Secondary School and St. Patrick’s Junior College.

One of the most popular attractions in Agra is the Taj Mahal. This is a mausoleum that was erected by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a monument to his wife Mumtaz Mahal. This beautiful building combines many distinct architectural styles which include Indian, Persian and Islamic influences. The Taj Mahal was built in 1653 and is an intricate structural complex of buildings. The main focus of the Taj Mahal is the tomb. The tomb consist of a white marble building that contains an arch-shaped doorway topped with a dome and a bronze finial. The dome is ninety feet high, and the original finial was gold but was replaced by a bronze one in the nineteenth century. The entire building is decorated with fine stuccos and ornamental pieces and sets on a nine hundred square foot Munghal Garden. The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous buildings in the entire world and in 1983 was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Another prominent attraction in Agra is Agra Fort. The first mention of this building was in the eleventh century when the Ghaznavides captured it. It was a military installation until the fifteenth century when Sultan Sikandar Lodi used it as his residence. When Sultan Sikandar Lodi died in 1517, the fort was transferred to his son Ibrahim Lodi. During his reign at the fort Ibrahim built many palaces, wells and even a mosque inside the fort. In 1526, Ibrahim Lodi died at the battle of Panipat and the Mughals captured the fortification. This was when Babur resided inside the fort. In the sixteenth century the fort was nearly in ruins and it was rebuilt with red sandstone over an eight year period by over a million builders. Today its a popular attraction for visitors to the city and contains many key elements such as gardens, halls and other structures. Key elements of the Agra Fort include Anguri Bagh Garden, Diwan-i-Am Hall, Diwan-i-Khas Hall,
the Golden Pavilions, Jahangiri Mahal, Khas Mahal, a harem enclosure called the Macchi Bhawan, Mina Masjid Mosque, Moti Masjid Mosque, Nagina Masjid Mosque, Musamman Burj Tower, Naubat Khanam or Drum House, Rang Mahal, Shahi Burj and Shah Jahani Mahal. Also included here are the Shish Mahal’s glass works, Sheesh Mahal and the Zenana Mina Bazaar.

The list of historic buildings located in Agra is almost too long to include in any one article. This city has many beautiful attractions which include mosques, palaces, tombs and relevant historical buildings of every, shape and size. Some other popular attractions in Agra include Fatehpur Sikri, I’timad-Ud-Daulah, Akbar’s Tomb, Swami Bagh Samadhi, Mankameshwar Temple, Guru ka Tal, Jama Masjid, Chini ka Rauza, Ram Bagh, Mariam’s Tomb, Mehtab Bagh, Keetham Lake, Mughal Heritage Walk and a Roman Catholic church named The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. This city is also home to fine restaurants, open air cafes, bustling bazaars, grande hotels and resorts. No matter what a persons inclinations are there is something that will hold their interest. Agra is a city that is full of history, culture and some of the friendliest people in all of Asia. All one has to do is take a trip down the city’s streets to experience the city at its very finest.