Osaka is Japan's third-largest city and a major commercial and industrial hub, with a population of over 19 million people in the greater Osaka area.

The Gion district in Kyoto is famous for its traditional geisha culture and is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience traditional Japanese hospitality.

The 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attack by the Aum Shinrikyo cult shocked Japan and led to increased scrutiny of religious groups.