Travel & Venue

SEPG Asia-Pacific 2009 will be held at the Hotel New Otani Osaka in Osaka, Japan. The hotel is now accepting room reservations. Learn more.

Osaka is the second largest city in Japan and the central metropolis of the Kansai region. Osaka offers both historical and cultural attractions with all the delights of a modern Japanese city. At night its flashing neon signs pointing out tasty food and entertainment showcase the Japanese urban phenomenon.

Known as the Food Capital of Japan, Osaka is famous for its hearty cuisine. Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki are the most well-known Osakan dishes. Okonomiyaki is often called a Japanese pancake or Japanese pizza. It's a pan-fried batter cake that has various ingredients including shrimp, octopus, ginger, scallions, kimuchi, and more. Takoyaki, which means “fried octopus,” is a fried ball-shaped food composed of batter, ingredients, and pieces of cut octopus.

Osaka’s highlights include Osaka Castle, a symbol of Osaka, and its surrounding park; Shitennoji Temple; Osaka Aquarium with its five-meter-long whale shark; the 103-meter Tsutenkaku Tower, and the wonderful Open Air Museum of Old Japanese Farmhouses. The culture of Osaka itself can best be experienced through casual strolls and sampling the Japanese cuisine.

Visit the Osaka Tourist Guide the Lonely Planet guide, and the Travel Channel guide for more information.

Travel

Learn more about traveling to the conference hotel and getting around in Osaka via public transportation.

Venue

Learn more about the official conference venue and hotel, the Hotel New Otani Osaka.