Osaka: the Venice of the East!
Such claims by publicity people may invite derision from many familiar with today's second city of Japan. However, Osaka was indeed launched to wealth and prominence by its Kansai-region waterways and transoceanic links.
So it was that I set out on foot one recent morning to explore the modern city's waterways in search of an alternative view of the metropolis to its regular tourist spots and shopping traps.