Osaka Museums: Enjoy History and Arts in Osaka!

When it comes to Japan's two major urban centers, Tokyo and Osaka stand out. Osaka, in particular, is known as the "City of Water" due to its developed water transportation system. It has flourished as an economic and commercial hub, gathering goods from all over the country. As a result of collecting rice and specialties from various regions, a diverse and unique food culture has developed.

Traditional Japanese performing arts such as Bunraku, Kabuki, and Ningyo Joruri have also permeated widely in Osaka. The city has a culture of cherishing the old while openly accepting and nurturing the new. Osaka is characterized by the coexistence of various cultures mixed together.

In this article, we'll introduce you to a selection of cultural facilities where you can enjoy Osaka from all angles. From internationally-oriented art museums to specialized museums focused on Osaka's streets, we'll present a wide range of attractions where you can experience diverse arts, culture, and history.

Osaka Has Many Facilities to Enjoy History, Natural History, Culture, and Art

Osaka boasts numerous museums and art galleries where you can delve into art, culture, history, and natural history. Particularly in the Nakanoshima area, which was the economic center of Osaka, you'll find a concentration of attractive facilities such as the National Museum of Art, Osaka, the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka, and the Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka.

Moreover, many facilities are located in rich environments adjacent to rivers or parks. This is another reason for their popularity, as you can relax in the heart of the city with good access.

A common feature of Osaka's cultural facilities is their content and exhibitions with high entertainment value. Even without specialized knowledge, art and history enthusiasts can thoroughly enjoy these Osaka museums.

While Osaka has a strong image as a "food city," visiting museums and art galleries that offer rich intellectual experiences is also highly recommended.

Popular Among Tourists! Must-Visit Cultural Facilities in Osaka

National Museum of Art, Osaka

The National Museum of Art, Osaka opened utilizing the art museum from the 1970 Japan World Exposition. In autumn 2004, it relocated to its current location in Osaka's Nakanoshima, reborn as one of the world's rare completely underground museums.

The exterior design, said to represent the vitality of bamboo and the development and growth of contemporary art, looks like a futuristic object itself. It stands out strikingly among the high-rise office towers in the Nakanoshima area.

This Osaka museum actively collects domestic and international contemporary art from after World War II. The most representative work is the ceramic mural "Innocent Laughter" (1969) by Joan Miro, created for the Japan World Exposition. Be sure to check out this massive 12-meter-long work that grandly welcomes visitors at the entrance.

Special exhibitions feature diverse content, from collections of overseas museums to exhibits unraveling ancient Mexican civilization. It's an art museum where you can enjoy art in general, not limited to contemporary art, in a multi-layered manner.

<Facility Information>
- Address: 4-2-55 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00 (Last entry 16:30), Fridays and Saturdays 10:00-20:00 (Last entry 19:30)
Closed: Mondays, New Year holidays (December 28, 2024 (Sat) - January 4, 2025 (Sat)), and during exhibition changes *Open on Monday holidays, closed the following Tuesday
- Phone: 06-6447-4680
- Official Website: https://www.nmao.go.jp/

Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka

The Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka is a new museum that opened in 2022 in Osaka's Nakanoshima. Adjacent to the National Museum of Art, Osaka, it features an impressive black box-like exterior and an architectural style that incorporates passageways (walking spaces).

Inside, you access the exhibition halls via a jet-black direct escalator connecting the second to fourth floors. This long approach further heightens the excitement for the unique world (created by the special exhibitions) that's about to begin.

This Osaka museum actively holds special exhibitions of representative artists with ties to the Kansai region (such as Taro Okamoto, known for the "Tower of the Sun," and Yuzo Saeki, who made a name for himself in Japanese Western-style painting). The exhibitions developed from unique perspectives are particularly well-received.

Also noteworthy are the unique events held regularly, such as Hermès holding an artistic pop-up event using the second-floor lawn plaza and hall.

<Facility Information>
- Address: 4-3-1 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00 (Last entry 16:30)
- Closed: Mondays (Next weekday if a holiday)
- Phone: 06-6479-0550
- Official Website: https://nakka-art.jp/visit/

Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts

The Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts is a historic public art museum that opened in 1936. Its collection centers on Japanese and Oriental antiques, including about 13,500 items with national treasures and important cultural properties. Many of these are donations from citizens, such as businessmen active in the Kansai region, truly developing through the hands of the citizens.

The building itself is registered as a national cultural property. Built in the modern Japanese style, the tasteful and elegant space is also artistic. It's integrated with Tennoji Park, and the surrounding environment is wonderful. I often visit alone when I want to spend some quiet time.

Currently, this Osaka museum is undergoing major renovation work, scheduled for completion on March 1, 2025. A terrace (free zone) overlooking the adjacent modern Japanese garden, the famous Keitakuen, is planned to be added, making it an even more comfortable place to spend time.

<Facility Information>
- Address: 1-82 Chausuyama-cho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka (Inside Tennoji Park)
- Opening Hours: Currently closed for renovation
- Closed: Currently closed for renovation
- Phone: 06-6771-4874
- Official Website: https://www.osaka-art-museum.jp/

The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka

At The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka, you can systematically appreciate ceramics from China, Korea, and Japan dating back to the 10th century. The collection includes national treasures and important cultural properties, making it one of the world's top collections of Oriental ceramics in terms of both quality and quantity.

Furthermore, this Osaka museum's charm lies in its wide range of exhibitions related to ceramics, including special exhibitions of modern potters and exhibitions featuring Finnish ceramics and Marimekko.

Renovated in 2024, the open glass-walled entrance hall has increased the sense of unity with the Nakanoshima Park in front. It's an excellent space to enjoy quiet time while feeling the pleasantness of the park's greenery.

The café space and museum shop have also been renewed, with popular menus and goods inspired by the collection items.

<Facility Information>
- Address: 1-1-26 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Opening Hours: 9:30-17:00 (Last entry 16:30)
- Closed: Mondays (Next day if a holiday), New Year holidays (December 28 - January 4), and during exhibition changes
- Phone: 06-6223-0055
- Official Website: https://www.moco.or.jp/

Osaka Castle

When it comes to Osaka's historical symbol, it's Osaka Castle. It was completed by the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who aimed for national unification (control of all of Japan) based in Osaka.

The interior is now a history museum, housing numerous valuable materials. Many of the exhibits are related to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, making it irresistible for history enthusiasts. A particular highlight is the all-gold tea room on the third floor. This unprecedentedly gorgeous tea room in Japanese history has been restored to almost its original size, allowing you to feel the splendid era that Hideyoshi loved.

And the view from the observation deck on the 8th floor is a must-see! You can overlook Osaka Castle Park and the city of Osaka, and on clear days, you can see as far as Mt. Ikoma in Nara Prefecture, Mt. Shigi, and Mt. Rokko in Hyogo Prefecture.

You can experience the feelings of Hideyoshi, a successful person who ruled the country, in this Osaka museum.

<Facility Information>
- Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Last entry 16:30)
- Closed: December 28 - January 1
- Phone: 06-6941-3044
- Official Website: https://www.osakacastle.net/

Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum

The Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum is located on the 27th floor of the Umeda Sky Building, popular for its view as if you're in the "sky."

Japanese painter Koji Kinutani mastered fresco techniques from classical to modern times, then established his unique style full of energy. At this Osaka museum, you can fully enjoy his works.

Here, you can not only enjoy Kinutani's representative paintings and sculptures but also experience the world's first "3D video experience of jumping into a painting." Visitors can immerse themselves in powerful 3D images projected onto a large round screen about 3m high and 14m wide. You'll be thrilled by the strange sensation of entering the world of paintings with music. Your body will involuntarily react to the scattering of flower petals and the dragon and wind god Fujin and thunder god Raijin (ancient Indian spirit-like gods personifying natural phenomena) approaching right before your eyes.

Make the most of your Osaka sightseeing by combining this with a visit to the Kuchu Teien Observatory on the rooftop of the Umeda Sky Building.

<Facility Information>
- Address: Umeda Sky Building Tower West 27F, 1-1-30 Oyodonaka, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Last entry 17:30), Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays 10:00-20:00 (Last entry 19:30)
- Closed: Tuesdays, New Year holidays, and during exhibition changes
- Phone: 06-6440-3760
- Official Website: https://www.kinutani-tenku.jp/

Three Museums Where You Can Learn About Osaka's History in a Fun Way

Osaka Museum of History

The Osaka Museum of History is a museum that introduces the nearly 1400-year journey of "Urban Osaka." You can see and learn about the changes in Osaka's history and culture from ancient times through medieval and early modern times to modern and contemporary times.

First, take the elevator to the 10th floor and time-slip to ancient Osaka. On the 10th floor, you'll be greeted by a life-size reproduction of the Daigokuden of the ancient Naniwa Palace (considered the origin of Osaka). The Daigokuden was a prestigious place where the emperor conducted political affairs and held grand ceremonies such as enthronement, allowing you to experience the magnificent world of that time.

As you proceed to the 9th floor, the era changes, and here you can see miniature models reproducing the landscapes of medieval and early modern Osaka. On the 8th floor, an archaeological excavation site appears, and on the 7th floor, you'll find a street corner of modern Osaka. You can experience chronologically how Osaka's streets and culture have changed.

The view from the top floor overlooking the beautiful Osaka Castle is also exceptional.

<Facility Information>
- Address: 4-1-32 Otemae, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Opening Hours: 9:30-17:00 (Last entry 16:30)
- Closed: Tuesdays (Next day if a holiday), New Year holidays (December 28 - January 4)
- Phone: 06-6946-5728
- Official Website: https://www.osakamushis.jp/

Osaka Museum of Natural History

The Osaka Museum of Natural History is a museum established within the vast Osaka City Nagai Botanical Garden. It's famous nationwide for its collections of flora and fauna from around the world, focusing on Osaka's nature, as well as dinosaur skeleton specimens and various precious collections.

At the entrance, you'll immediately encounter an impressively large skeletal specimen. It's a fin whale, the largest of all whales, with an astounding length of 19m. This specimen was created from a fin whale that washed up at a port south of Osaka.

The dinosaur exhibit is also popular with children. From giant dinosaur skeleton specimens like Apatosaurus and Desmostylus to ammonite fossils, there's a wide range of displays that are worth seeing. Adults too can get absorbed in the power reminiscent of the movie "Jurassic Park."

After learning about the various activities of natural creatures at this Osaka museum, please relax and unwind from your travel fatigue by taking a stroll in the botanical garden.

<Facility Information>
- Address: 1-23 Nagai Park, Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Osaka
- Opening Hours: March to October / 9:30-17:00 (Last entry 16:30), November to February / 9:30-16:30 (Last entry 16:00)
- Closed: Mondays (Next weekday if a holiday), New Year holidays (December 28 - January 4)
- Phone: 06-6697-6221
- Official Website: https://omnh.jp/

Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living is a specialized museum that deals with themes ranging from "housing" to "living" and "town planning," centered on "dwellings." It's Japan's first unique museum that delves into the history of urban living in Osaka from the perspective of housing.

The 8th and 9th floors of the building are exhibition floors, introducing two eras: the 1600s-1800s and the 1900s onwards. The must-see attraction is the 9th-floor exhibition room, where you can go back 200 years in time and experience a life-size recreation of Osaka's streetscape. You can feel the bustle of Osaka's merchant houses while walking down streets lined with pharmacies, kimono shops, and public bathhouses. You can also experience the daily life of the time, including decorations for the Tenjin Festival, one of Japan's three major festivals, and seasonal annual events.

The museum also offers a kimono wearing service. It's recommended to tour the museum dressed as an Osaka resident of the time.

<Facility Information>
- Address: Housing Information Center Building 8F, 6-4-20 Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00 (Last entry 16:30)
- Closed: Tuesdays (Open if a holiday), New Year holidays (December 29 - January 3)
- Phone: 06-6242-1170
- Official Website: https://www.osaka-angenet.jp/konjyakukan/

"teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka" is also recommended for enjoying the fusion of nature and art

The "teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka" is a nighttime outdoor museum utilizing a botanical garden. It's produced by "teamLab," which has been attracting attention for its digital art using the latest technology.

A permanent exhibition that fuses digital art and nature is being held in the Nagai Botanical Garden, which covers about 240,000 square meters and is home to about 1,200 species of plants.

Works are scattered throughout the garden that resonate with the inhabiting flora and fauna, people's movements, wind and rain, and even moonlight, changing interactively with light and sound. It's a rare program where you can feel the delicate breath of nature while becoming one with nature and art yourself.

If you're interested in illuminations and nature, be sure to visit this unique Osaka museum experience.

<Facility Information>
- Address: Osaka City Nagai Botanical Garden, 1-23 Nagai Park, Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Osaka
- Opening Hours: Between 18:00-22:00 *Opening hours vary depending on the season
- Closed: 2nd and 4th Mondays
- Phone: 06-6699-5120 (16:00-20:30)
- Official Website: https://www.teamlab.art/jp/e/botanicalgarden/