Osaka is a popular city in Japan which is visited by many travelers every year along with famous prefectures of Japan like Kyoto and Tokyo. From top tourist spots to museums, there are many places to visit in this city. The smell of burning incense sticks in the streets of Osaka gives a feeling of authenticity of this place. If you are planning a visit to this city and want to gain knowledge about the history of Japan then you must visit Osaka Museum, Osaka’s museums are reminders of the history, traditions and cultures of the country and the city. Every history lover must include these places in their itinerary.
Top 10 Osaka Museums
Here is a list of top museums in Osaka that every history lover must visit. These museums will introduce you to the history of the city as well as the country.
1. Osaka National Museum of Art
The National Museum of Art in Osaka recently opened in November 2004. It was previously used as the Expo Art Museum and displayed both international and domestic works. It is now a three-level underground museum that houses popular works by Picasso, Foujita, Cézanne and Ernst. Apart from this, there are many types of post-war works in this museum which can be admired. The structure of the museum is inspired by the evolution of contemporary art and the vibrancy of bamboo. This is one of the best museums in Osaka that an art lover must visit.
Place: 4 Chome-2-55 Nakanoshima, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0005, Japan
Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Monday)
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2. Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts
Located inside Tennoji Park, the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts has a collection of over 8,000 objects. Unlike other museums, this museum has an unconventional beginning. The artefacts preserved here have been donated by many businessmen and private collectors. You’ll find paintings from the Meiji and Edo periods to Asian Buddhist art. In addition, the museum is also home to many objects donated by temples and shrines in the Kansai region. Additionally, it hosts special exhibitions of artworks from around the world.
Place: 1-82 Chosuyamacho, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0063, Japan
Time: 9:30am-5:00pm (Closed on Mondays)
3. Osaka Museum of History
Built on the ruins of Naniwa Nagara Toyosaki-no-Miya Palace, the Osaka Museum of History opened in November 2001. Each floor of this museum takes you through different periods of Osaka, from ancient times to recent times. The museum is designed to give visitors a multidimensional experience of Osaka’s history. 1,350 years of history is depicted through photographs, scale models and life-size reconstructions.
Place: 4 Chome-1-32 Otama, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0008, Japan
Time: 9:30am-5:00pm (Closed on Tuesday)
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4. Osaka Museum of Natural History
All archeology lovers should head to the Osaka Museum of Natural History to get a deeper insight into the archaeological discoveries in Osaka. A visit to this museum will take you on the path to the origin of life. Reconstructed skeletons, dioramas and photographs of ancient animals give a good glimpse of the diversity of life on Earth. Some natural history education programs run by staff are held both inside and outside the museum.
Place: 1-2-3 Nagaikoen, Higashisumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, 546-0034, Japan
Time: 9:30am-5:00pm (Closed on Mondays)
5. Osaka Mint Museum
The museum was earlier a thermal power plant built in 1911 but was later renovated into the Mint Museum in 1969. The facade remained the same, reminiscent of the Meiji era. However, a major renovation began in 2008 with the aim of making the building more public-friendly as well as eco-friendly. And the Mint Museum reopened in April 2009 with upgraded facilities and exhibits. If you have always had questions about mints, coinage, whether domestic or international, then this museum must be included in your itinerary.
Place: 1 Chome-1-79 Tenma, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0043, Japan
Time: 9:00 am to 4:45 pm
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6. Osaka Science Museum
Located between the Tosabori River and the Dojima River, the Osaka Science Museum is one of the top museums in the city. The fourth floor and planetarium have recently been renovated and upgraded in 2019 to give both children and adults a wonderful experience. Devoted to energy and space, one can gaze at the representations of the stars for hours. It features many visual experiences along with other science facts and artifacts.
Place: 4 Chome-2-1 Nakanoshima, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0005, Japan
Time: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
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7. National Museum of Ethnography
One of the major museums of Japan, the National Museum of Ethnography is the largest research institution which was established in 1974. It is also known as Minpaku and was constructed on the grounds of Expo ’70 in Suita. The museum promotes general awareness of societies and cultures through the collection and preservation of ethnographic materials. Some of the main display areas in this building are Africa, Europe, Oceania, Asia. This is an ideal place in Japan for those interested in history.
Place: 10-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-8511, Japan
Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
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8. Kids Plaza Osaka
Kids Plaza is Osaka’s top children’s museum where every parent should take their kids. From activities to workshops, there is plenty to get involved in at this plaza. One of the best parts of this plaza is the 5th floor which has a Let’s Try idea where kids can do everything from generating electricity to making news programs. In addition, there is a restaurant in the basement where children can eat whatever they want. Many programs for children take place in this plaza.
Place: 2 Chome-1-7 Ogimachi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0025, Japan
Time: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
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9. Fujita Museum
One of the largest private collections in the Kansai region contains approximately five thousand objects of oriental antiquities, which were gathered by Fujita Denzaburo and his descendants. He was a wealthy merchant who lived in the Meiji era. His house was converted into a museum and the warehouse was converted into an exhibition hall. The museum was opened in 1954 and now houses various articles from the Meiji era as well as ancient times such as sculptures, calligraphy, paintings, ceramics, gold vessels, archaeological materials and dyed textiles.
Place: 10-32 Amijimacho, Miyakojima Ward, Osaka, 534-0026, Japan
Time: 10:00 am to 16:30 pm
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10. Open Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses
The first of its kind in Japan, the Open Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses is located in a corner of Hattori Ryokuchi Park and is one of the top museums in Osaka. It has been able to restore 11 typical Japanese farmhouses for public display. Some of these are the Amami-Takakura house from Kagoshima Prefecture and the Nambu-Magariya house from Iwate Prefecture. Originally built in the 17th and 19th centuries, these houses were in use until the 1960s. Before visiting this museum, you can check their program schedule as interesting sessions are organized at this place.
Place: 1-2 Hattorirokuchi, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0873, Japan
Time: 9:30am-5:00pm (Closed on Mondays)
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These Osaka museums capture a great deal of history from ancient times to recent times. You will get a glimpse of the Meiji era and also learn about the evolution of human life. These museums in Osaka are for everyone from children to adults and hold many exhibitions and events from time to time. So, if you are planning to visit these museums then check their event schedule before going there. History lovers, pack your bags because Osaka is calling you. Plan a trip to Osaka with TourTravelHotels and have the best experience of your life.
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