Osaka is a popular city in Japan that is visited by many travelers every year along with the famous prefectures of Japan like Kyoto and Tokyo. From top tourist places to museums, there is a range of places to explore in this city. The smell of burning an incense stick in the lanes of Osaka makes one realize the 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 head to Osaka museums. The museums of Osaka are a reminiscence of the history, traditions, and cultures of the country and the city. Every history enthusiast must include these places in his or her itinerary.
Top 10 Osaka Museums
Here is a list of top museums in Osaka that every history buff must explore. These museums will take you down the lane of the history of the city as well as the country.
1. Osaka National Museum Of Art
The National Museum of Art in Osaka opened recently in November 2004. Earlier it was used as the Expo Art Museum and exhibited both international and domestic works. It is now a three-level underground museum that houses the popular works of Picasso, Foujita, Cezanne, and Ernst. Apart from this, there is a variety of post-war works which can be admired in this museum. The structure of the museum is inspired by the growth of contemporary art and the liveliness of bamboo. It is one of the best museums in Osaka that an art lover must visit.
Location: 4 Chome-2-55 Nakanoshima, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0005, Japan
Timings: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM (Closed on Monday)
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2. Osaka City Museum Of Fine Arts
Located inside the Tennoji Park, Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts has a collection of more than 8,000 items. This museum, unlike other museums, has an unconventional beginning. The artworks preserved here are donated by a number of businessmen and private collectors. You will find paintings from the Meiji and Edo periods to Asian Buddhist art. Apart from this, the museum is also home to many items donated by temples and shrines in the Kansai region. Additionally, it hosts special exhibitions of artworks from all around the world.
Location: 1-８２ Chausuyamacho, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0063, Japan
Timings: 9:30 AM-5:00 PM (Closed on Monday)
3. Osaka Museum Of History
Created on the ruins of Naniwa Nagara Toyosaki-no-Miya Palace, the Osaka Museum of History opened in November 2001. Each floor in this museum takes you to different periods of Osaka from ancient times to recent days. The museum is designed in such a way that visitors get a multi-dimensional experience of the history of Osaka. The 1,350-year old history is depicted through photographs, scale models, and life-size reconstructions.
Location: 4 Chome-1-32 Otemae, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0008, Japan
Timings: 9:30 AM-5:00 PM (Closed on Tuesday)
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4. Osaka Museum Of Natural History
All archaeological buffs must head to the Osaka Museum of Natural History to get in-depth knowledge about the archaeological findings in Osaka. A visit to this museum will take you down the lane of the origin of life. The reconstructed skeletons of ancient animals, dioramas, and photographs give a nice glimpse of the diversity of life on earth. Some natural history education programs are conducted by the staff which is held both inside and outside the museum.
Location: 1-2-3 Nagaikoen, Higashisumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, 546-0034, Japan
Timings: 9:30 AM-5:00 PM (Closed on Monday)
5. Osaka Mint Museum
This museum was earlier a thermal power plant that was built in 1911 but later was renovated in 1969 into the Mint Museum. The facade remained the same which was a reminiscence of the Meiji era. However, a major refurbishment started in 2008 with the aim to make this building more public-friendly as well as environment-friendly. And the Mint Museum reopened in April 2009 with upgraded facilities and exhibitions. If you always had questions about the making of mints, medals, whether domestic or international, then your itinerary must include this museum.
Location: 1 Chome-1-79 Tenma, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0043, Japan
Timings: 9:00 AM-4: 45 PM
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6. Osaka Science Museum
Tucked between the Tosabori River and the Dojima River, Osaka Science Museum is one of the top museums in this city. The fourth floor and the planetarium have been recently revamped and upgraded in 2019 to give a wow experience to both kids and adults. Dedicated to energy and space, one can gaze at the representation of stars for hours. There are many visual experiences along with other science facts and artifacts.
Location: 4 Chome-2-1 Nakanoshima, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0005, Japan
Timings: 9:30 AM-5:00 PM
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7. National Museum Of Ethnology
One of the major museums of Japan, the National Museum of Ethnology is the largest research institute that was established in 1974. It is also known as Minpaku and is constructed on the grounds of Expo ‘70 in Suita. This museum promotes general awareness regarding societies and cultures via the compilation and preservation of ethnographic materials. Some of the main display areas in this building are Africa, Europe, Oceania, Asia. This is the perfect place to be in Japan for a history buff.
Location: 10-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-8511, Japan
Timings: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
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8. Kids Plaza Osaka
Kids Plaza is the top Osaka children’s museum that every parent should take their children to. From activities to workshops, there is a lot to engage in this plaza. One of the best parts of this plaza is the 5th Floor which features The Let’s Try idea where children can do everything from producing electricity to making news programs. Moreover, the basement contains a restaurant where kids can eat whatever they want. There are several events that take place in this Plaza for kids.
Location: 2 Chome-1-7 Ogimachi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0025, Japan
Timings: 9:30 AM-5:00 PM
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9. Fujita Museum
One of the largest private collections in the Kansai region houses around five thousand items of oriental antiquities which was assembled by Fujita Denzaburo and his descendants. He was a wealthy merchant who lived in the Meiji Era. His house was revamped into a museum and the warehouse was converted into exhibition rooms. The museum opened in 1954 which now houses various articles like sculptures, calligraphy, paintings, ceramics, goldware, archaeological materials, and dyed textiles from the Meiji Era as well as ancient times.
Location: 10-32 Amijimacho, Miyakojima Ward, Osaka, 534-0026, Japan
Timings: 10:00 AM-16:30 PM
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10. Open Air Museum Of Old Japanese Farm Houses
First of its kind in Japan, the Open Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses is situated in one of the corners 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 Amami-Takakura house from Kagoshima Prefecture and Nambu-Magariya house from Iwate Prefecture. Originally constructed in the 17th and 19th centuries, these houses were being used until the 1960s. Before going to this museum, you can check their event schedule as interesting sessions keep on organizing at this place.
Location: 1-2 Hattoriryokuchi, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0873, Japan
Timings: 9:30 AM-5:00 PM (Closed on Monday)
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These Osaka museums capture a vast part of the history from ancient times to recent days. You will get a glimpse of the Meiji Era and know about the evolution of human life also. These museums in Osaka are meant for all from kids to adults and hold many exhibitions and events from time to time. So, if you are planning to explore these museums then check their event schedule first before heading to the place. History buffs pack your bags because Osaka is calling you. Plan your getaway to Osaka with TravelTriangle and get one of the best experiences of your life.
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Books, travel, art, music, and dance define Bhawna perfectly. You might find her sitting on a vacant metro platform, engrossed in a book, scribbling something, sipping on some lemon soda or planning an itinerary for her next trip.
