Explore Art and History! Osaka: 7 Fascinating Museums to Visit

If you wish to learn more about the culture, wonders, and history of Osaka and its surroundings, visit one of the many interesting museums that are either in or easy to reach from the city!

From the birthplace of instant ramen to a museum dedicated to the godfather of manga comics, the region around Osaka is brimming with exciting cultural experiences.

A tip: Use the one-day or two-day Osaka Amazing Pass, which covers transportation in Osaka and the entrance fees to local attractions, including some of the museums introduced below.

7 Excellent Museums in Osaka

1. teamlab Botanical Garden Osaka
2. The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
3. Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum
4. Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum
5. Osaka Museum of History
6. Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda
7. The Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum

1. teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka

Picture courtesy of Klook
Part of the Nagai Botanical Gardens, the teamLab Botanical Garden is a spectacular display of lights, sounds, and art that should be part of everyone's museum list when traveling to Osaka.

The Nagai Botanical Gardens are located close to the Shinsekai district of Osaka. After touring the gardens by day, you are treated to spectacular illuminations at night! With over 13 different displays, the installations that are full of whimsy and wonder are going to make any trip to Kansai memorable.

We recommend photographing the Camellia Garden with its large iridescent sculptures that light up in wondrous rainbows or the swirling calligraphy that floats through the forests of the gardens.

teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka Ticket

Hours:
April to May 7, 19:00 - 21:30
May 9 onwards:19:30-21:30
Last entry at 20:30, closed on the second and fourth Monday of every month, opening times vary depending on the season.

2. The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

Photo by Pixta
This museum in the Kita ward of Osaka may just be the closest you can get to time travel in Japan. The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living shows a wondrous perspective of the myriad of ways that living in Osaka has transformed over the years.

Photo by Pixta

Starting on the 10th floor, visitors can get a top-down view of Osaka through the centuries. If you're looking for artifacts behind glass, this museum provides a whole lot more. You can physically walk through the historical eras of Osaka, and immerse yourself while wearing traditional clothing!

From a life-sized recreation of an Edo period (1603-1868) street to popping in to visit all the different shops and amenities that would have been around at the time, the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living can help you connect with Japan's rich cultural history.

The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living Ticket (US$ 4.55)

3. Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum

Picture courtesy of Klook
A museum that offers both vivid artworks as well as easy access to a knockout view of the Osaka Skyline? This is exactly the experience you can receive when visiting the Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum. The Koji Kinutani Museum is housed within the Umeda Sky Building, making it an easy addition to your plans in Umeda!

Inside, the museum has an eclectic blend of large vivid artworks with state-of-the-art VR and 3D technology. Koji Kinutani's pieces are a feast for the eyes and feature larger-than-life depictions of traditional Japanese mythical figures alongside modern themes.

After touring the various spaces within the museum and sampling some of the vivid merchandise they have at the gift shop, why not enjoy a cup of coffee and look out over the museum's commanding views of the Osaka skyline? The Tenku Cafe offers one of the best views from any museum's coffee shop.

Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum Admission Ticket (US$ 6.05)

4. Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum

Picture courtesy of Klook

While Tokyo may be considered the cradle of ukiyoe woodblock prints, the Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum is a great way for Kansai visitors to see some unique woodblock prints that were only produced in the Kamigata area of Osaka.

Located in Namba, this museum is a great addition for anyone heading to sample the modern cultural and culinary delights of the Namba/Shinsaibashi area.

The Kamigata area, brimming with culture and art during the Edo period, has this dedicated museum, which is the only one of its kind preserving many beautiful pieces that were originally made in Kamigata.

Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum Ticket (US$ 3.79)

5. Osaka Museum of History

Photo by Pixta
Take a trip through the different historical phases of Osaka's history at the Osaka Museum of History! Located inside an iconic building of its own, the museum is a great stop to add to your trip when visiting the nearby Osaka Castle.

The museum is oriented around large visual exhibits that depict the various historical eras of Osaka. Stand underneath in awe while viewing the recreation of the large bridges that spanned over Osaka or place yourself within the bustling shopping arcades of the Showa era (1926-1989).

For the best experience in this museum take an elevator ride up to the top and slowly descend down through the exhibits to emerge at the museum shop and cafe at the end of your visit.

Osaka Museum of History Ticket (US$ 4.55)

6. Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda

Photo by Pixta
Take a tasty trip to one of the most interesting museums in all of Kansai, the Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda! Located in Ikeda City just outside of Osaka, this instant ramen museum is the original birthplace of cup noodles.

The amazing creator of chicken noodle instant ramen, Ando Momofuku is said to have created it while experimenting with noodles inside his shed in Ikeda.

Test your knowledge of instant ramen in a head-to-head quiz contest or try different variations and flavors at the ramen tasting room. You can also enjoy the process of making your own instant ramen by combining your favorite flavors. The museum is home to a wide range of exhibits with interactive elements.

7. The Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum

Photo by Pixta
If you've ever wanted to know more about the history of one of anime and manga's great titans, then The Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum should be high on your list of places to visit.

Located just a train ride away from Umeda in the town of Takarazuka, the museum offers a glimpse into the works, life, and legacy of one of Japan's greatest anime and manga artists.

Considered influential in the postwar development of Japan's anime and manga industry, Tezuka Osamu (1928-1989) is best known for works like Astro Boy and Kimba the White Lion.

Osaka Museum of History Ticket (US$ 4.55)

Have a Great Time Exploring Osaka's Museums!

From an eclectic look at vivid art to an amazing look at the past, present, and future of the Kansai region, museums in Osaka are great cultural and historical touchstones.

Remember to use the one-day or two-day Osaka Amazing Pass to save money on transportation in Osaka and conveniently access local attractions.

Main image by Pixta