Japan Osaka Morinomiya

Osaka Museum of History

Osaka’s transformation from the ancient times of Naniwa Palace to a bustling modern metropolis

Photo of Osaka Museum of History, Japan (DSC05328 by Richard, enjoy my life!)

Explore the Osaka Museum of History and witness the evolution of Japan’s third-largest city. Located near the site of the ancient Naniwa Palace, the museum showcases Osaka’s cultural and architectural heritage, tracing its roots back to the Naniwa Palace some 1,370 years ago through to modern times.

About Osaka Museum of History

Opened in 2001, the Osaka Museum of History stands as a testament to Osaka’s rich past. It was built to continue the legacy of the Osaka City Museum and presents an architecture that resembles a traditional Japanese folding screen, offering a contrast to the adjacent, historic Osaka Castle.

Spanning four floors, the museum’s exhibits meticulously document the city’s history. The journey begins on the top floor, allowing visitors to travel back in time as they descend. The observatory deck on the 10th floor provides a modern vantage point, contrasting the ancient narratives within. It presents the story of the Naniwa Palace in the 7th century, Osaka’s transformation into a vibrant merchant town during the Edo period, and its modernization in the 20th century, using interactive displays, models, and multimedia presentations.

Now hosting over 138,595 artifacts, the museum’s collection includes full-scale and miniature models, videos, and documents. A highlight is the life-sized reconstruction of the Naniwa Ward Office from the Edo period, while the basement offers a glimpse of the Former Naniwa Palace’s remnants, such as a warehouse, walls, and water supply facilities.

Throughout the year, the museum hosts special exhibitions and events that delve into different aspects of Osaka’s history and culture. Educational programs and workshops are also available, reinforcing the museum’s role in cultural preservation and promotion.

Visitors can also join a tour of the Naniwa Palace remains for an engaging insight into the city’s ancient origins. The view of modern Osaka from the observatory deck juxtaposed against the historic site is striking and presents an excellent photographic opportunity.

The museum is complemented by the nearby Osaka Castle Park and Naniwa Palace Site Park, offering further historical context and a serene environment for visitors. These areas enrich the narrative of Osaka’s historical journey.

Getting There the easiest way to reach Osaka Museum of History

C 18

Tanimachi Yonchōme
 Osaka Metro Chuo Line + 1 more

 5-10 minute walk (600m)
T 22

Temmabashi
 Tanimachi Line + 2 more

 10-20 minute walk (1.2km)
O 06

Morinomiya
 JR Osaka Loop Line + 2 more

 10-20 minute walk (1.3km)
N 18

Tanimachi Rokuchōme
 Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line + 1 more

 10-20 minute walk (1.3km)
K 15

Sakaisuji-Hommachi
 Sakaisuji Line + 1 more

 10-20 minute walk (1.6km)

Around Osaka Museum of History

Osaka Museum of History

History Museum in Osaka

open 9:30am - 4:30pm (varies)
closed Irregularly

Address

大阪歴史博物館, 大阪

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Updated 14 Mar 2024 • Report an error

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