- Culture
- Osaka
Osaka Museum of History
"To dialogue with History, in order to reflect upon our Present and Future"
Located near Naniwa Palace Site Park, the Osaka Museum of History preserves the remains of Naniwa Palace from the 7th century and conducts research on and presents the history of Osaka. Actual materials mainly from the Asuka Period (552-646) to modern times are exhibited in addition to offering many hands-on events. History fans are sure to be thrilled with the extensive collection that allows you to enjoy both Osaka's history and archeology simultaneously. The amazing view of Naniwa Palace and Osaka Castle from the 10th floor at 57 meters above the ground is also a must-see.
Discover the Naniwa Palace Council Hall
When you first arrive, take the elevator to the 10th floor and you will find yourself inside the Council Hall of Naniwa Palace in the Nara Period (646-794). The life-size reproduction of the space features vermilion-lacquered pillars 70 centimeters in diameter and the hall lined with government officials. Court ceremonies are described in an easy-to-understand manner on a large screen and numerous earthenware, roof tiles and stone materials found during the Naniwa Palace excavation are exhibited. Experience the ancient world like you have never imagined!
Immerse yourself in the commercial town of Senba
The 9th floor exhibits the medieval and modern history of Osaka. Senba, the commercial heart of Osaka in the mid-18th century, is reproduced in 1/20 scale, featuring such famous establishments as Chigusaya, one of the leading money changers in Osaka, and Kaitokudo, a learning institution for the townspeople. On the streets are the master and mistress of a merchant house and apprentices and boatmen of the kitamae-bune (cargo ships that sailed the Sea of Japan during the Edo Period (1603-1868)) coming and going, vividly depicting the lively atmosphere of the townspeople of Osaka.
Adventure at a full-scale excavation site
The 10th to 7th floors feature the museum's permanent exhibition introducing the history of Osaka from ancient to modern times. The 8th floor is the Excavating the Past floor, the Naniwa Archaeological Resource Centre. Learn how actual research is conducted and observe the building remains at the reproduction of an excavation site while solving a worksheet. You can observe the seeds of plants unearthed from the ruins under a microscope, as well as see earthenware and stone wares from various periods up close. You can also experience restoring unearthed relics by assembling a three-dimensional puzzle of earthenware. This is a great facility to familiarize yourself with archaeology through sight and touch.
Location
| Name | Osaka Museum of History |
|---|---|
| Website | http://www.mus-his.city.osaka.jp/eng/index.html |
| Address | 4-1-32 Otemae, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka |
| Access | Direct access from Tanimachi 4-chome Station Exit 9 (Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line and Chuo Line) |
| Business Hours | 9:30 to 17:00 (Final admission at 16:30) Open until 20:00 on Fridays during special exhibitions (Final admission at 19:30) |
| Closed | Every Tuesday (if it's a public holiday, then closed the following day) Year-end and New Year's holidays (December 28 to January 4) |
| Inquiries | TEL: 06-6946-5728 |
| Admission | Adult: 600 yen; High school and university student: 400 yen; Junior high school student and under: free (Separate admission fee applies for special exhibitions.) |