- Culture
- Osaka
Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum

View the rare collection of Kamigata Ukiyo-e in the Dotonbori theater district
While Dotonbori is now famous for its great dining options, the town once flourished as the center of theater culture, with numerous playhouses lining the streets. The Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum displays various ukiyo-e paintings of 19th century Kabuki plays performed at the Dotonbori Goza, the five main theaters, from which the names are still passed on today such as the Nakaza and Kadoza theaters. The museum is the only location to exhibit a large collection of valuable Osaka ukiyo-e paintings.
Look for the large sign with a cat
Along a cream-colored exterior, look up to find a silver artwork of a rice stalk, and find on the street corner a large display of a cat. The Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum is located in the southern part of the lively Dotonbori, in front of Hozen-ji Temple, famous for the moss-covered Mizukake Fudo statue. Enter the museum through the small entrance on the left of the cat sign, and marvel at the impressive Kamigata Ukiyo-e artworks in a quiet reprieve from the bustling town.
Experience the world of ukiyo-e paintings
Woodblock ukiyo-e paintings are created through collaborative efforts of the designer, woodcarver and printer. On the fourth floor of the museum, visitors can experience the printing portion of ukiyo-e production, which in itself involves multiple processes from coloring to preparing, paper setting and applying. Experiencing the many procedures will help deepen your understanding of ukiyo-e and make the viewing even more enjoyable. The courses are divided into three levels and require reservations, which can be made from the contact form on the museum's website.
Location
Name | Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum |
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Website | http://www.kamigata.jp/kmgt/english/![]() |
Address | 1-6-4 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka |
Access | Approximately 5 minutes' walk from Namba Station on the Kintetsu Railway/Osaka Metro From Namba Walk B16 Exit, walk approximately 80 meters north. |
Business Hours | 11:00 to 18:00 (final admission 17:30) |
Closed | Mondays (if Monday is a public holiday, then closed the following Tuesday) |
Inquiries | TEL: 06-6211-0303 |
Admission | Admission: Adults (age 16 and over): 500 yen; Elementary and junior high school students: 300 yen; Holder of disability certificate: 300 yen (same price for one accompanying guest) |
Others | Ukiyo-e Woodblock Printing Experience Courses (reservations required): Beginner course: 500 yen; Intermediate course: 800 yen; Advanced course: 1,000 yen (Please see the museum website for details.) |