History / Culture / Tour Spots in Osaka Area

  • Osaka Castle
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    4.0
    7958 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Osakajou 1-1
    Osaka Castle was built by the Imperial Regent Toyotomi Hideyoshi between 1583 and 1598. The castle was built on a magnificent scale, but was destroyed just 17 years later after the death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the destruction of the Toyotomi clan in the Siege of Osaka in 1615. Thereafter, the castle was rebuilt by the Tokugawa shogunate under the command of Todo Takatora but was once again lost due to a fire caused by a lightning strike. The current castle tower is the third generation to stand here and was completed in 1931 through donations from local citizens. The interior of the castle is a history museum and visitors can enjoy information about the history of Osaka Castle and dioramas. The castle was registered as a national Tangible Cultural Property in 1997.

    Beautiful is the first thing you feel when you stand at the base of this castle. Perfection in construction when you walk around it and inside it. A couple hours minimum to see everything.

  • Sumiyoshi Taisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine)
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    4.5
    869 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Sumiyoshi-ku Sumiyoshi 2-9-89
    Known affectionately as “Sumiyossan,” the Sumiyoshi Taisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine) is a Shinto Shrine located in the Sumiyoshi Ward of Osaka City, in Osaka Prefecture. It is the head shrine of all the Sumiyoshi shrines in Japan, of which there are around 2,300 in total. The Sumiyoshi Taisha is one of the most popular shrines in the Kinki region for the Hatsumode (the first visit to a shrine in the New Year), and it is thronged with worshippers every January. The founding of the Sumiyoshi Taisha is recorded in the Nihon Shoki (“Chronicles of Japan”), which notes that the Empress Jingu ordered the construction of the shrine to worship Sumiyoshi no Ohkami. Sumiyoshi no Ohkami (which is actually three Shinto deities in one) is renowned as the god of the sea and the god of exorcism. The four halls that make up the Hon-den (main hall) of the Sumiyoshi Taisha are built in the architectural style known as Sumiyoshi-zukuri; all four have been designated as National Treasures.

    We visited this famous shrine by taking a local train from Osaka. The entrance to the shrine features a steeply curved bridge that spans a rushing creek. Inside there are interesting buildings to...

  • CupNoodles Museum Osaka Ikeda
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    4.5
    682 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Osaka Ikedashi Masumichou 8-25
    This museum in Ikeda City, Osaka, first opened in 1999 at the birthplace of instant ramen. With a variety of displays and hands-on exhibits you can learn all about the history and development of instant ramen by Nissin Foods' founder, Ando Momofuku. Don't miss the display which shows off almost 800 different products from throughout Nissin Foods' history. The Chicken Ramen Factory where you can make your own chicken ramen (fee and reservation required) and the My CupNoodle Factory where you can make your own personal CupNoodle blend (fee required) are both very popular. Admission is free.

    We came on our last day, when we have time and didn’t know where to burn. We took the train, followed google map. At the entrance we were welcomed by the security guard, otherwise we might have just...

  • The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
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    4.0
    838 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Tenjimbashi 6-4-20 Housing Information Center Building 8F
    The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, which opened in 2001, is located in Tenjinbashi in the Kita Ward of Osaka City. The Museum is focused on the cultural and historical aspects of how people in Osaka lived during the period from the latter part of the Edo period through to the Showa period. The ninth floor of the Museum building features a row of life-size replica buildings facing onto a “main road,” including Machiya shop-houses, stores, a firewatching tower, etc.; visitors can enjoy strolling around this recreation of an Osaka street scene from days gone by. The eighth floor has dioramas and other exhibits showing Osaka’s streets looked like at different times between the Meiji period and Showa period. The Museum also holds seasonal special exhibitions.

    Cannot recommend enough. Appears like an outside museum but it is indoor and perfect to do on a rainy day.xa0 Located inside a building so take an elevator to the 8th Floor where you can purchase your...

  • Osaka Museum of History
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    4.0
    604 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Otemae 4-1-32
    This museum northwest of Naniwanomiyaato Park in Chuo Ward, Osaka City opened in 2001. A permanent exhibit entitled ''Toshi Osaka no Ayumi'' covering the history of Osaka from ancient times to today takes up the 7th to 10th floors. The top floor features a recreation of the council hall of the Nara-period Naniwa Palace complete with 70 cm-thick vermillion-lacquered pillars and life-sized figures of government officials. Each floor presents the history and culture of Osaka through recreations of buildings, miniature models, videos, and abundant artifacts. The remains of Naniwa Palace are preserved in the museum's basement. Tours are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

    This is very interesting to learn about Osaka and its history. Located by the Castle and you can easily combine the two. Easy to navigate and well laid out. Highly recommend if you want to learn...

  • Osaka Temmangu Shrine
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    4.0
    377 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Tenjimbashi 2-1-8
    Nicknamed “Tenman no Tenjin-san,” this Shinto shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of scholarship, and accordingly bustles with hordes of students during entrance examination season. Together with the Gion Festival in Kyoto and the Kanda Festival in Tokyo, the Tenjin Festival, held each year in July, is one of Japan’s three largest festivals. Throngs of tourists press close to watch the boats fireworks as well as the boats traveling to and fro on the river carrying sacred objects.

    Osaka Tenmangu is a Shinto shrine located in the Kita ward of Osaka. It is one of the most popular shrines in Osaka and the site of Japans biggest festivals, Tenjin Matsuri which features a lively...

  • Nanba Yasaka-jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    280 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Naniwa-ku Motomachi 2-9-19
    This historic shrine in Naniwa is a six-minute walk from Namba Station or a seven-minute walk from Daikokuchou Station. It was known as an old shrine even during the era of Emperor Go-Sanjou (who reigned 1068-1072). Susanoo-no-Mikoto and his wife Kushinadahime are enshrined here, protecting people from evil, helping businesses prosper, and aiding in happy marriages. Three large festivals happen every spring, summer and fall. The summer festival happens every 13th and 14th of July with various events being performed. Also, every third Sunday of January a Shinto rope pulling ceremony is held, which was designated as Osaka's first Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 2001. There are also a variety of other shrines on the premises.

    Compared to the other shrines this one is the most outstanding one! Definitely worth a visit. You can also collect a stamp here. The shrine is usually pretty busy with many tourists taking pictures.

  • Kids Plaza Osaka
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    4.5
    373 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Ougimachi 2-1-7
    Japan’s first hands-on learning museum for children, Kids Plaza Osaka is dedicated to helping children experience new things and emotions through play and to extend the possibilities and individuality of children. The Kids Town, designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, is a maze-like area made up entirely of curved lines. The museum is overflowing with exhibits where children can learn about world cultures, nature, chemistry, and society while playing. The museum also conducts events where children and parents can join in together and the facilities are complete with a nursing room and dining tables. The museum is also popular with families with young children. Ogimachi Station is the closest station to the museum.

    When we were planning our trip to Osaka, Kids Plaza Osaka was a place which we wanted to get a look at and which we wanted our 6 year old to visit. It is situated in an office building with the...

  • Hozen-ji Temple
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    4.0
    434 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Namba 1-2-16
    Hozen-ji Temple is a Jodo (Pure Land) Buddhist temple in Osaka City that is famous for the moss-covered statue of the deity Fudo that worshippers pour water over. The Temple is said to have originally been located in Kitayama Village, Uji District, before being moved to its present site in 1637. Within the Temple, there is a statue of Nishimuki Fudo-son (Aryacanalatha) and a hall dedicated to Konpira (Kumbhira, the guardian deity of seafarers); the Temple is often filled with the scent of the incense sticks offered by worshippers. It is believed that pouring water over the moss-covered statue of Nishimuki Fudo-son can bring a wide range of benefits for the worshippers, including success in business or in love, and as a result the Temple is visited by many local shopkeepers, and by many tourists.

    Had I not been with a local, I would never have found this. Located in a back alley around the Dotonbori area. We went early in the day, when it was quiet. Small and peaceful. You need maybe 5...

  • Osaka City Central Public Hall
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    4.0
    387 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Nakanoshima 1-1-27
    A symbol of the knowledge, culture, and history of Osaka, construction on Osaka City Central Public Hall began in 1911 with a one million yen donation in building funds from Einosuke Iwamoto, with the hall opening in 1918. Brick reinforced with steel beams in construction, with three floors above ground and one basement level, the architecture of this extravagant building applies the Neo-Renaissance style as its basic tone while also presenting majestic baroque touches. In addition to concerts by celebrated orchestras from around the world, the hall has also played host to lectures by historical figures such as Helen Keller. The building was registered a national Important Cultural Property in 2002.

    This Central Hall is a place where you can take beautiful photo and selfie. The architecture design is really awesome.

  • Katsuo-ji Temple
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    4.0
    219 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Katsuoji Temple in Minoo City, Osaka
    This temple in Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture is devoted to Koyasan Shingon Buddhism, and is said to have been founded by Fujihara no Munetada’s sons Zenchu and Zensan when they built thatched huts here in 727. It is famous as the “temple of luck” and the “temple of the darumas of victory.” Many people travel here from all over the country to pray for luck, and those whose prayers are granted donate daruma dolls, which line shelves and various spots throughout the temple. The large site is famous for its cherry blossoms, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, and fall foliage. Many visitors come during hydrangea season (from the beginning of June until mid-July) and fall foliage season.

    Easily one of my favorite temples in Japan. If you have a spare day in Osaka and you would like to escape from crowds, have a nice walk around the Temple located in the mountains - Katsuo-ji is...

  • The National Museum of Art, Osaka
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    3.5
    201 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Nakanoshima 4-2-55
    This art museum is located in Nakanoshima, Kita Ward, Osaka City. Founded in 1977, it relocated to its current location in 2004. It is notable for being one of the only underground art museums in the world. The museum primarily collects and exhibits works of modern art from the post-war era to now. In addition to exhibiting its collection, the museum also holds exhibitions and seminars about a range of art genres with a focus on contemporary art. Other events organized by the museum include workshops for children.

    Visited in March 2023 to see a great temp exhibition of Picasso, Matisse, Klee and Giacometti. Absolutely wonderful and saw some incredible pieces. However this is only the temporary art, and the...

  • Tsuyu no Tenjinsha (Ohaatsu Tenjin) Shrine
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    4.0
    292 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Sonezaki 2-5-4
    The Tsuyu no Tenjinsha Shrine, which is located in the middle of a bustling area of Kita Ward, Osaka City, is reputed to have been built around the year 700. The Bunraku puppet drama “Sonezaki Shinju” was written by Chikamatsu Monzaemon about a tragic double suicide that occurred within the Shrine in 1703; as the name of the heroine of this drama was Ohatsu, the Shrine is now commonly referred to as the “Ohatsu Tenjin.” The Shrine is believed to be a good place to pray for success in business, safe journeys, or a good marriage, and as result it receives a large number of worshippers every day, particularly local shopkeepers and women. A flea market is held here on the first Friday of every month, and the Shrine is famous for its annual festival held in July each year.

    Tsuyuten shrine (Ohatsu-Tenjin) is a hidden spot located between buildings and built 1,300 years ago. It’s a historical and typical architecture of Japanese shrine. We were there without any plan...

  • Osaka Science Museum
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    4.0
    234 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Nakanoshima 4-2-1
    A science museum in Nakanoshima, Kita Ward, Osaka City, that focuses on Space and Energy. It first opened in 1989. Here both children and adults can explore space and its discoveries, chemistry, science, electricity, energy, and so much more from all angles in exhibits spread out amongst the different floors. The staff will also present science shows in the areas of their expertise. In the underground planetarium with the world's largest 26.5-meter dome screen you can enjoy videos of the cosmos.

    They need to update their website to show they are closed for an extended period. Will not reopen until Feb 2022. We wasted an hour getting there and we opted for this instead of the earthquake...

  • The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka
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    4.5
    277 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Nakanoshima 1-1-26
    The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka, which opened in 1982, is dedicated to ceramics from the East Asia region. The Museum’s collection—which is focused mainly on Chinese and Korean ceramics—is world-class in terms of both quantity and quality. The 300 or so representative items that make up the Museum’s permanent exhibitions effectively bring across the appeal of ceramics, such as the painstaking effort made to ensure that ceramics reflect the light to best effect. The Museum’s themed exhibitions and special exhibitions are also very popular.

    I visited this place on february, it is just nice. Easy to access by subway, just a few hundreds walking distance.

  • Imamiya Ebisu-jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    161 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Naniwa-ku Ebisunishi 1-6-10
    The Imamiya Ebisu-jinja Shrine is a shrine in the Naniwa Ward of Osaka City that is associated with “Ebessan” (Ebisu), the god of commerce. Besides Amaterasu-omikami and Kotoshironushi-no-kami, three other Shinto deities are venerated at the Shrine. The worship of Ebisu is linked with that of Kotoshironushi-no-kami. According to tradition, when Prince Shotoku built the Shitenno-ji Temple, he also had the Imamiya Ebisu-jinja Shrine built to protect the Temple from evil spirits coming from the west. The Shrine is particularly famous for the Toka Ebisu Festival, which is held on January 9th to 11th each year, and which attracts around a million worshippers.

    This is a famous temple for the god, Ebisu. All businesses gather here on the night of Ebisu Matsuri from tattoo artists to hoteliers to pray for a bountiful year. Otherwise you come any other time...

  • Abeno Harukas Museum
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    4.0
    105 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Osaka Osakashi Abeno-ku Abenosuji Abe Haruka 16F
    Located on the 16th floor of the 300-meter-tall Abeno Harukas skyscraper, the Abeno Haruka Museum is a city-center art museum that takes full advantage of its location near a major terminal railway station. The Museum has no permanent exhibitions; instead, it holds several different thematic exhibitions every year, on themes relating to the cultural properties that are found near Kintetsu railway lines, East Asian art (including Japanese art), Western art, contemporary art, etc. The Museum occupies an entire floor of the Abeno Harukas building, giving it a spacious feel; as a great spot to take a break from shopping or sightseeing to admire art in a relaxing atmosphere, it has become a very popular art museum.

    Visited during recent typhoon and everything else seemed to be closed. In tall building - exhibit was fantastic. Stayed for a coffee afterwards at the cafe with wonderful views of Osaka.

  • Hokoku-jinja Shrine
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    3.5
    146 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Osakajou 2-1
    This Shinto shrine is located right next to Sakura-mon Gate on the grounds of Osaka Castle. Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Hideyori and Hidenaga are all enshrined here. This shrine is well known for life advancement because of Toyotomi Hideyoshi rising from commoner to ruler. Worshippers pray at the shrine but they also hold wedding ceremonies. Visitors can also purchase omamori protection charms with the Toyotomi family crest or motifs of gourds, and ema wishing tags with a picture of Toyotomi Hideyoshi sittings barefoot.

    This is one among many Shinto shrines in Osaka. Although inside the popular Osaka Castle Park, Hokoku Shrine remains peaceful and secluded. Most of the visitors are local worshipers.

  • Kishiwada Castle
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    4.0
    113 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Kishiwadashi Kishikichou 9-1
    Kishiwada Castle is located in Kishiki-cho, in Kishiwada City. Kishiwada Castle, also known as Chikiri Castle, is said to have been built by Wada Takaie, a relative of Kusunoki Masashige. The castle tower was built in 1585, when Toyotomi Hideyoshi's grandfather, Koide Hidemasa, began to expand the castle. The current three-tier / three-story castle tower was built in 1954, after the previous five-story burned down when it was struck by lightning in 1827. During the time of the Meiji Restoration, with the tower and gate destroyed, only the moat and stone walls still stood. In 1943, the site was designated as a historical site by Osaka Prefecture, and in 2014, Kishiwada Castle Garden (Hachijin no Niwa) was designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty. It is also a famous flower-viewing spot.

    After visiting many castles in Japan, it was a pleasure to visit one with an intimate feel. There are some exhibits on a couple of floors, but not enough to make it feel more like a museum than a...

  • Namba Shrine
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    3.5
    95 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Bakuroumachi 4-1-3
    This shrine is on the Midosuji Road, five minutes' walk from Honmachi underground Station. It was built in the time of Emperor Hansei, and it is said that Emperor Nintoku was enshrined here as a deity when the Shibagaki no Miya palace was opened. Additionally, Uemura Bunrakuken's puppet theater was held on the grounds, which are said to be a place of origin for bunraku. There is also a monument to Inari Shrine Bunraku outside the Eastern gate. Every year, a Chinkon-sai (a festival of the dead) is held in February. They pray for the repose of the souls of the departed, using balls which have five-colored strings tied to them. One of the blessings that can be gained is that of good health, and if you apply in advance, you can receive a glass ball with five colored strings to tie to it.

    I like kitschy things so this fits the bill. Pretty much all historic sites are reconstructions so I guess it’s the idea of how it looked back then? Glad I went for my photo with the lions head

Osaka Areas

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While Osaka prefecture is the country's second smallest prefecture, its capital, Osaka City, is the country’s third-largest and arguably one of the most popular in the Kansai region thanks to its vibrant nightlife, the Osaka people’s openness, and its much-loved cuisine, which has earned it the nickname "the nation’s kitchen."

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