Osaka Museum of History: Travel Through 1,300 Years of Japan's Greatest Merchant City

Travel Back 1,300 Years in Osaka’s “Time Machine”

“Imagine if you could travel to Osaka 1,300 years ago.”

“Wouldn’t you love to walk through the lively streets of Osaka during the Edo period?”

What if we told you that dream could come true?

Right next to Osaka Castle, there’s a “time machine” that allows you to experience this adventure—the Osaka Museum of History.

On a floor with a view from 57 meters above ground, you can gaze over the ruins of Naniwa Palace and Osaka Castle, immersing yourself in the ancient capital of Naniwa from the 7th century. As you walk through full-scale recreations of Osaka’s bustling streets from the Edo, Taisho, and Showa eras, you’ll witness the lively city known as “the Nation’s Kitchen” come to life before your eyes.

With life-sized structures, detailed models, and even hands-on excavation experiences, this museum lets you explore Osaka’s history through all five senses.

Today, we’ll guide you on a special “time trip” through Osaka’s history, floor by floor, from the 10th down to the 7th floor. Let’s begin our journey across 1,300 years of history!

Osaka Museum of History

The Osaka Museum of History, located in Chuo-ku, Osaka City, near Osaka Castle, opened in 2001. It shares space with the NHK Osaka Broadcasting Station, presenting exhibits on Osaka’s history and culture from ancient times to the present. The museum stretches from the 2nd basement level to the 10th floor, and the higher floors offer views of Osaka Castle and Naniwa Palace Ruins Park.

Business hours

9:30 am to 5:00 pm

Regular holiday

Tuesdays (or the following day if Tuesday is a holiday)

December 28 - January 4

Telephone number

+081-6-6946-5728

Official site

https://www.osakamushis.jp/

Parking

Parking available on B2 floor (500 yen for the first hour, 200 yen every additional 30 minutes)

How to visit

4 - minute walk from Exit 2 of Tanimachi 4 - chome Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line

Directly in front of Exit 9 at Tanimachi 4 - chome Station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line

Address

4 - 1-32 Otemae, Chuo - ku, Osaka 540 - 0008, Japan

Discover Osaka’s History and Culture in Great Detail

The Osaka Museum of History stands out for its wealth of information. The exhibits are organized by period, featuring life-sized reconstructions, videos, and interactive displays designed to make history accessible and enjoyable.

The building has 10 floors, with exhibits displayed on floors 6 through 10, while the 1st floor serves as an information center for ticket purchases.

10th Floor [Ancient] Naniwa Palace Period

The 10th floor features the “Naniwa Palace Period,” recreating the ancient palace of Naniwa no Miya. This palace, built in Osaka during the 7th to 8th centuries, is considered one of Japan’s earliest capitals. The construction began during Emperor Kotoku’s reign in the mid-7th century as a major trading center in Naniwa.

The grand Daigokuden Hall of Naniwa Palace, symbolizing the prosperity of that era, is recreated magnificently on this floor.

With towering red pillars measuring 70 cm in diameter, the reconstructed Daigokuden Hall of Naniwa Palace creates an impressive sight.

From the 10th floor, you can also overlook the park where the Daigokuden once stood, with a stunning panorama from 57 meters above ground.

This floor alone is filled with extensive exhibits, including models and artifacts, providing an in-depth look at ancient Osaka.

10th Floor Ancient Floor: Discover the Naniwa Palace Daigokuden - Osaka Museum of History

9th Floor [Medieval to Early Modern] Osaka Honganji Period, Nation’s Kitchen Period

On the 9th floor, you’ll find recreations of Osaka’s vibrant streets from the medieval to early modern periods, covering roughly 1500 to 1860.

The lively atmosphere of Osaka in those times is recreated with impressive quality. With detailed models and dynamic street recreations, it’s an enjoyable experience.

9th Floor Medieval to Early Modern Floor: Explore Osaka's Water City Streets - Osaka Museum of History

8th Floor Try Archaeological Excavation!

The 8th floor houses the “Naniwa Archaeological Institute,” featuring life-sized excavation sites and excavation puzzle activities, making it a fun experience for both adults and children.

This puzzle excavation activity is a popular and enjoyable experience for all ages. Be sure to give it a try!

8th Floor Archaeology Floor: Adventure at the Life - sized Excavation Site - Osaka Museum of History

7th Floor [Modern] Great Osaka Period

The 7th floor features Osaka’s vibrant streets from the Taisho (1920–1926) to early Showa period (late 1920s to 1930s), including full-scale recreations of districts like Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori.

Known as “the Nation’s Kitchen,” Osaka has long been a center of trade. The recreated fruit and fish markets evoke the bustling atmosphere of this thriving merchant city.

Here, you can also see the nightlife of Osaka, a mix of Japanese and Western influences at that time.

7th Floor Modern Floor: Experience Realistic City Panoramas - Osaka Museum of History

Admission Fees and Combo Tickets

The first floor has a reception area for ticket purchases and general information. The admission fees are as follows:

Accepted payment methods include cash, credit cards, e-money, and QR code payments.

If you plan to visit Osaka Castle as well, consider purchasing a combo ticket. Admission for both the museum and the castle is ¥600 each (¥1,200 total), but the combo ticket costs ¥1,000, saving you ¥200.

Please note that the regular ticket only includes the permanent exhibits. If you wish to see the special exhibit on the 6th floor, an additional fee is required. For details on current special exhibits and fees, visit the museum’s official site and check the "Special Exhibition" page.

After purchasing your ticket, take the elevator to the 10th floor and work your way down using the escalators—an easy way to explore without needing to climb stairs.

Prefer Listening? The Museum Guide is for You!

The Osaka Museum of History offers an audio guide for ¥400.

Covering 50 exhibits on floors 7 to 10, the guide can be accessed through your smartphone by scanning QR codes at each exhibit.

The guide is available in Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, and Korean, making it ideal for international visitors.

Tour the Naniwa Palace Ruins Under the Museum

Beneath the museum lies the Naniwa Palace Ruins, where you can join a guided tour twice daily at 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm. This is a unique opportunity to see the ancient site up close.

Naniwa Palace Ruins Tour

Experience Osaka’s 1,300-Year Story in an Engaging, Interactive Museum

From ancient palaces to vibrant modern streets, the Osaka Museum of History offers a dynamic journey through Osaka’s 1,300-year history.

Since it’s a short walk from Osaka Castle, using a combo ticket is a great way to see both sites. Plan at least an hour to fully enjoy this time-travel experience through Osaka’s history.