Osaka Museum of History

The Osaka Museum of History is a major local history museum in Osaka. The iconic 10-floor building is located near Osaka Castle Park and is connected to the building of the NHK Osaka Broadcasting Center. After entering the museum on the first floor you make your way up to the top floor and follow Osaka's history by making your way down the building. The collection begins with the ancient period and a feature of the Naniwa Palace on the 10th floor, moves on to the medieval and early modern period (9th floor) and ends with displays on the modern period on the seventh floor. Depending on your level of interest you can take a quick route ('Highlight Course') through the exhibition or delve deeper by taking the 'Complete Course'. The sixth floor is dedicated to special exhibitions that have included Japanese paintings and ukiyo-e woodblock prints. The many replicas as well as numerous hands-on activities (check the schedule before visiting) make Osaka's history come alive. The museum is definitely recommended for anyone with an interest in Osaka's development into one of Japan's most buzzing cities.