Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
The Osaka Museum of Living Then and Now is a museum where you can experience the changes in Osaka's lifestyle and town. The museum mainly displays reproductions of Osaka's streets, homes, and shops from the Edo to Showa periods, as well as everyday items, photographic materials, and three-dimensional dioramas that convey the lifestyles of those times. There is a "reproduced space" where you can walk down a life-size street of townhouses, a large-scale diorama recreated with models, and an experience program where you can have your photo taken in kimono and other costumes, making it a museum that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. With a focus on lifestyle and culture, you can gain a deeper understanding of Osaka from a "lifestyle perspective" that is different from tourist spots.
Highlights
- Life-size cityscape reproduction: Merchants' houses, alleys, and storefronts from the late Edo period to the early Showa period are faithfully reproduced. Detailed household items, signs, and store displays convey the atmosphere of the time.
- Large diorama exhibit: An exhibit that allows you to see the city of Osaka in the past through a scale model that gives you a bird's-eye view. With trains and people moving about, you can lose track of time as you gaze upon it.
- Experience Programs: Services include taking photos while wearing kimonos and period costumes, and an experience corner for children (please check availability as it may change depending on the season and day of the week).
- Special exhibitions and feature exhibitions: Special exhibitions are held regularly on themes related to daily life. You can enjoy in-depth exhibits on topics such as Osaka's food culture and changes in housing.
- Photo spot: There are many photogenic spots along the streets and in front of stores, allowing you to capture nostalgic shots (although flash and tripods are prohibited in some areas).
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
The museum is located in Kita-ku, Osaka (around Tenjinbashisuji) and is easily accessible by public transportation. The main means of transportation are as follows:
- Nearest station: A few minutes' walk from Tenjinbashisuji Rokuchome Station on the subway
- Nearby stations: Within walking distance of JR Tenma Station and Ogimachi Subway Station (travel time from the station varies depending on the line and exit)
- By car: There are paid parking lots in the surrounding area, but parking at the hotel itself is limited, so we recommend using public transportation.
*Please check the official website before visiting for opening hours, regular holidays, and detailed exit directions from the nearest station.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short visit: Approximately 60 minutes (if you only want to take a quick look at the main exhibits)
- Leisurely tour: 90-120 minutes (including dioramas, special exhibits, and experience programs)
- If you include the kimono experience and photo shoot: 2 hours or more is enough time.
Nearby spots
- Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street: Known as the longest shopping street in Japan, it is lined with restaurants and souvenir shops. You can enjoy a stroll along the street while visiting the museum.
- Osaka Tenmangu Shrine: A shrine dedicated to the god of learning, it is bustling with seasonal festivals and visitors.
- Ogimachi Park and Osaka Municipal Children's Cultural Center: A park and cultural facility that is convenient for families.
- Umeda (accessible by foot or subway): You can also go shopping and visit observation facilities (Umeda Sky Building, etc.).
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- congestion: It can get crowded on weekends, holidays, and during peak tourist season. If you want to take photos and enjoy the experience smoothly, we recommend coming on a weekday morning.
- Photo shooting rules: To protect the exhibits, flash photography and the use of tripods may be restricted. Please follow the signs in the museum.
- Check the experience program in advance: Kimono rentals and special exhibits may require advance reservations and additional fees. Please check the official website or call the museum to confirm the current status.
- Barrier-free strollers: The recreated townscape includes alleys and sections with steps. There may be restrictions on movement with wheelchairs and strollers, so it is best to inquire in advance.
- Clothes/shoes: Please note that you may have to walk through a life-size street inside the museum, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
- Check opening hours: Opening hours, closing days, fees, etc. may change, so please check the official website for the latest information before visiting.
