Local Guide
 Recommended for those with children. 7 popular museums and art galleries to visit in Osaka

Kenji Yanobe, SHIP'S CAT (Muse), 2021

Osaka has a lot to offer, including Cup Noodles, Glico, and Duskin. The following is a list of the stores that sell chilled products, In addition to museums where you can experience the charm of Osaka-based companies such as Cupnoodles, Glico, and Duskin, there are many cultural Properties worth seeing, such as museums whose buildings and renovations are the talk of the town, and museums and science museums equipped with world-class collections and facilities. Here are some recommended museums and art museums that you should visit at least once when you visit Osaka.

*Here are some of the best sightseeing spots in Osaka

Impressed by the birth story of the world's first instant ramen

 The
The "Instant Ramen Tunnel" exhibits approximately 800 different instant ramen packages from the past.

Chicken Ramen, the world's first instant ramen, was created in Ikeda City, Osaka in 1958. The museum, built on the site of its birth, traces the path of its inventor, Momofuku Ando, founder of Nissin Foods, through exhibits in a research shed from the time of its development and a theater that introduces episodes of the invention of "Cup Noodle" through video.
The "Instant Ramen Tunnel" on the first floor displays about 800 The "Instant Ramen Tunnel" on the first floor features about 800 different instant ramen packages from past generations. It is a stunning photo spot.

Making the world's one and only original "Cup Noodle

 My Cup Noodle Factory
My Cup Noodle Factory" with 12 kinds of ingredients such as mystery meat, cheddar cheese, kimchi, corn, etc.

After watching the "Cup Noodle Drama Theater" and learning the story of the development of the container and the ingenious way of putting in the noodles, visitors can make their own original cup noodles at the "My Cup Noodle Factory". You can make your own original cup noodle at the "My Cup Noodle Factory. with a pen Use the pen to fill the special into the cup design your own cup. and choose one of four types of soup and four of 12 toppings. There are 5,460 flavor combinations. The cup can be set over the noodle placed upside down Visitors can also see the amazing production process of Cup Noodles up close, such as setting the noodles on top of the upside-down noodle and wrapping the cup in film.

Local Guide Comment
The Chicken Ramen Factory, where visitors can make their own Chicken Ramen, from kneading the flour to drying it using the "instant oil heat drying method," is also very popular. Be sure to visit the museum store, which carries a variety of chickens and other goods.
Cupnoodles Museum Osaka Ikeda
  • Address 8-25, Masubi-cho, Ikeda-shi, Osaka MAP
  • Direction 5 min. walk from Hankyu Ikeda Sta.
  •  Business Hours 9:30-16:30 (last admission at 15:30)
  •  Closed Tuesdays (if Tuesday falls on a national holiday, the museum will be open on Tuesday and closed the following day), Year-end and New Year holidays
  •  Admission Fee Free admission
    My Cup Noodle Factory: 500 yen per meal
    Chicken Ramen Factory: 600 yen for elementary school students, 1,000 yen for junior high school students and older
  •  TEL 072-752-3484
    072-751-0825 (reservation-only number) *Phone: 9:00 - 16:30 for both, except days the museum is closed.
  •  Parking Charged (300 yen every 60 minutes)
  •  Memo Reservations are not required for My Cup Noodle Factory; reservations are required for Chicken Ramen Factory (accepted 3 months prior to the desired Experience date)

Enjoy the feeling of traveling around the world at one of the world's largest ethnographic museums

 Not an important cultural asset, but an up-close display of everyday items without glass cases. Photo shows the popular South Asia exhibit
Not an important cultural asset, but an up-close display of everyday items without glass cases. Photo shows the popular South Asia exhibit

Located in the Expo '70 Commemorative Park, this museum is one of the world's largest cultural anthropology and ethnology museums. With a research institute attached, the museum houses a collection of about 340,000 items, including tools of daily life from around the world since the late 20th century, which researchers have collected through fieldwork, with about 12,000 items on display. The exhibition rooms are arranged from Oceania to America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Japan, making it feel as if you are on a round-the-world trip. Some of the exhibits were created with local people and raise awareness of issues to the viewers. Visitors can also learn about vanished cultures, such as tools, buildings, songs, and dances.

Don't miss the exhibit of giant masks that researchers learned and created in Zambia

 A huge mask of
A huge mask of "Meow Yoremba," a wild animal that comes from deep in the forest. The fact that it is in Japan is in itself a rarity.

Featured exhibit is by Kenji Yoshida former Kenji Yoshida, the former director of the museum, himself, who lives in Zambia, Africa. Chewa living in Zambia, Africa. people living in Zambia, Africa. people living in Zambia. The Masked Society Nyau The "Nyau Yoremba," a huge headdress-shaped mask that he learned from the "Nyau," a mask society of the Chewa people, and made after returning to Japan. It is used in mourning ceremonies, and a video of the ceremony is shown in the immediate vicinity of the exhibition.
Other exhibits include an exhibit that follows the path of a refugee woman and her thoughts, a powerful video of seal fishing in Alaska, and an exhibition of the late Taro Okamoto's "The World of Seals," which was conceived and created by the late Taro Okamoto. The late Taro Okamoto's idea for the collection of artifacts for the 1970 Osaka World's Fair.The museum also has a collection of works from the Republic of Vanuatu, collected for the 1970 Osaka Expo. There are many exhibits that visitors cannot help but admire, such as the "Cracked Drum" from the Republic of Vanuatu, which was collected for the 1970 Osaka World Expo.

Local Guide Comment
In addition to regional exhibits from around the world, the museum also has a wide range of music and language exhibits, and the number of exhibits is so vast that it is impossible to see them all in a single day. Therefore, the last zone, Japan, is often overlooked, but it is quite worth seeing, including festival costumes, portable shrines, kokeshi dolls, and more.
National Museum of Ethnology
  • Address 10-1 Senri Banpaku-Koen, Suita City, Osaka MAP
  •  Direction 15 min. walk from Osaka Monorail Banpaku Kinen Koen Stn. or Koen-higashiguchi Stn.
  •  Business hours 10:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
  •  Closed Wednesdays (if Wednesday is a national holiday, the museum will be open on Wednesday.)
  •  Admission Fee Adults 580 yen, college students 250 yen, (after June 19, 2025, adults 780 yen, college students 340 yen), free for high school students and younger
  •  TEL 06-6876-2151 (Representative)
  •  Parking Parking is available at the Expo '70 Commemorative Park (410 yen for up to 2 hours, 610 yen on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays).
  •  Memo Free admission to the Expo '70 Commemorative Park for visitors who purchase a ticket at each gate. High school students and younger should inform the park's gates that they are going to the National Museum of Ethnology and receive a pass. If you wish to use the Expo Park, you will need to pay an admission fee to the park.

Delicious and educational! Mister Donut and Duskin Museum

 At the entrance, the very popular
At the entrance, the very popular "Pon de Lion" and "Das Dog (Ken)" with a tail like a mop welcome visitors.

Duskin," which has rooted a new cleaning culture in Japan with its chemical dusting cloths and mops, launched the "Mister Donut" in Japan in 1971. in Japan in 1971. Duskin is also the company that launched the "Mister Donut" in Japan in 1971. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Duskin's founding The following is a list of the stores that sell chilled products,2015 The Duskin Museum, which opened in 2006 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Duskin's founding, features a "Misdo Museum" on the first floor and an "Osogi-kan" on the second floor, where visitors can learn about the history of Mister Donut, the secrets of its delicious taste, cleaning tools, and the efficient cleaning of the house. and efficient cleaning methods, all while having fun and learning. Visitors can learn about everything from the history of Mister Donut and the secrets of its delicious taste to cleaning tools and efficient cleaning methods, all while having fun.

Try your hand at making doughnuts at the "Misdo Kitchen.

 Enjoy the
Enjoy the "Donut Making Experience" where you can make your own doughnuts from scratch and deep-fry them.

The most popular experience is the "Donut Making Experience" at the "Misdo Kitchen" (see below). (by advance application by lottery only)" at the "Misdo Kitchen". (by lottery with advance reservations). Visitors can stretch the dough, punch out the molds, and make their own doughnuts. and decorating the doughnut. Experience decorating doughnuts! The only place to experience this is here. You can only taste freshly fried doughnuts and taste the delicious taste of the donuts, and the taste will impress you.
For a quick and easy experience that can be completed at the reception desk on the day of the event, the "Donut Ball Topping Experience" is recommended. You choose three bite-size round doughnuts, and then decorate them with doughnut balls, Add chocolate and other toppings to complete your own original doughnut. You can complete your own original doughnut by choosing three bite-sized round doughnuts and topping them with chocolate and other toppings.

Local Guide Comment
At the Duskin Museum, visitors can learn about the cleaning tools of the Heian aristocrats in an exhibit, visualize dust flying in the air, and find a treasure trove of trivia about cleaning. The MISUDO Museum also has a photo spot with 127 of the most popular doughnuts of all time.
Duskin Museum
  • Address 5-32 Yoshino-cho, Suita City, Osaka MAP
  •  Direction 10-minute walk from Esaka Station on the Kita-Osaka Kyuko Line (Osaka Metro).
  •  Business hours 10:00-16:00 (last admission at 15:30)
  •  Closed Mondays (if Monday is a national holiday, the museum will be open on Monday and closed the following weekday.)
  •  Admission Fee Free admission
  •  TEL 06-6821-5000 (10:00-16:00, except days the museum is closed)
  •  Parking None
  •  Memo Donut Ball Topping Experience: 10:30-15:00 (~14:30 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, may end earlier), 300 yen per set, available on the day
    Miss Dokitchen Donut Making Experience: 1st session 10:15-11:45, 2nd session 14:00-15:30, 1,800 yen per set, reservations required.

Tell the birth story and trajectory of the nutritional confectionery "Glico

 Goaline Mark signboard (miniature) displayed in Dotonbori, Osaka. The first to fifth generations are lined up.
Goaline Mark signboard (miniature) displayed in Dotonbori, Osaka. The first to fifth generations are lined up.

Ezaki Glico was founded in 1922. The company was founded in 1922 and has continued to produce numerous products since the launch of the Glico nutritional confectionery. The Ezaki Memorial Museum is a museum dedicated to the founder, the late Toshikazu Ezaki, and his accomplishments.
The name "Ezaki" comes from the scene of fishermen boiling oysters in a pot on the shore of the Ariake Sea, Nutrients contained in oyster broth Glycogen is used to make "Glico Nutritional Confectionery Glico The idea was conceived by the founder, who wanted to contribute to the health of the people of Japan. The company's founder's strong desire to contribute to the health of the people led to the creation of the "Glico Nutritional Confectionery", The short product name, heart-shaped shape, catchphrase "300m per grain," and trademark "Goal in Mark" are just a few of the groundbreaking ideas on display in an easy-to-understand manner.

Exhibits approximately 4,000 toys from the early days to the present, spanning more than 100 years

 Miniature toys from 1953-1957. Toys include televisions, sewing machines, and other coveted home appliances of the time.
Miniature toys from 1953-1957. Toys include televisions, sewing machines, and other coveted home appliances of the time.

Speaking of Glico, the indispensable Toys was born from the founder's belief that "eating and playing are the two most important occupations for children. The corner with approximately 4,000 items from past generations Toys The most popular section of the store is the section lined with a variety of "toys," starting with paper picture cards when it was launched in 1921, changing to miniature home appliances through the period of rapid economic growth, gender-specific toys in the late 1960s, wooden toys around 2000, and toys that can be combined with scrap materials found at home today. The materials and types of toys reveal their historical background.

Local Guide Comment
Tours are available by reservation only (same-day reservations are not accepted), with a maximum of two groups per visit, on a changeover system of four times per day. Staff/staff members will explain to you about the company's passionate desire to "contribute to society through the food business" and its amazing ingenuity.
Ezaki Memorial Museum
  • Address 4-6-5 Utajima, Nishiyodogawa-ku, Osaka MAP
  • Direction Approx. 16 min. walk from JR Tsukamoto Stn. or 18 min. walk from Mishijima Stn.
  •  Business hours Weekdays and 1st and 3rd Saturdays from 10:00, 11:30, 13:00, 14:30
  •  Closed Saturdays and Sundays other than the 1st and 3rd Saturdays, national holidays, summer vacation, and other days as determined on a temporary basis *There are some temporary openings, so please check the reservation calendar on the official website.
  •  Admission Fee Free admission
  •  TEL 06-6477-8257 (weekdays from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 16:00, excluding holidays)
  •  Parking Free of charge
  •  Memo Reservations are required in advance (not possible on the day of visit).

A wide variety of exhibitions featuring modern and contemporary art and design works

 The lobby with a stairwell from the 1st to 5th floors. Note the chair with the
The lobby with a stairwell from the 1st to 5th floors. Note the chair with the "N" motif.

The Nakanoshima area, which symbolizes the water city of Osaka, will be the site of the new Expo in 2022, after about 30 years of preparation. The museum opened in 2022 after 30 years of preparation in the Nakanoshima area, the symbolic water city of Osaka. Art and design from the late 19th century to the present day works of art and design from the late 19th century to the present day. The museum specializes in the art of Osaka and has a collection of over 6,000 works by Yuzo Saeki, Modigliani, and other artists with ties to Osaka.
The museum holds about eight special exhibitions a year on a wide variety of subjects, including Japanese paintings and contemporary art. Visitors can feel closer to art, Five sculptures (permanent installation), which is a must-see. Light pours down from the atrium pouring down from the atrium. on the 1st and 2nd floors Passage are open to the public as a place for relaxation.

A must-see for fans. Two sculptures by Kenji Yanobe are on permanent display.

 Kenji Yanobe
Kenji Yanobe "Giant Torayan" (2025): A giant sculpture created as a guardian deity for children.

Noteworthy are two by Osaka-born contemporary artist Kenji Yanobe. sculptures by Osaka-born contemporary artist Kenji Yanobe. The 4th floor The "Giant Tora-Ton" sits on the 4th floor of the Passage The "Giant Torayan," a 7.2-meter-long giant sculpture modeled after the character from his masterpiece "Mini-Atom Suit," sits on the fourth floor's Passage. SHIP'S CAT (Muse)," a cat sculpture displayed outdoors, has become a symbol of the museum, watching over people passing by.
On the first floor of the museum, "Bowler" by British sculptor Bali Flanagan is on display. The work depicts a wild rabbit playing cricket pitcher, and many visitors imitate the pose and take pictures with the rabbit.

Local Guide Comment
The glowing grand staircase on the first floor and the long, intersecting escalators on the second floor are also worth seeing as architectural features. Be sure to stop by the attached café restaurant, museum store, and interior store.
Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka
  • Address 4-3-1 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka MAP
  • Direction 5 min. walk from Watanabebashi Sta. on Keihan Nakanoshima Line, or 10 min. walk from Higobashi Sta. on Osaka Metro, JR Fukushima Sta. or Shin-Fukushima Sta. or Hanshin Fukushima Sta.
  •  Business hours 10:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30)
  •  Closed Mondays (if Monday is a national holiday, the museum will be open on Monday and closed the following weekday) *Depends on the exhibition. Varies depending on the exhibition. Please check the official website.
  •  Admission Fee Varies depending on the exhibition.
  •  TEL 06-6479-0550 (Representative)
  •  Parking None
  •  Memo SHIP'S CAT (Muse)" and "Bowler" are free to view. Giant Torayan" can be viewed with a ticket only when the exhibition is held on the 4th and 5th floors.

Enjoy the world's best planetarium with live commentary by expert Staff/staff members.

 Images of the changing sun are projected onto a spherical screen. This
Images of the changing sun are projected onto a spherical screen. This "sun" is also the best photo spot in the museum.

This science museum is the successor to the "Osaka Municipal Electric Science Museum," which opened in 1937 and was the first science museum in Japan and the first in the East to introduce a planetarium. The museum is dedicated to the culture of enjoying science under the theme of "Space and Energy. In particular, the planetarium is the first of its kind in Japan, and was the first of its kind in the East. Planetarium The dome screen, with a diameter of 26.5 meters, projects beautiful, lifelike images of the starry sky and the powerful universe. The center is also known for its live commentary by expert Staff/staff members, who entertain visitors with a wide variety of programs. The 4th floor exhibit, including the mechanism of the phases of the moon and a constellation map from about 350 years ago. Exploration of Science is also very popular.

Enjoy learning about science through hands-on and interactive exhibits

 The
The "Haku-te de Kodama" is a giant tube about 15 meters long. When you clap your hands, the sound reverberates inside the tube, allowing you to experience the principle of echoing voices such as those of a mountain lion.

On the first through fourth floors, visitors can touch and try out the principles and laws of science using experimental equipment, and about 200 actual items of jewelry, gold, silver, and other materials are on display. On the 2nd floor, "Let's Enjoy Science Together Science" on the second floor. The following is a list of the stores that sell chilled products, A ball roll and mirrors in a mirror and the wind blow the wind blows sound and sticking to magnets. Every day on the third floor every day. Science Show on the 3rd floor is also very popular. On the 4th floor Osaka and Science Osaka and Science" on the 4th floor, Asada Goritsu, who led Japanese astronomy in the late Edo period, and Gakutensoku, Asia's first robot built in the early Showa period (1926-1989). reproduction of "Gakutensoku," the first Asian robot built in the early Showa period. The museum introduces the active activities related to science in Osaka, such as the planetarium "Osaka and Science" and others.

Local Guide Comment
In the "Exploration of Materials" section on the third floor, you will find a variety of natural minerals that are so beautiful that you can't help but admire them. The elements of the periodic table (hydrogen, helium, lithium, beryllium, etc.), which you learn about in chemistry class, are all lined up in a row, making for a spectacular sight.
Osaka Science Museum
  • Address 4-2-1 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka MAP
  • Direction 6 min. walk from Keihan Watanabebashi Station or Osaka Metro Higobashi Station.
  •  Business hours 9:30-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
  •  Closed Closed on Mondays (if Monday is a national holiday, the museum will be open on the following weekday).
  •  Admission Fee Exhibition hall: Adults 400 yen, High school and university students 300 yen, Free for junior high school students and younger
    Planetarium 600 yen for adults, 450 yen for high school and university students, 300 yen for junior high school students from 3 years old
  •  TEL 06-6444-5656
  •  Parking 200 yen for 15 minutes (maximum 500 yen for 2 hours during the day)
  •  Memo Parking is reserved for group buses; public transportation is recommended.

A beautiful, historic museum with a free rest zone and café

 Be sure to check out the beautiful ceiling, which makes use of the white plaster from the time of the church's founding.
Be sure to check out the beautiful ceiling, which makes use of the white plaster from the time of the church's founding.

Located in Tennoji Park, the museum has a long history, having opened in 1936. It underwent a major renovation for the first time since its opening, and reopened in March 2025. The Property has many free zones, such as the Central Hall and "Jaiorumu," which is open to the public as a rest room, and is open approximately 300 days a year, making it an easy property to visit even when not appreciating art. The elegant cafe "ENFUSE Osaka," with its high ceilings and white space as it was when the museum first opened, can also be used without an admission fee.

The exhibits are beautifully displayed in carefully selected lighting and glass cases.

 Yuzo Saeki,
Yuzo Saeki, "Church," 1924, Osaka Municipal Museum of Art, Osaka The museum also owns works by Western-style painters born in Osaka.

The second floor is equipped with one of the largest glass cases in Japan at 5.5 meters high. The first floor features special exhibitions and special exhibits. The first floor features approximately 8,700 items, including national treasures and important cultural properties, such as paintings, sculptures, and crafts from Japan and China. 8,700 items people living in Zambia, Africa. National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. The special exhibitions on the second floor feature a wide range of Japanese, Oriental, and Western art four to five times a year. Special exhibitions are held four to five times a year. The second floor features special exhibitions four to five times a year.

Local Guide Comment
At the ENFUSE Osaka café, visitors can enjoy a light meal while overlooking the historic and famous Keisakuen garden next door. Be sure to stop by the museum store, which sells original goods and products related to Osaka.
Osaka Municipal Museum of Art
  • Address 1-82 Chausuyama-cho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka MAP
  • Direction 10 min. walk from Osaka Metro Tennoji Station or 10 min. walk from JR Tennoji Station.
  •  Business hours 9:30-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
  •  Closed Mondays (if Monday is a national holiday, the museum will be open on Monday and closed the following weekday)
  •  Admission Fee Adults: 500 yen, High school and university students: 200 yen, Free for junior high school students and younger
  •  TEL 06-6771-4874 (General Affairs Section)
  •  Parking None
  •  Memo Adults 600 yen, high school and university students 300 yen, junior high school students and younger free of charge
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.