Top Places for Art and Cultural Activities in Osaka

  1. Bank Of Japan Osaka Branch Old Building

    Religious Site

    This neo-Renaissance building was built in 1903. Though it no longer functions as the main bank building, it has been noted as a Important Cultural Property of Japan. Check out the blue-green dome roof. Inside, the bank has what is probably Japan's second oldest elevator. Those wishing to view the building from the inside must book a tour with the bank. The tour will be guided, providing an ind...Read more
  2. Taiyu-ji

    3.8 (38 Votes)
    Taiyu-ji

    Religious Site, Temple

    Twice this temple, built in 821 by Kukai, was burned down. Once in Osaka's summer War and then again in WWII. Twice it was rebuilt. Inside you will find images of two kami - Kannon and Fudo. An important dignitary is interred here, Lady Yodo, concubine of Hideyoshi Toyotomi. Her grave is marked by a stone pagoda. In 1880, this was the site that the Meiji government was forced to adopt the Natio...Read more
  3. Ikukunitama Shrine

    4.1 (12 Votes)
    Ikukunitama Shrine

    Religious Site

    The origin of this shrine is not clear. It is known that it burned down in 1580 in the Ishiyama battle, but was rebuilt later. At the time of its construction, the architecture was highly unusual. Now it even has concrete walls and a copper roof. Various festivals are celebrated at the shrine throughout the year. Chief among these is the Ikutama Summer Festival in July, a time of parades, lion ...Read more
  4. Sanko Shrine

    Religious Site

    Sanada Yukimura was famous samurai who died in the siege of Osaka castle. This shrine is dedicated to him. His final defeat only made his many victories up to that point more infamous, so much so, that he's become an ubiquitous name in Japanese pop-culture. The shrine itself is suspected to be the secret exit of a secret tunnel used during the siege. The Chubu-yoke festival is held at the shrin...Read more
  5. Horikoshi Shrine

    4.1 (52 Votes)
    Horikoshi Shrine

    Religious Site

    Prince Shotoku built this shrine in 593 to honor his uncle Emperor Sushun. It might be something about the tranquil atmosphere around the shrine, or perhaps there is a legend associated to it,but it is said this shrine has the power to make you dearest wish come true. All that is require is a prayer.
  6. Sukunahikona Shrine

    Religious Site

    This shrine, dedicated to the Chinese and Japanese gods of Medicine (Shinno and Sukunahikona), is in a rather fitting location. The area around the shrine, Dosho-machi, is regarded as Osaka's medicine district. The shrine has been around since the 10th century. It's thought locally that prayers at the shrine were instrumental in helping stop the outbreak of cholera in this area in the early 19t...Read more
  7. Daido Life Osaka Head Office Building

    Landmark, Architecture

    The building headquarters of a life insurance company would not usually qualify as an attraction, but one look at this one and you'll see why the exception was made. This may be the only real example of a style of architecture known as Brutalist in the city. The blocky bulk of the building seems to be supported on comparatively fragile looking columns. Stand close and look up, and it might seem...Read more
  8. Soeman-cho

    Neighborhoods

    This little neighborhood running alongside Dotonbori Canal has been a lively spot ever since the Edo period. In those days it used to be thick with restaurants, bathhouses and inns. Today it is one of Osaka's most fun nightspots. In fact, during the daytime it is pretty quiet. The fun starts when the galaxy of neon lights and signs start flickering on in the evening. That's when the crowd start...Read more
  9. Osaka Cathedral Of Tamatsukuri Of Saint Mary

    Religious Site, Cathedral

    The first cathedral here was called the St. Agnes cathedral when it was built in 1894. After it was totally razed in the WWII bombings, and had to be rebuilt twice before the building you see today was constructed. A curious feature of the church - it honors an Edo period Japanese Christian convert who was known as Lady Gracia Hosokawa. The land on which this church stands used to be her family...Read more
  10. Horikawa Ebisu Shrine

    3.9 (4 Votes)
    Horikawa Ebisu Shrine

    Religious Site, Temple, Landmark, Historical Site

    Thought the original structure was built in the 6th century, and moved to this location in the 13th, the bombings of WWII completely destroyed the temple. The building you see here today was completed in 1963. From January 9th to 11th, the Toka Ebisu festival is celebrated here in worship of the kami of commerce, Ebisu. They bring Tai (a kind of bamboo branch), Koban (a Japanese gold coin), and...Read more
  11. Kodu Shrine

    4.1 (3 Votes)
    Kodu Shrine

    Religious Site, Historical Site

    This shrine is thought to have been built in the 9th century on the orders of  Emperor Seiwa. Moved to this location in the 16th century, the shrine was entirely destroyed by the WWII bombings. IT was rebuilt, and today is a quiet and tranquil spot in the city. Note the stone monument. In spring, the shrine is made beautiful by the cherry blossoms. Rakugo performances are held at the shrine.
  12. Fujita Art Museum

    4.2 (3 Votes)
    Fujita Art Museum

    Art And Culture, Art Museum

    Compiled by  Fujita Denzaburo and his descendents, made available to the public in 1954, this is one of the largest and most precious private collections in Japan. It includes sculpture, goldwork, textile, paintings, prints, calligraphy and even archaeological artefacts. Altogether there are about 5000 items. Nice out of these have been designated national treasures. Most of the artwork is...Read more
  13. Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum

    Art And Culture, Art Museum

    During the Edo period, artists working with woodblock and print art were fascinated by kabuki actors, and thus made the actors the subject of their artworks. Also included were geisha and sumo wrestlers. Thus began the Ukiyoe culture of art. From there evolved the Kamigata culture of woodblock art, which is a little funnier  than the Edo period's stylish work. This museum focuses almost ex...Read more
  14. Kitamuki Jizoson

    Religious Site

    Right outside Umeda station, on the first floor, is this unassuming looking shrine. You'll see people bobbing a quick prayer its way before moving on with whatever they were doing. Apparently it's a gravesite. Also apparently praying here assures you of some sort of good fortune.
  15. Senpukan

    3.8 (3 Votes)
    Senpukan

    Architecture , Heritage Building

    When Thomas James Waters built this house for the nearby Mint Bureau, it was the first western style house in all of Osaka. The building, built in 1871, has a strikingly colonial style - columns, balconies, verandahs. Inside you'll find geometric hallways, decorative tiles, a large fireplace and French-style windows. Unfortunately, as the condition of the structure is extremely fragile, it is o...Read more