Are you looking to explore the history of Osaka through the ages? There are a number of historical destinations in Osaka including the time-honored buildings, monuments, palaces, and parks where you can learn about the glorious past of Osaka. The presence of these historical sites and museums will take you on a walk through Osaka ‘s rich history.
If you are willing to have an in-depth historical information about Osaka, we recommend that you take a wonderful guided tour to cover the major historical attractions. Also, check the opening and closing time for each so that you can organize your time. Make sure that you go through the complete list of historical places in Osaka for a great trip!
Top Historical Places in Osaka
Let's witness the history of Osaka with these top historical places - monuments and landmarks:
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Osaka Castle
(8413 Votes)
The castle looms over this 2 kilometres square park. Aside from the 600 cherry trees in Nishinomaru Garden that make it one of Japan's Top 100 hanami parks, there are hundreds of trees that make the park beautiful in every season, especially in autumn. Some things you should check off your list: Make sure to stroll by the Ume Grove, and in Omoide-no-mori (Grove of Remembrance). See the monumen...Read more -
Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
(4305 Votes)
The Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is one of Japan's oldest shrines. It was founded in the 3rd century. This was before the introduction of Buddhism to Japan and hence the shrine has a unique style of architecture known as Sumiyoshi-zukuri. Trivia- The temple enshrines three gods that have long been worshiped for protecting the nation, for protecting sea voyages and for promoting waka (31-sy...Read more -
Tennoji Park
(1559 Votes)
The Tennoji Park is a botanical garden in Osaka. It features many statues made with wires and covered with beautiful flowers. Located next to Tennoji Station, the Park is an urban oasis. It was opened in the year 1909. Tennoji Park also includes the traditional Japanese garden Keitakuen, Osaka Municipal Museum of Art, Tennoji Zoo, Chausuyama Tomb and a lot of other interesting buildings and lan...Read more -
Mount Tenpo
(1302 Votes)
To call this 4.53 metre high mount a mountain is a bit of a joke, but the name has stuck, thanks to a technicality in Japan's topographical mapping system. It's not even a natural feature, but a man made mound in the middle of Tempozan Park. At the time of its creation in 1831, it was 20 metres high. There is a memorial marking Emperor Meiji's first sea-borne military parade in 1876 next to the...Read more -
The Osaka International Peace Centre aka Peace Osaka is a museum that documents the horrors of World War II. The permanent exhibition displays photographs and documents related to the war, highlighting the horror and pain caused by Japan's aggressions in China, Korea and South East Asia. It also documents the US invasion of Okinawa and the atomic bombings. The Peace Centre portra...Read more -
Osaka Cathedral Of Tamatsukuri Of Saint Mary
(10 Votes)
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 -
Horikawa Ebisu Shrine
(4 Votes)
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 -
Kodu Shrine
(3 Votes)
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. -
Senpukan
(3 Votes)
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 -
Goryo Shrine
(28 Votes)
The shrine was built back in the 9th century. During the meiji period it enjoyed a great surge in popularity. A 'Goryo' puppet theatre had moved onto the shrine grounds and it would draw large crowds. During that time it produced a number of celebrity performers and musicians. Now the shrine is largely passed over, though it's still a nice place to visit. It has a beautiful torii gate in red, a...Read more -
This is probably the most interesting of the temples in Osaka. The idea is for parents to bring their naughty kids to this temple. On the surface it doesn't look all that special. It's only when you read a sign up close saying 'I will rip your tongue out', that things become interesting. Inside are Yama (lord of the dead), assorted demon statues, and other creepy images. Ideally, the kids broug...Read more -
Kitamido
(4 Votes)
This temple has had quite a tumultuous history. Built in the 15th century, it quickly grew in size, attracting the attention of those who saw its military strategic potential. Under Hideyoshi the temple was split into two, each becoming a magnificent building in charge of its own sect. WWII burned them both down. The temple you see here today is their successor. The Midosuji road takes its name...Read more -
Osaka is all about offering simple things hidden away in plain sight and Mermaid Statue at Osaka Bay is one of such gems. The gift from Karlsburg Company of Denmark, the statue is a replica of the famous tourist attraction in Denmark. The statue is located at the sunset point near Kaiyukan and is illuminated with artificial lights at night. Do stop by for some time here if you are in the neighb...Read more -
Watanabenotsu is a place of historic and religious importance in Osaka. It is located on the ancient road of worship and gives you a glimpse of old days when worshippers used to land here. It was a popular place is the late Heian period. Today, you will find a small monument with an information board overlooking the O River.
