The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

Take a step back in time at the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, a local history museum in Osaka. It houses exhibitions with life-sized replicas of houses and streets from various points in Osaka’s history.

Permanent exhibitions the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living has two permanent exhibitions and one special exhibition.

Edo Period Permanent Exhibition

This exhibition area takes you back 200 years to the Edo Period. It has life-sized replicas of buildings and streets from the era, including a merchant’s townhouse. There is also the Furoya Theater where you can watch a 20-minute film about Osaka during the Edo Period, with English subtitles.

You can also rent a kimono in the exhibition area for ¥1,000 (cash only). However, these are only available to the first 100 visitors of the day.

There are also audio guides available for ¥100 which have English, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified and traditional) options.

Modern Osaka Panorama Exhibition

This exhibition houses a series of miniature displays showing life in Osaka during the more recent Meiji, Taishō, and Shōwa Periods. There is another theater, this one called Sumai Theater, which shows a 20-minute film about family who relocates to different areas in Osaka.

Special exhibitions

The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living has special exhibitions throughout the year. They tend to last around 2 months, and are on topics related to Osaka’s history and life/housing. Past special exhibitions include one on the famous Tenjin Matsuri Festival, and one on Shōwa Period retro home appliances.

Museum facilities

The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living is large enough to have good, comfortable facilities. There are coin lockers, vending machines, and rest areas, and of course a museum shop. Strollers and wheelchairs are available to rent. There is also multi-purpose change room that is suitable for wheelchair users and has a diaper change table.

How to buy tickets

Tickets for the permanent exhibitions cost ¥600 for adults and ¥300 for high school and university students. You can also get combo tickets that include the special exhibition for ¥800 and ¥500 respectively. Junior high school students and younger, those with a disability certificate, and seniors over 65 are able to enter for free.

You can buy tickets for the permanent exhibitions online. Combo tickets can be bought online or in person at the ticket counter. If you opt to buy them at the ticket counter they accept cash, major credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments.

How to get to the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

The closest station to the museum is Tenjimbashisuji 6-chōme Station. From there it is just 1 to 2 minutes on foot.

Frequently asked questions

How long do you need for the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living?

We recommend 1.5 to 2 hours to see everything. This will give you time to watch the short films at both theaters, and dress up in a kimono if you’d like to.

When is the best time to visit?

The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living is a fairly quiet museum. As usual, we recommend avoiding weekends and holiday periods, but on the other hand on weekdays there may be school groups visiting.