Top 10 Historic Sites to Visit in Osaka

Since the 5th century, Osaka has been one of Japan’s thriving centers of culture and trade. Its strategic location between the calm harbors of Osaka Bay and nearby Kyoto made it prime for economic development. Despite suffering destruction during World War II, Osaka still preserves much of its heritage, and some of its original buildings have survived. Today, you can enjoy this influential city’s monuments and museums at your own pace. Below are the top 10 historical sites to visit in Osaka so you can make the most out of your visit.

Few landmarks in Japan are as iconic as Osaka Castle. This towering fortress has been ground zero for Osaka’s power since 1583 when it was the home of the powerful daimyō Hideyoshi Toyotomi. Since then, it has been rebuilt following fires from wars and lightning strikes. Inside, you can experience the castle’s museum. As you climb to the top observation deck, you’ll see over 10,000 artifacts, including samurai armor, artworks, and treasures. From here, you’ll look out over the garden moats, castle walls, and vast cityscape.

Over 106 hectares of gardens and green spaces surround the castle. You’ll get to visit shrines, such as the Hokoku Shrine, which are several hundreds of years old. If you come during spring, you’ll be treated to one of the most colorful displays of cherry and plum blossoms in Japan.

2. Tonda-Bayashi Templetown

The traditional buildings feature white walls and wooden window panels. Several heritage buildings are nearby, and you can visit them to learn about their history. After your walk, check out one of the town’s traditional cafes and restaurants.

The town is small, and its historic center is surrounded by modern buildings, so you can’t get lost. Take your time to enjoy the centuries-old architecture and charming streets. If you time your visit right, you may get to experience the town’s annual events, such as the Nochi no Hina Matsuri (Autumn Doll’s Festival) in autumn.

Osaka’s historic Tenmangu Shrine was built in the 10th century. The buildings themselves were restored several times following fires that occasionally raised the city to the ground. The shrine’s main gate and hall were built in 1845. It’s one of Japan’s most celebrated Shinto shrines and is especially significant for students who want to pray to pass exams.

Every July, the Tenmangu Shrine hosts the hugely popular Tenjin Matsuri. During the event, portable shrines traverse the neighborhood, and practitioners take traditional ceremonial boats through the city’s canals. At the end of the festival, thousands of people gather at Tenmangu Shrine to enjoy one of Japan’s largest fireworks displays.

4. Tsūtenkaku Observation Deck and Shinsekai

The quirky shopping district of Shin Sekai (New World) developed after the city’s 1903 National Industrial Exposition. The event drew millions of people to the neighborhood and created a thriving commercial district for the city. City planners designed the neighborhood to resemble New York’s Coney Island and Paris, France, yet it quickly developed its own identity and style.

The city built the iconic Tsūtenkaku Tower in 1912 to resemble the Eiffel Tower in Paris. For a brief period, it was the tallest building in Asia. It was destroyed during a fire in World War II but was rebuilt in 1956. With the addition of colorful lights, an observation deck, and a gift shop, it became an iconic symbol of Osaka and a popular viewpoint for visitors.

Walking in the neighborhood is like traveling back in time. You’ll see some of the original bars, theaters such as the Asahi Theater, and comedy clubs that helped catapult the city into its position as Japan’s capital of entertainment. Once you’ve gotten your fill of this fast-paced neighborhood, head over to Tennoji Park to enjoy quiet green spaces and the 12th-century Isshin-ji Temple.

With its iconic red bridge and stunning architecture, the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is a must-visit landmark in Osaka. The shrine is said to have been founded in the third century, a few centuries before Buddhism arrived in the country. It is dedicated to three sea gods: Sumiyoshi Sanjin and Empress Jingū, who, according to legend, ruled Japan in the third century.

The shrine is one of thousands of Sumiyoshi shrines located throughout Japanese harbors. Their purpose is to protect mariners and anyone going to sea. Sumiyoshi Taisha is considered Osaka Harbor’s protective shrine. The shrine has some of the best examples of early Japanese architecture, with straight gable roofs and traditional raised floors. Sumiyoshi Taisha has four main halls and a famous bridge that’s popular for taking photos.

6. Osaka Museum of History

Just south of Osaka Castle is the Osaka Museum of History. This well-curated space chronicles the city’s history and displays a collection of artifacts and recreations. You’ll get to experience the entire history of the city, from the early Jōmon Period to its rise as Japan’s second-largest city.

The museum starts on the building’s 10th floor. Here, you’ll experience artifacts and information about the original Naniwa Palace. The palace was built in the center of Osaka in the 7th century and served as a regional center of power. As you descend the museum’s floors, you’ll get to immerse yourself in various eras of the city’s history. You’ll experience the city’s transformation into one of Japan’s economic and cultural hubs. There are two courses through the museum, one that lasts for less than an hour and another longer and more detailed one.

At the northern end of the famous Tenjimbashisuji Street is the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living. This exciting space showcases the evolving culture and styles of homes and businesses throughout Osaka’s history. You’ll walk through recreations from the classical Edo Period to the Meiji Restoration and post-World War II Japan. You’ll learn about the businesses, styles, and food culture of the city during these periods. Guides wear traditional kimonos and outfits from the eras, and many exhibits feature fun interactive displays.

A highlight of the museum is the replica of an Edo Period town. During special events, you can walk into life-size recreations of traditional homes and see traditional crafts and performing arts. The museum is full of artifacts and displays, so set aside a few hours. Afterward, you can shop and eat along the historic Tenjimbashisuji Street.

8. Kishiwada Castle

The 16th-century Kishiwada Castle is just 20 minutes by car from Kansai Airport, Osaka’s international hub. The samurai Koide Hidemasa built this beautiful castle, but the ruler Okabe Nobukatsu and his descendants ruled over it until it was abandoned during the Meiji Restoration. The towering three-story main keep is a reconstruction of the original five-story building. In 1827, it was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. The original stone walls and some of the original building frame remain preserved.

When you visit, don’t miss the nearby Kishiki Shrine. This historic shrine was built in its current location in 1868 after being moved from its original location near the castle entrance. There are several halls and places of worship, as well as gardens that are full of cherry blossoms in spring.

The centuries-old Amagasaki Castle is in the nearby city of Amagasaki. The feudal lord Toda Ujikane built it in 1617 on top of a smaller castle from the Sengoku period. Several daimyos ruled over the castle since its construction, and it was eventually abandoned and demolished in 1873 during Japan’s Meiji Restoration. Today, the castle’s reconstructed keep is the only structure standing. Surrounding the grounds are its former walls, which were excavated during the reconstruction phase in 2018. When you visit, you can see the original remains of the Edo Period castle and learn about its history as the home of one of Honshu’s most influential domains. There is also the Amagasaki City Historical Museum nearby. Here, you can find artifacts, feudal samurai weapons, and clothing from the Edo Period. Many of the artifacts were collected on the castle grounds.

10. Osaka’s Namba Neighborhood

Osaka’s Namba neighborhood is one of the city’s oldest districts. This central neighborhood is where traditional theater, such as kabuki and rakugo storytelling, evolved. It’s also where much of Osaka’s world-famous manzai comedy originated. Today, you can find late-night comedy clubs and bars dedicated to the popular two-person genre of comedy.

The neighborhood becomes the center of entertainment and shopping at night. Here, you’ll find live music theaters and traditional kabuki theaters such as the historic Osaka Shochikuza Theatre. Afterward, stroll along the Dotonbori River and see one of Japan’s most colorful districts for nightlife.

Come to Namba during the day and you’ll be transported to another world. Don’t miss its timeless temples, such as Hozen-ji Temple, which was originally built in 1637 and is dedicated to the deity Fudo Myoo. After your visit, walk down the historic Hozenji Yokocho alleyway to sample traditional food stalls.