Take a walk through Osaka’s historic past
From around 5th century to the 8th century, Osaka was declared the nation’s capital several times and played a major role in trade and cultural exchange. Osaka Castle was constructed during the 16th century, and during the 17th century, the City became the center for trade and distribution activities and was referred to as the Tenka no Daidokoro (Nations Kitchen.)
This palace was rebuilt twice, once by Emperor Kohtoku in the 7th century and later by Emperor Shohmu in the 8th century. What is left of Naniwa-no-miya represent the oldest remains of a real continental style palace in Japan. The foundations of the throne room have been restored and the area was turned into a park for visitors.
Osaka Castle is a symbol of Osaka’s history and culture, a magnet for visitors, and a source of pride for Osaka's citizens. This beautiful castle is located in a park sprawling over 264.4 acres and offers lovely vistas throughout the seasons. The castle was built in 1583 and the current Tenshukaku (main tower) is the second reconstruction from 1931. In 1997, the Osaka Castle was beautifully revived. A great number of valuable historic materials are on display in the collection of the Osaka Castle Museum. English audio guide is now available.
This is the oldest officially administered temple, built by Prince Shohtoku in 593 A.D. as a symbol of Japan’s power and prosperity. It was strategically placed not far from the Osaka bay so that it will have a significant role in trade and cultural exchange with China and the Korean peninsula. Today, visitors can enjoy Maccha (green tea) in one of the four tearooms in the Hombo gardens.
This shrine is dedicated to the god of seafaring, agriculture and Waka, a form of short poem in Japan. As in the old days, there are numerous festivals that celebrate the season throughout the year. This Shrine is especially known as one of the most popular destinations for hatsumohde, the first newyear prayer visit in Osaka. It is estimated that every year, more than two million people visit the shrine in the first three days of the New Year.
Cobblestone paths lined with small restaurants takes you into an old entertainment area. Hozenji Yokocho, (Hozen temple ally) was the setting for the Meoto Zenzai story written by the famous author Sakunosuke Oda. It is a rustic and spiritual place especially at night with areas of the temple covered with numerous paper lanterns.
To the south of Hozenji is the Sennichimae Doguyasuji (tool ally) market where people noisily bargain for cooking tools, plastic food samples and other goods. This bustling area is reminiscent of street markets in other Asian countries.
This museum gives an inside view into Osaka in the Edo period (1600 to 1867) with displays of how people used to live and work in Osaka.
It displays items from Asian countries especially China and Korea which include works of art designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Assets.
The top floor of this museum is a full-size replica of the inside of Naniwa-no-miya Palace. Other floors introduce each stage in Osaka’s history as a center of commerce using exhibit models.