Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

Located in the Kita ward, the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, known as “Osaka Kurashi no Konjakukan,” is a cultural landmark dedicated to the history of urban living in Osaka. Opened in November 1999, the museum occupies the 8th to 10th floors of the Osaka City Housing Information Center Building and is the first in Japan to specialize in the theme of housing.

Guests begin their visit on the 8th floor and proceed to the 10th-floor observation deck, where they are introduced to a recreated Edo-period Osaka street scene set in the Tempo era of the 1830s. The museum has replicated the architecture and interiors of the period using traditional techniques, offering a window into the daily lives of Osaka’s residents of that time.

Descending to the 9th floor, visitors can walk through the streets, enter historical houses, and interact with exhibits. The museum uses audio-visual effects to recreate different times of day, along with seasonal and period-accurate events. Cultural activities, including rakugo storytelling and tea ceremonies, are held within the restored townhouses, and workshops on traditional Japanese arts are available.

The 8th floor’s Modern Osaka exhibits display the city’s housing evolution from the Meiji era through the Showa era. The “Six Scenes of Osaka Housing” section features miniature representations of important Osaka localities and historical developments.

The museum also functions as a center for the exchange of information and ideas about housing and living. It hosts exhibitions, some in collaboration with cultural institutions, and has contributed to published research.

Visitors can rent traditional attire for photo opportunities within the exhibits. Volunteer guides called “Machiya-shu” offer additional insights into the exhibits. The museum’s interior changes with the seasons, providing a fresh experience with each visit.

Adjacent to the museum, Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street provides a modern contrast.