Osaka is often celebrated as a foodie paradise, but its art scene is equally vibrant. From the cultural hub of Nakanoshima, home to the National Museum of Art and the Nakanoshima Art Museum, to other gems within a 60-minute radius of Umeda, the city offers a wealth of artistic experiences. We’ve curated a list of eight must-visit art museums for 2025. Visiting multiple in a single day can be exhausting, so browse our guide to find exhibitions that spark your interest. At Pocket Guide Japan, we also share nearby hotspots and organize art-focused tours around these museums—join us to explore Osaka’s creative side!
The National Museum of Art, Osaka
- Location: Nakanoshima, Osaka (15 mins from Osaka Station)
- Travel Time: 15 mins by subway+walk (Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line to Higobashi Station)
- 2025 Exhibitions: “Collection 2: Undo, Redo – I Unravel, I Redo” (Feb 15–Jun 1, 2025), featuring new acquisitions like Louise Bourgeois and Leonor Antunes, exploring material reinvention. “Special Exhibition: No Boundaries” (Feb 22–Jun 1, 2025), In this exhibition, we introduce a group of works from our collection that reexamine the state of what are termed “boundaries.”
- Best For: Contemporary art enthusiasts who love bold installations and photography.
- Highlights: Post-1945 Japanese and international works in a striking underground building. Think Yayoi Kusama’s polka dots or Tetsuya Ishida’s surrealism.
- Entry Fee: ¥430 (general; special exhibitions ~¥1,500)
- Hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka
- Location: Nakanoshima, Osaka (15 mins from Osaka Station)
- Travel Time: 15 mins by subway+walk (Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line to Higobashi Station)
- 2025 Exhibitions: “Japan’s Artistic Veins: Seeking Future National Treasures” (Jun 21–Aug 31, 2025), showcasing modern and historical Japanese art.
- Best For: Fans of nihonga (Japanese-style painting) and Western-influenced works.
- Highlights: Over 6,000 works in a sleek 2022 building, blending Osaka’s art history with modern flair.
- Entry Fee: ¥1,800 (general; varies by exhibition)
- Hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (closed Mondays)
The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka
- Location: Nakanoshima, Osaka (15 mins from Osaka Station)
- Travel Time: 15 mins by subway+walk (Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Yodoyabashi Station)
- 2025 Exhibitions: Special Exhibition”CELADON—The Luminous Jade-Green Ware from East Asia” (Apr 19–Nov 24, 2025), This exhibition showcases the masterpieces of Chinese and Korean celadon as well as Japanese and modern celadon works selected from the MOCO Collection.
- Best For: Pottery enthusiasts who appreciate historical craftsmanship.
- Highlights: Over 4,000 Chinese, Korean, and Japanese ceramics in a serene space.
- Entry Fee: ¥2,000 (general)
Hours: 9:30 AM–5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art
- Location: Kobe, Hyogo (35 mins from Osaka)
- Travel Time: 30–35 mins by JR Kobe Line (Osaka to Nada Station)
- 2025 Exhibitions: Exhibits tied to Expo 2025’s “Designing Future Society” theme, featuring Hyogo and global artists like Picasso (schedule TBD).
- Best For: Architecture buffs and modern art fans drawn to Tadao Ando’s design.
- Highlights: Modern and contemporary art in a stunning Ando building.
- Entry Fee: ¥510 (general; special exhibitions ~¥1,800)
- Hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (closed Mondays)
Ashiya City Museum of Art & History
- Location: Ashiya, Hyogo (25 mins from Osaka)
- Travel Time: 20–25 mins by Hanshin Main Line (Umeda to Ashiya Station)
- 2025 Exhibitions: Expected focus on Kansai artists and modern Japanese paintings (based on past trends; schedule TBD).
- Best For: Off-the-beaten-path explorers interested in local art and history.
- Highlights: Kansai artworks and a serene garden for a relaxed visit.
- Entry Fee: ¥800 (general)
- Hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
Otani Memorial Art Museum, Nishinomiya
- Location: Nishinomiya, Hyogo (20 mins from Osaka)
- Travel Time: 15–20 mins by Hankyu Railway (Umeda to Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi Station)
- 2025 Exhibitions: Expected focus on Edo-period ukiyo-e and Japanese calligraphy (based on past trends; schedule TBD).
- Best For: Traditional Japanese art lovers seeking a serene, intimate setting.
- Highlights: Japanese paintings, calligraphy, and a tranquil garden perfect for reflection.
- Entry Fee: ¥700 (general; varies by exhibition)
- Hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
Itami City Museum of Art, History and Culture
- Location: Itami, Hyogo (25 mins from Osaka)
- Travel Time: 20–25 mins by JR Fukuchiyama Line (Osaka to Itami Station)
- 2025 Exhibitions: Likely to feature contemporary illustrations and caricature exhibits (based on past focus; schedule TBD).
- Best For: Fans of playful, accessible art like illustrations and cartoons.
- Highlights: Unique collections and workshops in a welcoming space.
- Entry Fee: ¥600 (general)
- Hours: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
Asahi Group Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art
- Location: Oyamazaki, Kyoto (30 mins from Osaka)
- Travel Time: 25–30 mins by Hankyu Kyoto Line (Umeda to Oyamazaki Station)
- 2025 Exhibitions: Annual focus on Japanese folding screens and tea ceremony utensils (schedule TBD).
- Best For: Those craving traditional Japanese art in a peaceful villa.
- Highlights: Asahi Beer’s collection in a historic setting with mountain views.
- Entry Fee: ¥900 (general)
- Hours: 10:00 AM–4:30 PM (closed Mondays)
Plan Your 2025 Art Day
These eight museums, all within 60 minutes of Osaka, offer a perfect art escape for 2025. Whether you’re in Nakanoshima’s modern galleries or Ashiya’s quiet retreat, Pocket Guide Japan crafts your ideal day.
Book your iConcierge plan or tour now. Follow us on Instagram and X for tips—see our Utsubo Park rose posts for spring vibes! Share your art moments with #PocketGuideJapan to be featured.
What’s your art style—modern or traditional? Comment below, and let’s plan your Osaka art day!