Located at the heart of one of Japan’s most populous cities, Central Osaka encompasses the bustling districts of Kita and Minami. It’s home to high-rise office buildings and an abundance of eateries catering to workers, as well as a sprawling green space and a handful of cultural museums.
Things to do in Central Osaka
The largest green space in Central Osaka is Utsubo Park, which was constructed in the 1950s on the site of a former United States Army airfield. It’s home to peaceful walking trails, recreational courts and the Utsubo Tennis Center where international tournaments are held. At the eastern end of the park is the OSTEC Exhibition Hall, a family-friendly museum focused on science and technology.
Art enthusiasts can visit Nakanoshima Museum of Art, which houses around 6,000 works of art dating from the mid-19th century to the present day. It is particularly notable for its works by Saeki Yuzo and Yoshihara Jiro, as well as exhibiting masterpieces and design objects by international artists. Artbooks and original gifts are for sale at the museum store.
Osaka’s most famous landmark is its 16th-century castle, which played an important role in the unification of Japan during the Azuchi–Momoyama period. Reconstructed in the 1930s, it houses a museum dedicated to its past and the rise of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Wander between its stone walls, turrets and moats or coincide your visit with the hanami season when the cherry trees of the Nishinomaru Garden ignite in bloom.
Getting around Central Osaka
Kansai International Airport is an hour’s drive from Central Osaka and has flights to destinations across the globe. Osaka International Airport is 30 minutes away and mostly handles domestic flights. Inter-city trains and Shinkansen connect to the Osaka railway station while subway services and buses travel throughout the area.