Located in the lively Shinsaibashi area, the Osaka Ukiyo-e Museum introduces visitors to the world of classic Japanese woodblock prints. Here, guests can view works by some of ukiyo-e’s most celebrated artists, including Katsushika Hokusai, Utagawa Hiroshige, Kitagawa Utamaro, and Toshusai Sharaku. The museum offers an accessible starting point for understanding the beauty, techniques, and themes of Edo-period ukiyo-e, from iconic landscapes to elegant portraits. On this tour, the museum serves as the perfect introduction before discovering how Osaka developed its own distinctive ukiyo-e culture.

The Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum is a small but fascinating museum near Hozenji Temple and Dotonbori, dedicated to Kamigata ukiyo-e — the distinctive woodblock prints of Osaka and Kyoto. Unlike many Edo ukiyo-e prints, which often focused on idealized beauties and famous landscapes, Kamigata prints were closely connected to kabuki theater and frequently portrayed popular actors from the stages of Dotonbori. These prints are known for their bold colors, powerful expressions, and more realistic depictions of performers. Visiting this museum reveals a different side of ukiyo-e: not just elegant images of old Japan, but the vibrant entertainment culture of Osaka.