The Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts (大阪市立美術館) is a landmark cultural institution founded in 1936, situated inside Tennoji Park in central Osaka. It stands as one of Japan’s leading museums for traditional Japanese and East Asian art, with a collection exceeding 8,700 pieces.

The museum’s holdings are particularly renowned for their Japanese and Chinese art collections, many of which were acquired through major donations from prominent Kansai collectors. Numerous works are officially designated as Important Cultural Properties or National Treasures of Japan.

Collections and Highlights:

1. Chinese Painting and Calligraphy (The Abe Collection)

Originating from the Sōraikan Collection of Kojiro Abe, this is one of the most distinguished collections of Chinese calligraphy and painting outside China.

Highlights:

• Ink Orchid (墨蘭圖) by Zheng Sixiao (Yuan Dynasty): A symbolic literati masterpiece depicting an orchid without roots—representing loyalty and exile after the fall of the Song Dynasty.

• Ink Paintings from the Song and Yuan Dynasties: Rare surviving works from major Chinese masters, some once part of the Qing Dynasty’s Imperial Collection.

2. Buddhist Art (Japanese and Chinese)

The museum preserves a remarkable array of Buddhist sculptures and paintings, featuring significant works donated by the Taman family.

Highlights:

• Standing Bodhisattva (菩薩立像) — Important Cultural Property, Asuka Period: A graceful wooden statue illustrating early Japanese Buddhist artistry.

• Seated Bosatsu with Ankles Crossed in Niche — Northern Wei Dynasty (5th century): A key example of early Chinese stone Buddhist sculpture.

3. Japanese Painting (Medieval to Early Modern)

The museum’s Japanese painting collection spans multiple eras and styles, offering insight into the evolution of Japan’s artistic traditions.

Highlights:

• Clam Gatherers on the Shore (汐干狩図) by Katsushika Hokusai (Edo Period): A dynamic Ukiyo-e work showing lively seaside scenes with rich use of perspective.

• Birds and Flowers of the Four Seasons (四季花鳥図) by Kanō Sōshū (Momoyama Period): An Important Cultural Property admired for its vibrant colors and bold composition.

• Modern Nihonga Paintings: Featuring notable 20th-century artists such as Uemura Shōen and Kitano Tsunetomi.

4. Decorative Arts (The Casal Collection)

This large collection, assembled by Swiss businessman Ugo Alfonso Casal, includes roughly 4,000 items representing exquisite Japanese craftsmanship.

Highlights:

• Lacquerware, Inrō, and Netsuke: Finely detailed Edo to Meiji period works demonstrating traditional maki-e gold and silver lacquer techniques.

• By Train:

  • 5–10 minutes’ walk from Tennoji Station (JR Lines, Osaka Metro Midosuji Line, Tanimachi Line)

  • 5–10 minutes’ walk from Osaka Abenobashi Station (Kintetsu Line)

• By Car: Parking is available inside Tennoji Park (charges may apply).

• Combine your visit with Tennoji Park and Shitennoji Temple, located nearby.

• Spring is the most beautiful season to visit, with cherry blossoms blooming in Tennoji Park.

• Check the exhibition calendar in advance to ensure you don’t miss the major highlights.

Admission Fee

• Entrance fees vary depending on exhibitions.

• Children and students may receive discounts or free entry.

Opening Time

• Open: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission 4:30 PM)

• Closed: Mondays, year-end holidays (Dec 28 – Jan 4), and during exhibition changeovers.