A historical museum which you can enjoy as a family
A 5-minute walk from Osaka Castle, this is a historical museum where you can enjoyably learn about the history of Osaka. The interior of the museum, devised so that even children can enjoy themselves, has many exhibits which can actually be touched. You can learn about history while experiencing it through things such as trying on the robes of ancient courtiers, competing for points in a game of throwing fans during the Edo Era, trying the money-exchange business and wearing kimono. Also, you can tour in order the ancient lifestyle at Naniwa-no-Miya Palace, the history of Osaka Castle, the middle ages and modern times of Osaka which flourished with the merchant areas during the Edo Era, excavation sites which re-create the digs of Naniwa-no-Miya Palace in actual size, and modern and current Osaka which developed rapidly following the Meiji Restoration. You can get a clear view of Osaka Castle from the 10th floor which is also a popular spot for photographs.
The unknown ancient capital, Naniwa-no-Miya Palace
The biggest highlight of the museum is Naniwa-no-Miya Palace which was the ancient capital in Osaka. Emperor Kotoku moved the capital to Naniwa in 645, and the palace was built in 652. The palace was first discovered in 1954 through an excavation survey, and it is on that site where the museum has been constructed. Remains of storehouses and walls along with water facilities which provided water to the court have been found. Most of the palace has been filled and preserved, but there is one part which has been left in its excavated state, and you can visit that part in the basement. In addition, on the 10th floor that houses the ancient exhibits, the interior of the palace has been restored to actual size and in the conditions of that time, and you can find out about the lifestyle back in those days through items such as the artifacts.