Experiencing Osaka’s Culture and Arts

Gagaku boasts a proud tradition that has been preserved for over 1,400 years. The songs and dances originally passed down in Japan, along with dances and musical instruments from mainland China and the Korean Peninsula, came together in harmony and were refined within the aristocratic culture of the Heian period (approximately 794–1190).
Why not take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to experience the authentic traditions of ancient times?
*There are two types of performances: one is instrumental music called Kangen, and the other is Bugaku, which is accompanied by dance. Private performances can be arranged. We can also perform music using three wind instruments: the Sho (mouth organ), Hichiriki (oboe), and Ryuteki (seven-holed flute). Feel free to contact us if you are interested.

The bustling streets of Dotonbori are filled with people savoring shopping, food, and drinks as they stroll through the area each day. This may surprise you but, Dotonbori is, in fact, a theater city with a 400-year history. Masterpieces of Bunraku and Kabuki have been nurtured here and have influenced theater productions around the world. The Dotonbori Museum Namikiza, designed to resemble a theater, aims to showcase the cultural charms of Dotonbori to both Japanese and international visitors in an entertaining way through engaging quizzes. You are welcome to drop by casually while shopping or dining in Dotonbori.

The OSK Nippon Revue Company has historical traditions of over 100 years in Osaka. The Company is known for its dance-based revue shows, which it performs on various stages as a form of Osaka’s traditional culture. In the Brooklyn Parlor OSAKA, the Company’s home theater, the distance between the performers and the audience is very close, and the audience can enjoy the entire performance with a sense of unity. Before and after the show, you can also enjoy an American-style dinner in a space filled with the free atmosphere of Brooklyn, New York.

The Hanjotei is located next to the Osaka Temmangu Shrine, which is famous for its Tenjin Festival. This is a permanent theater for Rakugo, a traditional Japanese storytelling art form, which had been long awaited by Osaka people who have never lost their sense of humor and laughter in everyday life. Since its opening in 2006, this theater for Kamigata Rakugo, the Rakugo style in the Kyoto-Osaka area, has been popular with many people, including locals and tourists. The theater building is illuminated in the evening and exudes a very nostalgic atmosphere. It has become a hidden but popular spot for foreign tourists who want to take good photos to share on SNS. There are plans for overseas visitors to enjoy Rakugo culture. Feel free to contact us.

In this museum, visitors can experience the streets of Osaka of about 200 years ago, as well as the changes in people’s lifestyles. The atmosphere suddenly changes when you get off the elevator on the 9th floor. You will be amazed by the accurately reproduced streets of Osaka of the 1830s. After changing into a casual kimono, take a walk around the town. The appearance of the town changes depending on the time of day. For those who want to know more, the use of an audio guide or tour is recommended. On another floor, there are diorama exhibitions showing the streets from the Meiji period (1868–1912) to the present. Enjoy the experience of the history of life in Osaka and the changes in the culture.

In the Abeno Harukas building, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of entertainment, including sightseeing, the arts, and shopping. Located on the 16th floor, the Abeno Harukas Art Museum allows everyone to enjoy arts and culture in a casual setting. Since special exhibitions featuring famous works from Japan and overseas are held regularly, visitors can be fascinated by a different theme each time they visit. It is recommended to go up to the observatory before or after visiting the museum. The panoramic view of the metropolis of Osaka is breathtaking.

On the south side of Dotonbori, the heart of Osaka's Minami district, you will notice a building with distinctive decorations in front of the Hozenji Temple gate. Inside, ukiyo-e (woodblock prints) produced in Osaka over 200 years ago are on display. Among them are ukiyo-e (woodblock prints of actors) that fascinated people in the area, which was loved as a theatrical town in those days, and delicately depict costumes, props, and large stage props. The Ukiyo-e printing experience (reservation required) is also popular, as visitors can experience the high level of skill of Ukiyo-e artists.

Ningyo Joruri (puppet drama) is one of Osaka's representative classical performing arts and is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.The National Bunraku Theatre holds regular Bunraku performances, and the exhibition room on the first floor displays materials related to Bunraku, offering visitors a chance to learn about its history.Come and experience firsthand this unique three-in-one performing art, which has been passed down for over 300 years.

Noh theater, a traditional Japanese performing art which has been refined over 700 years, is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and attracts attention from around the world.At Yamanaka Noh Stage, we offer programs where visitors can step onto the stage and experience handling Noh masks and instruments used in performances, with explanations provided by active Noh performers (schedule negotiable). Additionally, we hold the "ECO Candlelight Noh" annually in June. From 2025, due to its popularity, it will be held twice a year, in June and December.Immerse yourself in the mysterious world of Noh, illuminated by candlelight. Enjoy the world of Noh that captivates all five senses.