[2025 Osaka Attraction] Travel Guide for The Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka (Updated Jun)

The more familiar you are with the exhibits, the more you can appreciate Japan's exceptional curatorial and exhibition skills. The Osaka Municipal Museum of Oriental Ceramics has reopened after extensive renovations. I missed it before, but finally got the chance to visit this time. The collection mainly features ceramics from China, Japan, and Korea. While not many people come to Japan specifically to see ceramics (for historical artifacts, national or provincial museums are better), the quiet and serene exhibition halls provide a great experience. The curation is standard, but the exhibition design is top-notch. • Clever use of mirrors allows the patterns on the back of the ceramics to be visible, leaving no visual blind spots. • Lighting is so magical it makes the exhibits appear to float on water. • Rotating figurines seem to dance gracefully. • To showcase the traditional aesthetic of "ceramics resembling jade" under sunlight, natural light is introduced into the lighting design! As time passes and the light dims, you can observe the changing luster and colors on the ceramic surfaces, instantly connecting with the ancient appreciation of "seasonal beauty." • Witty and engaging captions—one artifact can serve as both a teapot and a wine vessel, so the label reads "Tea or Wine?" • Specially selected prints inspired by Matisse and Marimekko styles. Could this be a form of East Asian Fauvism? The building itself is also beautiful and distinctive, designed by Ryuichi Yokokawa. It's compact yet transparent, with meticulous lighting that creates the tranquil atmosphere ceramics require. ⚱️ Osaka Municipal Museum of Oriental Ceramics 📍 1-1-26 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture Transportation: Exit 1, Naniwabashi Station, Keihan Nakanoshima Line Opening hours: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM) Closed: Mondays

Located in Nakanoshima, the Museum of Oriental Ceramics is renowned for its collection of ceramic art from China, Japan, and Korea, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts in Osaka. Upon entering the exhibition halls, visitors are immediately captivated by the exquisite blue-and-white porcelain, Joseon white porcelain, and Kyoto-style glazed ceramics. Each piece exudes a rich cultural essence accumulated over the years. The museum's gift shop is equally impressive, offering ceramic cups and plates inspired by the collection, handkerchiefs and notepads printed with ceramic patterns, and even miniature models of the exhibits, allowing visitors to bring the beauty of art home. Highly recommended are the handmade Japanese-style bookmarks and tea ceremony tools, which are both elegant and practical, making them perfect for gifts or personal use. If time permits, take a leisurely stroll to the bookstores and cultural shops around Nakanoshima Park. This itinerary is steeped in artistic and cultural vibes, transforming the beauty of ceramics into a literary and artistic shopping experience.

At the Osaka City Museum of Oriental Ceramics, I encountered the "Tang Dynasty Ladies" that made me fall in love with them at first sight! I came here for the celadon exhibition, but was struck by the ancient aesthetics - it turns out that the "fatness" thousands of years ago could be so calm and moving. 🌟 Exhibition highlights: Double surprises of celadon and Tang Dynasty ladies ▫️ The Quiet Poetry of East Asian Celadon The exhibition brings together celadon treasures from China, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan: ▪️ Chinese Song Dynasty Longquan Kiln "Green Glaze Phoenix Ear Vase": The glaze color is like the spring water of a clear lake, and the lines of the bottle are so smooth that it takes your breath away ▪️ Joseon Dynasty "Powder Blue Sandware": Delicate crackle and blank design, it turns out that Eastern aesthetics has long understood that "minimalism is high-end" ▪️ Imari Celadon from the Edo period in Japan: Chinese-influenced painted craftsmanship, with flower patterns as delicate as embroidery ▪️ The cuteness of Tang Dynasty ladies’ figurines The highlight is this "Tang Dynasty tri-color lady figurine"! She has a round face, plump cheeks, slightly drooping eyes, and a round figure that can be vaguely seen under the wide sleeves and long skirt. Even her hairline is combed into a gentle "treasure bun" ~ Although she has a plump figure, she shows "harmonious beauty" through the following details: ✅ Well-proportioned: The head-to-body ratio is strict, the waistline is slightly narrowed, and it is not blindly pursuing "fatness". ✅ Calm demeanor: Folding hands in front of the abdomen, with a faint smile on the corners of the lips, as if full of confidence in oneself ✅ Clothing lines: The silk long skirt drapes naturally with the body, and the smooth folds highlight the elegant temperament #osakatrip

Located in the Nakanoshima area, the Osaka Museum of Oriental Ceramics is a globally renowned museum specializing in East Asian ceramics. Its collection is considered world-class in both quantity and quality, featuring pieces from China, Korea, and Japan. Highlights include Song Dynasty celadon, Joseon Dynasty white porcelain, and Japanese Raku ware. The museum's permanent exhibition showcases the evolution and technological advancements of ceramics throughout history. With elegant display cases and lighting design, each piece shines like a treasured work of art. Some exhibits are designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties, reflecting the museum's high level of expertise. Additionally, the museum hosts several special exhibitions annually, such as thematic displays (e.g., Tang Dynasty tri-colored pottery, Imari porcelain) or collaborative exhibitions with international museums. The museum building is situated next to Nakanoshima Park, offering a tranquil environment. Nearby attractions like the Nakanoshima Library and the Central Public Hall make it ideal for a cultural day trip. It is easily accessible from Keihan Railway's "Yodoyabashi Station" or Osaka Metro's "Kitahama Station." If you enjoy traditional art, ceramic culture, or serene appreciation, this museum is sure to captivate you.

Osaka has long been a prosperous city, and the urban area still retains many Western-style historical buildings, reflecting the historical appearance of 'Great Osaka.' Many of these historical buildings are concentrated in the Kitahama to Nakanoshima area, making it an ideal place for a leisurely walk to appreciate the charm of history. Recommended walking route: Yodoyabashi Station ➡️ Shibakawa Building (lunch or afternoon tea at a cafe or bar) ➡️ Head towards the river ➡️ Walk through Yodoyabashi to Nakanoshima Park ➡️ Nakanoshima Library (afternoon tea at Smorrebrod Kitchen) ➡️ Osaka City Central Public Hall ➡️ Osaka Municipal Museum of Oriental Ceramics ➡️ Return to the Kitahama area (have a coffee by the riverside) ➡️ Buy cakes and souvenirs at Gokan Kitahama Main Store The walking time for this route (excluding sightseeing and dining time) is only about 30 minutes. The attractions are very close to each other and most are designated tangible cultural properties. Although they are all Western-style historical buildings, each has its own unique characteristics, such as the red-brick Osaka City Central Public Hall and the Inca-style Shibakawa Building. Spend an afternoon here to experience another side of Osaka!