Liberty Osaka

Osaka


Japan's first human rights museum began in 1985 as an archive of documents relating to the burakumin – the lowest caste under the old feudal system (against whom discrimination continued into the modern age). The museum has since grown to cover a variety of topics, from sexual politics to the struggles of Japanese of Korean ancestry. Its portrait of contemporary Japan is unflinching. English is provided via an audio guide and a booklet with translations of some (though not all) exhibitions.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Osaka attractions

1. Imamiya Ebisu-jinja

0.9 MILES

Nicknamed 'Ebessan', this famous shrine is said to have been founded by Japan's most revered historical figure, the priest-prince Shotoku-taishi, c AD 600…

2. Billiken

1.12 MILES

Ever-smiling (and a bit creepy looking) Billiken sits, toes out, like a golden Kewpie doll on a pedestal reading 'The God of Things as they Ought to Be'…

3. Tsūten-kaku

1.13 MILES

When Tsūten-kaku was first built in 1912, it was, at 63m high, the second tallest structure in Asia and the pride of Osaka. Damaged by fire in 1943, it…

4. Shin-Sekai

1.15 MILES

A century ago, Shin-Sekai ('new world') was home to an amusement park that defined cutting edge. Now this entertainment district mixes down-at-heel with…

5. Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum

1.28 MILES

This narrow two-storey museum is worth a visit for anyone with an interest in ukiyo-e (woodblock prints). It mainly displays prints of famous kabuki…

6. Hōzen-ji

1.29 MILES

This tiny temple hidden down a narrow alley houses a statue of Fudō Myō-ō (a deity of esoteric Buddhism), covered in thick moss. It's a favourite of…

7. Kani Dōraku Honten

1.3 MILES

You can't miss the giant animated crab that marks the entrance to Kani Dōraku Honten, which is, of course, a crab restaurant. The shop sells tasty crab…

8. Ebisu-bashi

1.31 MILES

This bridge has the best views of Dōtombori's famed neon nightscape.