The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living — Local services in Osaka

My husband and I stopped here since it was recommended on this travel forum we're apart of. First of all this museum was not easy to find, if for some reason you feel inclined to go, go early and wait in line. I did not know this, so I arrived early and waited outside. When it opened, I walked in, and the woman said to go to the basement floor. I arrived at the basement floor only to be shocked that there were about 20 people ahead of me waiting in line.

Regardless of my frustration (arriving at opening time), at this point, I waited. Once you're in line, they ask you a bunch of questions about pre-filling out some card and about any unauthorized effects you may have. We told them we'd just pay when we got up.

They also ask you if you'd like to experience wearing a kimono? And we decided why not? So we finally get to the front of the line and we have to get on this elevator (idk why but they want you to form 3 lines) which takes you up to the 6th or 7th floor. There, you pay for your admission (500 yen) and then store your extra items. There was really no direction given, I wanted to wear a kimono, and I was told I needed to make a reservation on the 8th floor.

The way they route you makes no sense. After you pay for admission, you walk through this turnstile, and then there are either stairs or an escalator. As I got on the escalator, I realized we passed the reservation area and tried to turn around but realized I could not because the elevator was restricted to staff use only.

I got really frustrated because I thought by walking forward, I'd be headed right into the museum, which I did not want. I wanted to make a reservation and then go into the museum. While I was trying to figure out this very confusing place with lack of direction or organization. I decided the only option was forward. Meanwhile, several more guests pushed forward ahead of me.

By the time I figured out that the reservation area was right ahead of me, I had to wait an hour to get into one. I arrived early, mind you! I wasn't willing to wait an hour! I told them no and told my husband we'd just walk around. It was a museum, after all. When we entered, we quickly realized this was NOT a museum.

Just a place to take selfies in a kimono. Nothing about the houses or history. It's just a corny, kimono wearing experience. I tried to walk around but found myself in the way of all the selfies being taken.

Such an incredible waste of time and energy. If you're looking for an actual museum, this is not the place for you. If you want to take selfies in the least authentic area with a kimono on this is your place. I'd never...

This place is sure worth a visit if you are in Osaka! The top floor was a life sized replication of a Japanese village during the Edo period and you could tell that a lot of thought was put into its design. If you need an English explanation, be sure to catch the video show before walking through the village as it will help a lot in terms of appreciating and understanding each part better. The timings of the show are displayed near the entrance. If you want to skip that, there are actually explanation sheets at each station in English that you could grab hold of too. In all, we really loved how interactive the place was. Although the entire place is quite small, you could easily spend an hour or two there, trying out the traditional games or just exploring. If you're into dressing up, there are kimonos for rent. Saw a lot of tourists taking selfies there. The lower floor consists of simple exhibits across time and shows how life has evolved through history. Would have given 5 stars if not for the incident I witnessed at the end as we were leaving. When the elevator was overloaded, I was totally shocked by the personnel's response when she shoved 2 tourists into the lift and refused to let them come out claiming that they were closing and there was no time. They were supposed to close at 5pm and it was 4.57pm. Felt that it was a tad disappointing given that Japanese service was top notch on...

Cost you 600 yen for adult. If you are student, show them your student card and you'll get discount.

You'll be able to take picture as much as you can but huge backpack are not allowed. They provided you locker to store it with only 100yen (you'll get it back again after collect your bag again later).

I love the old vibe of the entire diorama. It brought you back to Edo era. Old houses and stores. Even the sento (hot spring)... and able to enter one of the house and it showed the old style of japanese kitchen. It has high ceiling so the steam will not enter the house. And the back of the house there's old style toilet as well. Of course you cannot use it haha

The entire set is indoor, took place 8-10th floor of a building. The indoor set keep changing its lighting. Sometimes day, sometimes night. It also change depends on what season in japan you're currently visit.

After leaving the set (located at the 9th floor), you will be heading to the 8th floor when you can see the miniature of housing and life in Osaka through the years. So beautiful and you gonna love it.

Before leaving, the museum has its own souvenir shop to...