National Museum of Ethnology
Overview
The National Museum of Ethnology (Minpaku) is a large cultural anthropology museum in the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park area, where you can experience a dense “around-the-world exhibition” in one place. Exhibits are organized by region and cover daily life, rituals, performing arts, and tools, so it is not just a list of objects but a place to compare how people live. There is also a video library area, which helps deepen understanding by combining exhibits and audiovisual material. It is especially strong for learning-focused travelers, and it pairs well with Expo ’70 Park and the Tower of the Sun for a full-day plan.
What You Can Do
- Regional exhibitions of world cultures
- Watch videos in the videotheque
- Special exhibitions (seasonal)
- Visit the museum shop
Best For
- Learning-focused travelers
- People interested in cultural anthropology
- People who can stay longer
- Families (upper elementary and older)
Official Sites
- National Museum of Ethnology Official Site
- Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau - National Museum of Ethnology
Google Map
Access and Suggested Visit Time
-
Nearest stations
- Osaka Monorail Main Line Bampaku-kinen-koen Station: 15 min on foot
- Osaka Monorail Saito Line Koen-higashiguchi Station: 15 min on foot
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Suggested time: 2 to 5 hours
Practical Info
Opening Hours
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission 4:30 PM)
Closed
- Wednesdays (if Wednesday is a holiday, closed on the next weekday)
- New Year holidays (December 28 to January 4)
Admission
| Category | Individual | Group (20+) |
|---|---|---|
| General | ¥780 | ¥660 (per person) |
| University Student | ¥340 | ¥270 (per person) |
| High School and Younger | Free | Free |
| Age 65+ *1 | ¥660 | ¥660 (per person) |
| Disability Certificate Holder *2 | Free (1 companion also free) | Free |
See here for details.
Rainy-day suitability
High