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.

Transportation

  • train: JR Loop line to Imamiya
  • subway: Midō-suji line to Daikoku-chō, exit 5

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

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3. Tsūten-kaku

1.13 MILES

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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

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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.

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