Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum, Osaka

The Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum is a small repository of Ukiyo-e wood block prints. The descriptions of each exhibit are in Japanese. An English pamphlet is available to assist English speaking visitors in taking a self guided tour.

The Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum displays the typical woodblock prints used on costumes of Kabuki actors. The designs are unique to the city of Osaka, known as Kamigata during the Edo period. Osaka is culturally older than other parts of Japan and its prints are considered more refined. It is the only museum with a permanent exhibition of Ukiyo-e prints in the country.

The Kamigata Ukiyo-e exhibition has a permanent collection of over 50 prints. The distinctive characteristic of the Kamigata prints was their realistic appearance. The intention was to reflect the true character of popular kabuki actors. Various emotions experienced by the character are accurately depicted on the prints. A reduced entrance fee is charged for students, children, disabled visitors and the elderly. A small café within the museum serves refreshments for weary and hungry visitors.