3 Best Sights in Osaka, The Kansai Region

Located in Naka-no-shima Koen, Osaka's oldest park, the Museum of Oriental Ceramics houses more than 900 pieces of Chinese, Korean, and Japanese ceramics. Though only a fraction is on display at a given time, the collection is one of the finest in the world and includes 15 works designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties. Those interested in art and ceramics should put this at the top of their must-see list. To get here take the Sakai-suji subway line to Kita-hama or the Midō-suji subway line to Yodoya-bashi and walk north across the Tosabori-gawa.

The exhibits of "beauty from day-to-day life" at this museum in Senri Expo Park explore the diversity and intricacy of Japanese handicrafts from Hokkaido to Okinawa. The cloth, wood, and bamboo items in simple displays evoke Japan's traditional past and make quite a contrast to Osaka's modernity.

The building isn't too impressive, but the exceptional collection of 12th- to 14th-century classical Japanese art on the second floor is. Other collections include the works of Edo-period artist Korin Ogata, more than 3,000 examples of modern lacquerware, and a collection of Chinese paintings and artifacts. Temporary exhibitions often feature famous international works and artists. Take the Loop Line or the Mido-suji subway line to Tenno-ji Station, or the Tani-machi subway to Shitenno-ji-mae.