Osaka unveils new venues for foodies and art lovers

The Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts, the third oldest art museum in Japan, reopened in March following extensive renovations, offering a range of spaces for meetings and events.

The museum, located in Tennoji Park, can host events in four spaces: the Central Hall, the ‘Jiaorium’ area, a terrace, and the Special Room, which is normally off-limits to the public. Catering for events can be provided by the museum's café in certain areas.

The Central Hall’s renovations have enhanced its original design and the room caters for up to 200 for cocktails or 200 theatre-style. The ‘Jiaorium’, named after the stone Buddha statues from ancient China and Korea that are part of the museum's collection, is adjacent to the Central Hall. It hosts up to 200 theatre-style and is suited to seminars and workshops, with advanced acoustics and walls that can be used as a full-surface screen. The Special Room can accommodate up to 16 for banquets.

Foodies are also spoilt for choice with the opening, also in March, of Asia’s inaugural Time Out Market. Time Out Market Osaka, part of the newly-developed Grand Green Osaka district, brings together 17 kitchens and two bars, offering a place where visitors can enjoy local gourmet food at any time, along with cultural programmes. The 3,000 sqm venue features established eateries alongside up-and-coming chefs and eateries and guests can also enjoy live entertainment .

Visitors can feast on dishes from wagyu kappo restaurant Nikutoieba Matsuda, which showcases beef five ways – raw, boiled, grilled, dried, and steamed – and Ayamuya, the first restaurant in Osaka to receive a Michelin star for its yakitori. Other options include chunky wagyu beef patties from Critters Burgers and Passion Udon Sanshu, a must for udon fans.

Osaka is gearing up to host Expo 2025, which will open on 13 April and run for six months.