While Osaka is notable as a large port city filled with both history and a busy urban feel, the city on the Japanese island of Honshu is also a hub of contemporary art. Osaka is famous for the cuisine and has been nicknamed “Japan’s Kitchen” it is clear there is a lot of creativity, innovation, and imagination in terms of art and culture. For those looking to enjoy the continuously evolving art scene in Japan, here are some of the best contemporary art galleries in Osaka.
Tezukayama Gallery
A simplistic, white-walled gallery that focuses on young up and coming artists both locally and internationally. The name of the gallery comes from its original location in Tezukayama which opened in 1992 since then the gallery relocated to Minami-Horie. While the gallery is small, it has a varied collection of exhibitions ranging from paintings to sculptures and other mediums.
1-19-27 Minamihorie, Nishi-Ku, Osaka 550-0015, Osaka Prefecture
12:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Closed Sundays and Mondays
ARTCOURT Gallery
An influential contemporary art gallery in Japan, ARTCOURT pushes the boundaries and utilizes their 230 square meter space in a multitude of ways to exhibit the works of various artists. ARTCOURT gallery is an active participant in several international art fairs and exhibitions including Art Basel and serves to promote Japanese art internationally. The contemporary art gallery overlooks the Okawa River in the heart of Osaka city.
1-8-5 Temmabashi, Kita, Osaka 530-0042, Osaka Prefecture
Tuesday – Friday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday: 11:00 am- 5:00 pm
SoHo Art Gallery
One of the best contemporary art galleries in Osaka, the Soho Art Gallery serves to promote the work of emerging and upcoming artists from around the globe. Founded by two artists, one from Japan and one from Canada, the gallery space is flexible and is committed to learning and the preservation of culture. The gallery space hosts a variety of shows of all mediums including photography and also hosts courses and workshops.
Ikutamacho 9-18, Tennoji-ku, Osaka, Japan
Tuesday – Saturday 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Closed Mondays
Art U
Art U serves to promote the work of contemporary Japanese artists, most predominantly with artworks from Gutai art. The contemporary gallery was established in 1983 by the son of a Japanese painted, Ai Sawai was inspired by his father’s work. The contemporary gallery in Osaka is committed to the preservation of history and culture with an eye on the future and emerging artists.
1F Kitazawa Building, 3-2-24, Kitahama, Chuo Ward, Osaka
Open by appointment
The Third Gallery Aya
A contemporary gallery in Osaka that focuses primarily on photography, the Third Gallery Aya works closely with local and emerging artists. Third Gallery Aya also focuses on the promotion of female artists and their work. The Third Gallery Aya continues to evolve and showcase new work that is relevant, meaningful and innovative.
Wakasa Bldg, 2F,1-8-24 Edobori, Nishi-ku, Osaka
Tuesday-Friday 12:00 pm -7:00 pm
Saturday 12:00 pm -5:00 pm
Closed Sunday and Monday
For other cultural activities in Osaka, check out our Osaka Food Tour or read how to spend 24 hours in Osaka and for an art inspired trip, have a look at Noashima Art Island.
