Japan’s Traditions and Craftsmanship meet in Osaka: A Journey Through the Evolution of Famous Industries

Osaka takes immense pride in its entrepreneurial and mercantile heritage, a legacy celebrated at the Entrepreneurial Museum of Challenge and Innovation. This museum spotlights the historical figures behind Osaka's most influential companies—visionaries who modernized Japan post-samurai era, rebuilt the nation after World War II, and enhanced modern life with their innovations.

Visitors can explore detailed exhibits featuring portraits and fascinating biographies of these pioneers, whose contributions laid the foundation for many prominent Japanese corporations. These include iconic names such as Asahi Beer, Glico, Hankyu, Hanshin, Mizuno, Nankai Railway, Nissin Food, Nomura Securities, Obayashi, Panasonic, Sanyo, Sharp, and Suntory. Each founder shares a connection to Osaka or the surrounding Kansai region, illustrating how humble beginnings and innovative ideas grew into major global enterprises.

The museum’s three main exhibition rooms divide Osaka’s entrepreneurial history into distinct periods: the Meiji Period (1868– around 1912), the prewar and wartime era (1912– around 1945), and the postwar period from 1945 onward.
Additionally, Osaka’s business community highlights its history of hosting World Expositions, including the 1970 Expo in Osaka and the 1990 International Garden and Greenery Exposition, as the city prepares to welcome EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan (Special exhibit ends March 25). The museum ensures accessibility for international visitors with English captions, an introductory video, and a free English audio supplement.

Nestled in the picturesque mountains of Oyamazaki Town in Kyoto Prefecture, the Asahi Group Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art is a serene retreat blending art, history, and architectural beauty. Originally constructed between the Taisho era and early Showa era as a private villa, the site now houses a stunning collection of European and Japanese paintings, pottery, crafts, and sculptures.

The villa’s fascinating history begins with Kaga Shotaro (1888 - 1954), a successful Kansai-region businessman who participated in the founding of Nikka Whisky. Kaga later gifted his Nikka Whisky shares to Yamamoto Tamesaburo (1893 - 1966), the first president of Asahi Breweries. After Kaga and his wife passed away, the villa fell into disrepair and faced demolition in 1989. However, a determined local community, supported by Kyoto Prefecture and Asahi Breweries, successfully preserved and renovated the property, opening it as a museum in 1996. The museum’s art collection prominently features the Yamamoto Collection, a testament to its rich heritage.

The villa’s elegant main building features classic European-inspired architecture, including intricate pinewood fireplaces, bamboo detailing, stained glass imported from Europe, and a scenic stone terrace designed in the Tudor Gothic style. The museum grounds include a tranquil water lily pond, a Japanese garden, and seasonal highlights such as cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage.

A standout feature is the South Wing, also known as the "Underground Jewelry Box," designed by renowned architect Ando Tadao (1941 -). This modern addition showcases Claude Monet's exquisite water lily paintings, creating a harmonious blend of art and architecture.

In Sakai, Osaka, the Shimano Bicycle Museum celebrates the history, technology, and cultural impact of bicycles. While the name suggests a focus on the Shimano brand, the museum emphasizes the broader history and evolution of cycling, offering a comprehensive exploration of bicycles' past, present, and future.

The museum caters to a wide audience, from cycling enthusiasts to those interested in history, technology, environmental sustainability, and sports. Through a mix of real bicycles, informative panels, a library, and engaging videos, the exhibitions chart the bicycle's journey from its inception to modern designs, highlighting its role in society and potential for a sustainable future.

Visitors begin their experience with a film, The Birth and Progress of the Bicycle, which outlines the development of bicycles from rudimentary models to contemporary designs. The museum also explores regional connections, such as Osaka’s role in cycling innovation. Exhibits include bicycles adapted for diverse uses, from delivery and commuting to racing, demonstrating the evolution of design to meet specific needs.

A key highlight of the visit is the museum staff’s enthusiasm and expertise. An English-speaking guide enhances the experience by sharing detailed insights into the exhibits and the cultural significance of cycling in Japan. The museum’s focus on celebrating bicycles, rather than promoting the Shimano brand, creates an authentic and engaging experience.

The Shimano Bicycle Museum successfully balances historical and technological elements with a genuine passion for cycling, making it a highly recommended destination for anyone interested in the multifaceted world of bicycles.

Osaka, often referred to as the “Kitchen of Japan,” is renowned for its culinary culture and high beer consumption. At the heart of this culture is the Asahi Beer Brewery, which produces the iconic Asahi Super Dry—a revolutionary product introduced in 1987 as the world's first dry beer.

The brewery offers a comprehensive experience through the Asahi Beer Museum and Factory Tour. This 90-minute tour begins with an engaging introductory video (including a 3D presentation), followed by a guided walkthrough of the factory floor. Visitors can observe the highly automated production process, including filling, canning, and packing, all through large observation windows.

The tour culminates with a 20-minute beer tasting session in a charming café setting. Guests can enjoy up to two glasses of freshly brewed Asahi beer, with non-alcoholic options available for drivers and soft drinks for younger visitors. An additional highlight is that the beer foam features a design using a food-safe printer, adding an exclusive touch to the experience.

Although the tour is primarily conducted in Japanese, English explanations are provided, and an English audio guide is provided via phone application, making it an enjoyable and accessible experience for visitors of all ages.

Kobe beef is synonymous with luxury and high quality, celebrated worldwide as one of Japan’s best culinary exports. For those eager to dive into the rich history and artistry behind this delicacy, the Kobe Beef Gallery in Koto no Hako Kobe, a shopping center directly connected to Shin-Kobe Station, offers a fascinating experience. Nestled in Hyogo prefecture, the museum serves as an educational and sensory journey into the world of Kobe beef and its origins.

Kobe Beef Museum was established to engage visitors and promote the excellence of beef and to preserve the tradition of Tajima beef, the source of Kobe beef. Wagyu beef, as typified by the Japanese black cattle breed, is highly regarded throughout the world for its rich marbling and flavor, and the Tajima beef produced in Hyogo Prefecture has maintained the purity of its blood. Of the Tajima beef produced exclusively in Hyogo Prefecture in an integrated manner, only special beef that meets strict quality and other criteria can be awarded the title of Kobe Beef.

The gallery’s exhibits are thoughtfully designed, with informational displays that trace the history of Tajima cattle, showing intricately how they are constantly improving methods of raising and caring for the cattle to keep the breed able to yield the uppermost echelon of beef. Every exhibit reflected the gallery's meticulous attention to detail, making it an enriching experience. One of the most captivating aspects of the museum is its video presentations, projected onto walls in a visually stunning format. These engaging videos immerse visitors in the process of cattle farming, beef grading, and the cultural significance of Kobe beef.

The gallery also offers culinary experiences that leave an impression. Visitors can sample expertly prepared Kobe beef dishes at the on-site restaurant, where chefs demonstrate their artistry by grilling and serving the beef to perfection. From tender steaks to savory cuts, the tasting sessions provide a deeper appreciation for the delicacy’s unparalleled quality. This is a great opportunity to compare all the different cuts such as lean varieties, sirloin, and a variety of others- all cooked to perfection on an iron plate in front of your eyes.

The Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum, located just a short walk from Shin-Kobe Station, is the perfect place to learn about the world of Japanese wooden architecture. Inside the museum, visitors can explore the history of Japanese wooden architecture while also viewing various large-scale props that are uniquely displayed in Japan. In fact, as this is the only carpentry tool museum in Japan, you'll be able to admire true rarities.

Designed to showcase Japan’s architectural heritage, the museum presents a thoughtfully curated collection of tools, techniques, and historical insights. Exhibits include carpentry tools and full scale models, allowing visitors to appreciate their craftsmanship and functionality. Interactive elements enhance the experience, such as microscopes for examining sharpening stone textures, videos explaining complex techniques, and joinery samples that visitors can assemble.

One standout feature is the comparison of rough and finished planks, demonstrating the skill involved in traditional wooden architecture. Visitors can even touch wood shavings from different trees to better understand the materials used. The museum extends its focus beyond Japan, featuring tools from China and Europe to illustrate how regional materials influence design and function.

For those who prefer guided learning, a free English audio guide is available via the museum’s Wi-Fi. Whether an experienced woodworker, design enthusiast, or simply curious, the museum provides an enriching experience. It offers valuable insights into Japanese architecture, woodworking techniques, and the enduring craftsmanship behind them.