Located on the outskirts of Osaka, Amagasaki is home to one of Japan’s quirkiest museums. It’s an ideal base for visiting the Tezuka Osamu Manga Museum and the Itami Sky Park, which is famed for its plane watching, as well as experiencing a show by the famous Takarazuka Revue.
Things to do in Amagasaki
Watch the comings and goings of planes at Itami Airport from Itami Sky Park. By day it’s a popular destination for families, with a children’s adventure playground and a huge maze, while at night it offers exceptional views of the airport’s illuminated runway.
One of Amagasaki’s most unusual attractions is the Skull Museum, which focuses solely on the human skull and its representation in different cultures. Created by brain surgeon Dr. Keiji, it boasts an exceptional collection of human skulls, anthropological artefacts related to skulls and everyday items with skulls in their design.
Want to experience a Japanese musical? Attend a show by the Takarazuka Revue, an all-female musical theatre troupe based in the nearby city of Takarazuka. In addition to Western-style Broadway musicals, the troupe also presents theatrical shows based on Japanese folktales and are renowned for their lavish costumes.
If you’re a fan of manga, visit the Tezuka Osamu Manga Museum, which showcases the work of the "Father of Anime”, Tezuka Osamu. Learn about his life and admire original artworks, then view screenings of his manga stories that have been transformed into anime films.
Getting around Amagasaki
Amagasaki is a 35-minute train ride from the centre of Osaka and around one hour from Osaka International Airport. Buses travel throughout Amagasaki and trains connect to surrounding cities, including Takarazuka.