Osaka is at the end of VI – the first half of the VII century was called Naniwa and was the capital of Japan. It is located in the place where there is always overlap of important trade routes both by sea and land. At the beginning of the eighth century, the capital was moved to Nara, and Naniwa-Osaka remained a major trade city and international port.

To preserve the Maritime history of Osaka, in the end of XX century the city authorities decided to create a Maritime Museum. Its construction began in 1998, and in 2000 the Museum received its first visitors. Today this Museum is one of the largest in the world, the very building is a landmark of Osaka, and the unusual shape of the Museum building, but also its location. The Maritime Museum is a silver design of a spherical shape, which is located in Osaka Bay at a distance of 15 meters from the shore. During the construction of the domes were applied technologies and materials to protect the building from wind and waves and seismic shocks.

Inside the dome are genuine Japanese replica trading ship, and a host of exhibits on four floors. Copy trading vessel Nonivamide is the main exhibit of the Museum, the ship's name comes from the ancient name of Osaka, Naniwa. The ship is made of wood in full size. Among other Museum valuables – many artifacts and items that will help to get an idea about the development of Maritime trade at local and international levels. Among them were the Ukiyo-e prints, a replica of bow jewelry vessels, tools shipbuilders.

The Museum also has two video theater showing movies on the marine theme, including 3D, as well as sailing simulator where you can try your hand at sailing.

Part of the Maritime Museum is located on the Gulf coast. In this building are offices and a foyer from which visitors descend into the underground tunnel leading to the silver dome. Tunnel width is 15 meters and the length is 60, although the shortest distance from the coast to dome is 15 meters. The Museum has an observation platform, overlooking the Bay.