🗺️ Nakanoshima

Nakanoshima is a sandbar located between the Dojima River and the Tosabori River, surrounded by clear waters and lush greenery, resembling an oasis in the city. It seamlessly integrates skyscrapers and office buildings with modern architectural complexes, adding an elegant charm to Osaka, known as the "Water City." The history of Nakanoshima dates back to the Edo period. During the time when Osaka was referred to as the "Kitchen of the Nation," it served as a distribution center for rice warehouses from various domains across the country. With the development of waterway transportation, Nakanoshima experienced significant growth as an economic and commercial hub. In the Meiji era, cultural facilities such as the Osaka City Hall, the Osaka Central Public Hall, the Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library, and Nakanoshima Park were built on the site of old warehouses, endowing Nakanoshima with the functions and landscape of a modern city. Among the existing buildings in Nakanoshima, many have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, making it a popular spot for capturing numerous nostalgic architectures in one frame. There are also many cafes along the waterfront where visitors can sit on terrace seats and quietly enjoy the riverside scenery. At night, the buildings and bridges illuminated by colorful lights reflect on the water, creating a romantic atmosphere. Nakanoshima is also home to various types of museums. In the eastern area, there is the Osaka Municipal Museum of Oriental Ceramics and the Kosetsu Museum of Art; the "Children's Book Forest Nakanoshima," a library designed by architect Tadao Ando and donated to local children in 2020; and in the western area, where the Osaka Science Museum and the National Museum of Art, Osaka are located, the Osaka Nakanoshima Museum of Art, which houses many works by modern and contemporary artists, opened in February 2022.

Nakanoshima, surrounded by blue waters and lush greenery, is an urban oasis representing the water city of Osaka. It is a popular spot where you can capture various vintage architectural groups in a single shot. At night, the buildings and bridges are illuminated with colorful lights, offering a dreamlike view that differs from the daytime scenery. It also boasts several types of museums and art galleries.