Nakanoshima is an area rich in water and greenery, and is a popular tourist spot in the center of Osaka. We will introduce you to the charming spots of Nakanoshima, from standard spots to little-known hidden gems.

[Central Public Hall]

This valuable facility is a symbol of Osaka's knowledge, culture, and history, and is also a nationally designated Important Cultural Property.

Osaka Central Public Hall stands in the center of the big city, in Kita-ku, Osaka. The Dojima River flows to the north and the Tosabori River flows to the south in Nakanoshima. The red bricks stand out among the greenery and water of Nakanoshima, Osaka.

It will celebrate its 100th anniversary on November 17, 2018.

This retro-style building is used as a venue for cultural, artistic and social activities such as operas, concerts, and lectures. The European-style building gives you the feeling of being in a foreign country.

There are also guided tours by the hall staff, so it would be great to enjoy 100 years of history and art.

[Nakanoshima Park]

Built in 1891 as Osaka's first municipal park, this water park stretches 1.5 km and covers an area of 10.6 hectares. Located in the center of Osaka, sandwiched between the Dojima River and the Tosabori River, it is loved by locals as an urban oasis befitting of this water city filled with greenery.

Nakanoshima Park spans from Midosuji to the Tenjinbashisuji area. At night, the rose garden, the lawn area, and Tenmabashi are lit up in the park, so you can take a walk while enjoying the night view of Nakanoshima, making it a great date spot.

At the eastern end of the park, jutting out from Temmabashi, is an area called "Saki" (the tip of the sword) because it points at a sharp point, dividing the Okawa River into the Tosabori River and the Dojima River. Here you will also find the symbolic monument of the ship-themed "Sailing to the NEXT STAGE" fountain. The fountain is sprung once every 30 minutes. There is also an observation deck, making it a popular spot for viewing the night view from a higher vantage point.

There is also a stylish cafe restaurant surrounded by nature, and you can have a picnic on the lawn. Everyone from children to adults can enjoy it.

Nakanoshima Park also holds illuminations every December during the Christmas season. In spring, the cherry blossoms on the north side of the river bloom beautifully, and in summer you can enjoy barbecues and beer gardens on the open terrace. Why not visit Nakanoshima Park, which shows different faces depending on the season?

[Nakanoshima LOVE CENTRAL]

Opened in 2013 as a new landmark for Osaka, this park is a complex where people can relax and unwind, and it also has an Italian restaurant, a barbecue lounge, river cruises, and the facility can host weddings and receptions.

The birth of "Nakanoshima LOVE CENTRAL" was supported by the two members of the hugely popular artist "DREAMS COME TRUE," who have deep ties to Osaka. The store is named after the title of their song, and the lyrics and signature of the song are engraved on the walls of the chapel, which stand out depending on the light.

There is also an object with the word "LOVE" written on it, so it is also a popular photo spot. At night, lights are lit up on the water's surface, so you can enjoy a different atmosphere than during the day. You can take a break or have a meal on the waterside terrace, where you can see buildings across the river such as the Central Public Hall and Osaka City Library, so why not relax surrounded by nature?

[Rose Garden]

Nakanoshima Park has a rose garden in the center, which is divided into three areas: the Rose Garden, the Rose Path, and the Rose Square. The best time to see the roses is mid-May and mid-October, when the park is decorated with about 3,700 colorful roses of about 310 varieties. There are also walkways in the flower beds, so you can take a stroll along the path of roses in full bloom. The arched benches covered with blooming roses make for great photos.

The rose garden is divided into east and west. The bridge that spans the park, "Barazonobashi" (Barazo Bridge), is named after roses.

It is a long, beautiful rose garden that can be enjoyed with the flowing river in the background. Admission is free and it is open all year round, so you can enjoy seasonal flowers other than roses.

【cruising】

The Osaka Water Bus "Aqua-Liner" offers a 55-minute cruise around Nakanoshima and Osaka Castle Park. From inside the boat, you can see the famous sights and historical sites of Osaka. There are four boarding points: Osaka Castle Port, Yodoyabashi Port, Hachikenbashi Port, and OAP Port.

It can also be rented for parties, events, and private groups, making it an attractive tourist boat that everyone can enjoy together.

On the "Osaka Castle and Nakanoshima Tour" course, there are announcements on the boat, which is nice. You can see the Mint Bureau, Central Public Hall, Osaka Castle, and more.

The Aqua-Liner has glass windows in the ceiling and is full of things to see. You can explore the atmosphere and scenery of Osaka throughout the four seasons on a water bus.

What did you think?

This time, we introduced the charms of Nakanoshima, Osaka.

There are plenty of things to enjoy, such as the long history of the Central Public Hall and the water buses that let you experience the seasonal atmosphere.

Nakanoshima is about a 10-minute train ride from VASARA Osaka Station. Why not come and make some wonderful memories wearing a kimono?

If you are considering renting a kimono, we look forward to seeing you at VASARA Osaka Umeda store.

For details on VASARA Osaka Umeda store, click here