Nakanoshima Park is one of Osaka’s most iconic parks, located in the heart of the city’s business district. Beloved by locals as a relaxing urban retreat, the park is especially famous for its rose garden, which reaches full bloom in spring and autumn. In addition to its natural beauty, visitors can enjoy stylish cafés and world-class art at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art. Here’s a complete guide to the charm of Nakanoshima and its surroundings.

Established in 1891 as Osaka City’s first public park, Nakanoshima Park is a historic green oasis stretching about 1.5 kilometers between the Dōjima and Tosabori Rivers, covering an area of 11.3 hectares. Surrounded by lush greenery, the park offers a refreshing escape in the heart of the city.

Around the park, you’ll find beautiful historic architecture such as the Osaka Central Public Hall and the Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library, both designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. From Yodoyabashi to Higobashi, the 400-meter-long Nakanoshima Promenade is lined with zelkova, camellia, and azalea trees, as well as ten expressive sculptures that make for a peaceful and scenic walking route.

Within the park, both the rose garden and the Nakanoshima Library are free to visit, making it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy Osaka’s culture and nature.

You can easily reach Nakanoshima Park directly by train from major hubs such as Osaka Station or Namba Station.

It’s just a 5-minute walk from Exit 1 of Yodoyabashi Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line, or a 3-minute walk from Exit 26 of Kitahama Station on the Keihan Line or Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line.

There is no official parking lot at Nakanoshima Park. While there are several coin-operated parking spaces nearby, visitors are encouraged to use public transportation for the most convenient access.

Nakanoshima Park is one of Osaka’s most famous rose gardens. Stretching about 500 meters east to west across a 13,000-square-meter area, it features around 310 varieties and 3,700 rose bushes in full bloom. The best times to visit are from early May to early June and from late October to mid-November.

Just one stop from Osaka-Umeda Station, this urban oasis in the heart of the business district is perfect for a leisurely walk or picnic. Bring along a bento lunch and enjoy it in the park for a refreshing break in the middle of the city.

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In addition, “The Festival of Lights in Osaka”, a signature winter event held across various locations in Osaka, also takes place at Nakanoshima. The area serves as one of the core venues for “OSAKA Hikari Renaissance”, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of Nakanoshima not only during the day but also at night, when the park is illuminated with dazzling light displays.

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〇Nakanoshima Museum of Art

The Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka stands out among the surrounding office buildings with its striking, jet-black cube-shaped architecture. The museum houses a collection of around 6,000 works, focusing on major Japanese and international art and design pieces from the late 19th century to the present day, and regularly hosts diverse exhibitions. Among its highlights is the exceptional collection of works by Yuzo Saeki, an artist deeply connected to Osaka, which is regarded as one of the finest in scale and quality.

The first and second floors feature free-access areas, allowing visitors to enter freely for a short rest, a meeting spot, or simply to appreciate the building’s architecture. Blending art and architecture, the museum serves as a new cultural landmark in Osaka.

〇Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest

Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest is a unique cultural facility created to inspire children to explore books freely and nurture their boundless imagination and curiosity. Its collection includes not only picture books but also encyclopedias, children’s literature, cookbooks, and art books.

The building—instantly recognizable for the blue apple sculpture at its entrance terrace—was designed and donated to the city of Osaka by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, who was born in Osaka.

Admission is free, and while same-day entry is possible depending on availability, advance online reservations are recommended to ensure entry.

[How to Make an Online Reservation for Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest]

・Capacity: 100 visitors per session (complete turnover system)

・Reservations open at 10:00 a.m. 14 days before your visit

・Up to 5 people can be reserved per booking

・Cancellations or changes can be made up to 15 minutes before your reserved time

*Children aged 3 and above count toward the total number of visitors. Children aged 2 and under do not need to be included.

▶Click here to access the advance reservation site

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〇Nakanoshima River Cruise

Hop aboard the Nakanoshima River Cruise and experience the charm of “Water City Osaka” from a completely new perspective. Glide gracefully along the river while taking in stunning views of illuminated bridges, retro architecture, and sleek modern skyscrapers in the Nakanoshima West area—an elegant fusion of the old and new that creates a breathtaking evening skyline.

The cruise features a small luxury limousine boat with comfortable sofa seating, offering a relaxing, resort-like atmosphere in the heart of the city. Sit back and enjoy a 20-minute urban cruise that showcases Osaka’s riverside beauty at its finest.

As seating is limited, advance online reservations—available up to three months in advance—are highly recommended. On weekends and national holidays, cruises typically operate 1–2 times per hour from 2:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., but please check the latest updates for the most accurate schedule.

The Nakanoshima River Cruise also offers a special cherry blossom course from late March to early April, when the sakura are in full bloom. This limited-time 50-minute cruise lets you admire rows of Somei Yoshino cherry trees from the water—an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of Osaka’s spring scenery.

■Cruise Fare (Approx. 20-Minute Course)

  Adults: ¥2,000

  Students: ¥1,000

Children (Elementary school age and under): Free

  ※Student fare applies to junior high, high school, university, and vocational school students (student ID required).

  ※One child per paying adult is free. For each additional child, a ¥500 fare applies.

▶ Reserve your cruise here

〇Kitahama Terrace

The Osaka Kawadoko Kitahama Terrace is located along the Tosabori River across from Nakanoshima Park, near Kitahama Station. Around 15 cafés and restaurants feature open-air terrace seating, offering a relaxing riverside dining experience. Enjoy a leisurely café time while taking in the retro cityscape of Nakanoshima and the gentle flow of the river.

〇Enjoy the Cafe and Dessert

■Kitahama Area

Across the Tosabori River from Nakanoshima Park lies the Kitahama area, home to a number of well-known patisseries, including the flagship store of GOKAN Kitahama Main Shop. Many cafés in this district are housed in stately retro buildings, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxing tea time while soaking in the romantic atmosphere of the Taisho era.

■Yodoyabashi Area

Located at the eastern end of Nakanoshima Park, Yodoyabashi is the heart of Osaka’s business district, yet it’s also rich in historic architecture and refined cafés. From long-established coffee shops with a calm ambiance to elegant lounge cafés, the area offers peaceful escapes from the city bustle. You’ll also find renowned teppanyaki and Japanese restaurants, perfect for a more refined dining experience.

The “urban oasis” of Nakanoshima Park is filled with charm that deserves more than just a quick visit. Start your morning with a leisurely stroll through the rose garden or along the riverside, then enjoy a refined breakfast at a retro-style café. Spend the afternoon immersed in art and culture at the museum or library, and as evening falls, take a river cruise to admire the illuminated cityscape. Blending history, art, and nature in perfect harmony, this area engages all the senses and leaves lasting memories of Osaka. So grab your camera and set out to discover your own story in Nakanoshima.

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