Osaka’s Nakanoshima District

Osaka is known as ‘the city of water’, thanks to the network of rivers and streams that cut through the city. In the heart of the city, the small island of Nakanoshima stretches for 3 kilometres along one of the city’s many rivers. While it’s not a tropical island or a holiday destination, there are plenty of places where weary travelers and office workers can relax and enjoy themselves. The island has become home to some of Osaka’s best cultural sights and restaurants, as well as businesses and government offices, so there’s plenty of things to see in an afternoon.

Osaka’s Nakanoshima District

Nakanoshima Park is one of the city’s most popular hangout spots for locals on the weekends. On any given Sunday, you’ll find throngs of people sitting on blue tarpaulins and enjoying an afternoon beer. During the summer, the park also transforms into a rose garden, providing a picturesque scene during the area’s many summer events. If you visit during the summer months, be sure to check out the rose flavoured ice cream from local vendors.

Osaka’s Nakanoshima District

The area around the park also has plenty of cafes and restaurants. South of the park and across the river is Northshore, a cafe with a reputation among the expat community for being one of the best breakfast spots in Osaka. The terrace seating lets you enjoy your coffee while looking across the river to Nakanoshima Park.

Osaka’s Nakanoshima District

Garb weeks is a popular lunch spot, located a little west of the park, just outside of Naniwabashi Station. Along with an extensive cafe menu, they have a wide selection of wood fired pizzas to choose from, as well as the usual Japanese staples, like hamburger steak and fusion pasta dishes.

Osaka’s Nakanoshima District

Meat lovers rejoice, as the “R” Riverside Grill & Beer Garden has delicious offerings with you in mind. At the western end of the park, this barbecue restaurant has plenty of options for the discerning meat enthusiast. The menus combine the best parts of Korean barbecue with other backyard barbecue favourites. The setting makes it ideal for a romantic dinner, but it’s also a congenial location for enjoying the Riverside’s three hour, all you can drink special on a warm afternoon.

Osaka’s Nakanoshima District

Nakanoshima is not only a great place to relax; it’s also home to historic architecture and several art museums. The island is where you will find Osaka City Central Public Hall. The classic design, red bricks, and natural setting of this early 20th century building combine to create a colourful contrast to the gray office blocks surrounding it. It stills stands today to serve as one of the cultural centres of the city and a great photo spot.

Osaka’s Nakanoshima District

The Museum of Oriental Ceramics may not sound exciting, but it features some of the most exquisite pottery in Japan. Besides housing traditional Japanese pottery, the museum also hosts traveling exhibitions from around the world. This museum exhibits more than its simple exterior implies, from delicate Chinese porcelain more than a thousand years old to contemporary sculpture. Be sure to check out the museum’s calendar to keep abreast of current and future exhibitions.

Osaka’s Nakanoshima District

There are several ways to get to Nakanoshima. The easiest way is to take the Keihan Nakanoshima Line from Temmabashi Station, which is located south of the river. Anywhere nearby should also have cheap taxi fares to the island. If you’re keen on walking, the island has several bridges that serve as walkways between the mainland and the island.

Nakanoshima Park

Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Nakanoshima

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Osaka City Central Public Hall

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