Osaka · Umeda and Kita
Nakanoshima Park
According to the city, this is Osaka's first public park, from 1891. It covers the eastern end of Nakanoshima, a narrow island between the Dojima River and the Tosabori River, along about 1.5 kilometers. At its center is a rose garden with about 3,700 bushes of about 310 varieties, which blooms in mid-May and mid-October.
Two historic buildings stand along the park. The Central Public Hall, of red brick, was completed in 1918 with a donation from a city resident, Iwamoto Einosuke, and it has been an Important Cultural Property of Japan since 2002. Next to it is the Nakanoshima Library, from 1904. The Museum of Oriental Ceramics is also within the park.
Good to know
- The Public Hall is open 09:30-21:30, and closed on the fourth Tuesday of every month.
- The cafe that was in the Nakanoshima Library closed on 30 December 2025, and the library shop in February 2026. If you are looking for coffee in the rain, go to the Public Hall.
What is nearby
Approximate walking minutes from the entrance of Nakanoshima Park.
- HereNakanoshima Park
- ~3 min
DRAWING HOUSE OF NAKANOSHIMA Food
A bistro in the basement of the Public Hall, which opened on 20 February 2026. Lunches at ¥1,450 to ¥1,700, such as omurice with beef stew at ¥1,600. 121 seats and 36 on the terrace.
- ~4 min
Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library More to see
The library building is from 1904, and it still works as a public library. In October 2026 it is closed on the 4th, 8th, 11th, 12th, 18th and 25th.
- ~4 min
Kitahama Terrace (Osaka Kawayuka) Street
17 restaurants and cafes on the bank of the Tosabori River, facing the Public Hall, with terraces over the water. The initiative began in 2009, and according to the organizers the terraces operate all year round. You enter through the restaurant itself.
- ~5 min
Kitahama Retro Cafe
A British tea room in a brick building from 1912, which served as a club for Osaka stock exchange traders and is now registered as a Cultural Property. Two floors of tea, cakes and British sweets.
- ~6 min
Aqua-Liner water bus, Yodoyabashi pier More to see
An enclosed, air-conditioned boat from Yodoyabashi pier to Osaka Castle and back, about 55 minutes. ¥2,000, children ¥1,000. Shorter sections from ¥1,200. You can book two months ahead.
More in Umeda and Kita
Appears in: Osaka, day two: Nakanoshima, Shinsaibashi, Umeda Sky at sunset and a rooftop bar