Beautiful Osaka Spots Accessible by Osaka Metro: Retro Architecture Edition

When it comes to landmarks of Osaka, many people think of Dotonbori or Tsutenkaku. Osaka gives the impression of a lively and glamorous city, but did you know that Osaka also retains many modern buildings where you can feel the good old days? A little away from the bustling areas, you can experience streetscapes full of old-fashioned charm and elegant retro vibes.

Searching for the face of the "Greater Osaka" era...

Many of the retro buildings scattered throughout Osaka date back to about 100 years ago, from the late Taisho to early Showa period (around 1920–30s), when Osaka was known as "Greater Osaka"—the city with the largest population and area in Japan.

During this era, Osaka flourished as Japan's top industrial city with thriving commerce, cotton textiles, and various other industries. As an economic and cultural center, it rapidly modernized, and many modern buildings incorporating European architectural styles were constructed, mainly in the Nakanoshima, Kitahama, and Semba areas.

Now, let us introduce some retro buildings that preserve the golden age of Osaka.

Representative Retro Building: Osaka City Central Public Hall

When it comes to the most famous retro building in Osaka, that would be the Osaka City Central Public Hall!

Located in the Nakanoshima area between the Dojima and Tosabori Rivers, this beautiful building features striking bright red brick walls and an arched roof. It is about a 5-minute walk from Osaka Metro's Yodoyabashi Station and Kitahama Station.

Completed in 1918 (Taisho 7), the Osaka City Central Public Hall celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2018. There is a surprising little story behind it: this building was built thanks to donations from a single citizen.

Representative Retro Building: Osaka City Central Public Hall

With a design based on the Neo-Baroque style, it is symmetrical around the central arch. Not only is the exterior splendid, but the interior details are also exquisite, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere. Today, it is used for concerts, lectures, and other events, and it is open to the public for tours of the exhibition halls and other interior spaces. The hall staff also hold guided tours, so be sure to go inside and take a good look.

? (Public Interest) Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau

Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library, Like a Greek Temple

Here is another representative retro building in Osaka! It is the Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library, standing to the west of Osaka City Central Public Hall. The library was completed 14 years before the Central Public Hall, in 1904 (Meiji 37), built by the Sumitomo family, the founding family of the Sumitomo zaibatsu. At that time, Osaka faced a shortage of educational institutions, so the Sumitomo family donated this library as a contribution to society from their enterprise.

Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library

The exterior, incorporating the architectural style of Greek and Roman temples, is very inviting, making you feel like you have entered a mythical world. Especially worth seeing is the staircase in the central hall leading up to the vaulted ceiling with a skylight. The light filtering through the oldest stained glass in Osaka and the curving beauty create a stunning scene! The interior is free to explore, and there is a café, so it is also recommended for a break.

Chikko Red Brick Warehouse and Classic Car Exhibition

About a 5-minute walk from Osaka Metro's Osaka Port Station is the Chikko Red Brick Warehouse. In the Osaka Port area, which includes Tempozan and the Kaiyukan aquarium, the soaring group of red brick warehouses covering about 7,300㎡ makes a strong presence.

Chikko Red Brick Warehouse

After 1897 (Meiji 30), this area underwent major port construction as Osaka's international trade port, and the Sumitomo Warehouse built these warehouses in 1923 (Taisho 12). Speaking of Sumitomo, it is said that both the Nakanoshima Library and the Chikko Red Brick Warehouse were designed by the same architect! The Chikko Red Brick Warehouse has a completely different style from the Nakanoshima Library, evoking a nostalgic atmosphere. Why not compare them as you visit?

Chikko once thrived as a warehouse district for loading and unloading cargo, but in 1999 (Heisei 11), it ended its warehouse role. Today, the red brick warehouses have been repurposed as the "GLION MUSEUM," exhibiting classic cars. There are also cafés and restaurants, making it a popular spot for sightseeing and dates.

To prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, facilities may be closed. Please check the official website in advance.

Stroll through the streets and look for retro buildings!

The retro buildings introduced here are just a small part. Throughout Osaka, among modern high-rise buildings, there are still many old buildings where you can feel the atmosphere of the Greater Osaka era.

Each building has its own history and is very precious. Why not take a walk and try to find these retro buildings?

Also, retro scenery hidden on the streets is posted on the Instagram of Osaka Metro NiNE, so be sure to check it out.

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