Umeda Sky Building
This 173 meter high skyscraper is a flagship building in Osaka. It consists of two 40-story twin towers connected by a bridge. It was presented by the English newspaperThe Timesas one of the 20 most iconic buildings in the world. What you absolutely must see there is a circular observatory on its roof. From here you will have a 360-degree panoramic view of Osaka city, but how was it built to such a height?
Osaka is one of the less green cities, but around this building, the green spaces open to the public are arranged like the calm forest created for a pleasant stroll, thesatoyamareflecting the original landscape of Japan and the Wall of Hope designed as part of the green plan by architect Ando Tadao. We enjoy this green oasis in the heart of the city.
- The observatory entrance ticket price is 2,000 yen.
- The entrance to the observatory is at 38th floor. To get there, take the 360 degree field of view elevator to 34th floor then a transparent tube-shaped escalator.
Osaka Housing Museum
If the hustle and bustle of the big city tires you, how about taking a break at this museum which faithfully reproduces the Osaka neighborhoods of yesteryear? It is located in a modern building, but its exhibition will give you the illusion of a time jump. You will be able to wander freely in these reproduced neighborhoods. After visiting the museum, you will be entertained by a stroll through the longest shopping arcade in Japan, Tenjinbashi-suji, which is next door.
- The Osaka Housing Museum entrance ticket price is 600 yen.
- The museum is closed on Tuesdays.
- The museum shows you its exhibition at 7th and at 8th floor of the building. The walk at 8th floor in rental kimono outfit (1,000 yen) is possible for half an hour. You can wear the kimono over your clothing, but it is better to remove bulky clothing before putting on the kimono. The kimono rental service is reserved for the first 100 arrivals each day.
- Map
Nakazakicho and Nakatsu Districts
In the Nakazakicho and Nakatsu districts, 10 to 15 minutes on foot from Umeda, the center of the North district in Osaka, there are still places full of nostalgia. Spared by the aerial bombardments of the Second World War, the nagaya and renovated old buildings are scattered among the apartment buildings. Time passes slowly. These are nice neighborhoods to explore.
The nagaya, do you know what it is? It’s a type of Japanese collective accommodation. It is made up of several small houses stuck together in the same building. Each home has its own entrance which opens onto the street. Originally, the nagaya developed as an urban dwelling in the Edo period (1603-1867). Most of the towns’ merchants and artisans lived in nagaya built in alleys. The nagaya was also used as housing forsamuraisubordinates. The inhabitants of nagaya chatted at the common well, exchanged information and formed a small community, a neighborhood hangout. The nagaya was characterized by its narrow and dark interior, but today we see various tricks to introduce natural light or to visually enlarge the spaces. Renovation adapted to modern lifestyles brings new life to the nagaya. In recent times, the renovation of nagaya old people in offices, cafes or stores is booming. What are the charms of nagaya today? The retro atmosphere? Through life in nagaya, we can rediscover what was once normal but lost over time, links with the neighborhood, the notion of mutual aid, solidarity, etc. . .
Alongside Instagrammable spots, local life is still present in the Nakazakicho and Nakatsu districts. This sets them apart from other trendy and touristy areas of Osaka. You will make unexpected discoveries in the maze of streets.
