Escape the pulse of Osaka’s lively centre by taking refuge in the city’s first public park. Nakonoshima Park occupies the land between the Dojimagawa and Tosaborigawa rivers, which means it’s physically separated from the central business district. Stroll along shaded walkways, picnic on manicured lawns and stop to smell the fragrances of the rose garden.
Begin your day at the park with a walk. The 10.6 hectares (26 acres) of green space is filled with soft grass, shaded walking paths and tranquil water features. As you join the locals for a morning stroll you’ll forget that you’re in the heart of one of Japan’s largest cities.
Each diverse section of Nakanoshima Park is separated by water and connected by a scenic walking and cycling trail. The eastern lawns feature tended garden plots while a sprawling lawn dominates the western side.
Stop by the Nakanoshima Park café to enjoy a refreshing chilled drink or hot tea before heading to the main lawn. In the warmer months this green space is a popular meeting place for locals and a great place to see Osaka’s residents taking it easy. Visit the park in spring to see the yellow, pink and red tones of the blooms in the rose garden, a highlight of the park.
Bring a ball or join in with locals as they play sports on the main lawn. There are a number of statues and a thick forest of trees that line one side. Arrive at sunset to see the tree trunks illuminated, casting silhouettes against the nearby buildings.
Nakanoshima Park is conveniently located close to other attractions, including the Museum of Oriental Ceramics and the fascinating architecture of the Osaka Central Public Hall. The park can be reached from the east via the Sakai-suji Bridge or from the matsuya-macha-suji walkways to the west. It’s free to enter the park, which is open daily.
