Nakanoshima Island is Osaka’s cultural and architectural gem. Stretching just three kilometres, this slender island boasts grand Western-style buildings from the Meiji and Taisho eras that stand as a reminder of Osaka’s mercantile past, while cutting-edge art spaces and tranquil green pockets make it a must-visit for those seeking a more contemplative side of the city.
At its heart lies Nakanoshima Park, a verdant riverside haven showcasing 300+ rose varieties against the urban backdrop. The nearby red-brick Osaka City Central Public Hall exudes Neo-Renaissance style splendour, whilst Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka with its impressive collection of over 6,000 artworks, many of which are displayed in a range of fascinating, cutting-edge exhibitions.
Nakanoshima Island provides a rare sense of poise in the heart of a bustling city, a place where heritage, culture, and nature converge in harmony, just waiting to be discovered.
Stay
Since 1935, RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka has hosted an illustrious roster of guests. With its 90th anniversary in 2025, the RIHGA Royal is undergoing an opulent transformation, due to be completed by 1st April 2025, under IHG’s Vignette Collection, blending its storied past with modern refinement. With 1,000 opulent rooms, some featuring sweeping city skyline or stunning river views.
Guests are spoilt for choice with the most comprehensive dining experience in Osaka on offer, with 18 diverse restaurants to choose from, including, teppanyaki showcasing Kobe beef, Chinese cuisine and Korean BBQ. Among the notable venues are REMONE, Chocolate Boutique L’éclat, and the Leach Bar.
RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka has always been a timeless address for discerning travellers, and it will continue to be one for the next generation.
Perched atop the Nakanoshima Festival Tower West, Conrad Osaka soars above the city skyline, the pinnacle of modern design and Japanese artistry. Every one of its 164 rooms and suites features floor-to-ceiling windows framing sweeping river views, with sleek interiors that balance minimalism and indulgence. The Conrad Penthouse Suite offers expansive living quarters, a private dining space, and a deep-soaking tub with breathtaking views.
Culinary excellence is a hallmark here, from the teppanyaki at KURA to delicious seafood at C:GRILL, while 40 Sky Bar & Lounge serves innovative cocktails with panoramic city views.
With a serene spa, a heated indoor pool, and direct access to Festival Hall, Conrad Osaka is the ideal sanctuary for those seeking both comfort and connection to the city’s cultural heartbeat.
Dine
Nakanoshima’s exceptional dining scene offers a sophisticated escape from Osaka’s bustling streets. Start your morning at Conrad Osaka’s Atmos Dining, where panoramic city views complement a breakfast spread of artisanal pastries, Japanese breakfast sets, and freshly brewed coffee.
For lunch, experience Nakanoshima Nadaman, a culinary institution since 1830. Their menu features elegant Shokado bento sets and Mini Kaiseki, offering a refined midday retreat with nearly two centuries of Japanese culinary heritage.155
Dinner calls for an indulgent Italian experience at Ristorante QUINTOCANTO, where handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and an expertly curated wine list bring a taste of Italy to Osaka.
Restaurant Chambord at RIHGA Royal Hotel delivers French gastronomy at its finest, with an elegant, detail-driven menu that defines haute cuisine. With its blend of Michelin-recognised dining, timeless institutions, and hidden gems, Nakanoshima offers a culinary journey steeped in refinement.
See
The crown jewel of Nakanoshima island is Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka, a bold fusion of striking contemporary design and artistic heritage. After years of anticipation, it opened to great fanfare in 2022, today it stands as a magnetising black monolith in the heart of the Osaka’s cultural hub. It is a treasure trove of Japanese and Western masterpieces. More than just a museum, it’s a living, breathing space where art meets innovation, complete with a stylish café and a shop filled with unique finds, such as framed prints of the most captivating works on show.
National Museum of Art, Osaka, is a hidden gem. It is located entirely underground while its striking steel structure rises above the surface like a futuristic sculpture. Inside, visitors will find a treasure trove of modern and contemporary art from Japan and around the globe. This spring, the museum will host the fascinating Collection 2: Undo, Redo exhibition (15th February – 1st June 2025), which focuses on the way artists undo and redo existing materials, structures, and history along with the state of their works.
Another fascinating cultural highlight is the Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka, one of the most respected institutions of its kind. Expect spectacular systematic displays of approximately 400 notable works of Chinese, Korean, and Japanese ceramics, based on original concept and forms of presentation in the galleries. Look out for two exquisite National Treasures: Tobiseiji Hanaike, a celadon vase with iron spots and the Yuteki Tenmoku tea bowl.
The Nakanoshima Kosetsu Museum of Art is an intimate celebration of Japanese art and history, with a carefully curated collection that includes traditional paintings, calligraphy and ceramics. The current spring exhibition showcases works from the Edo period, offering an opportunity to view masterpieces displayed for the first time in Osaka. The museum’s location on Nakanoshima Island provides a tranquil escape, surrounded by the Dojima and Tosabori Rivers.
A family-friendly highlight, the Osaka Science Museum sparks curiosity in visitors of all ages. Offering hands-on experience, this interactive museum delves into a variety of scientific topics, from astronomy to chemistry. The museum’s current spring exhibitions (5 February – 6 April 2025) will engage your curiosity with a deep dive into space exploration and technology’s role in shaping the future. With exhibits designed to spark wonder and discovery, this is an excellent stop for anyone interested in the intersection of science and innovation.
For families and book lovers, the Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest is a magical retreat. This library, nestled within the lush green surroundings of Nakanoshima Park, provides a welcoming space for children to explore literature from both Japan and abroad. It’s a beautifully designed space with an extensive collection of children’s books, offering a peaceful atmosphere ideal for quiet reading or story time. The library often hosts special programs and events for kids, making it a great addition to your itinerary.
Experience
Beyond its cultural landmarks, Nakanoshima offers several unique experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in the area’s charm.
Nakanoshima is a constantly evolving masterpiece of innovation. The Creative Island Nakanoshima initiative envisions transforming the entire Nakanoshima district into a dynamic “creative laboratory”—a hub for cultural and artistic innovation that Japan can proudly showcase to the world.
Experience the OSAKA-HAKU, a collaborative celebration showcasing “treasures” across six museums in and around Nakanoshima. Coinciding with Expo 2025, this initiative features rotating seasonal exhibits at venues including the newly reopened Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts and Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka offering visitors immersive journeys through Osaka’s rich cultural heritage.
Get a glimpse of the future with a preview of the Nakanoshima Pavilion Festival, a key cultural event in the lead-up to the World Expo 2025. The festival will feature cutting-edge art, design, and cultural exhibitions that celebrate Osaka’s role as a global hub of innovation and creativity.
The Nakanoshima area is undergoing rapid redevelopment, with high-rise towers over 200 meters tall reshaping its skyline. This transformation is in anticipation of the upcoming World Expo 2025 and the opening of the Naniwasuji Line. With many ambitious projects reshaping Osaka’s future, it is an exciting time to visit this evolving district. For a slower pace, drift along the scenic rivers that surround Nakanoshima on a boat cruise, with the city skyline as your backdrop.
Engage in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, a soothing experience that allows you to appreciate the art of tea preparation in a tranquil setting. Hotels such as Conrad Osaka, offer these ceremonies as part of their cultural experiences. It is a fantastic way to enjoy a true taste of Japan.
Attend a concert, ballet, or classical music performance at Festival Hall, one of Osaka’s premier venues for international and local productions. The acoustics and intimate atmosphere make for an unforgettable experience.
Nakanoshima transforms into a tranquil, beautifully lit haven as evening falls. Take a quiet walk around the illuminated parks and along the riverbanks, where you can enjoy a peaceful contrast to the city’s bustle. Nakanoshima Park, a lush green space flanked by the Dojima and Tosabori Rivers, features a stunning rose garden.
Conclude the day with a visit to the Nakanoshima Festival Tower, a hub for culture and fine dining. Enjoy a gourmet dinner overlooking the sparkling cityscape and, if time allows, catch a live performance or an evening art exhibition.
Nakanoshima Island is the jewel in Osaka’s crown. A haven of culture, elegance, and serenity, with riverside parks, world-class museums, and exquisite dining. A sophisticated escape where time slows, and history and modernity coexist in perfect harmony.
