Nakanoshima Park offers a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of Osaka and is Nakanoshima island’s highlight. This verdant oasis stretches along the eastern half of the island and offers a welcome change of scenery from the looming office blocks. Basking in the sun on the grassy hill in the center of the park also provides a front-row seat for some of Osaka’s best people-watching. Along with its tranquil waterfront walkways and tree-lined picnic areas, the 27-acre (11-hectare) park also boasts a magnificent rose garden, which blooms with more than 310 colorful rose varieties in summer. The island is also home to a number of museums, including the Science Museum and the National Museum of Art.
The park is a typical stop on bicycle tours of Osaka, providing a good way to check off multiple sites in one day. A boat tour that cruises past the island is another great way to see the cityscape from a different angle.
Nakanoshima is located in the Central Business District in the north of Osaka. Kitahama Station—on the Sakaisuji Line or Keihan Line—is right next to the park; take exit number one. It’s also just a short walk from Yodoyabashi Station, on the Midosuji or Keihan Line. You can also walk from the main Osaka Station in just 20 minutes.
Summertime, when the park’s roses are in bloom, is perhaps the best time of year to visit—the warmer weather also invites lounging on the grass. December is also particularly picturesque due to the festive illuminations that light up the park. The park is typically open year-round.
The area surrounding Nakanoshima Park is home to many restaurants and cafes. You can get great coffee at Moto Coffee, which has a terrace overlooking the river. Kitahama Retro tea room serves a traditional afternoon tea; Boston Clam Shack serves seafood overlooking the park; or you can get some yakiniku (grilled meat) and a beer at R Riverside Grill & Beer Garden in the center of the park.
