Nakanoshima is not only a waterfront attraction in central Osaka, but also an important setting in the city's early development. During the Edo period, it was already a thriving rice market and distribution hub, where merchants gathered and goods were traded frequently, establishing Osaka's status as “the nation's kitchen.” Walking around Nakanoshima today, classical architecture blends with the riverside scenery, and you can also sense the historical path Osaka took from a major commercial center of the past to a modern city.
Nakanoshima | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
Japan’s first museum, specialized on the history and culture of life, was opened in April 2001. You can learn about housing and how people lived during Edo, Meiji, Taisho and Showa Periods.
If you want to experience life in Osaka during the Edo period, take a trip to the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living! With models, streetscapes, and interactive exhibits, it recreates the streets of Edo-period Osaka and makes you feel as if you’ve instantly traveled back more than 200 years. The most fun part is that you can also rent a yukata and wander through the old-fashioned streets in traditional clothing for a real “time travel” role-playing experience! The scenes inside also change with the time, shifting from day to night along with the atmosphere of the streets, which makes taking photos a lot of fun. Rather than simply visiting a museum, this feels more like a historical experience you can take part in yourself. It’s great for families with children or anyone who enjoys taking photos~
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GariGarikun Soda
Japan’s classic ice treat, GariGarikun Soda, is a simple yet exceptionally well-crafted frozen treat made with soda-flavored ice on the outside and crunchy shaved ice on the inside. Its defining feature is this two-layer structure, with outer ice and inner shaved ice, allowing you to enjoy two different textures in one bar. Along with its refreshing soda flavor, it is also a long-selling product that has been loved by a wide range of generations, from children to adults, for many years.
A classic nostalgic Japanese ice pop, with a refreshing blue appearance that feels just like summer. It has a light soda aroma when you take a bite, and it’s icy without being overly sweet, making it very refreshing. The ice pop has a crisp texture, and enjoying the soda flavor as you eat brings back the simple joy of having frozen treats as a child. Having one on a scorching summer day is cooling and comforting, and it’s perfect for anyone who likes nostalgic Japanese snacks.
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Machiya Café Miyake Shouten
“Miyake Shouten”, located in the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, is a café that was converted from a townhouse built over a century ago. The traditional layout including doma (dirt floor), kura (a traditional storehouse) and Tsuchikabe (Japanese wattle and daub wall) is unique to an old Japanese house, creating a nostalgic and relaxing space.
While exploring the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter on a scorching summer day, I happened to notice the sign outside Miyake Shouten and couldn’t resist going in to enjoy the air conditioning and take a break. This long-established café is tucked inside an old machiya townhouse, and the moment you open the door and step inside, you can feel its strong nostalgic atmosphere.
The interior retains the layout of a traditional Japanese building and has an old-fashioned charm, along with a small garden. Sitting down and looking at the greenery outside the window feels especially relaxing. The café uses low tables with Japanese-style floor seating, which adds even more traditional old-house character when paired with tea and sweets. In addition to drinks, desserts, and meals, it also sells various household goods and curated items. If you’re tired from walking around, it’s worth stopping in to rest your feet, enjoy a snack, and take in the peaceful atmosphere of the old house. It’s a very comfortable little place to rest during a walk around Kurashiki.
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