© Osaka Art & Design. All rights Reserved

Osaka Art & Design × Living Architecture Museum Osaka

Kitasemba Tour:
Exploring Modern Architecture
of the Great Osaka Era

  • # yodoyabashi
  • # honmachi

  • # GreatOsakaEra
  • # ModernArchitecture

The area around today’s Yodoyabashi and Honmachi has historically been known as Semba, and developed as the heart of Osaka from early-modern to modern times. In particular, during the late Taisho (early 1920s) and early Showa Eras (late 1920s–1930s), when Osaka was referred to as “Dai-Osaka” (Great Osaka), a large number of modern buildings were constructed in the Semba district. On this tour, architect Shinichi Takaoka, a board member of Living Architecture Museum Osaka, will guide participants through examples of Dai-Osaka-era architecture that remain in active use today.

Feature

Shibakawa Building
Now considered one of the most iconic examples of modern architecture in the Kitasemba area, the Shibakawa Building once served as a bridal school for daughters of merchant families. Today, it has been transformed into a popular spot featuring trendy shops and restaurants.
Modern Architecture from the Great Osaka Era
The Kitasemba area retains numerous modern buildings with distinctive designs, including the Koraibashi Building, the Fushimi Building, the Aoyama Building, and the Ikoma Building. This tour offers insights into the historical development of the Semba district while visiting these architectural landmarks. (Exterior viewing only.)
Semba Building
A pioneering symbol of Osaka’s retro architecture boom, the Semba Building is especially popular for its central patio or courtyard. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of its completion, the building recently underwent a large-scale renovation, restoring the tiled façade to its original appearance.
Mengyokaikan (Cotton Industry Hall)
This iconic building reflects the prosperity of modern Osaka, driven by its thriving textile industry. Designed by Osaka’s leading architect from the Great Osaka Era, Setsu Watanabe, the structure boasts an opulent interior that showcases the grandeur of the time. This tour includes a rare opportunity to view the building’s interior.
Date & Time:
June 21（Sat）9:30-12:00
Duration:
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
Tour Guide:
Shinichi Takaoka（Architect, Professor at Kindai University, Board Member of Living Architecture Museum Osaka）
Participation Fee:
¥4,000 （includes admission to Mengyokaikan）
How to Apply:
Advance application required （selection by lottery）
Application Period:
May 7（Wed） - May 28 （Wed）（until 23:59 on May 28）
Capacity:
20 participants
  • * Notification of lottery results will be sent only to selected participants by email.
  • * Some parts of the tour involve the use of stairs.
  • * Participants must be elementary school age or older.
  • * Tour destinations may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
  • * English interpretation is available upon request. If you would like interpretation, please indicate this in the application form.
  • * The tour may end slightly earlier or later depending on the day’s circumstances.
  • * Please wear comfortable shoes and clothes as you will be walking for a long time. (The tour will proceed even in light rain.)

▶ Apply