Discovering Osaka architecture is easy as Osaka is blessed with countless modern buildings worth investigating if you're interested in building design and construction.
Its streets also have a special atmosphere at night. The area in Fukushima Ward in the north of the city, including the iconic Osaka Station City, packs a broad range of fine examples of contemporary Japanese building design and rewards exploration.
So I thought I'd make a video incorporating both things - a walk at night through an area containing some of my favourite architecture.
If you're not already familiar with Osaka or would like a handy overview of the city and what it has to offer check out my detailed Osaka City Guide.
View of the Gate Tower Building
Fukushima Ward
I shot the film after going to a gig at a the 2nd Line live house in Fukushima ward. I starting filming around 10:45pm.
The walk back to Osaka Station was a leisurely 15 minutes.
Osaka: architectural juxtapositions
I knew the route had a number of architecturally interesting buildings along the way. Fukushima-ku is one of 24 wards of Osaka.
Illuminated trees
Famous name hotels
The ward is primarily a residential quarter, but has some office buildings and a commercial district, including famous-name hotels as well as factories and wholesale businesses.
In more recent years, many high rise apartments and office buildings have been built in this ward.
Osaka nightscape
Mainly because it is close to the Umeda and Dōjima business centres, and not far from Osaka Station - a major transportation hub.
I hope you enjoy looking at these photographs I took of some of the buildings along the route.
HAL building, Osaka
The Gate Tower Building
The straightforward walk first takes in the Gate Tower Building - known for having an elevated highway passing through its fifth to seventh floors!
Next, on the south side of the street, is The Ritz-Carlton Osaka hotel. Which is located within the large Herbis Plaza commercial development.
Osaka nightscape
HAL Osaka building
Towards the end, there are views of the HAL Osaka building.
HAL is Japan's largest college for the creative industries, with schools close to each of the major train terminals in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya.
All of these also feature in the film below.
VIDEO: Architecture Night Walk: Fukushima Ward, Osaka
And One More Thing…
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Location Map
About the Author
A writer and publisher from England, Rob has been exploring Japan’s islands since 2000. He specialises in travelling off the beaten track, whether on remote atolls or in the hidden streets of major cities. He’s the founder of TheRealJapan.com.
Resources
Walking Route on Google Maps
Walking Route - shown on google maps (use this to walk the same route yourself):
Further Reading
5 Great Value Osaka Attraction Passes to Save You Time and Money
11 Unique Things To Do in Osaka
More Japan Architecture Posts
The Real Japan - Architecture in Japan
Dazzling sites Rob. We just laid over in Osaka for a few hours flying to Bali at the start of our trip, way back in 2011. Looks like a fascinating city.
Thanks Ryan.
I’ve got a big soft spot for Osaka. It has a lot of attutude and character, and some great food. Have some good friends there too.
Definitely a must-visit destination in Japan.
When you do, be sure to explore Osaka Station City – it’s incredible: https://youtu.be/AgFAG1tmPYc