"Water City Osaka Waterside Walking Guide" Waterside Walking Guide by Area 6 "Kizugawa River, Ajigawa River, Shirinashi River, Bay Area"

[Waterside Walking Guide by Area]

Osaka's sea gateway
Kizugawa, Ajigawa, Shirinashigawa, Bay Area

Western Osaka, close to the sea, was full of islands in ancient times, and in the Edo period it was a city of water with many canals. The area around Kawaguchi and Enokojima, where the Dojima River and Tosabori River join at the western end of Nakanoshima and then split into the Kizu River and Aji River again, was a bustling sea gateway where trade ships from all over the country came into Osaka during the Edo period, and during the Meiji Restoration it was also a port that opened to receive ships from other countries. Now, Nakanoshima GATE South Pier, a transfer terminal for sea ships and river ships, has been built and welcomes visitors from the sea.

A monument has been installed on the western edge of Nakanoshima in conjunction with the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025.

The site of the opening of the port of Osaka

In 1684, in order to reduce flooding of the meandering Yodo River, the Aji River was excavated to divide Kujo Island, which was blocking the river's mouth. As a result, ships from all over the country began to travel up the Aji River, and the Ajigawaguchi rivermouth became a bustling port of call.
With the Meiji Restoration and Japan opening its doors to foreign countries, Kawaguchi was opened as an open port in 1867, and the Kawaguchi Unjosho, the predecessor of the Osaka Customs House, was opened. A foreign settlement was also established adjacent to the area, and a modern streetscape lined with Western-style buildings such as consulates, trading houses, and mansions from various countries spread across the area, making it a place that disseminates new culture. In 7, the Osaka Prefectural Office Building, a stately structure modeled on the classical Western style, was built facing the sea on Enokojima Island, across the Kizugawa River. Osaka City Hall was later built nearby, and Enokojima became the administrative center of Osaka. Incidentally, Enokojima, as its name suggests, was an island sandwiched between the Kizugawa River and the Hyakkenborikawa River, but after the war the Hyakkenborikawa River, which flowed to the east, was filled in and it was no longer an island.
This area, which became a gateway for accepting cultures from various countries, was at the forefront of modernization. However, the river port was shallow and it was difficult to accommodate large foreign ships, so gradually Kobe Port came to be used more.

Nakanoshima GATE South Pier

This is the site of the opening of the port of Osaka, and where Osaka Customs used to be. In April 7, a new facility was opened, featuring a public wharf that will serve as a transfer terminal between sea ships and riverboats, as well as lively facilities. There is also a corner that introduces the history of the area. The facility will connect the bay area, including Yumeshima, the venue for the Osaka-Kansai Expo, with tourist spots such as Nakanoshima and Dotonbori along Osaka City's "Water Corridor," by boat, bringing back the bustle of the past.

Nakanoshima GATE South Pier

OSAKA River Fantasy Nakanoshima GATE area LED vision production

An approximately 80m LED screen has been installed on the opposite bank of Nakanoshima GATE South Pier. It will display messages of hospitality and tourist information about Osaka, welcoming tourists from both within Japan and overseas. It is scheduled to be installed until around February 8.

OSAKA River Fantasy Nakanoshima GATE area LED vision production
Source: OSAKA River Fantasy Management Office

Kawaguchi Christian Church

Osaka City Central Wholesale Market home

Kyocera Dome Osaka

This multi-purpose dome has a distinctive spaceship-like shape. It is the home stadium of the Orix Buffaloes and is the largest facility in Osaka City, hosting concerts by big-name talent.

Kyocera Dome Osaka

TUGBOAT_TAISHO

Located along the Shirinashi River in Taisho Ward, surrounded by rivers and the sea, this complex, which appeared in 2, has an exterior inspired by a ship. It consists of a floating pizza restaurant on the river, a food hall called "Shin Kamome Shokudo-gai," bars and snack areas, and also hosts events. "TUGBOAT_TAISHO RIVER STATION" also operates regular "Exploration Cruises with Rakugoka" operated by Ipponmatsu Kaiun.

TUGBOAT_TAISHO

Ajigawa Tunnel

The Ajigawa Tunnel was completed in 19 using Japan's first immersed tunnel construction method (a method of sinking a tunnel into the riverbed rather than digging it). Initially, it was open to foot traffic, bicycles and cars. When the Ajigawa Bridge was opened in 1944, car use was suspended, but the remains of the tunnel remain to this day. There are elevators on both sides of the tunnel, which connects Kujo in Nishi Ward to Nishikujo in Konohana Ward, making it a convenient access route for pedestrians and bicycles. As it is located at the bottom of the river, it is cool and refreshing to walk through even in summer.

Ajigawa Tunnel

Tempozan

Located in Tempozan Park in the Minato district of Osaka City, this 4.53m high artificial hill was made by piling up soil. For the purpose of preventing flooding and facilitating the entry of large ships into the city, dredging work called "Tenpo no Okawa Shuji" was carried out on the Aji River for about two years from 2. Townspeople were called in to work on the project, but they said, "If we're going to do it, we should have fun," and worked in a festival-like atmosphere, making matching costumes for each town and livening things up with drums and music, which apparently led to the shogunate scolding them. Tempozan was built by piling up the dredged soil. It was originally called "Mt. Marker" (Megakiyama) because it was a landmark visible from ships. Later, Tempozan also became popular as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. Currently, it is the second lowest mountain in Japan, and since 1831, a mountaineering club made up of local volunteers has been issuing mountain climbing certificates for a fee.

Tempozan

Tempozan Ferry

This ferry boat connects Tempozan and Sakurajima, located on the opposite shore near Universal Studios Japan, over a distance of about 400m. It was opened in 38 and initially operated in a triangular fashion between Tempozan, Sakurajima and Chikko Osanbashi Pier. Eight ferries are still in operation in Osaka City, providing not only transportation for the locals but also attracting tourists in recent years as they offer free cruises. Another attraction is that bicycles can be brought on board.

Tempozan Ferry Terminal Source: City of Osaka

An active ferry terminal
1) Tempozan Ferry Terminal
2) Jinbei Ferry Terminal
3) Chitose Ferry Terminal
4) Ochiaikami Ferry Terminal
5) Ochiaishimo Ferry Terminal
6) Senbonmatsu Ferry Terminal
7) Funamachi Ferry Terminal
8) Kizugawa Ferry Terminal

Source: Osaka City