2025 NO.37
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Osaka, Where the World Meets
Landscapes of Aqua Metropolis Osaka
Osaka has prospered for centuries as a major economic hub. Its growth was spurred by Osaka Bay, a key ocean trading port, as well as the waterways running throughout the city, which facilitated the transport of goods. Osaka may look different today than in times past, but its unique topography, highlighted by rivers flowing through the city center, still offers an urban landscape of interwoven land and water.
Cityscape at night, viewed from Osaka Bay. The skyscrapers in the background mark Osaka’s city center. (Photo: PIXTA)
Osaka’s Corridor of Waterways
The city’s center is surrounded by rivers on all four sides. This unusual topography, found in few locations in the world, has been called a corridor of waterways and has become a symbol of Aqua Metropolis Osaka.
①Dojima and Tosabori Rivers
The Dojima and Tosabori rivers flow along the northern side of the city center. Running parallel to each other past Nakanoshima Island, which stretches some 3 kilometers from east to west, they merge at the center’s western end. Long a commercial center, the Nakanoshima area is lined with both skyscrapers that play a major economic role as well as historical buildings. (Photo: Aqua Metropolis Osaka Consortium)
②Kizu River
Along the western side of the city center, the Kizu River splits from the Tosabori River, flowing south to join the Dotonbori River. Situated close to Osaka Bay, this area has developed into an industrial zone, although in recent years, commercial facilities and condominiums have also sprung up here. (Photo: Aqua Metropolis Osaka Consortium)
③Higashi-Yokobori River
To the east lies the Higashi-Yokobori River, which is Osaka’s oldest canal, dug some 400 years ago. Today, this is a popular recreational spot where visitors enjoy leisure activities along the water, taking advantage of the covered space under the elevated Hanshin Expressway. (Photo: βHONMACHIBASHI)
④Osaka Castle Park
Along the Okawa River, which flows into the corridor of waterways, stands Osaka Castle Park. The central castle tower was built in the 16th century, then rebuilt in the 20th century after it was destroyed by fire. River cruises around the inner moat on gozabune boats, golden traditional sightseeing boats, are popular. (Photo: PIXTA)
⑤Dotonbori River
Flowing on the southern side of the city center, the Dotonbori River is a canal constructed in the early 17th century. It runs through such bustling downtown neighborhoods as the Namba district. In recent years, the water has been cleaned up and a promenade has been built, attracting more and more people. They come to enjoy the glittering neon signs either on a riverboat cruise or while strolling along the promenade. (Photo: Shutterstock)