A Journey Through Time: A Classical Encounter at Shibakawa Building

#OsakaItinerary
Day 1
Early in the morning, I arrived at the Shibakawa Building located in Osaka’s Semba district. This building, rich in Western-style architecture, witnessed the prosperity and steadiness of the Showa era. The exterior walls are covered with tiles, complemented by elegant Art Deco decorations, making one feel as if they have traveled back to Europe in the last century. Stepping inside, I was greeted by a grand classical staircase and high ceilings, revealing the designer’s meticulous attention to detail everywhere. I first visited the specialty shops on the first floor, where every item—from handcrafted goods to vintage furniture—was full of stories and warmth. For lunch, I chose a café inside the building, where the atmosphere was calm and serene, and the window offered a view overlooking the city streets, as if I were in a world where reality and the past blend together. In the afternoon, I joined a guided tour of the Shibakawa Building, listening to the guide narrate the history of this building, which deepened my understanding of its place in Osaka’s culture.
Day 2
On the second day, I returned to the Shibakawa Building and deliberately chose to visit a themed gallery. The exhibition focused on the urban changes of Osaka, documenting the city’s development through photographs and paintings. Afterwards, I went to the rooftop terrace of the building, where a small sky garden is located. The lush greenery contrasted uniquely with the vintage architecture, making it hard to leave. At noon, I headed to the nearby Kitahama area to explore more Showa-style buildings and unique cafés tucked in the alleys. In the afternoon, back at the Shibakawa Building, I bought a photo album about Osaka’s architecture at a creative bookstore, leaving an unforgettable memento of this journey.

Post by Angrybird11 | Mar 5, 2025