The Modern Elegance of a Bygone Era: A Time Journey at Ikoma Building

#OsakaTrip
Early in the morning, I arrived at the Ikoma Building located in Shinsaibashi, Osaka. This building, constructed during the Showa era, blends Western Art Deco style with exquisite Eastern details, full of the modern charm of a bygone era. Standing at the entrance and looking up, the tall exterior and intricately carved facade of the Ikoma Building make one feel as if they have returned to the prosperous Osaka of the early 20th century. Entering the lobby, a strong retro atmosphere greets you, with elegant reliefs on the walls and colorful stained glass by the windows. In the morning, I joined an architectural tour and learned about the important role the Ikoma Building played in Osaka’s modern history from a professional guide. At noon, I took a break at the café inside the building, enjoying a Japanese-Western style cake and coffee. The street view outside the window exuded a strong urban vibe, creating an interesting contrast with the nostalgic indoor atmosphere. In the afternoon, I strolled around the surrounding neighborhood, feeling the vitality and diversity of Shinsaibashi, and unexpectedly discovered a Showa-era Osaka travel guide at an antique shop, adding a delightful surprise to my journey.
On the second day, I chose to revisit the Ikoma Building but experienced its charm from a different perspective. In the morning, I specifically attended a photography exhibition held inside the building, showcasing many old photos featuring Osaka street scenes and the Ikoma Building, as if allowing one to see the flow of time and the city’s changes. After the exhibition, I went to the rooftop of the building, which is an open-air observation deck. Looking out, the bustling streets of Shinsaibashi stretched out before me. The gentle breeze seemed to carry memories and stories from the past. At noon, I went to a nearby Japanese-Western restaurant and savored a lunch with Showa-era flavors. The restaurant’s retro decor perfectly matched the atmosphere of the Ikoma Building. In the afternoon, I returned to the building to visit a limited-time exhibition themed around the Showa era, featuring old newspapers, advertising posters, and furniture, evoking deep emotions. As evening approached, the lights outside the building gradually lit up, and the scene where history and modernity intertwined brought a perfect conclusion to my journey.

Post by Angrybird11 | Mar 5, 2025