Osaka Metro Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line｜Urban Oasis on the Aqua Track and Underground Art Tour

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The Osaka Metro Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line is marked by a fresh aqua blue color, stretching east to west across Osaka, connecting Taisho Station in Taisho Ward to Kadoma-minami Station in Tsurumi Ward. It spans 15 kilometers with 17 stations. Opened in 1990, this line is not only Osaka’s first driverless subway powered by linear motors but also designed with the concept of an urban oasis, linking canal parks, commercial complexes, and underground art spaces, making it a unique route blending ecology and art.

In-Depth Highlights Along the Line
Shinsaibashi Station: Fashion Artery and Underground Maze
As a transfer hub with the Midosuji Line, Shinsaibashi Station itself is an underground city. The station extends to the Crystal Nagahori underground mall, where trendy clothing stores and cafes gather under a glass dome. The ground-level exit leads directly to Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Street, where luxury flagship stores and century-old shops collide. At night, it’s recommended to walk to the nearby Engetsukyo Bridge to enjoy the illuminated Dotonbori River night view.

Nagahoribashi Station: Cherry Blossom Tunnel and Creative Market
Although it intersects with the Sakaisuji Line, the Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line exit here is closer to the Nagahori-dori Cherry Blossom Promenade. In spring, the 1.5-kilometer stretch of Somei Yoshino cherry trees forms a pink tunnel. A 10-minute walk west leads to Orange Street, lined with vintage furniture shops and popular bakeries, often hosting handmade markets on weekends, showcasing Osaka’s slow life vibe.

Kyobashi Station: Riverside Rest in the Steel Forest
Kyobashi Station is surrounded by office buildings in a business district, but crossing the skybridge leads to Neyagawa Park, where riverside trails are perfect for morning runs. The rooftop garden of the ODAKYU Department Store by the river is a secret spot to view Osaka Castle and Mount Ikoma. The station regularly hosts the Kyobashi Art Exhibition, with local artists’ works frequently changing on the platform walls, turning waiting for the train into an aesthetic experience.

Tsurumi-ryokuchi Station: Flower Expo Memories and Nature Coexistence
This station was built for the 1990 International Garden and Greenery Exposition. Exiting here leads directly to Tsurumi-ryokuchi Park, a 126-hectare area preserving the Expo’s iconic Flower Hall greenhouse, with seasonal flowers blooming year-round. The Osaka City Museum of Natural History in the park is famous for its giant dinosaur models, a must-visit for families.

Hidden Gem: The Technological Aesthetics of Linear Motors
The Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line uses linear motor propulsion, making the trains run almost silently and able to handle steep slopes. Pay close attention to station designs, such as the streamlined ceiling and blue light strips at Kadoma-minami Station, which echo a futuristic transportation theme. Tech enthusiasts should especially notice the unique structure of the tracks and wheels.

The aqua blue Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line is not only a daily route for commuters but also a dynamic exhibition redefining Osaka’s greenery and art. From the bustling fashion of Shinsaibashi, the riverside tranquility of Kyobashi, to the floral feast at Tsurumi-ryokuchi, this line quietly weaves a three-dimensional map of the city’s ecology and culture.

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