Guide
Children's Book Forest Nakanoshima opened on July 5, 2020, as a unique cultural space. Designed by the world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, the facility aims to provide children with opportunities to encounter diverse books and, through them, discover words, emotions, and ideas. The space, where walls are entirely covered by books, offers a tactile experience of paper books and the magic of storytelling that differs from the digital screen experience. The collection includes a wide range of genres such as picture books, encyclopedias, children's literature, novels, natural science books, and art books.
This facility was a gift to the city of Osaka from the architect Tadao Ando. Inspired by the profound impact reading had on his own life during his recovery years, Ando envisioned a place where children could encounter books in a meaningful way. The collection includes books donated by local citizens, rooting the facility in the community. The architecture itself is designed as a 'Sanctuary of Stories,' crafted to protect and nurture the pure curiosity and sensitivity of young minds.
The most striking feature is the massive collection of books that cover every wall. While the books are organized using the Nippon Decimal Classification and International Decimal Classification systems, they are also categorized into 12 themes tailored to the interests of children and parents. This allows visitors to discover new worlds spontaneously without being bound by strict genres. Other visual highlights include unique elements like the green apple sculpture at the entrance. Please note that books cannot be checked out; the facility is intended for reading within the building or in the adjacent Nakanoshima Park.
The facility is open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It is a wonderful destination regardless of the season, as the indoor environment is unaffected by weather. However, please note that the facility closes during the New Year holidays for book maintenance and organization. Visiting during the bright daylight hours allows you to experience the textures and colors of the paper books more vividly through the natural light streaming through the windows.
The core experience here is not formal learning, but the freedom to pick up any book and explore. Children can touch upon unknown knowledge and worldviews through various media, including picture books and foreign language books. The process of children spontaneously engaging with words and emotions to foster creativity and curiosity is the primary activity of this facility. Since there is no lending service, visitors are encouraged to fully immerse themselves in reading within the beautiful space.
The facility is located within Nakanoshima Park in Kita-ku, Osaka. The surrounding area is rich with culture, featuring the Oriental Ceramics Museum and various historic buildings. It is a perfect area for a scenic stroll. Access is convenient via public transport, located within walking distance of Yodoyabashi Station, Kitahama Station, and Naniwabashi Station.
There is no specific dress code, but comfortable, relaxed clothing is recommended for reading. If you purchase any items at the facility, please be prepared with cash or a credit card. Please check on-site for the availability of English signage or staff support. Note that advanced reservations may be required for entry; please check the official website. As this is a space for quiet contemplation, please maintain a quiet atmosphere to respect other readers.