Guida
Children's Book Forest Nakanoshima is a cultural facility that opened on July 5, 2020. Designed by the world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, the facility aims to provide a space where children can interact with diverse books and spontaneously encounter new words, emotions, and ideas. The space, where walls are entirely covered by books, offers the tactile texture of paper books—a stark contrast to digital screens—allowing visitors to experience the true essence of storytelling. 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 is a gift from architect Tadao Ando to the city of Osaka. Inspired by the profound impact reading had during his own periods of convalescence, Ando envisioned a place where children could encounter books in a meaningful way. The collection also includes books donated by local citizens, giving the facility deep roots in the community. The building itself is designed as a 'Sanctuary of Stories,' intended to protect and cherish the pure gaze and sensitivity of children.
The most striking feature is the massive collection of books that cover the walls. While the books are organized following 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 restricted by rigid genres. Other visual highlights include unique elements like the green apple object at the entrance. Please note that books cannot be checked out; the facility is intended for reading within the building and the adjacent Nakanoshima Park areas.
The facility is open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It is a great 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. Visiting during the bright daylight hours is highly recommended, as the natural light from the windows enhances the texture and colors of the paper books.
Rather than formal learning, the focus here is on the freedom to pick up any book and explore. Through various media like picture books and foreign language texts, children can touch upon unknown knowledge and worldviews. The core activity is the process of children spontaneously engaging with words and emotions to foster creativity and curiosity. Since there is no lending service, visitors are encouraged to fully immerse themselves in the reading experience within the space.
The facility is located within Nakanoshima Park in Kita-ku, Osaka. The surrounding area is rich in culture, featuring the Oriental Ceramic Museum and several historic buildings. It is an ideal area for a relaxing stroll. Access is excellent via public transport, with Yodoyabashi Station, Kitahama Station, and Naniwabashi Station all within walking distance.
There is no specific dress code, but comfortable clothing is recommended for a relaxing reading experience. If any purchases are made within the facility, please be prepared with cash or a credit card. While English signage may be available, it is best to check local availability upon arrival. Some visits may require advanced reservations; please check the official website. As this is a space for quiet contemplation, visitors are asked to maintain a quiet atmosphere to respect others reading.