What other travelers are saying about Nakanoshima Children's Book Forest
We stumbled upon this place after crossing the Toshahori river looking for the nice park. Hold up?! Giant green apple and a kid’s library? Wait a sec. We love them. I and happen to own 2 children! Sign us up. Luckily we didn’t need any type of reservations and the ladies in the front desk spoke a little English. Super impressed by the layout and design of this architecture. I shouldn’t be surprised but am. Love the staircase for the people to chill and get lost in a book. Great vibe with children and families. We spent almost 1 hour there. My children really enjoyed flipping through some Japanese books. They had a tiny selection of English books too but not a lot. We didn’t have much to complain about.
I came specifically to see the architecture by Tadao Ando, and I was truly impressed. The spatial design, atmosphere, and use of light were all beautifully done. The natural lighting and overall mood felt perfect for a children’s library — warm, welcoming, and a place you’d want to stay in for a while. The design has playful elements, yet it doesn’t take away from the calm, focused atmosphere a library should have.
Another Ando masterpiece. The scale of the interior was designed for kids! Unfortunately, a private event stopped us from exploring further. We'll be back for sure!
Walking around the Nakanoshima Children's Book Forest, even without stepping inside, felt like discovering a hidden treasure. Designed by the renowned Tadao Ando, the building is minimalistic yet full of life. Its concrete structure, softened by the surrounding greenery, invites you to linger and admire the harmony between architecture and nature.
Near the entrance, I was delighted to find a plaque with Samuel Ullman's Youth. Reading his timeless words while standing next to the cheerful green apple sculpture felt surreal—like the building reminded me to stay young at heart. The poem resonated deeply, offering an unexpected moment of reflection in such a tranquil setting.
Although I didn't get to explore the inside due to closing time, the exterior alone was worth the visit. This is the first building I've seen by Tadao Ando, and I'm already very impressed. It's a place where design, literature, and imagination meet.
This is a beautiful open space library. Besides books by domestic authors and artists, there is a wide selection of books sourced globally and translated to Japanese.
We visited because it was a building designed by Tadao Ando. We stayed to browse and enjoy the library for more than an hour because it is a wonderful library. While we were there, there were many families with young children actively using and enjoying library resources. There were also older kids and adults using the workspaces available, especially those with a direct view to the river.
If I lived nearby, I would be a regular patron of this library.
Children's Book Forest Nakanoshima is a unique public library and cultural facility designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, located on Nakanoshima island in Osaka, Japan. This innovative children's library features a distinctive concrete architecture and houses an extensive collection of children's books from around the world.
Children's Book Forest Nakanoshima is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays and national holidays. Admission is completely free for all visitors, making it an affordable family attraction in Osaka for children and parents to enjoy reading together.
To reach Children's Book Forest Nakanoshima, take the Keihan Main Line to Nakanoshima Station or the Osaka Metro to Higobashi Station, both within walking distance. The library is easily accessible from central Osaka and is located near other Nakanoshima attractions like Osaka Central Public Hall and the Museum of Oriental Ceramics.
Children's Book Forest Nakanoshima welcomes visitors of all ages, with books suitable for toddlers, elementary school children, teenagers, and adults. The library features picture books, educational materials, and international children's literature, making it perfect for families visiting Osaka with children of different age groups.
Children's Book Forest Nakanoshima operates as a reading space rather than a traditional lending library, so books cannot be borrowed or taken home. Visitors can read and enjoy the extensive collection of children's books on-site in the beautifully designed reading areas created by architect Tadao Ando.
