A visit here is a masterclass in how architecture can foster curiosity without resorting to clichés. Designed by Tadao Ando, the building’s connection with its surroundings is vital. Situated by the river in a large pedestrian zone, the windows are shaped to frame the outside world perfectly; like the long, narrow horizontal window right after the entrance, placed exactly at a child’s eye level.
I strongly disagree with critics who claim this space is "too sterile" or lacks "life" because it isn't covered in bright colors or "buzz." Let’s not "idiotize" children; they don't need wacky playgrounds to be inspired. This is a library, and the books are the true spark for their imagination. The architecture provides a perfect background for that, offering a range of environments for different interactions: from intimate nooks for solitary reading to large tables designed for communal discovery.
The floor-to-ceiling shelving across three floors, where book covers are displayed facing out, is a sight that naturally awakens curiosity. Between the intersecting staircases and "mysterious" spaces like the concrete cylinder with projections, there is more than enough to captivate both children and adults. It proves that great design doesn't need to be "loud" to be effective.
Pro-tip on Access: While advance booking is strongly advised, they often allow entry without a reservation if capacity allows. If you are nearby, it is always worth asking the friendly staff if a spot is available.
I ended my visit at the shop by purchasing an elegant A4 folder: a discreet and functional souvenir of a truly singular space.
This has been on my wishlist for years. Worth every minute of the detour.
Nakanoshima is a completely different Osaka from the neon chaos of Dotonbori. The island sits quietly along the river, anchored by cultural institutions and a row of remarkable architecture. As you cross the bridge, the red brick of the iconic Osaka City Central Public Hall rises regal across the water and just beyond it, Tadao Ando’s Children’s Book Forest curves along the Dojima River in his signature fair-faced concrete.
I arrived before opening without a reservation. I was second in line after a group of locals who had one. I was still let in. The library accepts but does not require reservations 100 visitors with reservations and 50 without are accepted per day.  Go early to be safe.
The entrance is unassuming. You climb the steps and are greeted by a large green apple sculpture the motif is based on the poem “Youth” by Samuel Ullman, representing Ando’s wish that many people be touched by this symbol of challenging spirit.  Across from it, the staircase. That was my first sign I was in an Ando building.
Inside, a three-story atrium wrapped with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, animated by a central stair and crisscrossing bridges. Western children’s classics sit alongside Japanese titles. The collection is arranged not by age but by theme, inviting free exploration.
Don’t miss the ground floor cylindrical room at the end of a narrow passage a quiet, contemplative space that is pure Ando.
A gentle reminder: this space is for children and families. Please resist the urge to treat it as a photo set. Photography is not allowed along the staircases and railings, and please do not photograph the children.
Make a reservation online. Arrive early. Come with curiosity, not just a camera.
I made a reservation a few days in advance on the official website, which was entirely in Japanese. It was quite a struggle to translate the webpage into English and complete the reservation. Arriving a few minutes early to queue at the entrance, I discovered we were one of only two foreign families in our group. The library's design and layout were very thoughtful; my child spent a wonderful summer afternoon there. Even though almost two years have passed, I still vividly remember that afternoon, the view of the river and apartment buildings from the library.
‘こども本の森 中之島’ is a charming place.
I made a reservartion before visiting there via their website.
so I could stay there for an hour and a half.
there are a lot of interesting and adorable children’s book and some books for adults.
(you can find some famous comics like Akira, Slam dunk, Fullmetal Alchemist etc.)
I wandered around the library browsing children’s book for around 20 mintues
and I read my book on the 3rd floor.
when I was there, a kindergarden group visited there too.
the sound of children.. it made me happy :)
some people say the library is a little bit small,
but it is designed for children, operated by reservation and there are enough seats to enhoy reading.
I really enjoyed visiting there. I want to go there again if I travel to Osaka.
To be honest i think i was more excited than my son exploring this beautiful library. Although they are in japanese, google translate helps me read it.
They have allocated sessions and limit entrance to avoid the space being overcrowded. When we arrived, there’s sessions on going so we cannot enter and have to wait until the next session starts. There’s a board stating the sessions of the day (I can’t remember if it’s 30 or 45min sessions) about 5min before it starts, staff came out asking if we have online reservation (which we don’t) but it doesn’t matter. Then they give out pamphlet on basic rules inside the library (no taking photos of the other participants and on the stairs)
Throughly enjoy my session here, only wish it could be longer 😊
