Ogiyoshisan · Public domain · Wikimedia CommonsStreet & neighbourhood · Osaka
Kitakagaya
北加賀屋
Kitakagaya, near the mouth of the Kizu River in south-west Osaka, was the centre of the city's shipbuilding from the early 1900s to the 1970s. When the yards closed, the landowner, Chishima Real Estate, began turning empty factories, warehouses and houses into studios and art spaces through the Kitakagaya Creative Village project.
Today it is a relaxed, working neighbourhood full of surprises: large murals on the walls, galleries in old buildings, a community farm, and the old shipyard reborn as Creative Center Osaka. It rewards a slow walk, especially when open days or events are on.
What to see and do
Big murals and small street art cover walls around the neighbourhood.
The former Namura shipyard, now used for art events, concerts and studios.
A former steel factory storing very large contemporary artworks. It opens to the public a few times a year, free.
A renovated 1960s housing block with cafés, a tea shop and small workshops.
What’s on
Good to know
- Many spaces open only for events; check MASK and Creative Center Osaka before you go.
- This is a residential area, so keep noise down and don't photograph people's homes.
More art nearby
Saigen Jiro · CC0 · Wikimedia CommonsSumiyoshi Taisha
National Treasure halls in one of the oldest shrine styles in Japan, and a steep arched bridge you climb over.
KENPEI · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia CommonsSakai knives
Sakai has forged blades since the 1500s, and many chefs in Japan still cut with them. The Hankai tram runs there.
聖石大戦ぶぅぶぅ · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsCreative Center Osaka
Former shipyard buildings on the waterfront, now used for art events and studios.
Ty19080914 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsSakai, home of Sen no Rikyu
The tea master who shaped the tea ceremony was born in Sakai. The museum recreates his tiny tea room.