Kita-ku Famous Places Information, Osaka

/ Genre - Structures and Buildings / Bank of Japan, Osaka Branch

/ Area B - Nishitemma, Nakanoshima [East Area] / Bank of Japan, Osaka Branch

  • This is a rare shot without a single pedestrian. During the day, this spot is thronged with people.
  • No. 15

The only remaining Meiji period building on Midosuji

Bank of Japan, Osaka Branch
2-1-45 Nakanoshima , Kita-ku, Osaka
TEL 06-6206-7742
  • 15　16
  • 建造物・ビル

The dignified Osaka Branch of the Bank of Japan is a shining example of Meiji period architecture sitting on Midosuji between Oebashi and Yodoyabashi bridges.
Construction was completed in 1903 when the National Industrial Promotion Exhibition was held in Osaka.
The old building, which faces Midosuji, has watched over the rapid modernization of Japan and the economy of Osaka for nearly 120 years from this very spot.

Designed by the same architect as the Osaka City Central Public Hall

The Osaka Branch was opened at Imabashi in December 1882, just two months after the Bank of Japan began operations. Two years later it was relocated to Okawacho (near the south side of Yodoyabashi Bridge), then the new location was built on the current spot in 1903. Designed by Kingo Tatsuno, the exterior is made of granite, being modeled on the National Bank of Belgium with classical elements. The design is a bit surprising, considering that Tatsuno is renowned for his famous later buildings made of red brick, such as Tokyo Station and Osaka City Central Public Hall.

The father of modern Japanese architecture, Kingo Tatsuno. The red brick and white granite accents of Tokyo Station and Osaka City Central Public Hall are known as “Tatsuno Style.” I guess Osaka City Central Public Hall and Tokyo Station are siblings! The Bank of Japan Main Branch and Osaka Branch are too!