Miyakojima Ward in Osaka City is a narrow strip of land bordered by the Okawa River (the former Yodo River) and the Yodo River itself. Its history has long been tied to river transport, and the flow of these waterways still shapes the ward's layout today, with a more urban southern section along the Okawa and a northern section around the Kema district near the Yodo River's main stream.
This guide draws on open data covering tourism facilities in Miyakojima Ward and introduces six spots, including a museum, a garden, a shrine, and a historic lock gate—each located close to the river.
To help you decide where to go, each listing below summarizes its location and character. Opening hours and closing days may change, so please check official sources before visiting.
Two Areas: North and South
The southern part of the ward, around Amijima-cho, sits along the Okawa River and is home to Fujita Museum and THE GARDEN ORIENTAL OSAKA, both making use of historic buildings and gardens with river views. These spots are close enough together to visit on foot in one outing.
The northern part, around Kema-cho, faces the Yodo River's main stream and includes Kema Lock Gate (Kema Kōmon), Yodogawa Shrine, and Kemasakuranomiya Park—places where you can observe river infrastructure and riverside nature. Since this area is some distance from the south, plan extra travel time if visiting both in a single day.
An Option for Hands-On Experiences
Nihonto Tameshigiri (Japanese sword test-cutting) offers a hands-on experience rather than just sightseeing, giving visitors a different way to spend their time compared to museum visits or riverside walks. Depending on your interests, you might combine a quiet historical route with a more active, experience-based stop.
The spots
Things to do日本刀試し斬り
A dojo called Yusinkan where visitors can try real sword cutting on straw targets. Gear rental and etiquette guidance make it approachable for beginners; a sword shop is also on site.
- 大阪府大阪市都島区都島中通３丁目１４−１８
Museums藤田美術館
A museum housing East Asian antiques collected by the Fujita merchant family in the Meiji era, including many National Treasures. The attached teahouse Amijima Chaya offers tea and sweets.
- 大阪市都島区網島町10-32
- 06-6351-0582
Nature毛馬閘門
Remnants of Meiji-era lock gates and a weir built during the Yodo River improvement works. The brick-and-granite structures are preserved in Yodogawa River Park and designated as Important Cultural Properties.
- 大阪府大阪市都島区毛馬町
Shrines & temples淀川神社
An old shrine in Umamachi enshrining numerous deities and linked to the poet Yosa Buson. Its July summer festival, with floats and a children's procession, is a local seasonal highlight.
- 大阪市都島区毛馬町1-2-11
- 06-6921-5980
ViewsTHE GARDEN ORIENTAL OSAKA
A venue set in the former Osaka City guesthouse built in 1959, featuring Western-style architecture and expansive lawn gardens, now used for events and receptions.
- 大阪府大阪市都島区網島町10-35
- 06-6353-8810
Parks & gardens毛馬桜之宮公園
A riverside park along the Yodo River stretching from Kema Weir to Tenma Bridge, lined with about 4,500 cherry trees and retro buildings, ideal for walking or cherry blossom viewing.
- 大阪市都島区中野町1丁目 ほか
- 06-6312-8121
Spot data and photos are published by 大阪府 観光施設一覧（オープンデータ）. The short descriptions are written by this site. 大阪府 観光施設一覧（オープンデータ）
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Sources (official)
Fares and times below were checked on the date shown. Always confirm on the official sites before travelling.