Naniwabashi (Lion Bridge)
Nakanoshima and Kitahama, Osaka
Source: osaka-info.jp, checked 13 Oct 2026.
A bridge over the Tosabori river nicknamed the Lion Bridge for its stone lion statues. It moved to its present site in 1912 when the Sakaisuji tram line was extended.
Insider tip
It's one minute from Kitahama Station and free to cross at any hour.
What's on near Naniwabashi (Lion Bridge)
Upcoming events within a ten-minute walk of Naniwabashi (Lion Bridge), from the weekly Osaka events calendar.
Nakanoshima Rose Garden, Spring Bloom
中之島公園 バラ園（春）
Station Yodoyabashi (Midosuji Line, Keihan) or Naniwabashi (Keihan Nakanoshima Line)
About 3,700 plants of 310 varieties bloom in the rose garden on Nakanoshima, a park open at all times. The city gives late April to late May as the spring season. The 2027 dates haven't been announced yet.
Kimon Berlin, CC BY-SA 2.0 Nakanoshima Rose Garden, Autumn Bloom
中之島公園 バラ園（秋）
Station Yodoyabashi (Midosuji Line, Keihan) or Naniwabashi (Keihan Nakanoshima Line)
The autumn roses bloom from early October to early November. The park is open at all times. The exact dates haven't been announced yet.
Kimon Berlin, CC BY-SA 2.0 Nakanoshima Art Lights 2026
NAKANOSHIMA ART LIGHTS 2026 ～水辺を巡る、光の芸術～
Time 18:00 to 22:00
Light installations run from the rose garden to the Hanshin Expressway overpass, including suspended light orbs, rose-bouquet pieces that light the roses when touched, a projected pattern on Barazono Bridge and a light-and-mist piece. On 23 to 25 October a lit hot-air balloon (19:00 to 21:30), three live sets a night from 18:20 of jazz, R&B and soul, and a wine bar are added on the lawn plaza. Admission is free with no reservation. The lights go ahead in rain but may be moved or switched off in severe weather, and the balloon can be cancelled for rain or wind.
Kimon Berlin, CC BY-SA 2.0 Christmas Commons
Christmas Commons（大阪来てな！）
Time 17:00 to 22:00
A winter market in Nakanoshima Park described by the organisers as bringing together art, craft, fashion, food and drink, music and talks. Admission is free with no reservation, and the detailed programme was still to be announced. It runs alongside the OSAKA Hikari Renaissance lights.
Kimon Berlin, CC BY-SA 2.0 Light Marche
OSAKA光のルネサンス2026 ライトマルシェ
Time 16:00 to 22:00
A market held around Naniwabashi Station during the Hikari Renaissance lights.
Smaller local events nearby
Jazzcalabash presents GREEN APPLE JAZZ Performance
Sun 25 Oct · Kodomo no Hon no Mori Nakanoshima
A jazz event presented by Jazzcalabash at the Nakanoshima library with sessions at 15:30 and 17:30.
15:30 and 17:30 · Map · Source: Kodomo no Hon no Mori Nakanoshima · Jazzcalabash presents「GREEN APPLE JAZZ」
The Witch's Bookshelf: Open the Magic Passport Festival
Sat 31 Oct · Kodomo no Hon no Mori Nakanoshima
A Halloween event at the Nakanoshima library with sessions at 15:30 and 17:30.
15:30 and 17:30 · Map · Source: Kodomo no Hon no Mori Nakanoshima · 魔女の本棚 －魔法のパスポートをひらこう－
Nearby
Around Nakanoshima and Kitahama
Brick halls, stone libraries and bridges across the river in the middle of town
Nakanoshima is a strip of land between the Dojima and Tosabori rivers, and Osaka's first city park opened there in 1891. Most of its buildings are old civic ones or museums. Kitahama on the south bank has a surviving merchant house and a 1912 building with a tea room.
Nakanoshima and Kitahama has 12 places on the Roam Osaka map: 5 landmarks, 4 museums, 1 park or garden, 1 cafe and 1 bar. Read the Nakanoshima and Kitahama guide.
Good to know
- What is the address of Naniwabashi (Lion Bridge)?
- 1 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku / 1 Kitahama, Chuo-ku, Osaka (in Japanese: 大阪府大阪市北区中之島1・中央区北浜1).
- How do I get to Naniwabashi (Lion Bridge)?
- The nearest station is Kitahama (Sakaisuji Line, Keihan Main Line). Naniwabashi (Lion Bridge) is in Nakanoshima and Kitahama, Osaka.
- How much does Naniwabashi (Lion Bridge) cost?
- Nothing. Naniwabashi (Lion Bridge) is free to visit.
- How long do you need at Naniwabashi (Lion Bridge)?
- Plan for 15 min.
- When is the best time to visit Naniwabashi (Lion Bridge)?
- Early evening.
Stay near Naniwabashi (Lion Bridge)
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