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Osaka > Osaka City > Umeda, Shin-Osaka > Joto Ward (Osaka City)

Joto Ward (Osaka City)

A District Where Urban Life and History Come Together

Joto Ward is located in northeastern Osaka City and is one of the city’s 24 administrative wards. The area combines lively commercial districts such as Kyobashi with residential neighborhoods and high-rise apartment buildings, creating a balance between Osaka’s rich history and modern urban life.

As of May 2021, Joto Ward had the second-highest population density among administrative wards of designated cities in Japan, following Nishi Ward in Osaka City.

Rivers and Natural Environment

Several rivers flow through Joto Ward, contributing to the area’s landscape and waterways.

Neyagawa River: West of Kyobashi, this waterway is known as the Okawa River.

Dai-Ni Neyagawa River

Shirokita River

Hirano River

Hirano River Diversion Channel

History of Joto Ward

Joto Ward has a long history and has been associated with several important events in Osaka’s past.

Historical Events and the Formation of the Ward

In 1614, the area became a site of the Battle of Imafuku and the Battle of Shigino during the conflicts surrounding Osaka Castle.

In 1889, the municipal system was introduced, leading to the establishment of villages within Higashinari District.

In 1937, the Osaka Grand Sumo Hall was constructed in Sekime, providing another notable chapter in the area’s history.

In 1943, Joto Ward was established following the separation of areas from Higashinari Ward and Asahi Ward. In 1955, Ibarata Town in Kitakawachi District was incorporated into the ward, resulting in the area that forms the basis of modern-day Joto Ward.

Historic Sites and Places of Interest

Joto Ward is home to numerous shrines and other sites connected with the area’s history and religious traditions.

Susanoo-no-Mikoto Shrine (Sekime Shrine)

Noe Suijinja Shrine

Kotaijingu Shrine

Wakamiya Hachiman Daijingu Shrine

Higashimoto Inari Shrine

Transportation

Joto Ward is well connected by several railway lines operated by JR West and Osaka Metro, making the area convenient for commuting, sightseeing, and everyday travel.

JR West Lines

Osaka Loop Line: Kyobashi Station – Osaka Castle Park Station

JR Tozai Line and Katamachi Line: Kyobashi Station – Shigino Station

Osaka Higashi Line: JR-Noe Station – Shigino Station

Osaka Metro Lines

Tanimachi Line: Noe-Uchindai Station – Sekime-Takadono Station

Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line: Gamo 4-chome Station – Imafuku Tsurumi Station

Imazatosuji Line: Midoribashi Station – Shigino Station – Sekime-Seiiku Station

Public Facilities

Joto Ward has a variety of public facilities that support the daily lives of local residents.

Joto Ward Office

Joto Ward Community Center

Osaka City Joto Library

Saiseikai Noe Hospital

Morinomiya Hospital

Shopping and Residential Areas

The ward has numerous traditional shopping streets, supermarkets, and other retail facilities, providing convenient access to everyday shopping.

Main Shopping Facilities

Life Kyobashi Store

Kansai Super Gamo Store

Sundy Sekime Store

A Convenient Osaka Neighborhood with a Rich History

Joto Ward is an area where history and modern urban life coexist. In addition to convenient transportation, the ward offers historic shrines and other places of interest, as well as public facilities, shopping areas, and residential neighborhoods.

For visitors, exploring Joto Ward provides an opportunity to discover a quieter side of Osaka while experiencing the area’s historical heritage and contemporary local life.

Information

Name
Joto Ward (Osaka City)

Umeda, Shin-Osaka

Osaka