History and Development
Kids Plaza Osaka first opened in April 1993 as part of a project known as Ogimachi Kids Park.
The City of Osaka planned to develop land near Ogimachi Park that had previously been occupied by the Osaka Municipal Industrial Research Institute. A proposal from Sumitomo Trust and Banking, which included a studio where children could produce their own television programs, was selected for the project.
The development proceeded as the Osaka City Kita Ward Ogimachi Land Trust Project, and the building was completed in 1997.
A Multi-Purpose Complex
Ogimachi Kids Park was developed as a complex combining the children’s facility Kids Plaza Osaka, the dining and commercial area Kids Mall, and the media facilities of Kansai Television.
When the complex first opened, Kansai Television occupied approximately 70 percent of the facility. In October 1997, the company’s headquarters also moved to this location.
Becoming Kantele Ogimachi Square
In 2008, the City of Osaka began withdrawing from the land trust project, and Kansai Television decided to purchase Ogimachi Kids Park for 21.6 billion yen.
In 2013, as part of Kansai Television’s 55th anniversary, the first floor of the headquarters building was renovated into a space suitable for television program recording. The complex was subsequently renamed Kantele Ogimachi Square.
Architecture and Design
Kids Plaza Osaka was designed to become a new landmark of Osaka and an important symbol of the Ogimachi district.
The exterior uses a two-layer structure of precast concrete panels and glass, expressing the building’s combination of different functions.
The lower levels, associated with the children’s facilities, feature a distinctive grid-like wall finished with light-gray tiles. The upper levels serve as media facilities and use blue glass to create a light, airy appearance that blends visually with the sky.
Highlights of Kids Plaza Osaka
Kids Plaza Osaka officially opened on July 10, 1997. The museum features a wide variety of interactive exhibits and activities designed to encourage children to discover new things and learn naturally through play.
The museum extends from the 1st through 5th floors, with each floor offering a different type of experience.
What to Find on Each Floor
1st Floor – “Donna Mon Floor”
The first floor features exhibits that encourage children to explore everyday questions and make their own discoveries. It is designed to inspire curiosity about the world around them.
3rd Floor – “Tsukuro Floor”
The third floor is dedicated to creative activities, giving children opportunities to make and experiment with different things. It also includes the museum shop Neverland.
4th Floor – “Asobo Floor”
The fourth floor is filled with activities where children can play actively and freely while enjoying hands-on experiences.
5th Floor – “Yattemiru Floor”
The fifth floor offers numerous interactive exhibits where children can deepen their understanding through experiments, challenges, and hands-on activities.
The Children’s Town
One of the most distinctive areas is “Kids Town”, located across the fourth and fifth floors. It was designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser and combines imaginative architecture, artistic expression, and playful spaces.
Its colorful and unconventional design provides an especially memorable environment for children to explore.
Connected to Ogimachi Park
Kids Plaza Osaka is directly adjacent to Ogimachi Park, creating a unique connection between the indoor museum and the surrounding outdoor space.
The facility once had climbing equipment outdoors, but it was removed as part of safety management measures. The area is now used as an outdoor café.
Access
Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line: The museum is just a short walk from Exit 2 of Ogimachi Station.
JR Osaka Loop Line: It is approximately a 3-minute walk from Temma Station.
When traveling by car, convenient access is available from the Ogimachi or Minamimorimachi exits of the Hanshin Expressway Route 12 Moriguchi Line.
Surrounding Area
Kids Plaza Osaka is surrounded by a variety of attractions and facilities, including Ogimachi Park and Kantele Ogimachi Square.
This combination makes the area convenient for families and visitors looking to spend several hours enjoying Osaka. A dining floor was once located within the complex, but it has since closed and the space is now used as dressing rooms for Kansai Television.
A Place Where Children and Adults Can Learn Together
Kids Plaza Osaka offers children an opportunity to learn naturally through play, experimentation, and discovery. Adults can also participate in many of the experiences, making it a destination that families can enjoy together.
With interactive exhibits spread across multiple floors and a distinctive environment designed to encourage curiosity, the museum offers something new to discover with every visit.