Family Travel Guide to Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest in Osaka

Visiting Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest in Osaka is like stepping into a world where books and art meet architecture. Designed by the renowned architect Tadao Ando, this library isn’t just a place to read—it’s a celebration of imagination and discovery that invites both children and adults to explore together. The Children's Book Forest is an ideal family destination, especially for parents like us who want to introduce their little ones to the joy of books in a memorable setting.

Our family visit began at the Smorrebrod Kitchen within the nearby public library, with an array of open-faced sandwiches and a relaxing ambiance that set a leisurely pace for the day. With our two-year-old daughter in tow we spent the morning exploring books, art, and interactive exhibits that delighted all ages. From the vibrant green apple sculpture outside to the enchanting, immersive basement projections, Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest engaged her curious mind while letting us, as parents, rediscover the magic of stories in an awe-inspiring space.

In this post, I’ll share our experience, provide practical tips for planning your visit, and highlight the aspects that made it unforgettable for our family.

Starting the Day at the Smorrebrod Kitchen

We kicked off our day at the Smorrebrod Kitchen in Nakanoshima Public Library. It was the perfect place to sit down, fuel up, and enjoy a relaxed breakfast before exploring with our toddler. The cafe offers a unique experience, especially if you’re visiting with kids.

On the menu were open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød), which offered just the right mix of savory and sweet options. It was great for us because the options are simple and kid-friendly but also fresh and tasty. 

 

The best part of starting here is that the Children’s Book Forest is just a short walk from the cafe. There’s no need for any big transition or extra travel, which made it easier to keep things smooth and fun. For any family visiting Nakanoshima, this cafe is a solid way to start the day.

First Impressions of the Children’s Book Forest

After our breakfast at the Smorrebrod Kitchen, we made our way to the Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest, which is only a short walk from the library. The moment you approach, the first thing that catches your eye is a large, striking green apple sculpture right outside the entrance. It’s an impressive sight: a giant apple in the middle of an urban space that almost seems out of place, but in a good way. The apple is a symbol of the space’s creative, playful atmosphere, setting the tone for what’s inside.

Once inside, the space immediately feels warm and inviting. The design of the museum is open, with bookshelves stretching from the floor to the ceiling, making the library seem like a treasure chest of stories waiting to be discovered. There’s a cozy, welcoming vibe that makes it clear this is a place for both children and adults to relax, browse, and explore. The space is visually pleasing and well-organized, with no wasted space—shelves are placed next to stairs and other corners in clever ways to maximize the room’s potential.

As we walked through the museum, I found myself already wanting to return with my daughter as she got older, knowing that this space would offer so much more as she grew.

Entering Through the Gift Shop

After stepping past the giant green apple sculpture, you’ll find yourself in the museum's gift shop. To be honest, I didn't expect much from the store, but I was pleasantly surprised by the selection. It's a relatively small space, but the items were thoughtfully chosen. There were patches, t-shirts with great designs, and other small items that could easily become souvenirs or gifts.

As a parent, it was a welcome surprise to have a moment to browse through the shop without interruptions. My daughter had fallen asleep in her stroller just before we entered the gift shop. This gave my wife and me the chance to slowly wander through the shop, something that’s not always easy when you're traveling with a toddler. 

Exploring the Museum’s Main Floors

As we moved beyond the entrance, the museum's main floors quickly proved to be more than just a place for kids to look at books—it was a space that invited exploration for all ages. The layout is simple and open, with towering bookshelves that stretch up to the ceiling. 

The first thing that stood out to me was how accessible everything was. The book shelves, while packed with books, were arranged in a way that felt almost playful. They weren’t just rows of books on display—they seemed to create spaces, like little nooks where you could duck in and explore something new.

I appreciated that the space was child-friendly but didn’t dumb down its appeal. Even for adults, there was plenty to get lost in—whether it was flipping through a book from the wide selection or getting lost in the details of the various exhibitions.

One unexpected highlight was a book featuring Edo-period prints that depicted women with cats. This fascinating collection provided a glimpse into a different era and cultural nuance that I hadn’t anticipated in a children’s museum. These types of cultural surprises added depth to our visit, making it feel like more than just a stop for kids.

For the adults who might be accompanying children, I’d say: Don’t just follow your child around. Take time to look at things for yourself too. It’s the type of place where both you and your child can discover something new, no matter how old you are.

And if you're planning to visit, don’t rush through the museum. There’s so much to see on the main floors that it's easy to get absorbed. Between the various books, exhibits, and activities for kids, you’ll likely find yourself lingering longer than you first expected.

The Interactive Basement Room: A Highlight for Toddlers

The basement of the Nakanoshima Children's Book Forest is home to an engaging space for toddlers: a circular room with books projected onto the walls, accompanied by sound and animation.

This room is specifically designed for younger visitors, with ample space to move around freely, and the interactive projections make it especially appealing. The books, characters, and visuals come to life around the kids, and my daughter couldn’t resist running from running around the circular room. It's not just about looking at pictures in a book here; it's an immersive experience that allows young children to physically interact with the content.

The atmosphere is relaxed enough for toddlers to roam and interact at their own pace. It’s the kind of space where you don’t have to worry about your child getting in the way or causing a commotion. 

For parents visiting the Children's Book Forest, I highly recommend setting aside some time for this interactive basement room. If you have a toddler or a younger child who might not yet have the patience for traditional reading or book exploration, this room is a great way to balance a more active, hands-on experience with the quieter, more contemplative sections of the library. It’s one of those places where you can just let your child run around and engage with the space, knowing they’ll be entertained.

It’s these types of interactive spaces that make the Nakanoshima Children's Book Forest stand out. It’s not just a place to browse books but an environment where children can actively participate in the storytelling process, which is a perfect fit for young travelers.

Practical Tips for Visiting Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest

Admission and Accessibility
Admission to the Nakanoshima Children's Book Forest is free, making it a family-friendly option. However, to manage capacity, the museum requires an advance reservation via their online reservation system. Sessions allow up to 100 visitors per time slot, and children under two do not need to be counted in the reservation, but all other visitors do. Reservations can be canceled or modified up to 15 minutes before the reserved time.

If you prefer spontaneous visits, there are limited first-come, first-served slots (up to 50 people per session), though these tend to fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. The museum also operates a complete changeover system, clearing the museum at the end of each session before welcoming new visitors.

For those unable to make an advance reservation, the first-come option may still allow access, but be prepared for some wait time if the museum is busy.

Getting There
Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest is easily accessible via public transport. The Nakanoshima subway station is nearby, and Osaka Station is a short distance away. If you're driving, parking options are limited, so it's best to arrive early.

Best Times to Visit
Arrive early on weekdays to avoid crowds. The museum is busier on weekends, which may affect the experience, especially in interactive areas.

Dining
For a meal, the Smorrebrod Kitchen, located inside the Nakanoshima Public Library, offers light bites like open-faced sandwiches and salads.

Conclusion

Visiting Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest is an enriching experience for families, especially with young children. It’s a space where both parents and kids can discover the joy of books in a welcoming environment. Whether you’re strolling through the thoughtfully designed shelves or watching your child interact with the fun, immersive installations, there’s something here for everyone.