Shōwa

Built in 1941 by Osaka architect Ikedaya Hisakichi and registered in 2017, this hall at Ono Shrine in Sennan pairs plain boat brackets with an archaic gable truss.

Discover the Kaizuka City History Museum, a 1935 Registered Tangible Cultural Property in Osaka. Originally built as the Unitika textile factory office, this early Showa-era building now showcases Japan's industrial history and the legendary "Oriental Witches" volleyball team that won gold at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

The Catholic Toyonaka Church Rectory in Toyonaka City, Osaka, is a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property designed in 1939 by Czech architect Jan Josef Švagr. This two-story wooden building masterfully blends Japanese traditional design with Western ecclesiastical function, featuring exposed log rafter eaves and a gabled tile roof that exemplify the unique Japanese-Western fusion style of prewar church architecture.

Discover Catholic Toyonaka Church in Osaka, a Registered Tangible Cultural Property designed by Czech architect Jan Josef Švagr in 1939. This remarkable wooden church blends Western Catholic architecture with traditional Japanese design elements.

The Worship Hall (Haiden) of Karasunomiya Shrine in Dempo, Konohana Ward, Osaka, is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property built in 1931. It features stunning cloud-and-dragon carvings in its triple rainbow beam gable, ornate bracket complexes, and a deliberate aesthetic contrast with the austere Shinmei-style Main Hall. The shrine traces its history over 800 years and was named by Toyotomi Hideyoshi after a legendary three-legged crow appeared as a divine omen.

Completed in 1931 for an Osaka steel merchant, this concrete house closes the view at Otebashi bridge. Its Tatsuyama stone facing matches the old Sumitomo Building.

Built in 1932 as a spinning firm's clubhouse to a design by Setsu Watanabe, Jisen Kaikan in Kishiwada, Osaka, is a Spanish revival hall registered in 1997.

A narrow three storey timber townhouse of 1928 in Osaka's Semba district, the Kitano Residence used tile, copper and udatsu firewalls against fire. Registered 2006.

Built in 1953 as a coffee house a short walk from Tsutenkaku, Gallery Saikai sets a theatrical Osaka shopfront over a traditional townhouse plan. Registered in 2007.

A 1933 bank on the old Kishu highway in Kishiwada, its facade cut by an arch spanning two floors. Attributed to Watanabe Setsu and registered in 2006; now offices.

Discover the Former Korede Chikari Residence, a unique Western-style castle designed by a physician in 1931. This Registered Tangible Cultural Property in Sakai features Corinthian columns, a central tower, and a remarkable story near the Mozu Kofun UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Discover the Kobayashi Newspaper Shop and Residence, a 1929 reinforced-concrete and wooden building registered as a national tangible cultural property. Located in Osaka's historic Hirano district, it also houses the Newspaper Museum.

A 1935 wooden hall in Osaka's Edobori, pairing temple carpentry with the Konkokyo faith—a Sect Shinto founded 1859. Designed by Ikedaya Hisakichi; spared from wartime fires.

Jizoji Shokido, a small hall of 1935 at a Shingon temple in Kawachinagano, Osaka, was given by the Osaka firm whose camphor mothballs bore the demon-queller Shoki.

Completed in 1927, the Shibakawa Building is a striking Art Deco structure in Osaka adorned with decorative motifs inspired by ancient Maya and Inca civilizations. Registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan, this architectural gem in Fushimimachi served as a finishing school and played a key role in the founding of Nikka Whisky.

The main hall of Shinko-ji Temple in Osaka Tennoji Ward is an extraordinary Indian-inspired reinforced concrete temple, designed by its own abbot after a devastating 1923 fire, drawing inspiration from the Taj Mahal. Completed in 1929 and registered as a national Tangible Cultural Property, the hall features a distinctive dome roof, multi-lobed arches, and ornamental details that create a uniquely exotic presence in one of Japan most remarkable temple districts.

A 1936 reinforced-concrete church in Osaka's Juso, designed by the Vories office to replace one lost to the Muroto Typhoon. Rose window, belfry, free entry.

Antonin Raymond designed this concrete school in Neyagawa, finished in 1932 and registered in 1997. An early Japanese finger plan, with a Spanish colonnade.

Part of the 1928 banquet pavilion for Emperor Showa's enthronement, moved to Suita and now a Jodo Shinshu hall. Black-lacquered coved ceiling, period chandeliers.

Discover the Tower of the Sun, a 70-meter monument designed by avant-garde artist Taro Okamoto for the 1970 World Exposition in Osaka. Now designated as an Important Cultural Property, explore its three iconic faces, the Tree of Life interior exhibit, and visitor information.