Travel and lifestyle blogger @owncolorstravel , based in Okinawa, shares travel tips, must-see spots, and inspiration mainly for fellow travel lovers and international visitors interested in Japanese culture.
While Okinawa is the main focus, I also cover places like Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka—and even destinations abroad. It’s all about the joys and little discoveries that come with exploring.
This time, I’m heading back to my hometown of Osaka for the first time in a year. A lot can change in just 12 months, especially around Osaka Station, and I’m excited to share what’s new and worth checking out.
・Grand Green Osaka
Gran Green Osaka 〒530-0011, Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
As part of the redevelopment project on the former Umeda Freight Station site—known as the Umekita area—a brand-new addition has joined the Osaka/Umeda Station area: Grand Green Osaka.
The South Building of Grand Green Osaka officially held its grand opening on March 21, 2025.
・Umekita Park
When you think of iconic parks in Osaka, places like Osaka Castle Park or my personal favorite, Utsubo Park, probably come to mind. But now, there’s a brand-new urban park directly connected to JR Osaka Station—Umekita Park, part of the Grand Green Osaka development. It’s been designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando and others.
The park spans 7,700 square meters, which may sound small compared to somewhere like Central Park in New York (which is about 3.41 km²), but its location is the key. Having a green space like this right in the middle of a redeveloped urban area is a game-changer. Without it, the area would feel like just another cluster of commercial buildings—modern, but kind of soulless.
Inside the park, you’ll find several features that make it more than just a green space. There’s PLAT UMEKITA, a large arched-roof structure where events and gatherings are held, a reflecting pool set in a spacious lawn area, and beautifully designed gardens filled with flowers and greenery.
It’s the kind of place that blends nature and city vibes perfectly—great for relaxing, people-watching, or catching a community event right in the heart of the city.
The buildings reflect beautifully in the water feature, adding a really calm, picturesque vibe to the park.
You’ll also find cafés and restaurants scattered throughout the park, making it a nice spot to hang out or grab a bite. Just a heads-up—Umekita Park has some usage rules in place, so it’s a good idea to check them out before visiting. For example, pets are allowed, but only in designated areas.
Grand Green Osaka is split into a North and South building, and honestly, with so many new places opening all at once, it’s a bit overwhelming—it might take more than a day to really get a feel for everything!
Here’s a quick list of some of the main spots that have opened inside the development:
Hotels:
- Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda – A lifestyle hotel brand by Hilton
- Waldorf Astoria Osaka – A flagship luxury hotel brand from the U.S.
- Hotel Hankyu Grand Respire Osaka
Spa & Wellness:
- Umekita Onsen Ren Wellbeing Park – Featuring natural hot springs
Residences:
- Grand Green Osaka THE NORTH RESIDENCE – A super high-end tower with luxury condos
Yeah… not exactly budget-friendly stuff here.
To me, Osaka has always been about casual street food—takoyaki, okonomiyaki, udon, kushikatsu… that whole retro Showa-era charm. But this ultra-modern version of Osaka? It’s evolving fast—maybe even too fast.
Curious to know—how does this new side of Osaka look to you?
In the photo on the right, the buildings you see in the distance from Umekita Park are the Umeda Sky Building, famous for its Floating Garden Observatory, and the Westin Hotel Osaka.
We’re just getting started—there’s still more to explore around the Grand Green Osaka area. But fair warning: if you try to see everything in one go, your feet are going to feel it!
This whole area is massive, with underground malls and passageways connecting different buildings—honestly, calling it a giant maze full of people wouldn’t be an exaggeration.
・Grand Front Osaka
Grand Front Osaka 〒530-0011 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City, Kita Ward, Ofukacho 4-20
This is Grand Front Osaka, a large commercial complex that was developed ahead of the rest of the Umekita area.
Right across the street, you’ll find Umekita Park.
The big green bear sculpture, “Ted Hyber,” has become a well-known symbol of Umeda. It’s actually a work by a French artist. Thanks to this piece, the area feels more colorful and lively.
By the way, the InterContinental Osaka is located in the North Building of Grand Front Osaka.
As part of the Umekita redevelopment, several luxury hotels have been popping up around here.
Around the time I visited, there was a sumo-themed event called “Umekita Basho” happening in the area. Sumo wrestler characters were gathered around the green bear sculpture.
The bear was even wearing a mawashi! I couldn’t resist snapping a photo. (In case you’re wondering, a mawashi is a type of traditional loincloth that sumo wrestlers wear around their waist.)
In the plaza at Grand Front, there’s a set of stairs with water flowing down like a waterfall, which gives the whole area an open and relaxing vibe.
・Around Osaka Hankyu Umeda Station
The long-standing Osaka New Hankyu Hotel, which was located right next to Hankyu Umeda Station where the airport limousine buses arrive and depart, has closed down. It really feels like a sign of the times.
I used to take this Hankyu train to school, so seeing it just the same as ever still gives me a sense of comfort.
There’s an old-school takoyaki stand in the Shin-Umeda Shokudogai, a retro food alley tucked under the train tracks.
This is the Osaka I know and love.
Around Osaka Station, the new and the nostalgic blend together. I really hope these classic Showa-era food spots stay just the way they are.
I’m planning to share more about Osaka when I’m back—like local spots that capture the city’s vibe and reports on newly opened places.