Old Building of the Osaka Branch Bank of Japan

The Former Bank of Japan Osaka Branch Building is a landmark building facing Midosuji, in an excellent location: about a 2-minute walk from Yodoyabashi Station (Osaka Metro Midosuji Line / Keihan Main Line) and right near Oebashi Station (Keihan Main Line). Built in 1903 (Meiji 36) modeled after the National Bank of Belgium, it was designed by Kingo Tatsuno and others, known for works such as Tokyo Station and Osaka City Central Public Hall. This full-fledged Western-style, stone, two-story building features a patinated green copper dome roof. The interior is also impressive. The 2nd-floor memorial room was formerly a VIP reception room; it was restored using reused original materials from the 1903 construction. Carvings, doors, stained glass, and decorative mantelpieces from that era are still used. Interior visits are possible by reservation: free tours are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays (excluding holidays, year-end/new-year 12/31–1/3, and days when events prevent tours), with a morning session 10:00–10:50 and an afternoon session 13:30–14:20.