A Journey Through Time: The Classical Encounter at Shibakawa Building

Day 1 In the early morning, I arrived at the Shibakawa Building located in the Semba area of Osaka. This building, with its strong Western-style architecture, witnessed the prosperity and stability of the Showa era. The exterior walls are covered with tiles, complemented by elegant Art Deco style decorations, making one feel as if they have traveled back to Europe in the last century. Upon entering the building, I was greeted by a classical and luxurious staircase and high ceilings, showcasing the designer's extreme attention to detail. I first visited the specialty shops on the first floor, where each item, from handicrafts to vintage furniture, was filled with stories and warmth. For lunch, I chose a café within the building, where the tranquil and leisurely atmosphere allowed me to overlook the city streets outside, as if I were in a world where reality and the past intertwined. In the afternoon, I participated in a guided tour of the Shibakawa Building. Listening to the guide's detailed narration about the history of this building, I gained a deeper understanding of its significance in Osaka's culture. Day 2 On the second day, I returned to the Shibakawa Building and specifically chose to visit a themed gallery. The exhibition focused on the urban transformation of Osaka, documenting the city's development through photos and paintings. Afterwards, I went to the rooftop terrace of the building, where there is a small sky garden. The lush greenery contrasted uniquely with the vintage architecture, making one linger and admire the view. At noon, I headed to the nearby Kitahama area to explore more Showa-style buildings and unique cafés in the alleys. In the afternoon, I returned to the Shibakawa Building and bought a book about Osaka's architecture at a cultural and creative bookstore, leaving an unforgettable memento of this journey.