The largest city in Japan is undoubtedly Tokyo. Regarding this matter, even our reporting team based in Kansai has to acknowledge it.
When it comes to representing Tokyo, the two most prominent airports are undoubtedly Haneda Airport and Narita Airport. Positioned in this globally renowned metropolitan area, these airports serve as two of the world’s major gateways. Additionally, there are two related facilities,
Tokyo City Air Terminal and Yokohama City Air Terminal, which have been established like companions in the heart of each respective city. Recently, Tokyo City Air Terminal seems to be facing significant challenges, but considering the vast scale of Tokyo as a city, it should have the resilience to keep striving. We truly hope for their success and continued progress.
Indeed, just as Tokyo has the Tokyo City Air Terminal, Osaka, the second largest city in Japan, has its own building with a similar concept named “Osaka City Air Terminal” (OCAT). This impressive structure stands proudly in Namba(難波), one of Osaka’s major entertainment districts. However, OCAT has undergone a significant transformation from its original plans, and its utilization has taken a completely different direction.
In this edition, we will explore the current situation of “Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT),” a commercial facility located in the heart of Osaka’s Namba, and see how it has evolved from its initial intentions.
Location
Name: Osaka City Air Terminal(大阪シティエアターミナル)
Access: JR Namba station(JR難波駅) Connected Directly
You can also access here by using Subway Line Namba station, using underground street.
Where did the airport go? Exploring Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT)
Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) is a redevelopment facility located in Naniwa Ward, Osaka City. As part of a plan to enhance access to Kansai International Airport, which opened in 1994, OCAT was established in conjunction with the redevelopment of JR Namba Station(JR難波駅) and opened in 1996.
OCAT (Osaka City Air Terminal) is a redevelopment facility located in Naniwa Ward(浪速区), Osaka City. It was established in 1996 as part of a plan to enhance access to Kansai International Airport, along with the redevelopment of JR Namba Station, which had already opened in 1994.
As evident from its name, “Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT),” this facility initially had a strong focus on coordinating with Kansai International Airport. In the past, passengers could complete their check-in procedures for international flights right at OCAT. Additionally, a rapid express train from the adjacent JR Namba Station provided direct access to Kansai International Airport, showcasing the significant efforts invested in this transportation hub.
Indeed, due to JR Namba Station being quite far from the central area of Namba (originally known as “Minatomachi Station”) and the considerable walking distance from the heavily frequented Midosuji Line and Kintetsu train stations, the status of OCAT as a convenient access point to Kansai International Airport was gradually taken over by the more accessible Nankai Electric Railway.
As a consequence, OCAT discontinued check-in services within its premises in the early 2000s, and in 2008, the direct airport trains operating from JR Namba Station were also terminated. The unfavorable location led to OCAT facing significant financial difficulties, resulting in it being placed under special mediation proceedings in 2004, effectively facing a state of bankruptcy. It appears that the situation was quite dire, highlighting the complexities and challenges of Osaka City.
It is indeed surprising to see how the vast facilities have been repurposed, now bustling as a bustling bus terminal. Today, OCAT serves not only buses bound for Itami and Kansai airports but also buses to various destinations. It makes one wonder about the original purpose of this place…
The Opulent Interior: A Remnant of Osaka’s Troubled Past
Now that we’ve briefly covered the history of Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT), let’s delve into its interior. While the main entrance of OCAT is technically on the first floor, it is surprising to see how few people are present there. This is partly because the underground connects to various train lines at Namba Station, and the second floor houses the bustling bus terminal, diverting much of the foot traffic away from the front entrance.
Let’s step inside. The underground first floor, directly connected to the train station, does have more people (though still surprisingly scarce for Namba). However, the other floors tell a different story. Even on the first floor, which houses a 100-yen shop and lottery sales, the presence of people is minimal. The vast scale of the building adds to the deserted atmosphere. One might sense a touch of the former Sogo department store here. In fact, there were plans for Sogo to be a tenant, which could explain this seemingly reasonable emptiness.
Unassuming Rooftop Charm: Surprising Paid Access
I feel like I might be seen as a suspicious person if I wander around too much inside this building :). So, let’s head to the rooftop first. OCAT has many elevators, but please be aware that only the ‘Central Elevator’ provides access to the rooftop.
Heading out to the rooftop, it’s a remarkably beautiful space. It’s nicely landscaped with greenery, and the limited number of visitors make it incredibly comfortable. Even though it’s slightly away from the heart of Namba, it’s definitely worth walking.
Indeed, it’s quite amusing that despite being part of OCAT, this facility has excellent amenities. Surprisingly, it used to be a paid access area. Apparently, they charged 100 yen as a measure against homelessness, but due to the lack of visitors, they eventually made it free. Well, considering the rooftop greenery is similar to what you might find in department stores, it’s understandable that people wouldn’t pay for it.
However, I wonder if there could have been a better solution. Even though it’s now free, our reporting team can’t help but feel that creating such a facility in this location was unnecessary.”
(To be continued on the next page)
