Kitahama Retro Building, Osaka

The Kitahama Retro Building is a quaint structure inspired by buildings in Glasgow Scotland. Surrounded by large skyscrapers, this tiny building offers an old world beauty within the modern face of Osaka. Its location is opposite the Osaka Securities Exchange and in front of the Tasabori River and the Nakanoshima Park.

The Kitahama Retro Building was built in 1912. It was commissioned by a securities brokerage firm in the 45th year of the Meiji era. It was later bought by a wealthy businessman who was greatly impressed by the design of the building. It was declared as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan by the Agency of Cultural Affairs.

The Kitahama Retro Building today has two popular venues. The ground floor has a shop selling English cakes, tea and other commodities and the second floor has a typically English tea room. It has become a popular place where women and girls come to drink afternoon tea and enjoy snacks. The tea room serves an array of teas from England, France and India. The popular order here is the sandwich set that comes with a sandwich and a tea chosen by the customer from the range of choices on offer. The restaurant also serves freshly baked English cakes. It also offers beautiful views of the Nakanoshima Rose Garden.