North Stand of Poplar Higobashi Station Store — North stand of the Poplar Higobashi Station store showing the storefront and surrounding area at the station

Poplar convenience store at Higobashi Station south stand in Japan — Poplar convenience store located at the south stand of Higobashi Station, showcasing the storefront and entrance in Japan

Photograph of Higobashi Station Entrance No. 10 in Japan showing the station sign and surrounding urban area.

Higobashi Station Exit 1A entrance in Japan — Image showing the entrance to Exit 1A of Higobashi Station in Japan

Higobashi Station 1B entrance in Osaka — The 1B entrance of Higobashi Station, a subway station located in Osaka, Japan, showing the urban surroundings and signage.

Higobashi Station Entrance No. 2 in Osaka, Japan — Exterior view of Higobashi Station Entrance No. 2 located in Osaka, Japan, showing the station signage and entrance structure.

Entrance 3 of Higobashi Station in Osaka, Japan — Photograph showing the third entrance to Higobashi Station, located in Osaka, Japan, featuring a modern subway entrance with clear signage and urban surroundings.

Higobashi Station Exit 4 entrance in Osaka, Japan — Clear view of the entrance to Exit 4 of Higobashi Station in Osaka, Japan, showing signage and surrounding architecture.

Entrance 5A of Higo-bashi Station — Photograph of entrance 5A of Higo-bashi Station in Japan

Photo of Higobashi Station Entrance 5B in Osaka, Japan, showing the station entrance and surrounding urban area.

Higobashi Station

Higobashi Station (station code Y12) is on Osaka Metro’s Yotsubashi Line in Nishi-ku, Osaka. Named after the nearby Higobashi Bridge, the station opened in 1965 and connects the area’s traditional mercantile neighborhoods with modern business and cultural districts. It is close to museums, parks, performance venues and dining spots.

History

Higobashi Station began serving Osaka in 1965, during a period of urban growth and infrastructure development ahead of Expo ’70. Located at the eastern edge of Nishi-ku, it has helped connect the city’s historic and contemporary districts. The station takes its name from Higobashi Bridge, a crossing over the Tosabori River that has symbolized commerce and connectivity for centuries.

What to See

Higobashi Bridge

Higobashi Bridge dates back to the Edo period. The current bridge was built in 1926 and renovated in 1994. Its Spanish Renaissance-style architecture and views over the Tosabori River are described by Osaka Info.

Nakanoshima Monument

The Nakanoshima Monument commemorates Osaka’s development as a commercial and cultural center, particularly during the Meiji and Taisho periods. Its blend of classic Japanese design and modern art reflects the city’s combination of tradition and progress. Informative plaques and displays surround the monument.

It is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with last entry at 5:30 PM. Admission is free. Guided tours are available on weekends and holidays at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM; book in advance via osaka-info.jp.

From Higobashi Station Exit 7, the monument is a 5-minute walk along a fully barrier-free route. It has elevators, tactile paving and accessible restrooms. Nearby services include cafés, restaurants and tourist information centers. Cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons are especially scenic, and respectful photography is encouraged.

Museums and Art Spaces

National Museum of Art, Osaka An underground museum specializing in post-war and contemporary art, with a glass-and-steel entrance. Open 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; closed Mondays.
Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka Opened in 2022, it showcases modern and contemporary art by Japanese and international artists. Open 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; closed Tuesdays.
Osaka Science Museum Features interactive science exhibits and a planetarium. Open 9:30 AM–5:00 PM; closed Mondays.

Nakanoshima Park

Established in 1891, Nakanoshima Park is a riverside green space with gardens, walking paths, seasonal flower displays and frequent cultural events.

Practical Visiting Information

Operating Hours

Higobashi Station operates daily from approximately 5:00 AM to midnight, subject to the Osaka Metro schedule. Check the Osaka Metro Official Website for current hours, especially during holidays or special events.

Tickets and Fares

Automated ticket machines with Japanese and English instructions are available at all station entrances.
Contactless IC cards accepted include ICOCA, PiTaPa, Suica and PASMO.
The Osaka Amazing Pass and Metro 1-Day Pass offer unlimited travel and attraction discounts.
A single ride from Nishi-Umeda to Higobashi is 180 yen (as of 2025).

Access and Connectivity

Higobashi is on the Yotsubashi Line, with service north to Nishi-Umeda and south to Suminoekoen. Watanabebashi Station, on the Keihan Nakanoshima Line, is connected by a direct underground transfer.

From Higobashi, Nishi-Umeda (Osaka Station) is one stop away, Hommachi (for the Midosuji and Chuo Lines) is two stops away, and Namba is four stops away, with access to Kansai Airport.

Station Facilities and Accessibility

The station has a single island platform serving two tracks on the second basement level, with car positions clearly marked. There are multiple exits; Exit 10 connects directly to Nakanoshima and Watanabebashi Station.

Facilities include:

Coin lockers in the concourse for luggage storage.
Clean, multi-function toilets, including accessible toilets.
Elevators, tactile paving and tactile maps.
Free “Osaka_Free_Wi-Fi” throughout the station.
AEDs, convenience stores and cafés.
ATMs and currency exchange in nearby complexes such as Nakanoshima Festival Tower.

Tips

For a more relaxed visit, avoid rush hours: 7:30–9:30 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM.
The Osaka Metro app provides navigation and service alerts.
The station and Nakanoshima Monument have barrier-free access, including elevators, tactile guidance and accessible restrooms.

Nearby Places

Events and Performance Venues

Festival Hall is known for classical music, opera and international performances. Seasonal local events include winter illuminations in Nakanoshima, art walks and pop-up exhibitions. Walking tours focusing on the district’s history, architecture and culinary culture are available; advance booking is recommended.

Shopping and Dining

The Dojima and Edobori neighborhoods have traditional shops, modern boutiques, Michelin-listed udon restaurants and authentic cafés known as kissaten. Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street, Japan’s longest covered shopping arcade, is accessible by subway and has hundreds of shops, eateries and local products (Food and Travel Utsav).

Attraction	Type	Distance	Highlights
Higobashi Bridge	Historic landmark	2 min	Spanish Renaissance design, river views
Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka	Art museum	5 min	Modern and contemporary art
National Museum of Art, Osaka	Art museum	7 min	Post-war and contemporary collections
Osaka Science Museum	Science museum	7 min	Planetarium, interactive exhibits
Nakanoshima Park	Urban park	5 min	Gardens, riverside paths, events
Festival Hall	Performance venue	3 min	Classical music, opera, global acts
Michelin-listed udon shops	Dining	2–10 min	Dashi broth, local flavors
Kissaten and cafés	Dining	2–10 min	Traditional coffeehouses, sweets

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Higobashi Station’s operating hours?
Approximately 5:00 AM to midnight. Confirm current hours on the Osaka Metro Official Guide.

How do I buy tickets?
Use the station’s ticket machines or an IC card, or purchase a pass such as the Osaka Amazing Pass.

Are Higobashi Station and the Nakanoshima Monument accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes. Both have accessibility features including elevators, tactile guidance and accessible restrooms.

Are guided tours available for the Nakanoshima Monument?
Yes. Tours are available on weekends and holidays at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

Where can I store my luggage?
Coin lockers are available at Higobashi Station.

Are English signs common?
Yes. The station and major sites have English signage.