A Journey Through Time: The Modern Elegance of Ikoma Building

Early in the morning, I arrived at the Ikoma Building located in Shinsaibashi, Osaka. This building, constructed during the Showa era, combines Western Art Deco style with intricate Eastern details, exuding a modern charm of the bygone days. Standing in front of the entrance and looking up, the tall facade and elaborate carvings of the Ikoma Building transported me back to the bustling Osaka of the early 20th century. Entering the lobby, I was immediately enveloped by a strong retro atmosphere, with elegant reliefs on the walls and stained glass windows. In the morning, I joined a guided architectural tour, where the professional guide explained the significant role of the Ikoma Building in Osaka's modern history. At noon, I took a break at the café inside the building, enjoying a Japanese-style Western cake and coffee. The urban scenery outside the window contrasted interestingly with the nostalgic ambiance inside. In the afternoon, I strolled around the surrounding streets, experiencing the vibrant and diverse Shinsaibashi, and stumbled upon an antique shop where I found a travel guide of Osaka from the Showa period, adding an unexpected delight to my journey. On the second day, I chose to revisit the Ikoma Building from a different perspective. In the morning, I attended a photography exhibition held inside the building, showcasing old photos of Osaka's street scenes and the Ikoma Building, which seemed to capture the flow of time and the city's changes. After the exhibition, I went to the rooftop observation deck, where I could take in the bustling street view of Shinsaibashi. The gentle breeze seemed to bring back memories and stories of the past. At noon, I went to a nearby Japanese-Western restaurant and enjoyed a Showa-style lunch. The restaurant's retro decor matched the atmosphere of the Ikoma Building. In the afternoon, I returned to the building to visit a limited-time exhibition themed around the Showa era, featuring old newspapers, advertisement posters, and furniture, which evoked a sense of nostalgia. As evening approached, the lights outside the building gradually lit up, creating a scene where history and modernity intertwined, perfectly concluding my journey.