This multipurpose complex is located in Kitakagaya, known as Osaka’s artsiest neighbourhood, and set in a 60-year-old bunka jutaku, a type of two-storey housing complex built mainly in the Kansai region in the 1950s and 1960s. The structure was reinforced to withstand earthquakes and renovated while maintaining as much of its original appearance and materials as possible, with the exception of an atrium added to give the building an airy feel.
Chidori Bunka is home to cafés and bars, nail- and chalk-art workshops, a barbershop and more. At Chidori Bunka Shokudo, the main eatery, you can enjoy a hearty lunch or get a taste of Dutch-style pancakes. At Chidori Bunka Shoten, located inside the restaurant, you can shop for antiques, T-shirts, tenugui hand towels, magazines and other miscellanea.
Don’t leave without enjoying a cuppa at the on-site café and tea shop Kenocha, which specialises in single-origin Japanese tea. You’ll also find boutiques selling custom-made hats and accessories, as well as a cooking studio offering classes focused on Asian cuisine and condiments.
Additionally, there’s a space that hosts contemporary art exhibitions as well as performances organised by Contact Gonzo, an acclaimed contemporary art collective who have performed in Europe and the US. The gallery doubles as a community space where Kitakagaya locals can present their creations.
Chidori Bunka Shokudo is open from 11.30am to 6pm, closing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Hours for the other businesses vary, so make sure to check their respective social media feeds before visiting.