"Reading Forest" in Matsubara City, Osaka, is a new library that opened in 2020. Its unique design, which blends seamlessly into the city, has been highly praised, earning awards such as the Good Design Award (2020) and the Japan Institute of Architects Design Award (2022).
The library's appearance, designed to appear as though it's floating on the water, resembles a "kofun" (ancient burial mound) within a moat. The sturdy reddish-brown building stands out even from a distance, capturing attention.
In this article, we have the opportunity to hear from Toshikazu Hayashi, the director of the library, as he shares insights into popular spots and staff-recommended locations within the library, which has become a beloved place of relaxation for the residents of Matsubara City.
(Interview and text by YAMAMOTO Chie)
About the Reading Forest
The Matsubara City Matsubara Library "Reading Forest" was relocated and newly constructed in 2020 due to the aging of the previous facility. The name "Reading Forest" was chosen through a public contest involving local elementary school students.
The library houses approximately 300,000 books, with the layout as follows: 1st floor: General books, 2nd floor: A browsing corner for magazines and newspapers, as well as a study room, 3rd floor: Children’s books.
With regular events such as storytelling sessions, the library attracts around 20,000 visitors per month. To celebrate its 5th anniversary, a lecture by "MARU. architecture", the design team behind the library, will be held on January 26, 2025.
【Reading Forest】
3-1-46, Taijo, Matsubara 580-0044
Telephone number 072-334-8060
Access 7-minute walk from Takaminosato Station on the Kintetsu Minami Osaka Line.
No parking. If coming to the museum by car, use private parking in the area.
Opening hours 9:00-21:00
Closed: 3rd Thursday of the month except Mar, Aug and Dec, year-end and New Year holidays.
‘Reading Forest’, an award-winning design for excellence.
Photo: Takuya Seki
In Matsubara City, you can find the Otsukayama Kofun, the 5th largest keyhole-shaped tomb in Japan. The surrounding areas, including Sakai City (home to the Nintoku Tenno Mausoleum) and Habikino City (with the Ojin Tenno Mausoleum), are rich in historical landmarks. The Reading Forest library was inspired by this historically rich environment in its design.
The idea of a "library floating in water" came from the city's landscape, dotted with many ponds. Initially, the plan was to reclaim the ponds for construction, but the design team felt that embracing the pond environment and building a structure that would stand strong within it, while respecting the history of the area, was the right approach. （Reference from GOOD DESIGN AWARD | Award Gallery | Matsubara City Matsubara Library GOOD DESIGN AWARD｜受賞ギャラリー｜松原市民松原図書館. )
For the exterior walls, the library used 600mm thick reinforced concrete, which is about three times the standard thickness, and intentionally left the color variations visible. This not only enhances the insulation and earthquake resistance but also gives the building a natural look that blends with its surroundings.
The library has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Good Design Award and Japan Institute of Architects Design Award. The design was created by MARU. architecture, a firm founded in 2010 by Shoko Morita, and later co-led by Yohei Takano from 2013. They actively design buildings that are key components of urban development, such as libraries and cultural facilities.
How to enjoy the Reading Forest!
Recommended places to visit
Popular relaxation spot for visitors.
A popular spot for visitors is the sofa in the magazine corner on the 2nd floor. The deep, water-like color of the sofa creates the perfect relaxing atmosphere. It’s a favorite among visitors of all ages, from young people to the elderly.
For those with children, the children's book corner on the 3rd floor is also a hit. The grass-colored carpet provides a cozy setting for storytelling events, where up to 20 or more families often gather to enjoy the experience together.
Places recommended by staff
The 1st floor ceiling reflects the ripples from the pond, creating a mesmerizing shimmer. The sunlight streaming through the large west-facing windows reflects off the water, casting beautiful light into the space.
To protect the books from direct sunlight, the curtains are closed in the evening, so if you want to enjoy the rippling effect, it's best to visit before noon or around 2 PM.
Additionally, the children's dictionary corner on the 3rd floor, which offers views of the sunset, is another highly recommended spot.
Mr.Hayashi, the director of "Reading Forest", shared, “These are just the opinions of staff who spend the entire day in the library. When your eyes get tired from reading, I hope visitors can look up and feel relaxed by the soothing views.”
A relaxing moment in the Reading Forest
As the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, "Reading Forest" has focused on creating a space where children can comfortably enjoy their time. The library has put significant effort into offering children's events to support this.
Now that children's events have become established, Toshikazu Hayashi, the director, mentions, “Now that the children’s events are in place, we want to expand and offer a variety of events for adults and those with disabilities.”
With its Wi-Fi and barrier-free environment, Reading Forest is becoming a space that can be enjoyed by a diverse range of people.
For those who wish to enjoy reading in a peaceful, nature-inspired art space, the floating library "Reading Forest" is a must-visit!