Skateboarding was officially adopted as an Olympic sport at the Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021) and has become a highly popular sport, with young athletes making remarkable achievements.
Matsubara City in Osaka Prefecture is the hometown of NISHIYA Momiji, who won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. The city is actively developing itself as a "skateboarding town."
Matsubara City's "Okusama Mark Skateboard Park" is a unique facility featuring a massive mural painted on its exterior walls. This artwork was created by COOK, a mural and graffiti artist based in Osaka who is also active on the global stage.
Let's take a closer look at the highlights of "Okusama Mark Skateboard Park," where skateboarding and art come together!
About the ‘Okusama Mark Skateboard Park’.
"Okusama Mark Skateboard Park" opened in April 2023.
This is the second skateboard park in Matsubara City and is managed and operated by the Mizuno Group. The park features both indoor and outdoor sections, allowing visitors to practice not only skateboarding but also inline skating.
Designed to support young people who want to "start skateboarding" or "improve their skills," the facility caters to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skaters.
With air conditioning and extended hours until 11 PM, the park is accessible year-round, regardless of the season or lifestyle.
The park also hosts free trial sessions and skateboarding schools for children aged 5 to junior high school students, making it an excellent choice for those looking to get into skateboarding!
【Okusama Mark Skateboard Park】
Address:4-270-1 Tatsube, Matsubara City, Osaka 580-0012, Japan
Phone Number:072-335-6338
Access:
By Train: 30-minute walk from Eganosho Station (Kintetsu Minami-Osaka Line)
By Car: 6 minutes from Mihara-Kita IC
Opening Hours:9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Closed:December 29 – January 3
Usage Fees:
Outdoor Park: ¥550
Indoor & Outdoor Park: ¥1,100
Mural art provides inspiration for the world.
The first thing that captures your attention when visiting "Okusama Mark Skateboard Park" is the massive mural created by COOK.
The colorful and pop-art-inspired characters reflect the friendly and inclusive culture of skateboarding while also conveying the excitement of the sport.
COOK began his career as a graffiti writer in the late 1990s, later honing his skills in Los Angeles, where he became an internationally recognized artist.
He is also the only Japanese member of "DISSIZIT!", the crew led by graffiti legend OG SLICK. Many graffiti writers, both in Japan and abroad, admire COOK and his work.
Beyond graffiti, COOK’s artistry transcends genres—his mural art, collaborations with major fashion brands, and solo exhibitions have captivated audiences worldwide.
At "Okusama Mark Skateboard Park," children discovering skateboarding today might one day become superstar athletes on the global stage—just like COOK did in the art world. His mural serves as a source of inspiration, encouraging young talent from Matsubara City to reach for the world!
‘Skateboarding town’ brings people together and fosters culture.
Skateboarding is said to have originated in California in the 1940s.
What began as a simple pastime—gliding on wooden boards with caster wheels—gradually merged with music, fashion, and art, evolving into a unique fusion of sport and culture.
"Okusama Mark Skateboard Park" is not just a sports facility; it is also an art hub where visitors can experience street art firsthand.
Skateboarding has a natural affinity with various cultural expressions, making it an appealing and inclusive sport, even for those who don’t skate. It fosters connections between people, bridging communities through shared creativity.
With Matsubara City championing skateboarding as a means to unite people, culture, and art, its future initiatives are sure to be exciting and worth watching!
Art spots in Matsubara to visit with the skateboard park.
There are still many attractive places to visit in Matsubara city. Here are some of the best art spots for your travel destination.
Nunobazu Shrine
Nunose Shrine is a unique shrine where visitors can draw a special “Koi Mikuji” (Love Fortune Slip), created in collaboration with contemporary artist ICHIHARA Hiroko.
As its name "Nunose" suggests, the shrine has long been associated with cloth-related legends. Historically, it was revered as a place for prayers related to healing illnesses and warding off venomous insects. In more recent times, it has been worshiped as a guardian deity for protection from misfortune, traffic safety, and business prosperity.
ICHIHARA Hiroko’s words, woven into the Koi Mikuji, are known for their sharp wit, humor, and memorable insights. Unlike traditional omikuji, this fortune slip does not predict the outcome of love but instead invites visitors to reflect on her profound and playful words.
Before drawing your Koi Mikuji, don’t forget to pay your respects to the shrine’s deity!
【Nunobusa Shrine】
Location: 2-4-11 Kitashinmachi, Matsubara, Osaka 580-0025
Opening hours: free to visit (awarding office open 9:00-17:00, closed on Mondays).
Reading Forest (Matsubara Citizens' Matsubara Library)
The Reading Forest is a library located in a section of the pond within Tai Castle Imaike Park. Its design is so striking that it appears to be floating on water, making it a visually unique and artistic space.
For a detailed introduction to this artistic library, check out the full article here!
【Matsubara City Matsubara Library】
Location: 3-1-46 Taijo, Matsubara-shi, Osaka 580-0044
Opening hours: 9:00-21:00 (closed on Mondays, the third Thursday of the month, public holidays and year-end and New Year holidays)