Osaka Delegation Explores Dutch Cycling and People-Centred Streets

A high-level delegation from Osaka visited the Netherlands for three days to explore Dutch cycling culture, urban mobility and the transformation of public space, with a particular focus on lessons for the future of Midosuji Boulevard.

From 30 September to 2 October, the Dutch Cycling Embassy welcomed a delegation of civil servants, academics and business leaders from Osaka for an intensive three-day study visit. The programme brought together perspectives from across the Dutch mobility sector, giving the delegation an opportunity to experience Dutch cycling and people-centred urban design both in practice and through exchanges with local experts and policymakers.

The visit builds on a growing relationship between Osaka and the Netherlands. In 2025, the Dutch Cycling Embassy contributed to several exchanges in Osaka, including a cycling-focused programme at the Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai and a “Dutch Cycling Culture” pop-up exhibition on Midosuji Boulevard. Earlier this year, DCE also welcomed an Osaka urban design delegation to Utrecht.

From Dutch cycling culture to people-centred streets

A central theme throughout the visit was how cycling fits into a wider approach to urban mobility and public space. Rather than looking at cycling infrastructure in isolation, the delegation explored how street design, mobility policy, public transport, walking and cycling can work together to create attractive and accessible urban environments.

The programme began in The Hague, including a visit to the Embassy of Japan and an exchange at the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. The delegation then continued to Utrecht, where they met with mobility stakeholders and representatives from the Municipality of Utrecht.

In Utrecht, the group experienced the city’s cycling environment first-hand, including its streets, public spaces and cycling infrastructure. The visit also included the opportunity to discuss how the city has integrated cycling into its broader mobility system and urban development.

The delegation also attended the EuroVelo Conference, connecting the study visit with a wider international exchange on the future of cycling and active mobility.

On the final day, the group explored Utrecht’s redesigned public spaces and cycling infrastructure before travelling to Rotterdam. There, a walking tour and exchange with the Municipality of Rotterdam offered another perspective on how a major Dutch city is reshaping its streets and public spaces.

Inspiration for the future of Midosuji

For the Osaka delegation, these experiences are particularly relevant as the city continues its long-term transformation of Midosuji from a vehicle-oriented arterial into a more people-centred urban street. Osaka’s current approach includes the gradual reorganisation of road space, wider pedestrian areas and experiments with new ways of using the street.

The Netherlands therefore offered not a blueprint to copy, but a collection of experiences to question, compare and adapt. Seeing different approaches in Utrecht, The Hague and Rotterdam allowed the delegation to consider issues such as the relationship between cycling and walking, the role of public space in creating vibrant city centres, and how changes in street design can influence everyday mobility.

The Dutch Cycling Embassy is pleased to continue this exchange with Osaka and to support the city as it develops its vision for a more people-centred Midosuji. As both countries continue to explore how streets can better serve people, businesses and sustainable mobility, continued dialogue can help turn international inspiration into locally relevant solutions.