Maishima Incineration Plant

In short

A waste treatment facility on Maishima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay, housing both a waste incineration facility and a bulky waste crushing facility. The exterior of the plant was designed by the Viennese artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, and the building was conceived to serve as a symbol of harmony among technology, ecology, and art. The red and yellow stripes on the walls represent the flames burning inside the plant.

• ​Curved Lines and Green Exterior​​: The entire building is integrated with greenery. The mushroom-shaped chimney stands approximately 120 meters tall, and the numerous windows lining the exterior walls each feature a different shape
• ​Plant Tours​​: With a reservation, visitors can tour the inside of the plant guided by staff. As of October 2026, individual visits require an online reservation at least 10 days in advance, with the tour taking approximately 90 minutes
• ​Freely Accessible Promenade​​: The plant features an outdoor promenade that can be walked freely. Surrounded by greenery, even its handrails and pathways are crafted with winding curves

History and Highlights

​Maishima Incineration Plant​ is a waste treatment facility located on Maishima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay. Operated by the Osaka Regional Environment Facility Cooperative—formed by the cities of Osaka, Yao, Matsubara, and Moriguchi—it houses both a waste incineration facility and a bulky waste crushing facility. Constructed in April 2001 (Heisei 13), it is equipped with two incinerators, each capable of burning 450 tons per day.

The exterior of the plant was designed by the Viennese artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The building was conceived to take root in the local community and serve as a symbol of harmony among technology, ecology, and art. Because straight lines and identical shapes do not exist in the natural world, curves were incorporated into various parts of its design, and the structure is surrounded by abundant greenery as a symbol of harmony with nature. The red and yellow stripes on the walls represent the flames burning inside the plant.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Curved Lines and Green Exterior​​: Plants extend their branches and leaves around the roof, windows, and surrounding areas, integrating the entire building with greenery. The mushroom-shaped chimney stands approximately 120 meters tall and catches the eye even from afar. The numerous windows lining the exterior walls each feature a different shape.
• ​Plant Tours​​: With an advance reservation, visitors can tour the inside of the plant guided by staff. The waste storage pit is roughly the size of 55 elementary school classrooms. Visitors can learn about the inner workings of the incinerator through 3D visuals and experience generating electricity by turning a handle. As of October 2026, individual visits require an online reservation at least 10 days in advance, with the tour taking approximately 90 minutes.
• ​Freely Accessible Promenade​​: The plant features an outdoor promenade that can be walked freely. Surrounded by greenery, even its handrails and pathways are crafted with winding curves.

Walking Tips

To take your time viewing the exterior, try looking up at the curved walls, windows, and plant-covered roof while strolling along the promenade. A short distance away, you can also see the Maishima Sludge Center, a sewage sludge treatment facility also designed by Hundertwasser. The plant is so popular that it attracts visitors from overseas, with the cumulative number of visitors reaching 250,000 in 2018 (Heisei 30). There are also open days when no advance reservation is required. If traveling by train, take a bus from Sakurajima Station on the JR Yumesaki Line and get off at "Kankyo Shisetsu Kumiai-mae," located right nearby. In spring, the Nemophila Festival is held at Osaka Maishima Seaside Park, approximately 1.7 kilometers to the west.