Best Things to Do, See, and Eat in Namba: Osaka’s Most Exciting Neighborhood

Namba: Osaka’s Most Exciting and Colorful Neighborhood

Conveniently located on the Midosuji and Airport Express lines in southern Osaka, Namba is easily accessed from the shinkansen station of Shin-Osaka as well as Kansai International Airport.

First-time visitors, especially those with a little knowledge of the Japanese language, sometimes get temporarily confused about the spelling as the area’s name is written as なんば in the Japanese "hiragana" alphabet, which is displayed on many signs and train stations. This would usually translate to “Nanba” in Western romanization, however, since the Japanese letter “n” is pronounced like “m” when proceeding the letter “b,” the name is usually written as “Namba” when using the Western alphabet.

Probably Osaka’s most iconic neighborhood, Namba is packed with famous attractions and popular shopping spots. With an exciting restaurant scene, great accommodation and plenty of nightlife options, Namba is your one-stop-district for a fun and truly Osakan experience.

What to Do in Namba

Dotonbori - The Beating Heart of Namba

In the 1600’s, a local businessman is said to have widened the banks of the Dotonbori River in the hope of increasing commercial opportunities, resulting in the opening of multiple kabuki and bunraku theaters and a thriving amusement area. 400 years later, Dotonbori is still Osaka’s number one entertainment district. Running parallel to the river, the wide street is lined with restaurants and eateries, and it’s an excellent place to grab some tasty takoyaki, one of Osaka’s soul foods. The area is especially atmospheric after dusk when people flock to Dotonbori’s myriad of bars and hundreds of colorful neon signs light up, giving you that only-in-Japan feeling.

Giant Restaurant Signs - Advertising Taken to the Next Level

In Dotonbori, the local restaurants’ use of giant signs to compete for their customers’ attention is almost as legendary as the area’s food itself. Adorning the facades of buildings lining this infamous street, you will see gyoza the size of a fully grown person, an enormous pufferfish lantern, a giant’s hand reaching for a piece of nigiri sushi and the iconic mechanical crab that kicked off the giant sign trend back in the 1960s. Not sure where to grab some "takoyaki," Osaka’s mouth-wateringly delicious fried octopus dumplings? Look up, and the eye-catching signs featuring enormous red octopuses guarding the shop entrances will take you to the right place.

Glico Man - the City’s Most Iconic Neon Sign

Out of the hundreds of colorful signs lighting up the Dotonbori area at night, the “Glico Running Man” sign, located next to the Ebisu Bridge, is by far the most popular and recognisable! Originally installed in 1935, this iconic sign is an advertisement for Glico candy and features an athlete on a blue track. The sign has been altered many times to celebrate special occasions such as the World Cup or to show support for the Hanshin Tigers, Osaka’s local baseball team. Mimicking the athlete’s pose has become a popular photo op, and the bridge in front of the sign is usually crowded with tourists and locals alike.

Sightseeing River Cruise - See Namba from a Different Perspective

Namba is a busy area, and if you get overwhelmed by the crowds and feel like you need a break, a river cruise can be the perfect solution. Hop onboard one of the bright yellow boats making their way up and down the Dotonbori River, and see Namba from a different perspective. The sightseeing cruise boat moves at a leisurely pace and crosses under several bridges during its 20-minute round-trip journey. Needless to say that the views from the water are even better after dusk when the area comes alive with colorful lights!

Ferris Wheel at Don Quijote - Tax Free Shopping and Thrilling Views

Don Quijote has shops all over Japan and is especially popular with tourists for its great tax free deals on everything from snacks and smartphone covers to suitcases, but the Namba branch has an extra draw: a 77-meter-tall ferris wheel! From its 4-seater pods you can enjoy an incredible bird’s eye view of Namba’s impressive cityscape during the 15-minute-long ride, including the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower and Abeno Harukas, which is Japan’s tallest skyscraper. True to the flashy nature of Namba, the ferris wheel is of course lit up in bright neon colors at night.

If you are looking for the perfect souvenirs to bring back home, read more about Don Quijote's top-sellers here! You can also grab a Don Quijote discount coupon at the link below:

Osaka Shochikuza Theater - Get Your Fill of Performing Arts

First opened in 1923, the Osaka Shochikuza Theater evokes images of a different time and place with its Italian neo-renaissance facade modeled after a famous theater in Milan. The theater is part of Namba’s history as an important entertainment district and originally hosted mostly movie screenings as well as music performances. The historic building underwent extensive renovations in the 90s and is now the last remaining establishment from Dotonbori’s theatrical heydays. Today, Osaka Shochikuza Theatre is primarily known for its "kabuki" performances, which make good use of the theater's unique features such as trap doors and a complex revolving stage, and catching a show here can be a relaxing break from the neighborhood's hustle and bustle.

Hozenji Temple - Make a Wish to the Local Guardian

A short walk from busy Dotonbori you can step through the gates of Hozenji Temple, which feels like stepping into Namba’s past. With the entire area dedicated to entertainment both then and now, Hozenji Temple pays tribute to the performing arts and used to host stage plays and traditional "rakugo" storytelling gigs on its grounds. 

The temple is protected by Fudo Myoo, one of the five guardians of Buddhism, and splashing water on his statue is said to bring good luck. You can tell that many people come here to wish for their dreams to come true, as the stone sculpture is entirely covered in lush, green moss!

Namba Yasaka Shrine - Have Your Bad Luck Eaten by A Giant Lion

Once part of a flourishing religious complex, Namba Yasaka Shrine[10]  suffered extensive damage during the WWII air raids but was later reconstructed on its centrally located grounds dotted with cherry blossom trees. The main attraction here, however, is the huge lion-head stage measuring an impressive 12 meters in height. Built in 1975, the 7-meter-deep mouth of the roaring mythological lion is said to swallow evil spirits, and many people come here to pray for good luck during the yearly exam periods and the end of the financial year. A lively festival is held every year in January, where a giant tug-of-war game takes place on the shrine grounds, making for an unforgettable memory for those lucky enough to experience the event.

Shinsekai - Osaka’s Nostalgic Retro Neighbourhood

Translating to “New World”, the Shinsekai area was developed just before the war and modeled over cities such as New York and Paris, then neglected for decades before re-emerging as Osaka’s iconic retro neighborhood. Shinsekai’s landmark, Tsutenkaku Tower, was inspired by the design of the Eiffel Tower and is home to a great observation deck as well as a fun, 60-meter slide to the base of the tower. The area is an amazing place for photographers with its many nostalgic and kitschy signs and distinct retro vibe, especially at night. Shinsekai is popular with locals and packed with tiny bars and eateries, and it’s one of the best places to try an Osaka classic, "kushikatsu": a variety of skewered meat, fish, and vegetables, which are then battered and deep-fried golden-brown.

Let a Local Guide You to an Unforgettable Night Out in Namba

Not sure where to start your explorations of Namba? Join a tour with a local insider guide who will kickstart your Osaka adventure discovering both the highlights and secret spots including Namba’s fun and colorful nightlife and evening food scene, Shinsekai's retro charms, and Hozenji Yokocho's centuries-old collection of stores. Join this "Day & Night Hotspots & Hidden Gems Tour" for a memorable day in Osaka’s most exciting neighborhood!

Where to Shop in Namba

Shinsaibashi - Namba’s Most Popular Shopping District

Shinsaibashi is by many considered Osaka’s number one shopping area and is a mix of well-known brands and smaller independent shops. The area is home to large department stores such as Daimaru, but is probably most well-known for its 580-meter-long shopping street, Shinsaibashisuji. Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Street starts from Ebisu Bridge, just across from the iconic Glico Running Man neon sign, and is covered, making it perfect for shopping in rainy weather and on blasting hot summer days alike. Fashion and cosmetic shops line the busy street, and the covered arcade is also a great place to pick up souvenirs, spot the latest youth trends and browse through the 100-yen shops.

Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street - For All Your Kitchen Tool Desires

Osaka is often referred to as “Japan’s kitchen”, and Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street is a virtual shopping haven for all aspiring chefs and passionate homecooks. Located just east of Namba Station, this 150-meter long shopping arcade has a colorful history as it started out as a pilgrimage route between two temples, turned into a black market after the war, and then finally transformed into the kitchen tool shopping paradise it is today. Here, you will be able to find everything from lacquerware, ceramics, pots and pans to specialty items such as restaurant lanterns, fake food models, and shopfront curtains. If you’ve become addicted to Osaka’s favorite street food, takoyaki, Sennichimae Doguyasuji is also one of the best places to pick up a takoyaki pan to bring home.

Ebisubashi Suji Shopping Street - Great for Shopping on Rainy Days

If you manage to explore all the stores lining the Shinsaibashisuji but are still in the mood for more shopping, fret not: just on the other side of Ebisu Bridge and almost in immediate extension of Shinsaibashisuji, you will find Ebisubashi Shopping Street, a 370-meter-long covered arcade stretching all the way to the Takashimaya department store. The area's history dates back to 1615 when the Ebisu Bridge was first constructed, and today it is a thriving shopping district featuring fashionable shops stocking all the latest trends. On the corner closest to Ebisu Bridge you will find one of Osaka’s most popular Starbucks branches located on the second floor of the Tsutaya bookstore, offering great views of the busy streets below.

Takashimaya - Namba’s Most Convenient Department Store

Another Namba institution, Takashimaya Osaka is your one-stop-shop for amazing crafts, fashion and souvenirs. With a convenient location and directly connected to Namba Station, this department store has something for everyone. Browse the aisles for fashion, toys, homeware or specialty products such as high-quality kitchen knives crafted in the famous blade-centered city of Sakai. The basement floor is dedicated to Osaka-specific souvenirs and delicacies that are only available here. If you are heading to Kansai International Airport to catch a flight home, Takashimaya Osaka is also a great place to grab a last minute meal on one of its restaurant floors.

Namba Parks - Shopping and Green Respite in One

Opened in 2003 at the former site of Osaka’s baseball stadium, Namba Parks is a huge shopping and dining complex directly connected to the busy Namba Station. The facility is vast, and it can be a good idea to stop by the second floor information center first to pick up a floor guide - sometimes they will also hand out discount coupons here. Most of the 250 shops are located on the 1st to 5th floor, with dining options to be found on the 6th, 7th and 8th floor. What makes Namba Parks unique, however, is its rooftop garden. A terraced landscape garden was added to the complex, spreading over multiple levels and featuring trickling streams, ponds and leafy groves of trees - perfect for a relaxing post-shopping break.

America Mura - Namba’s Alternative Hang Out Spot

Often abbreviated to “Amemura”, this area is a constantly evolving hub for fashion and trendy cafés, and many subcultures and free spirits gather here. In the 1960s, many shops selling jeans and other items imported from the west opened in America Mura, and today it’s a great place to search for sneakers, vintage clothing, and vinyls. The trendy neighborhood is located just west of Shinsaibashi and offers an alternative, laid-back vibe. Besides shopping, America Mura is also perfect for people-watching, especially around Sankakukoen (Triangle Park) where skateboarders, hip hop dancers, and young people in general gather on weekends to hang out and show off their sometimes peculiar outfits. America Mura is equally lively in the evening, with many bars and clubs tucked away in the area’s sidestreets.

Nipponbashi Denden Town - Pop Culture in Electric Town

Nipponbashi Denden Town is to Osaka what Akihabara is to Tokyo: a veritable mecca for fans of electronics, manga, anime, pop culture and everything in between. Much less crowded than its Tokyo counterpart, Denden Town is centered around two parallel-running streets, making it very easy to navigate the many intriguing shops, maid cafés, and arcades with crane games and "gachapon" capsule toys machines. Get your fill of figurine shopping, dress up in costumes, and sing your heart out at karaoke and get soaked up by the area’s distinctive atmosphere. If you are lucky enough to be in town around the spring equinox, don’t miss the impressive cosplay festival where thousands of professional and amateur cosplayers show up in their anime-inspired outfits.

Where to Eat in Namba

Kani Doraku - An Iconic Namba Eatery

Kani Doraku has branches across Japan, but its most well-known location has to be the main store located on Namba’s busy, neon-lit Dotonbori Street. Specializing solely in mouthwatering crab dishes, this high-quality restaurant serves everything from fancy, multi-course kaiseki dinners to sushi, grilled dishes and hot pots - all featuring the sweet, succulent crab meat as the star ingredient.You cannot miss this popular dining spot as the facade is decorated with Namba’s most iconic sign: a giant, illuminated crab, which moves its mechanical legs, pincers and even eye stalks

Get a Taste of Namba on a Customizable Food Tour

Namba is a paradise for food lovers, and what better way to explore the area’s tasty cuisine than together with a local foodie? This "Osaka Street Food Tour with a Local Foodie" is private and 100% personalized and will allow you to discover the heart of Osaka’s food scene as well as some of Osaka’s most popular street foods!

Hozenji Yokocho - Casual Dining in an Old-Time Alleyway

On the north side of Hozenji Temple you will find Hozenji Yokocho, a narrow, stove-paved alley lined with 60-something small eateries and bars. The area comes alive in the evening and is especially atmospheric after sunset when swinging lanterns cast a soft light and transports you back to Japan as it used to look centuries ago. Many aspiring chefs come here to learn and train their kitchen skills, and Hozenji Yokocho is a great place to try some of Osaka’s delicious food. Pop into whatever restaurant piques your interest and munch away on local specialties while you enjoy the magical appeal of Namba’s backstreets.

Takoyaki Dotonbori Kukuru Konamon Museum - Osaka’s Soul Food With a Twist

One of Osaka’s favorite street food snacks - the takoyaki - is sold at numerous vendors around Namba, but if you don’t know where to start, head to Takoyaki Dotonbori Kukuru Konamon Museum. Easily recognisable by its long lines and the giant octopus sign hanging above the entrance, this particular takoyaki stand serves up a twist on the beloved classic, known as “bikkuri takoyaki,” which translates to “surprise takoyaki”. These tasty treats contain larger-than-normal chunks of octopus, with some of the larger pieces even protruding from the steaming hot batter. Line up to get your hands on this Namba favorite - the wait will be worth it!

Kushikatsu Daruma - Deep-Fried Delights

Kushikatsu was developed as nutritious fast food for the low income worker in the early 20th century - but today, this sinfully greasy dish is as popular as ever. Vegetables, cheese, meat cuts - if it can be skewered, it can also be battered and deep fried to golden perfection as kushikatsu. At Kushikatsu Daruma the skewers are cooked to order and have a light crispy batter. If the number of kushikatsu feels a tad overwhelming, you can also order one of the restaurant’s set menus and let the chef surprise you with today’s special skewers.

Kinryu Ramen - Namba's Most Delicious Ramen

Another iconic restaurant on Dotonbori is Kinryu Ramen. Kinryu translates as “golden dragon”, and sure enough: on the building’s facade, an enormous dragon can be seen leaping out of a bowl of ramen. In fact, each of the chain’s branches features a dragon in a different position. When Kinryu Ramen opened in 1982, ramen still wasn’t very popular in Osaka, but the shop has gained a steady following since. The restaurant is relatively simple and has only very few items on the menu, but the noodles and pork-based ramen broth are delicious, and you can adjust the bowl to your liking with "kimchi," garlic, and chives.

551 Horai - Queue Up Before They Sell Out

Have you ever boarded the shinkansen at Shin-Osaka Station and been met with a waft of goodness as your next-seat neighbor got out their train dinner? Chances are they stopped by 551 Horai. Sold at train stations and at airports throughout the Kansai region, this popular local chain specializes in Chinese-style fast food such as "shumai" steamed dumplings and "gyoza fried dumplings. One of the most revered items of the menu, however, is the "butaman" steamed pork bun, and at their branch in Namba you can get your hands on a piping hot, fresh-out-of-the-steambath version. Don’t go too late though - this delicious snack tends to sell out during the day!

Rikuro - The Cheesecake that Went Viral

Rikuro’s fluffy, yet super-jiggly cheesecakes are baked fresh in-store and have become wildly popular. No Rikuro shops exist outside of Osaka, so fans of this irresistible sweet treat form long lines to get their cheesecake fix while in town. The cakes are based on fresh cream cheese and lined with high-quality raisins. As you explore the Namba area, you are likely to catch the delicious aroma of the sought-after baked goods wafting down the street, so let your nose guide you to a well-deserved dessert break.

Kuromon Market - Mingle With the Locals Over Fresh Seafood

Kuromon Market is a 580-meter-long, covered market housing some 150 stalls primarily specializing in fish and seafood. Many chefs and restaurants come here to stock up their kitchens and supplies, but a lot of stalls also cook up ready-to-eat street food on top of their wholesale business. Some of the best things to try here are grilled seafood such as eel, crab legs, and oysters, as well as fresh sashimi and sea urchins. The variety is impressive, and you can also find sweets, pickled vegetables, meat-wrapped rice balls and even flowers for sale here. The market has a local and low key atmosphere, but it can also get very crowded, so set aside enough time to explore at a leisurely pace.

Ukiyo Alley - a Treasure Hunt Through the History of Namba

Close to the never-resting, bustling street of Dotonbori, Ukiyo Alley is a narrow side street sandwiched between two buildings. In fact, the street is so narrow that only one person at a time can pass through it. Entering the alleyway is like stepping into a different world - a world of the past of Namba and Osaka. The walls are decorated with art depicting everyday life and scenes from the area as it looked during the Taisho and Showa era. Exploring Ukiyo Alley is like going on a treasure hunt, with small figurines, old sign boards, and musical instruments all hidden along the way, and the dimly glowing lanterns only add to the other-wordly atmosphere.

Bar-Hopping: the Best Start to Your Night Out in Namba

Diving into the bar scene of an unknown destination can feel overwhelming, but this fun bar-hopping tour will take you to all the hidden spots of Namba’s vibrant nightlife. A local guide will take you to hidden bars, explain the menus, and order delicious treats and sake for you!

Where to Stay in Namba - Recommended Hotels

IAM HOTEL

Karaksa Hotel Osaka Namba

Looking to stay in Tokyo? karaksa hotel also offers convenient options in central Tokyo with their newly opened karaksa hotel colors Tokyo Yaesu!

How to Get to Namba

Namba is located in the southern part of Osaka, also known as Osaka Minami. The main access points are Namba Station and JR Namba Station, two busy transportation hubs that almost feel like one station since they are adjacent and directly connected. Arriving at one of these two stations will bring you to the very heart of Namba.

Convenient Tickets

Various convenient transportation cards and special tickets are available to make your visit to Namba as smooth as possible such as the ICOCA IC Card or the Nankai Rapi:t Kansai Airport Express Ticket.

Explore Osaka's Most Vibrant Neighborhood

As Osaka’s most colorful and fun neighborhood, Namba should be on the top of your list for any visit to “Japan’s Kitchen”. With some of the city’s most iconic sites and popular attractions located here, as well as an enticing food scene, you can easily spend several days in this area without running out of new things to explore! 

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