Osaka: Exploring Namba
A bustling and vibrant metropolis, Osaka is the economic powerhouse of the Kansai region and Japan’s second largest metropolitan city after Tokyo. There are two major city centers in Osaka: Kita (North) and Minami (South). Both are served by a large network of train companies and subway lines so it’s extremely easy to move around the city as well as travel to other parts of Japan.
Known as the entertainment district of Osaka, Namba is the heart of Minami and offers travelers a plethora of shopping and dining choices that will make your head spin. If you’re planning a multi-city Japan trip, Namba is the perfect place to start your vacation before moving on to Kyoto and other quieter cities. If you do it the other way around, it’s a bit of a shock to the system! Using a Japan Rail Pass is a great way travel through Japan but if you’re just interested in a small number of cities or a certain region, look into these specific JR regional passes to cut costs.
Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade
The massively popular roofed arcade is 580 meters long (about seven blocks) with approximately 180 stores made up of independent boutiques, major department stores, and cafes. During the weekend, it gets packed and can be suffocating with more than 120,000 shoppers passing through it.
It is an intense experience walking through the arcade so you can take shelter in Daimaru department store. The food hall has the most beautiful looking cakes and bento boxes!
Address: 2 Chome-2-２２ Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo Ward, Osaka
Station: Namba Subway Station (southern part of the arcade) and Shinsaibashi Subway Station (northern part of the arcade)
Opening Hours: varies with shops
Osaka Castle and Osaka Castle Park
Osaka Castle was first built in 1583 by the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi who wanted the castle to be the center of a united Japan under his rule. Over the years, the castle was expanded and upgraded to meet the needs of a town developing into the center of trade and politics.
The castle was destroyed by fires and wars in the 17th century, and rebuilt and renovated several times. In 1931, a major reconstruction began on the castle we see today, and in 1997, it went through renovations to upgrade its facilities to include an elevator. Go up to the top deck to see lovely views of the city.
The castle is surrounded by gorgeous stone walls and moats, and a park that covers two square kilometres with green space, a shrine, a multi-purpose arena, and sports facilities.
Part of Osaka Castle Park but requiring an admission fee, Nishinomaru Garden has 600 cherry trees, a tea house, and the former Osaka Guest House. It’s one of the most popular spots for cherry blossoms viewing during the season in early April.
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka
Stations: Tanimachi 4-chrome Station (southwest side of the park), Morinomiya Station (southeast side of the park), Temmabashi Station (northwest side of the park), and Osakajokoen Station (northeast side of the park).
Opening Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Dec 28 – Jan 1.
Kuromon Ichiba Market
Japan has incredible markets and Kuromon Ichiba is one of the best. Nicknamed “Osaka’s kitchen,” this market has 150 stores selling fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables, meat, pickles, dried fish, and desserts. In addition to stocking up on grocery, you can purchase meat skewers, chestnuts and rice balls to eat on the go, and/or dine at any of the 25 restaurants and cafes along the stretch of the market.
Station: Nippombashi Subway Station and Kintetsu Nippombashi Station
Opening Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Namba Walk
Namba Walk is a fantastic underground shopping area that connects you to a variety of train and subway stations stretched out from east to west with easy accessibility to the Kansai International Airport and OCAT (Osaka City Air Terminal). With more than 270 shops and food outlets, you can easily spend a couple of hours exploring the area. What I noticed about Namba Walk is that most of the restaurants specialize in one type of dish, be it sukiyaki, tempura, udon, or eel dishes. They’re reasonably priced and extremely convenient and delicious. The only issue is that people still smoke inside restaurants and most of these places are quite small. It can make dinner quite unpleasant but thankfully diners don’t linger so you can eat quickly and move on to your next destination.
A store called “Mother Garden” caught my attention. From a glance, it looks like they sell children’s clothing, but look closely, all the clothes are for dogs!
Address: 542-0074 2-1-15 Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Opening Hours: Shopping 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Restaurants 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Stations: Namba Station on the Kintetsu Railway and Subway Midosuji, Sennichimae, and Yotsubashi Lines.
Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street
If you love to cook as much as I do, you’ll love this shopping street! At 150 meter long, Sennichimae Doguyasuji may be the shortest shopping street out of the ones I mentioned, but they contain the most fascinating stores. These stores sell practically every cooking utensil and professional restaurant supplies imaginable from specialty knives and bento boxes to imitation food displays and beautifully designed bowls. If you’re planning a trip to Osaka in early October, the Doguyasuji Festival will be a food-packed day where you can sample a giant Taiyaki (fish-shaped waffle), make your very own food models, and buy kitchenware at good discounts.
Address: 14-5 Nanbasennichimae, Chuo Ward, Osaka
Station: Namba Station and Nipponbashi Station
Opening Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
This article is now available as a mobile app. Go to GPSmyCity to download the app for GPS-assisted travel directions to the attractions featured in this article.