Minami (Namba)

Southern downtown of Osaka
•••Highly Recommended
★★★★★
3.9 (1,858)
#2 of 25 most visited in Osaka

Located around Namba Station, Minami (ミナミ, "South") is one of Osaka's two major city centers. It is the city's most famous entertainment district and offers abundant dining and shopping choices. The district is easily accessible as it is served by three train companies as well as three subway lines and a highway bus terminal. The other major city center is Kita (キタ, "North") which is located around Osaka and Umeda stations.

Shopping and nightlife

  • Dotonbori
    Best seen at night, Dotonbori never truly closes with some restaurants open 24 hours.
    One of Osaka's most popular tourist destinations, this street runs parallel to the Dotonbori canal. It is a popular shopping and entertainment district and also known as a food destination. At night it is lit by hundreds of neon lights and mechanized signs, including the famous Glico Running Man and Kani Doraku crab.
  • Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade
    Hours vary by store; typically from around 10:00-11:00 to around 20:00-22:00.
    Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade and the surrounding Shinsaibashi area is Osaka's premiere shopping center. Approximately 600 m long, this area is unique as it combines chain retail stores and trendy boutiques with expensive department stores and top designer fashion labels.
  • Amerikamura
    Hours vary by store.
    Locally known as "Amemura," this shopping district is considered Osaka's counterpart to Harajuku and is a good place to see the cutting edge of teenage fashion and culture in Japan. It is a lively atmosphere that is populated with cafes, clothing stores, and thrift shops with a younger feel than the nearby Shinsaibashi.
  • Den Den Town
    Hours vary by store; typically from around 10:00-11:00 to around 19:00-20:00.
    Located in the Nipponbashi area, Den Den Town is an electronics district comparable to Tokyo's Akihabara, and you may be able to bargain to a better deal. Like Akihabara, Den Den Town is also known as an otaku paradise with numerous manga and anime retailers as well as maid and cosplay cafes located there.
  • Kuromon Market
    Hours vary by store, typically 8:00 to 18:00
    Kuromon Market is a several hundred meter long, covered shopping arcade filled with shops and restaurants selling fresh seafood, meat, vegetables and fruits. It is known as "Osaka's Kitchen".
  • Namba Parks
    Shops: 11:00-21:00. Restaurants vary but most are open 11:00-23:00.
    Built to resemble a natural canyon, Namba Parks is designed to be a break of nature amidst the sprawling urban landscape. It features a 120 tenant shopping mall including a cinema, amphitheater, and a rooftop garden. The 6th floor is made up of numerous restaurants including some Korean, Italian, and Vietnamese places.

Culture and history

  • National Bunraku Theater
    Bunraku performances are usually held in three week runs in January, April, June, July/August and November. Ticket prices vary by performance but typically range from 2000 to 6000 yen.
    Bunraku is similar to kabuki but performed using meter tall puppets. The National Bunraku Theater is considered the nation's most prestigious, and in addition to shows offers free seminars throughout the year. English earphones are available.
  • Shochikuza Theater
    Kabuki performances are usually held in five runs per year, each lasting between three to four weeks. Ticket prices vary by performance but typically range from 4000 to 15000 yen.
    The Shochikuza Theater is the prime location to see kabuki performances in Osaka. It is a Western style theater that opened in 1923 and has a seating capacity of just over 1000. English headsets are unavailable at Shochizuka Theater, but English program books can be purchased at the information counter.
  • Hozenji Yokocho
    Admission to the temple is free. Restaurant hours vary.
    Hozenji Yokocho is a small district near Dotonbori, consisting of two 80 meter long, atmospheric alleys. The narrow alleys are lined by traditional restaurants and izakaya and retain an old-time atmosphere reminiscent of Kyoto's Pontocho. Be sure to visit Hozenji Temple where local merchants and visitors alike pour water over the temple's moss-covered statues for good luck.
  • Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum
    Hours: 11:00 to 18:00 (entry until 17:30)
    Closed: Mondays (or following day if Monday is a national holiday)
    Admission: 700 yen
    Kamigata is an old name for the Kansai Region around Osaka, and Kamigata Ukiyoe refer to woodblock prints from the Osaka and Kyoto region. Many of the prints feature portraits of kabuki actors.

Getting there and around

The Minami area is centered around Namba Station and the Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) and is served by multiple train and subway lines as well as buses.

Namba Station is not a single station, but rather a collection of multiple station buildings and platforms, including Nankai Namba Station, JR Namba Station and Kintetsu's Osaka-Namba Station. Furthermore, the Midosuji, Yotsubashi and Sennichimae subway lines stop at their respective Namba stations.

Most airport and highway buses serve the Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT), which is located in the same building as JR Namba Station.

From Shin-Osaka and Osaka stations

The Midosuji Subway line connects Shin-Osaka and Osaka/Umeda stations directly to Namba Station. It takes approximately 8 minutes and 240 yen from Osaka/Umeda Station and 15 minutes and 290 yen from Shin-Osaka Station.

From Kansai Airport

By train

Nankai Railway operates direct trains between Kansai Airport and Namba Station. Express trains take around 45 minutes and cost 970 yen (non-reserved seats only), while limited express trains ("Rap:t") take around 35 minutes and cost 1490 yen (reserved seats only).

It is also possible to travel by JR, but it requires a transfer at Tennoji Station along the way. The whole trip takes approximately one hour and costs 1080 yen, using the JR Airport Rapid.

By bus

Buses run from Kansai Airport to the Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) approximately every 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the airport limousine bus counter and cost 1300 yen. Travel time is about 50 minutes.

How to get to and around Osaka

Questions? Ask in our forum.

Links and Resources

English

Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Center

Official website.

Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum

Official website.

National Bunraku Theatre

Official website.

Japanese

Dotonbori Town Guide

Official website of Dotonbori shopping street association.

Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Center

Official website.

Nippombashi DenDen Town

Official website.

Namba Parks

Official website.

National Bunraku Theatre

Official website.

Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum

Official website.

Hotels around Osaka

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    •
      Kaneyoshi Ryokan
      A modern Japanese inn in Dotombori. the center of Osaka. 2 subway stations nearby. Close to many shops and Osaka Castle.
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      Hotel 88 Shinsaibashi
      Mid-range
      Hotel 88 Shinsaibashi is an 8-minute walk from OCAT (Osaka City Air Terminal) and a 10-minute walk from Namba Station. Glico Man Sign is a 4-minute walk from the property. Free WiFi is available in all rooms. Featuring modern d?cor, all rooms come with air conditioning and heating facilities, a flat-screen TV and pajamas. Private bathroom includes a bath, walk-in shower, hairdryer, toilet with an electronic bidet and free toiletries. Free luggage storage is available at the 24-hour front desk. Guests can enjoy billiards at the property. There is a drinks vending machine, and laundry service can be arranged. Tsutenkaku and Shinsekai shopping street are a 16-minute train ride away. Osaka Itami Airport is a 45-minute drive from Hotel 88 Shinsaibashi.
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      Citadines Namba Osaka
      Luxury
      Citadines Namba Osaka has a fitness centre, shared lounge, a restaurant and bar in Osaka. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers a shared kitchen and a 24-hour front desk. The property is 700 metres from the city centre and 300 metres from Nipponbashi Catholic Church. All rooms at the hotel come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Each room is fitted with a kettle, while some rooms are fitted with a kitchen with a stovetop. At Citadines Namba Osaka the rooms include bed linen and towels. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation. Popular points of interest near Citadines Namba Osaka include Nipponbashi Park, Komyo-ji Temple and Shinko-ji Temple. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 22 km from the hotel.
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      Hotel Royal Classic Osaka
      Luxury
      Boasting a bar, Hotel Royal Classic Osaka is set in the centre of Osaka, 400 metres from Motomachinaka Park. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, room service and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi. Private parking is available on site. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. All guest rooms will provide guests with a wardrobe and a kettle. A buffet breakfast is available every morning at Hotel Royal Classic Osaka. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Orange Street, Glico Man Sign and Naniwa Park. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 21 km from Hotel Royal Classic Osaka.
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      Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka
      Luxury
      Just a 3-minute walk from Namba Subway Station, Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka offers studios and apartments with free Wi-Fi. The Residence features a fitness centre and a sauna. Spacious rooms at Fraser Nankai come with an LCD TV, and washing machine. They have a well-equipped kitchenette. Guests at Osaka Fraser can go to gym, or visit the hotel’s library. The Residence offers a business centre with meeting facilities, a concierge and ticketing services. Guests can enjoy buffet style breakfast. Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka is a 15-minute subway ride from Shin-Osaka Shinkansen Station. Kansai International Airport is a 40-minute train ride from the hotel.
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      Centara Grand Hotel Osaka
      Luxury
      In a prime location in Osaka, Centara Grand Hotel Osaka provides air-conditioned rooms, a fitness centre, free WiFi and a terrace. Each accommodation at the 5-star hotel has city views, and guests can enjoy access to a restaurant and to a bar. The accommodation features room service, a 24-hour front desk and currency exchange for guests. All units at the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a safety deposit box. Every room is fitted with a private bathroom with a bidet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. At Centara Grand Hotel Osaka rooms include bed linen and towels. A buffet, American or Asian breakfast can be enjoyed at the property. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Namba Station, Kamomecho Park and Nipponbashi Park. Itami Airport is 22 km away.
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      Hiyori Hotel Osaka Namba Station
      Luxury
      Ideally located in the Shinsaibashi, Namba, Yotsubashi district of Osaka, Hiyori Hotel Osaka Namba Station is set 200 metres from Nankai Namba Station, 850 metres from Glico Man Sign, 1.6 km from Tsutenkaku and 1.6 km from Shinsekai. Located around 3.1 km from Shitenno-ji Temple, the hotel is also 3.7 km away from Abeno Harukas. The property is non-smoking and is situated 8 km from Universal Studios Japan. At the hotel, rooms have a desk and a flat-screen TV. With a private bathroom fitted with a shower and a hair dryer, rooms at Hiyori Hotel Osaka Namba Station also feature free WiFi. All units will provide guests with a wardrobe and a kettle. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation. There is an in-house restaurant, which serves European cuisine. Speaking both English and Korean, staff at the reception can help you plan your stay. Kuromon Market is 800 metres away, while Osaka Castle is 4.9 km from Hiyori Hotel Osaka Namba Station. Itami Airport is 18 km from the property.
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      Apartment Hotel 11 Namba
      Luxury
      Apartment Hotel 11 Namba offers accommodation within 300 metres of the centre of Osaka, with free WiFi, and a kitchen with a microwave, a fridge and a stovetop. This 4-star aparthotel offers a lift. The rooms are equipped with a balcony with views of the city. Fitted with a terrace, the units offer air conditioning and feature a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bath and slippers. At the aparthotel, all units are allergy-free and soundproof. At the aparthotel, units come with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the aparthotel include Namba Station, Kamomecho Park and Motomachinaka Park. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 22 km from Apartment Hotel 11 Namba.
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      Cabin & Capsule Hotel J-SHIP Osaka Namba
      Mid-range
      Located a minute’s walk from JR Namba Station South Exit, J-SHIP大阪難波 is a capsule hotel offering free WiFi. Rooms for men and women are located on separate floors. Featuring male and female public baths, the property provides nightwear, towels, slippers and toothbrushes. Bath amenities are also offered. Snacks and drinks vending machines are available on site. Guests can relax in the shared lounge. Namba CITY shopping mall is a 9-minute walk from the property, while Kyocera Dome Osaka, Osaka Castle and Osaka Tenmangu Shrine can be reached within a 20-minute drive away. JR Osaka Station and Umeda Station are 10 minutes by car, while Universal Studios Japan is a 25-minute train ride away. Osaka Itami Airporty is 40 minutes by car from J-SHIP大阪難波.
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      MIMARU Osaka Namba Station
      Luxury
      Located in the Shinsaibashi, Namba, Yotsubashi district in Osaka, MIMARU Osaka Namba Station offers 4-star rooms with free WiFi. Popular points of interest nearby include Koden-ji Temple, Manpuku-ji Temple and Shinsengumi Osaka Tonsho Monument. The property is 200 metres from Nipponbashi Catholic Church, and within 600 metres of the city centre. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At MIMARU Osaka Namba Station each room is equipped with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Nipponbashi Park, Komyo-ji Temple and Shinko-ji Temple. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 22 km from MIMARU Osaka Namba Station.
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      Hotel K6 Osaka Namba
      Mid-range
      Hotel K6 Osaka Namba (former Balian Namba Dotonbori) is conveniently located only a 3-minute walk from Namba Station. K6 has a 24-hour front desk, also luggage storage and shipping services are available. Free Wi-Fi is available in the building. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs, sofas, refrigerators, microwaves, and electric kettles. Bathrooms are equipped with a jetted tub, shower, toilet, hair dryer, and complimentary toiletries. The common lounge has a free alcohol & soft drink bar, and guests can enjoy it in the lobby. There are also restaurants, bars, and cafes within a 5-minute walk, guests can enjoy trip here. K6 also has twin rooms, making it a comfortable place to spend time with families. K6 also provides bed guards for free, so guests who with small children also can enjoy stay without worries. The baths are spacious and equipped with a washing area, so guests can have a relaxing bath with small children. Children's amenities and toiletries are available among the rental goods. For access to tourist attractions, it is approximately a 4-minute walk to Glico and a 5-minute walk to the OCAT bus stop to airport. Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is approximately 25 minutes by train from K6, and it is approximately 20 minutes by train to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. To the Osaka International Airport it will be spend about 45 minutes by trian from K6.
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