10 Best Things to Do in Namba
Explore Top Attractions in Osaka's Namba Area
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Namba (難波) is Osaka’s vibrant southern district, celebrated for its bustling commercial and entertainment scene. It’s famous for its neon-lit streets, shopping arcades like Shinsaibashi-suji, and the iconic Glico Running Man billboard.
Osaka is commonly divided into two major downtown areas: Kita (North) and Minami (South). Minami encompasses Namba and Shinsaibashi, known for their vivid atmosphere, diverse shopping options, and a wide array of dining options. Namba Station (Osaka Metro), Nankai Namba Station and Osaka Namba Station are major transportation hubs in this area.
Namba is also home to Dotonbori, a must-visit destination known for its energetic nightlife scene, delicious street food, and iconic landmarks such as the giant moving crab at Kani Doraku and the Hozenji Yokocho alley.
In contrast to the sophisticated skyline of Kita (Umeda), Namba offers a dynamic and lively vibe that attracts both locals and tourists alike. It’s a bustling hub of entertainment, shopping, and culinary delights in the heart of Osaka.
1. Dotonbori
Dotonbori (道頓堀) is Osaka’s most touristic neighbourhood, known for its energetic atmosphere and iconic neon billboards like the Glico Running Man and the massive moving crab. It’s a dining hub with numerous restaurants and offers plenty of entertainment, shopping, and attractions.
They are plenty of delicious options to eat at Dotombori, but rather than go to a restaurant I recommend enjoy the street food, and prepare your own takoyaki at the Dotombori Konamon Museum.
For more info: Dotonbori: Things to Do
2. Namba Yasaka Shrine
Namba Yasaka Shrine (難波八阪神社) is a unique and iconic shrine in Osaka, revered as the guardian deity of the Namba district. Known as the “Lion Shrine”, it features the impressive Ema-Den, an enormous lion head statue measuring 12 meters high and 11 meters wide. This lion head has become a symbol of the shrine and a popular photo spot in Osaka. Inside the lion’s mouth is a stage where various shrine events take place throughout the year.
Legend has it that the lion’s wide-open mouth swallows evil spirits and beckons victory and success for worshippers. Located just a 15-minute walk from Dotonbori.
For more information: Namba Yasaka Shrine: The Lion Head Shrine in Osaka
Information
 Access |
5 min' walk from Namba Station |
|---|---|
 Address |
2 Chome-9-19 Motomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0016 |
 Business Hours |
6:00~17:00 |
 Official Website |
https://nambayasaka.jp/ |
 Nearest station |
Namba Station |
3. Kuromon Market
Kuromon Market (黒門市場), also known as “Osaka’s Kitchen” (浪速の台所 Naniwa no Daidokoro), is a historic 580-meter market street.Established over 190 years ago, it survived fires and World War II, evolving into western Japan’s largest market with 180 shops and restaurants.
With a vibrant atmosphere and high-quality seafood and local delicacies, Kuromon Market has become a must-visit destination for both tourists and locals seeking authentic Osaka cuisine.
For more info: Kuromon Market: Osaka’s Popular & Historic Marketplace
Information
| Access |
5 min' walk from Nipponbashi Station/ 8 min' walk from Namba Station |
|---|---|
| Address |
2 Chome Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073 |
| Business Hours |
9:00~18:00 |
| Official Website |
https://kuromon.com/jp/ |
| Nearest station |
Nipponbashi Station or Namba Station |
4. Hozenji Yokocho
Hozenji Yokocho (法善寺横丁) is a charming Izakaya alley with over 60 restaurants and Izakaya bars in 80 meters (approx.). Locals and tourists alike visit Hozenji Yokocho for its diverse dining options, ranging from casual Izakaya to upscale restaurants.
Despite being just a short walk from the lively Dotonbori district, the alley offers a different, more relaxed vibe, reminiscent of Osaka’s past. You can enjoy authentic local food and drinks in this historic and picturesque setting.
5. Hozenji Temple
At one end of the street stands Hozenji Temple (法善寺), a historic Buddhist temple established in 1637. The temple is dedicated to Fudo Myoo, a deity in the Japanese Buddhism that drives away evil spirits and negative influences.
There’s a statue of Fudo Myoo covered in moss, and visitors traditionally seek out the statue to ritually splash it with water, believed to bring luck and blessings.
Hozenji Temple is a serene oasis in the chaotic area of Dotonbori, creating a calm ambiance with its lantern-lit scenery, especially captivating at night.
Information
| Access |
4 min' walk from Namba Station |
|---|---|
| Address |
1 Chome-2-16 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0076 |
| Business Hours |
24 hours |
| Official Website |
https://houzenji.jp/ |
| Nearest station |
Namba Station |
6. Shinsaibashi
Shinsaibashi (心斎橋) is the best shopping district in Osaka, featuring a wide array of shopping malls and boutiques. At the heart of it is Shinsaibashi-suji, a famous 600-meter-long shopping arcade bustling with hundreds of shops, from small boutiques to large department stores.
This covered arcade ensures a comfortable shopping experience regardless of the weather. Beyond clothing stores, Shinsaibashi-suji also boasts a diverse range of shops including drugstores, variety stores, restaurants, cafes, and more. It’s the best shopping destination in Osaka
For more info: 8 Best Things to Do in Shinsaibashi
7. Sennichimae Shopping Street
Sennichimae Shopping Street (千日前商店街) is a popular destination in Osaka for shopping, dining, and experiencing the local ambiance.
Stretching approximately 600 meters, it offers a mix of traditional shops, modern boutiques, souvenir stores, and local eateries serving Osaka’s famous street food.
8. Nakaza Kuidaore Building
Kuidaore Taro, also known as The Drumming Clown, is a famous drum-playing clown doll in Dotonbori district, symbolizing the area’s vibrant dining culture and extravagant spirit. Kuidaore it’s a word could be translate as financially ruining oneself by overindulging in food and drink, and reflects the lively dining culture of the Dotonboti area.
The Nakaza Kuidaore Building (中座くいだおれビル) is a popular landmark in Namba, that captivates visitors with its colorful facade and bustling interior, housing a variety of dining establishments and shops.
Information
| Access |
6 min' walk from Namba Station |
|---|---|
| Address |
1 Chome-7-21 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071 |
| Business Hours |
24 hours |
| Official Website |
https://nakaza-cuidaore.com/ |
| Nearest station |
Namba Station |
9. Osaka Takashimaya Department Store
Takashimaya Department Store is renowned in Japan for offering a wide range of luxury goods including fashion, cosmetics, gourmet food, and home goods. Osaka Takashimaya is one of the largest department stores in the city, perfect for a premium shopping experiences in Osaka.
Information
| Access |
2 min' walk from Namba Station |
|---|---|
| Address |
5 Chome-1-5 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-8510 |
| Business Hours |
10:00~20:00 |
| Official Website |
https://www.takashimaya.co.jp/osaka/ |
| Nearest station |
Namba Station |
10. Namba Grand Kagetsu
Osaka people are well-known in Japan for their humor and comedic talents, particularly through traditional styles like manzai and rakugo. Their quick wit and humorous personalities have made Osaka a hub for comedy, entertaining audiences nationwide: most popular comedians who appear on Japanese television are from Osaka.
Namba Grand Kagetsu (なんばグランド花月), abbreviated as NGK, is a well-known comedy theater located in the Namba district. Established in 1987, it has become a popular venue for comedic performances, including traditional Japanese comedy styles like manzai and conte, as well as modern stand-up acts.
Namba Grand Kagetsu features regular shows by both seasoned comedians and up-and-coming talents, attracting a diverse audience of locals and tourists alike. The theater is celebrated for its lively atmosphere and role in promoting Osaka’s rich comedy culture.
Information
| Access |
5 min' walk from Namba Station |
|---|---|
| Address |
11-6 Nanbasennichimae, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0075 |
| Business Hours |
Weekdays: 10:00~18:00/ Weekends and Holidays: 9:00~18:00 |
| Official Website |
https://ngk.yoshimoto.co.jp/ |
| Nearest station |
Namba Station |
Extra: Side Trip to Umeda
After you finish exploring the South area, you can head over to the North area in Umeda! Know for its iconic Umeda Sky Building and its observatory to delicious food and shopping streets, and hidden gems as Tsuyuten Shrine. You can immerse yourself in Osaka’s vibrant business district.
Join One Day Tour
If you’re worried about navigating the city on your own in this bustling metropolis, or simply prefer the company of a knowledgeable guide to reveal its secrets and explain its landmarks, you can join a one-day guided tour
▶︎Osaka Castle, Umeda & Tonbori River Cruise Day Tour
How to Travel from Tokyo to Osaka
If you are thinking of taking a one day trip from Osaka, the best way to get around in Japan is to use the bullet train. In high season tickets can be sold out so we recommend buying them in advance.
▶︎Book now your Shinkansen tickets!
Japan Bullet Train is a new service launched by our partner company, offering bullet train and express train tickets in Japan for non-Japanese speakers with a very easy and simple process and English-friendly customer service.
After your purchase your ticket online you will receive a QR code. Simply have to scan this QR code in the vending machines available at the main stations from where the bullet train departs and get your physical ticket, and you are ready to go.
If you want to consider other options like the bus, check this article: ▶︎Travel from Tokyo to Osaka
Where to Eat in Osaka
From savory street snacks to hearty comfort dishes and delightful desserts, Osaka has earned its reputation as the culinary capital of Japan. So you can’t visit Osaka without dedicating some of your travel time to trying its local food!
Takoyaki, a street food with diced octopus, and okonomiyaki, a savory pancake, are popular choices. Rikuro Ojisan’s cheesecake is a must for dessert.
For more info: 10 Best Restaurants in Dotonbori
If you want to book a reservation for some of the best restaurants in Osaka, you can do it online from here:
If is your first time in Osaka, check out this top restaurants! ▶︎Best Michelin Star Restaurants in Osaka 2024
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▶︎Shinsekai: Best Things to Do
▶︎TeamLab Botanical Garden in Osaka
▶︎America Mura: The Mecca for Young Culture in Osaka
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Written by
From Barcelona to Tokyo. Coffee & Adventure lover🌏☕️
I started to like Japan because of the anime, music and doramas, but after my first trip to the country I found what I love the most: traveling around, the culture and history. I have travelled a lot in Japan, but I still have many places to discover that I want to share with you🙋🏼♀️ Let’s discover Japan together!
Also, as a foreigner living in Japan for over 6 years I understand what kind of things are difficult when you move here and I want to help other people in the same situation that I have in the past.
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