Namba

Osaka
Namba featuring street scenes and a city as well as a large group of people
With thrilling amusement arcades, underground bars, neon billboards and second-hand shopping, this dynamic district never ceases to surprise. 

Experience the excitement of ritzy Namba, Osaka's primary entertainment district. With undercover shopping centers, canalside restaurants, neon-lit thoroughfares and traditional theaters, there is plenty here to entertain.

Enter Namba from the north and follow crowds passing through the mighty Shinsaibashi shopping arcade. The walkway is just under 2,000-feet (600-meters) long and houses a range of trendy brand stores. Battle the claw machine at a Sega gaming arcade, get your phone repaired at a pop-up stall or have professional cartoonists draw you as a caricature. 

The northwestern side of the district has an adults-only vibe. Delve into the stranger lifestyles of Osaka's underground scene as you explore quirky themed bars, cat-petting cafés and stores selling imaginative gadgets.

Take a boat tour down the Dotonbori canal, which runs east to west through the center of the district. After disembarking, you may want to wander along the promenade, where you’ll find dumpling stalls and Don Quixote, a popular duty-free department store. 

Visit the waterfront at night to experience its bar scene, which is fuelled by lively music, engaging street performers and streams of passers-by. Night is also the best time to appreciate the oversized neon billboards and the Glico Running Man, a huge depiction of a runner crossing a finishing line, which has become iconic to Osaka.

South of the canal, see rare wood block prints from the 18th century at the tasteful but small Ukiyo-e Museum. Nearby Hozenji Yokocho alley is a popular dining spot, with more than 60 traditional restaurants. Pour water over the statues at Hozenji Temple for good fortune.

In Namba's southeast, explore the eclectic Nipponbashi DENDEN town. This bohemian shopping area specializes in used clothes, secondhand books, cooking knives and discount electronics.

For a night of cultural entertainment, book a seat at one of Namba's theaters. Watch Japanese comedy at Namba Grand Kagetsu, check out an oversized puppet performance at the National Bunraku Theatre or observe an elegant, dancing kabuki show at the Shochikuza Theatre.

The Namba district is located between Shinsaibashi subway station to the north and Nankai Namba station to the south. The area is best explored on foot.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Namba

Toyoko Inn Osaka Namba
Toyoko Inn Osaka Namba
3 out of 5
Nanba 2-chome 3 - 9, Osaka, Osaka
The price is P3,486 per night from 22 May to 23 May
P3,486
per night
22 May - 23 May
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Dotonbori and Nipponbashi are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (587 reviews)
"It’s conveniently located at B6 exit of the Namba Station. The room was tidy and the amenities were plenty. The breakfast was good enough."

Reviewed on May 14, 2024

Toyoko Inn Osaka Namba
Swissotel Nankai Osaka
Swissotel Nankai Osaka
5 out of 5
5-1-60 Namba Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka-fu
The price is P9,890 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
P9,890
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,010 reviews)
"Very convenient"

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Swissotel Nankai Osaka
Centara Grand Hotel Osaka
Centara Grand Hotel Osaka
5 out of 5
Nambanaka, Naniwa-ku, 2-11-50 33, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
The price is P9,983 per night from 19 May to 20 May
P9,983
per night
19 May - 20 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 5 restaurants. Popular attractions Nipponbashi and Tsutenkaku Tower are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (427 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel and spacious room. Will definitely stay at this hotel again next time we visit Osaka."

Reviewed on May 13, 2024

Centara Grand Hotel Osaka
Namba Oriental Hotel
Namba Oriental Hotel
3.5 out of 5
2-8-17, Sennichi-Mae, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka-fu
The price is P6,970 per night from 10 Jun to 11 Jun
P6,970
per night
10 Jun - 11 Jun
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and in-room massages. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Perfect location!"

Reviewed on Apr 22, 2024

Namba Oriental Hotel
Hotel Keihan Namba Grande
Hotel Keihan Namba Grande
2.5 out of 5
2 Nambanaka, Naniwa-ku, Osaka, Osaka
The price is P8,421 per night from 27 May to 28 May
P8,421
per night
27 May - 28 May
Stay at this hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Nipponbashi and Dotonbori are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (191 reviews)
"This is a self check in and check out. Rooms are very small, especially it you have 3 large suitcase, you can only open each one at a time. Hotel room had stains on the carpet, this hotel open in 2023. You can hear the trains going pass. Breakfast was poor and not much to choose from. Walking distance ..."

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

Hotel Keihan Namba Grande
Hotel Royal Classic Osaka
Hotel Royal Classic Osaka
4 out of 5
4-3-3 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka
The price is P10,901 per night from 23 May to 24 May
P10,901
per night
23 May - 24 May
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (336 reviews)
"A perfect spot ... lobby direct entry from exit 12 of Namba train station. Great views and comfortable rooms. Bath salts were wonderful! An easy short local train ride to Universal Studios japan. The breakfast buffet was the best!"

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

Hotel Royal Classic Osaka
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Namba

Tsutenkaku Tower which includes night scenes, signage and a city

Minami

5/5(4 area reviews)

Minami is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Dotonbori and Nipponbashi. See more of Osaka by jumping on the metro at Nippombashi Station or Namba Station.

Minami
Satsumasendai which includes shopping as well as a large group of people

Nishishinsaibashi

Nishishinsaibashi is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Dotonbori and Amerikamura, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Osaka.

Nishishinsaibashi
Naniwa

Naniwa

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Naniwa. Dotonbori is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Ashiharabashi Station or Ashihara-cho Station to see more of Osaka.

Naniwa
Shinsaibashi featuring street scenes

Shinsaibashi

Shinsaibashi is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Shinsaibashi-suji and Tombori River Walk, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Osaka.

Shinsaibashi
Tennoji featuring street scenes and a city as well as a large group of people

Tennoji

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Tennoji. Spend some time visiting top spots like Shitennoji Temple, and catch the metro at Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station or Momodani Station to see more of the area.

Tennoji
Osaka Castle which includes a city

Chuo

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

Chuo is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Dotonbori and Osaka Castle. See more of Osaka by jumping on the metro at Sakaisuji-hommachi Station or Matsuyamachi Station.

Chuo


Namba