Minami (Namba)

Southern downtown of Osaka

Located around Namba Station, Minami (�~�i�~, "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 (�L�^, "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 is 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 sign and Kani Doraku crab sign.

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Hours vary by store; typically from around 10:00-11:00 to around 18:30-21:00.

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. Den Den Town is becoming 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 (Kuromon Ichiba) 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 are open 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: 500 yen

This museum is the only one in the world to have a permanent Kamigata Ukiyoe exhibit. Kamigata Ukiyoe are woodblock prints from the Kyoto/Osaka region that typically feature portraits of kabuki actors. The third floor of the building is dedicated to rice growing and the roof has been converted to a wild rice field.

The Minami area is centered around Namba Station and the Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) and is served by multiple train and subway routes 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 230 yen from Osaka/Umeda Station and 15 minutes and 280 yen from Shin-Osaka Station.

From Kansai Airport

By train

Nankai Railways operates direct trains between Kansai Airport and Nankai Namba Station. Express trains take around 45 minutes and cost 930 yen (non-reserved seats only), while limited express trains ("Rap:t") take around 35 minutes and cost 1450 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 1100 yen. Travel time is about 50 minutes.

How to get to and around Osaka

Questions? Ask in our forum.

- 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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- Japan Osaka Ryokan Association
  For business or pleasure, search by area for the perfect traditional Japanese ryokan to match your Osaka accommodation needs.
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Budget:

- Cabin & Capsule Hotel J-SHIP Osaka Namba
  Mid-range
  
  Located a minute�fs walk from JR Namba Station South Exit, J-SHIP��g 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��g.
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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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- Citadines Namba Osaka
  Luxury
  
  Citadines Namba Osaka has a restaurant, fitness centre, a bar and shared lounge in Osaka. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and a shared kitchen, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel features family rooms. All rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a microwave, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a desk. At the hotel the rooms include a wardrobe and a private bathroom. A continental breakfast is available each morning at Citadines Namba Osaka. A business centre and vending machines with drinks are available on site at the accommodation. Popular points of interest near Citadines Namba Osaka include Nipponbashi Catholic Church, Nipponbashi Park and Komyo-ji Temple. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 15 km from the hotel.
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- WellStay Namba
  Mid-range
  
  In a prime location in the Shinsaibashi, Namba, Yotsubashi district of Osaka, WellStay Namba is located 300 metres from Kamomecho Park, 400 metres from Naniwa Park and 500 metres from Motomachinaka Park. With a shared lounge, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. The hotel features family rooms. All units in the hotel are equipped with a TV and a hairdryer. Popular points of interest near WellStay Namba include Shiokusa Park, Minatomachi River Place Convention Centre and Orange Street. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 15 km from the accommodation.
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- Hotel S-Presso Central
  Luxury
  
  Providing city views and free WiFi, Hotel S-Presso Central provides accommodation conveniently set in Osaka, within a short distance of Kamomecho Park, Naniwa Park and Motomachinaka Park. The accommodation is air conditioned and is equipped with a hot tub. Each accommodation unit includes a seating area with a fireplace and a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a kitchen with a dining area, and a private bathroom. Popular points of interest near the aparthotel include Shiokusa Park, Nipponbashi Park and Nipponbashi Catholic Church. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 15 km from Hotel S-Presso Central.
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- Hotel Royal Classic Osaka
  Luxury
  
  Set in Osaka, 600 metres from Minatomachi River Place Convention Centre, Hotel Royal Classic Osaka offers accommodation with a restaurant, private parking, a bar and a terrace. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service. The air-conditioned rooms provide a city view and come with a desk and free WiFi. The hotel offers a ? la carte or American breakfast. Popular points of interest near Hotel Royal Classic Osaka include Motomachinaka Park, Orange Street and Glico Man Sign. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 14 km from the accommodation.
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- Kamon Hotel Namba
  Budget-friendly
  
  Located just a minute's walk from Nippombashi Station, Kamon Hotel Namba offers free WiFi throughout the property and free luggage storage service. All rooms features air-conditioning with a desk and TV. Private bathrooms include slippers, towels and a hairdryer. There is a variety of restaurants for guests to enjoy within a 5-minute walk from this hotel. Namba Station is a 7-minute walk from Kamon Hotel Namba. Namba CITY is an 8-minute walk away, while Glico Man Sign is an 8-minute walk from this hotel. Osaka Itami Airport is 35 minutes via limousine bus from Kamon Hotel Namba.
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- Hostel Chill Out
  Budget-friendly
  
  Hostel Chill Out is located in Osaka, a 6-minute walk from Sakuragawa Station. Both the Glico Man Sign in Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi Shopping Street are around a 10-minute walk away from this hostel. Bathroom facilities are shared for all guests. For your comfort, you will find slippers, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Hostel Chill Out features free WiFi throughout the property. There is a shared kitchen on site that is equipped with a microwave, fridge and an electric kettle. Guests can enjoy coffee in the common lounge. Guests can also play darts at the guest house. The guest house offers bicycle rentals. Namba City Shopping Mall is a 15-minute walk from the property. The nearest airport is Osaka Itami Airport, 14 km from Hostel Chill Out.
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- Centurion Hotel CEN Osaka Namba
  Mid-range
  
  Attractively located in the Shinsaibashi, Namba, Yotsubashi district of Osaka, Centurion Hotel CEN Osaka Namba is situated 200 metres from Motomachinaka Park, 500 metres from Naniwa Park and 600 metres from Minatomachi River Place Convention Centre. The property is around 1.1 km from Glico Man Sign, 1.3 km from Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade and 1.4 km from Mitsutera Temple. All rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, a hairdryer and a desk. Featuring a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries, rooms at the hotel also boast free WiFi. Centurion Hotel CEN Osaka Namba offers a buffet or American breakfast. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kamomecho Park, Orange Street and Shiokusa Park. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 14 km from Centurion Hotel CEN Osaka Namba.
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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 with satellite channels, a DVD player and an iPod docking station. They have a well-equipped kitchenette. Guests at Osaka Fraser can unwind with a massage treatment, or visit the hotel�fs library. The Residence offers a business centre with meeting facilities, a concierge and ticketing services. Guests can enjoy a daily continental breakfast, hot beverages and light meals at Fraser Residence�fs caf?. 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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