Namba is a small district within the heart of Osaka that is well-known for its high-energy, consumer-driven attractions. It also offers amazing accommodations, such as hotels and Airbnb vacation rentals, if you’re wondering where to stay in Osaka. If you were to do nothing but eat while visiting Namba, you’ll have had an amazing experience, as there are a number of fantastic places to eat and enjoy some of the local dishes; just a couple of places you’ll want to check out include the vendors along Hozenji Yokocho and the Kuromon Ichiba Market. Get to know the local culture by visiting a few shrines and you may just leave with a bit of better luck on your side. Read on for more information about these and other things to do in Namba, Japan.
1. Enjoy a cultural experience at Osaka Shochikuza Theatre
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Built in 1923, Osaka Shochikuza Theatre has a long history of showcasing traditional Japanese performing arts, including kabuki and bunraku. Visitors can watch live performances and experience the rich history and cultural significance of these art forms. The theatre offers English translation headsets so visitors can fully enjoy the performances.
The theatre is also known for its beautiful architecture and intricate design, making it a popular destination for tourists interested in Japanese culture and history. As one of the few remaining kabuki theatres remaining in Japan, Osaka Shochikuza Theatre is a must-visit attraction in Namba for anyone looking to experience the best of Japanese performing arts.
Osaka Shochikuza Theatre
Address: 1 Chome-9-19 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Website: Osaka Shochikuza Theatre
2. Go on a stroll around America-mura (from USD 109.0)
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
America-mura, also known as American Village, is a popular tourist attraction in Namba, Osaka, known for American-inspired fashion and culture. Located in the heart of the city, America-mura is a bustling shopping and entertainment district that is a favorite among young people and tourists. The area is known for its street fashion, with shops selling everything from vintage clothing to the latest Japanese fashion trends.
Aside from fashion, visitors can also find street art and murals, street food, cafes, and bars. In addition to shopping and dining, America-mura is also home to several live music venues and theaters, showcasing the best of Osaka’s vibrant arts and culture scene.
byFood experience
1) The ultimate Osaka night tour
If you want to explore the vibrant nightlife of Namba, don’t limit yourself to America-mura. In fact, the rest of the district is as much a go-to destination for anyone looking to uncover the wild side of Osaka. From the quaint and traditional izakayas (pubs) to the rows of underrated bars hidden within city streets, Namba’s nightly landscape will have you begging for more.
The best way to get into the cheery spirit is by joining a bar-hopping tour for three hours, where you get to treat yourself to a drink at each stop. Apart from clicking pictures in front of the neon signs at Dotonbori, you will also get to explore the party scenes of Shinsaibashi and Amemura.
The Ultimate Osaka Night Tour
Duration: 3hours
3. Explore the neon-lit streets of Dotonbori
Dotonbori is easily one of the biggest tourist hot spots in the Nanba region of Osaka. Take a stroll down any of the streets and you’ll be met with bright, neon lights and advertising signs that are visually astounding. One of the most iconic images you’ll find in these streets is that of the Glico Running Man (pictured), located above the equally iconic Ebisubashi Bridge. The ad is for a candy company, with the current sign being the sixth in a line of advertisements that have been ongoing since 1935; this newest version was updated to feature LED lighting in 2014.
Dotonbori
Address: 1 Chome-9 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
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4. Eat till you drop in Hozenji Yokocho (from USD 39.0)
The phrase “eat till you drop” is pretty prevalent in Japanese culture, and though it sounds innocuous enough, it actually means eat until you’re bankrupt! This would be easy enough to do in the Namba area of Osaka, where you’ll find a plethora of wonderful restaurants to dine at. You’ll find the best on Hozenji Yokocho, which is a cozy street that runs alongside Dotombori Street but feels like its more of a step back in time in comparison to so many neon lights. Stroll (and eat!) your way down the street, where you’ll find a wide variety of bars and restaurants, including those serving up okonomiyaki, or Japanese pancake, and kushi-katsu, which are skewered fried meats and veggies.
Hozenji Yokocho
Address: 2 Chome-7-21 Higashishinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0083, Japan
byFood Experience
1) Namba After Dark: Bar Hopping and Nightlife in Osaka
The street food stalls of Hozenji Yokocho are an integral part of the bustling nightlife of the city. Dive into Osaka’s pulsating heart with an evening journey through the dazzling Namba district. Let Namba’s luminous streets light up your night as you savor local brews in an authentic sake tavern. Then, head to the iconic Glico “Running Man” sign, a beacon amidst the neon tapestry, beckoning photo enthusiasts.
Your adventure wouldn’t be complete without tantalizing your taste buds. Saunter along the historic Hozenji Yokocho alley, indulging in the city’s delectable street fare, from the tempting Takoyaki (minced octopus fry) to the scrumptious Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).
Namba After Dark: Bar Hopping and Nightlife in Osaka
Duration: 3hours
5. Spend a tranquil hour at Hozenji Temple
If you’re looking to slow your pace for a bit while in the hustle and bustle of modern Japan, Hozenji Temple is the place to go. The temple is tucked away in the downtown Nanba area, all while managing to remain like old-world Japan. Stop in and increase your good luck by splashing the Buddha statue or make a secret wish to the statue of Mizukake-Fudo. The wonderful dining world of Hozenji Yokocho surrounds this temple, making Hozenji a great place to pop in at before or after a delicious meal.
Hozenji Temple
Address: 1 Chome-2-16 Nanba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0076, Japan
Website: Hozenji Temple
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
6. Check out the traditional woodblock prints at the Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum
The Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum is home to the unique woodblock prints that were made centuries ago, during the Edo Period, which lasted from 1603-1868. These blocks were made to be a quite realistic representation of their subject, which oftentimes included the most famous actors of the time. Within the museum, you’ll find 50 of these wood blocks are on permanent display; other temporary exhibits can be seen throughout the year as well, information for which can be found on the museum’s website.
Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum
Address: 1 Chome-6-4 Nanba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0076, Japan
Website: Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 11am - 6pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 4.75 USD
7. Try the tasty takoyakis at the Dotonbori Konamon Museum
Takoyaki is the newest food innovation that is taking Osaka by storm, meaning you should definitely plan on trying them while in Nanba. What exactly is a takoyaki, you ask? It is an octopus-filled snack that has gained popularity among street food vendors, though the best place to try them is at the Dotonbori Konmon Museum. Here, you can enjoy watching how the takoyakis are made on the first floor before venturing up to the second floor to learn more about the food’s history and making your own on the third floor.
Dotonbori Konamon Museum
Address: 1 Chome-6-12 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Website: Dotonbori Konamon Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11:30am - 7:15pm; Sat - Sun: 10:30am - 7:15pm
Price: Free entry
8. Book a seat on the Tombori River Cruise
Get ready to see some of the best places to visit in Nanba by boat! Touring the area by foot is certainly wonderful, but taking everything in from a riverboat cruise can put a fun, new twist on your Japanese getaway. This boat tour lasts approximately 20 minutes and gives you a glimpse of some of the best-known attractions visible from the river.
Tombori River Cruise
Website: Tombori River Cruise
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 1pm - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 9pm
Price: 28.48 USD
9. Check out the unique shrine of Nambayasaka
If you choose to only visit one shrine while in Nanba, your top choice should definitely be Nambayasaka. With its famous lion head peeking through the foliage, Nambayasaka is a shrine you won’t soon forget. The lion head isn’t simply decoration either, as it is said that during your visit, the lion’s large, open mouth will swallow up any evil spirits hanging about you, allowing all business and school dealings to run smoothly with no issue. One of the best times to visit is during spring, when the cherry blossom trees are blooming, though if you are planning a January visit, try to stop by on the third Sunday of the month, as there is a tug-of-war festival in honor of the god Susano-ono-Mikoto.
Nambayasaka Shrine
Address: 2 Chome-9-19 Motomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0016, Japan
Website: Nambayasaka Shrine
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
10. Shop mini food samples along Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shotengai
To visitors of Nanba that love spending time in the kitchen, Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shotengai is the street for you. This street features vendors that sell kitchen items of all types, from utensils to small appliances, to keep you cooking at your best. One thing growing in popularity along the street are mini food samples, which make for great souvenirs of your trip to Nanba.
Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shotengai
Address: 5-19 Nambasennichimae, Chuo Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture 542-0075
Website: Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shotengai
11. Try delicious fresh seafood at Kuromon Ichiba Market
Over the past few years, the Kuromon Ichiba Market has grown dramatically in popularity, and when you visit, perhaps you’ll see why. The market is one of the best places to purchase fresh seafood in Nanba, and you’ll find no shortage of vendors to buy from over the 1900 feet (580 meters) the market encompasses. One perk of Kuromon is the fact that many of the vendors will cook up the food for you on the spot, allowing you to sample nearly as much as you’d like as you wander through the market. You’ll want to come hungry to get the full experience!
Kuromon Ichiba Market
Address: 2 Chome-4-１ Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073, Japan
Website: Kuromon Ichiba Market
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
12. Indulge in local specialties at Torame Yokocho
Another place you’ll want to bring your appetite to while in Nanba is Torame Yokocho. This restaurant is actually not a single restaurant, but more of a food court setting with nine smaller dining establishments all residing inside. Each of the restaurants offers different food items, making this a very popular destination among both locals and tourists as a place to try a variety of fares, many of which are local to the area.
Torame Yokocho
Address: 2 Chome-3-15 Sennichimae, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0074, Japan
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 5pm - 12am; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 12am
Fun times await you in Nanba
Namba is a great Japanese destination, whether you plan to visit for a few days or anticipate making a day of it while visiting Osaka. There are plenty of attractions and activities, and accommodations (if you’re wondering where to stay in Namba). No matter your plans, you won’t regret your visit to Namba, though you may regret not getting to stay longer!
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