オススメ度
外国語対応
About Osaka South
Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori and Nanba are referred to collectively as “Minami,” meaning “south” in Japanese (the JR Osaka Station and Umeda area is correspondingly known as “Kita” which means north).
While the high-rise buildings of Kita feel much the same as Tokyo, the Minami area showcases the unique character of Osaka.
Unpretentious and bustling with people, Minami is almost always busy and feels full of life.
The area is extremely popular with foreigners, attracting over 7 million per year.
There are reasonably-priced restaurants, plenty of options for shopping, and convenient public transport facilities.
The Minami area is lively and fun, and a very good location to book a hotel if planning to stay in Osaka.
Brief History
Long ago, what is now known as “Minami” was covered in water, which gradually withdrew, leaving a swamp behind.
From around 1626, on the southern edge of Osaka castle town, the Dotonbori area grew dramatically over time, filling with theaters that put on all kinds of shows, including kabuki and joruri (Japanese puppet shows), as well as tea houses that prepare tickets and sell food.
Around the same time, a red light district formed in the Shima no Uchi area, eventually flourishing into a large and popular entertainment area. (Even now there are many theaters located in Minami and the area remains an important center for plays and performances).
From the 19th century many railroads began operating in the Nanba area, and the total size of Minami grew.
In 1912 there was a large fire and in 1945 US air raids destroyed virtually the entirety of the Minami area, however, the area was rebuilt multiple times, becoming the thriving place that it is today.
Nearby Excursions
Minami is next to Abeno, Tennoji, Shinsekai and Kuromon Ichiba wards, and it is worthwhile visiting these areas together.
Recommendation
Strolling through town, shopping and food (restaurants, cafes, bars, sweets), entertainment (nightclubs etc.)
If you want to experience a trendy/upmarket atmosphere while in Minami, visit “America mura” or Horie.
Want the stereotypical Osaka experience? Check out the glowing neon lights of Dotonbori and take a souvenir photo with the flashing, colorful signs at night.
For shopping, Shinsaibashi and Namba are filled with department stores and shops (although Kita is more densely packed with shops and is more convenient).
The department store in Kita is the largest in area in Japan and has the second highest sales.
Minami is also a great option for food.
There are many restaurants with a vast selection of cuisines that you can try, including okonomiyaki, takoyaki, kushikatsu, ramen, udon, yakiniku and more – with a focus on being both delicious and affordably priced for the average person.
16 restaurants have Michelin stars – approximately a third of all of those in Minami.
In terms of entertainment, there are night clubs and movie theaters.
Access to Osaka South / Data
Minami is a huge train terminal, with over 10 individual train lines crossing through the area.
In particular, Namba Station and Shinsaibashi Station are used by around 1,100,000 people in a single day.
Nanbai Station (Osaka Metro and the other lines ) and Nipponbashi are connected underground as part of “Namba Walk”.
Moreover, Shinsaibashi and Nanba are only around 900m from end-to-end and possible to cover on foot.
Namba Station
Osaka Metro: Midosuji Line / Sennichimae Line / Yotsubashi Line
JR Namba Station
JR Kansai Main Line
Osaka Namba Station
Hankyu Dentetsu Nanba Line / Kintetsu Nara Line
Nankai Namba Station
Nankai Main Line / Nankai Kouya Line
Shinsaibashi Station
Osaka Metro:Midosuji Line / Nagahoritsurumiryokuchi Line
Nipponbashi Station
Osaka Metro: / Sennichimae Line / Sakaisuji Line / Kintetsu Namba Line
Sightseeing
Walking around town
America Mura
A popular place among young people in Kansai and the birthplace of many trends, America Mura is a place where many Kansai youth and teens hang out. Despite being beign only 300m by 500m in area, there are numerous import & second-hand stores, general stores, cafes, galleries, music instrument shops and more – a chaotic […]
[ See details ]
| Address | 1-2Chome Nishi-shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi |
|---|---|
| Access | ●3 min walk from Osaka Metro […] |
| Tel | 06-6258-5002 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Horie
Horie is perhaps the most refined and high-class area of Osaka, full of shops (including fashion, general goods, furniture), cafes and so on. If the nearby “America mura” is the place for rebellious young people, then Horie is the place for trendy young people. Horie is more open and spacious in comparison to the other […]
[ See details ]
Temples and Shrines
Hozenji Yokocho Alley
Located on the north side of Hozenji, Hozenji Yokocho Alley is enclosed by two 80 meter-long, 3-meter wide stone-paved paths. Close to the likely Dotonbori area, the temple has a quiet historic atmosphere; it’s also been featured in many famous novels, songs, movies and dramas, and is very well-known throughout Japan. There is a long-established […]
[ See details ]
| Address | Namba 1-Chome,Chuo-ku ,Osaka |
|---|---|
| Access | 3-5 min walk from Namba Stati[…] |
| Tel | |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Signs and photos (Instagram)
Taking a photo of yourself with the flashy three-dimensional signs in Dotonbori is a common social media trend, especially on Instagram.
It is worth taking a photo in front of the signs to commemorate your trip to Osaka, or simply to boast to your friends.
You can take photos at virtually any hour of the day, for no cost.
All of the signs are within a 3-6 min walk from Namba Station.
There is a special history behind the eye-catching signs in the area.
As mentioned in “About”, during the Edo Period in Japan (1603-1868), Japanese puppet shows, kabuki and other plays were an important part of mainstream culture, and Dotonbori was famous as a town for plays.
Many theaters competed with each other to attract customers by making the most attention-grabbing signs possible, and this is said to be the origin of the bright and gaudy signs in the area.
Three most popular signs
Dotonbori Glico Sign
Major Japanese manufacturer Glico put up the sign in 1935. The version currently on display is the sixth rendition, remade in 2014. The sign’s happy-looking, smiling male athlete raising both hands and his left leg after scoring is considered symbolic of the city of Osaka itself. From 30 mins after sunset until midnight the sign […]
[ See details ]
| Address | 1-10-2 Dotonbori Chuo-ku ,Osaka |
|---|---|
| Access | About 2 minutes on foot from […] |
| Tel | |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Kuidaore Taro
The Kuidaore Taro doll dressed in red and white striped clothes and large black and dark rimmed glasses holding a taiko drum is considered a very famous and popular figure in Kansai. It was originally the mascot of a large restaurant chain Osaka Meibutsu Kuidaore which was established in 1949 and went on to achieve […]
[ See details ]
| Address | Nakaza Kuidaore Building, 1-7-21 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku,Osaka |
|---|---|
| Access | 5 minutes on foot from Osaka […] |
| Tel | |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Kani Doraku Crab
Found above the entrance to crab restaurant Kani Doraku Dotonbori is a large model crab, the arms and eyes move and the body is large, giving a striking impression. It is rumored that if made into crab stew there would be enough to feed 16,000 people. Originally made in 1962, the sign has been remade […]
[ See details ]
| Address | 1-6-18 Dotonbori Chuo-ku ,Osaka |
|---|---|
| Access | 5 minutes on foot from Osaka […] |
| Tel | |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Other famous signs
Carl Ojisan
“Carl Ojisan” is a simple, farmer-like bearded old man and the character that represents the “curl” snack. The sign was originally made by large food company Meiji Seika in 2008. On the hour, Kerota a frog comes out of his hat. Although once popular, in recent years the snack’s popularity has slumped and it is […]
[ See details ]
Kushikatsu Daruma “Daruma Daijin”
A large-scale, scary-looking old man based on the fourth shop owner was put in place in 2008 and remained there ever since. There is also a full-body version in front of the shop. Size 6.4m tall, 4.1m wide Photo tips Try taking two shots with the full body in front of the store
[ See details ]
| Address | 1-6-8 Dotonbori Chuo-ku ,Osaka |
|---|---|
| Access | 7 minutes on foot from Osaka […] |
| Tel | 06-6213-8101 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Genroku Sushi
Near the shop there is a hand holding sushi prominently sticking out from a wall, originally installed in 2010. The type of sushi being held is red-fleshed (lean) tuna. Size 2.4m tall, 2.4 wide
[ See details ]
| Address | 1-6-9 Dotonbori Chuo-ku ,Osaka |
|---|---|
| Access | 5 minutes on foot from Osaka […] |
| Tel | |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru Mainstore “Big Octopus”
This realistically-designed octopus installed in 2000 looks almost like the real thing. The one next to the Dotonbori Glico sign is the “father” and the one at the front of the shop is the “eldest son,” while the “mother” and “second son” can be found in the Dotonbori Konamon Museum. The father octopus’s eyes sometimes […]
[ See details ]
| Address | 1-10-5 Dotonbori Hakua Building 1st floor, Dotonbori Chuo-ku ,Osaka |
|---|---|
| Access | 3 minutes on foot from Osaka […] |
| Tel | |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Kinryu Ramen “Kinryu”
The green dragon sticking through the red wall is very lifelike and looks as if it could move at any moment. Put in place in 1992. The sign itself could almost be considered an elaborate art piece due to its intricate details. Size Approx. 6m in length
[ See details ]
Osaka Ohsho Dotonbori Main Store Gyoza Dumplings
The store’s main dish, gyoza, was made into a model approximately 1,100 times its actual size and has remained there since 2012. The attention to detail makes the gyoza very realistic as if it has been cooked – so real that you might want to eat it! Size 4m tall, 3.5m wide
[ See details ]
Shopping
Department stores & complexes
Osaka Takashimaya
With a turnover: 141 billion yen and a surface area of 64,000m2 (13th largest in Japan), Takashimaya is the a large-scale landmark store in the Minami area. It is the main store of the Takashimaya department store chain. Directly connected to Nanba Station on the Midosuji line, it is conveniently located and easily accessed by […]
[ See details ]
| Address | 5-1-5 Nanba Chuo-ku, Osaka |
|---|---|
| Access | 1-6 min walk from Nanba Stati[…] |
| Tel | 06-6631-1101 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Daimaru Shinsaibashi
Established way back in 1726, the Shinsaibashi store is the flagship store for the long-standing Daimaru chain. It is directly connected to Osaka Metro Shinsaibashi Station and very convenient to access via public transport. In the north building there is a range of luxury shops, whereas the south building is almost entirely aimed at tourists. […]
[ See details ]
| Address | 1-7-1 Shinsaibashisuji Chuo-ku, Osaka |
|---|---|
| Access | Direct access from Osaka Metr[…] |
| Tel | 06-6271-1231 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Namba Parks
Directly connected to Nankai Dentetsu Namba Station, Namba Parks is a huge, multi-building landmark. In the commercial tower, there is high quality clothes and other various goods, with over 250 shops and restaurants in total. It contains the largest cinema complex in Osaka, as well as a verdant rooftop park.
[ See details ]
| Address | 2-10-70 Nanbanaka Naniwa-ku, Osaka |
|---|---|
| Access | ●Directly connected Nankai De[…] |
| Tel | 06-6644-7100 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Shopping Areas
Shinsaibashisuji shopping district
The shopping district with over 250 years of history, and consists of roads with a length of 580m from north to south. Lining the sides of the streets you can find department, brand, fashion, general, drug, sweet and souvenir stores and restaurants – approximately 180 stores altogether. On the average weekday around 60,000 people go […]
[ See details ]
| Address | 1-2 Chome Shinsaibashi Chuo-ku, Osaka |
|---|---|
| Access | 1-3 min walk from Osaka Metro[…] |
| Tel | 06-6212-0116 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street
A roughly 160m-long shopping arcade lined with 50 or so stores that sell kitchen utilities, machines and tools targeted at professional chefs and cooks. Of course, you don’t have to be a professional to shop here, so if you’re interested in cooking, it may be worth having a look for new kitchen utensils here. The […]
[ See details ]
| Address | Nanbasennichimae Chuo-ku ,Osaka |
|---|---|
| Access | ● 4 min walk from Nankai Dent[…] |
| Tel | 06-6633-1423 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Design Pocket Osaka Main Store
A shop that specializes in making fake food models. There are over a thousand different kinds of food models that look exactly like the real thing. You can also take a tour to find out more about how they are made.
[ See details ]
| Address | 10−11 Nanbasennichimae Chuo-ku , Osaka |
|---|---|
| Access | ● 3 min walk from Nankai Dent[…] |
| Tel | |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Otaku stores in Minami (anime, games, figurines)
Nipponbashi ・ Ota Road
Originally centered on household electronics and parts, in recent years the downtown Nipponbashi area has experienced a dramatic increase in the number of otaku shops, much like Akihabara. On the side of Otaroad (“otaku road”) there is a large parking lot, where you can often find “itasha” cars decorated with pictures of cute anime girls. […]
[ See details ]
Major stores in Nipponbashi / Otaroad
Super Kids Land Main Store
A shop specializing in anime/manga characters – mainly figurines and plastic models. The first floor contains figurines, while the second floor contains Gundam products. The large Gundam at the entrance serves as a landmark.
[ See details ]
| Address | 4-12-4 Nipponbashi Naniwaku, Osaka |
|---|---|
| Access | 5 minutes walk from Ebisucho […] |
| Tel | 06-6634-0041 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Animate Osaka Nipponbashi
The highest-class shop for anime goods in all of west Japan. Events and fairs are frequently held here.
[ See details ]
| Address | Animate Building 1-2F, 1-1-3 Nipponbashi Naniwaku, Osaka |
|---|---|
| Access | ● 5 min walk from Nankai Dent[…] |
| Tel | 06-6636-0628 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Eat
Uranamba
Lately, the area on the east side of Namba Station, known to locals as “Urananba,” has seen a huge growth in the number of restaurants run by young aspiring shopkeepers, and now has over one hundred individual restaurants that span a wide range of cuisines.
The area has become hugely popular for having food that is both delicious and cheap.
We recommend that you try bar hopping to experience the many kinds of food on offer.
| Address | Namba Sennnichimae, Sennichimae 2 Chome, Nipponbashi 1-2 Chome |
| Access | 3 min walk from Nipponbashi station 4 min walk from Nankai Dentetsu Namba Station 5-7 min walk from Namba Station (each line) |
Lively spots in Uranamba
Uranamba Torameyokocho
Nine stores in a retro-style alley that sell kushi-katsu, okonomiyaki, grilled meat and fried chicken. All of the shops have delivery systems. It is also a good option for pub crawls.
[ See details ]
| Address | 2-3-15 Sennichimae Chuo-ku, Osaka |
|---|---|
| Access | ● 3 min walk from Nipponbashi[…] |
| Tel | 06-6636-4510 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Bars in Uranamba
Misono Universe Building
Established in 1956, the Misono Universe Building is a large leisure building in “Uranamba” which contains an entrance with neon-lit waterfalls on either side, and a luxurious retro style. On the second floor there is are several unique bars, suitable for spending a long night drinking.
[ See details ]
| Address | 2-3-9 Sennichimae Chuo-ku , Osaka |
|---|---|
| Access | ● 3 min walk from Nipponbashi[…] |
| Tel | |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Entertainment
Clubs
There are many high-level popular clubs in the Minami area.
CLUB Ammona
Large atriums, spiral staircases gives a high-class impression and creates the feeling of being in an “adult playing space.” Weekends are usually crowded.Go around the dance floor and the loft in a figure-eight pattern is the standard way to party.You will often see celebrities and secret guests appear at events held here. Genres : EDM, […]
[ See details ]
| Address | Tamahachi Build 2F ,2-3-22 Hisashisinsaibashi Chuo-ku, Osaka |
|---|---|
| Access | - 5 min walk from Nipponbashi[…] |
| Tel | 06-6211-3993 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Giraffe Resort
The largest club in Kansai fits over 1400 people. Many foreigners visit the 4-floor building with a giraffe sign out the front. The 2nd and 4th floors have different genres of music playing, with the 2nd floor in particular being high tension (3rd floor is the VIP room). It opens and closes early so it […]
[ See details ]
| Address | Shoemoncho Building, 7-9 Soemon-cho Chuo-ku , Osaka |
|---|---|
| Access | 5 min walk from Namba Station |
| Tel | 06-6211-1516 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
G2 OSAKA
The first all-night night club in Japan, staying open until 7 in the morning. Genres : All Mix、Hip Hop Clientele : 20s/30s, with many approachable girls * Must be over 20 to enter; there are ID checks
[ See details ]
| Address | Hyakusho-Ikki plaza building B1 & B2,1-18-8 Shimanouchi Chuo-ku,Osaka |
|---|---|
| Access | - 1 min walk from Nagahoribas[…] |
| Tel | 06-6244-3177 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Club Bambi
Large open space that can fit 1000 people. Rare for Japan, the club allows 18 and 19 year-olds so there are many young, energetic people. Good for groups. Genres : EDM, R&B, hip-hop Clientele : Mainly people in their 20s, with a high proportion of flirty males * Must be over 18 to enter:ID checks
[ See details ]
| Address | Seoki Tokyu Building B1, 1-18-27 Higashi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka |
|---|---|
| Access | 5 min walk from Shinsaibashi[…] |
| Tel | 06-4708-7009 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Gay Town
4 Chome Nanba/1 Chome Nanbanaka
There is a relatively large gay town in Osaka centered on the fourth district and Namba-naka area of Namba. There are roughly LGBT 60 clubs/restaurants, with 40 of those being gay bars and many for elderly people. One of the main characteristics of the Minami gay bars is their small and fiercely individualistic character. Foreigners […]
[ See details ]
| Address | 4 Chome Nanbana・1 Chome Nanbanaka Chuo-ku , Osaka |
|---|---|
| Access | 1-5 min walk from Namba Stati[…] |
| Tel | |
| URL |
There is a map below with more information (in Japanese)
