Namba

Osaka

Namba featuring a city
Namba which includes a city and street scenes as well as a large group of people
Namba which includes a city
Namba which includes a city
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 theatres, 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-metres) 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 centre 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 theatres. 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 Chuou-ku 2-chome 3 -9, Osaka, Osaka
The price is S$167 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
S$167
7 Jul - 8 Jul
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,103 reviews)
"Perfect location. Attention to details. Super clean."

Reviewed on 25 Jun, 2025

Toyoko Inn Osaka Namba
Namba Oriental Hotel
Namba Oriental Hotel
4 out of 5
2-8-17, Sennichi-Mae, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka-fu
Stay at this 4-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! (1,123 reviews)
"We got a family room and was not disappointed. The hotel room was spacious and the free lounge and Landry service was great!!!"

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 2025

Namba Oriental Hotel
Swissotel Nankai Osaka
Swissotel Nankai Osaka
5 out of 5
5-1-60 Namba Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka-fu
The price is S$302 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$302
27 Jul - 28 Jul
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,356 reviews)
"Hotel was fantastic Train from Airport is so convenient Walking distance to Dontoburi Connected to subway"

Reviewed on 26 Jun, 2025

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 S$259 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
S$259
8 Jul - 9 Jul
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,194 reviews)
"It’s a really nice hotel with family rooms that accommodate school age kids in bunks with a king size bed for the adults. It was very clean and the hotel diffuser reminded me of Las Vegas Vdara hotel scent. We had access to their Miyabi Club which provided breakfast and happy hour in their own club ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jun, 2025

Centara Grand Hotel Osaka
Hotel Royal Classic Osaka
Hotel Royal Classic Osaka
4 out of 5
4-3-3 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$574 per night from 12 Jul to 13 Jul
S$574
12 Jul - 13 Jul
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (680 reviews)
"nice hotel but no gym and no spa or public bath. no lobby that is nice for sitting and enjoying coffee or drinks only at its restaurant."

Reviewed on 26 Jun, 2025

Hotel Royal Classic Osaka
Hotel Keihan Namba Grande
Hotel Keihan Namba Grande
4 out of 5
2 Nambanaka, Naniwa-ku, Osaka, Osaka
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (604 reviews)
"Location is great. Price is appropriate for its location and facility. Rooms are small but clean. Hotel amenities and skin care provided are very good quality. We will definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 2025

Hotel Keihan Namba Grande
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

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Sennichimae

If you're spending time in Sennichimae, you might enjoy attractions like Dotonbori and Namba Walk Shopping Mall. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Nippombashi Station to see more of the city.

Sennichimae
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Minami

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Minami. Dotonbori is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Nippombashi Station or Namba Station to see more of Osaka.

Minami
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Nishishinsaibashi

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Dotonbori to Amerikamura – discover Nishishinsaibashi, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Nishishinsaibashi
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Naniwa

4.5/5(82 area reviews)

Dotonbori and Nipponbashi are top sights in Naniwa, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Ashiharabashi Station or Ashihara-cho Station to see more sights in the area.

Naniwa
Shinsaibashi which includes street scenes

Shinsaibashi

Travellers to Shinsaibashi praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street and Mitsutera Temple.

Shinsaibashi
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Minamisenba

While you're in Minamisenba, take in top sights like Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street and jump on the metro at Shinsaibashi Station to see more of the city.

Minamisenba


Namba