Osaka Day Guides
Namba is one of Osaka’s busiest and most exciting areas. It's full of bright lights, tasty food, unique shops, and fun places to explore. This guide will help you enjoy a full day in Namba, whether you're visiting for the first time or coming back for more.
Let’s get started!
Namba Station is easy to reach from many places. It’s one of Osaka’s main train stations.
Train Options:
From Osaka Station (Umeda): Take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line — about 10 minutes.
From Kansai International Airport (KIX): Take the Nankai Airport Express — about 45 minutes.
From Kyoto: Take the JR Line to Osaka Station, then transfer to the Osaka Metro.
Tip: Use an IC card (ICOCA, Suica, or Pasmo) to make riding trains easier.
Walking Distance: 10 minutes from Namba Station
Entrance Fee: Free
This lively market is a great place to start your day. Locals call it "Osaka's kitchen" because many restaurants buy their ingredients here.
Things to Do:
✔ Try fresh sushi and sashimi.
✔ Eat grilled scallops, crab, or skewered meats.
✔ Sample Japanese fruits like strawberries, melons, or peaches.
✔ Try takoyaki (octopus balls) from small food stalls.
✔ Walk and enjoy the busy market atmosphere.
Walking Distance: 5 minutes from Kuromon Market
Entrance Fee: Free
Dotonbori is one of the most famous places in Osaka. It’s full of neon lights, restaurants, and shops.
Things to Do:
✔ Take a photo with the Glico Running Man sign.
✔ Walk along the Dotonbori Canal.
✔ See the giant mechanical crab at Kani Doraku.
✔ Explore souvenir shops and snack stands.
✔ Visit Don Quijote for fun and unusual items.
Walking Distance: 5 minutes from Dotonbori
Entrance Fee: Free
This long covered shopping street has many stores, from luxury brands to small local shops.
Things to Do:
✔ Shop for clothes, bags, cosmetics, and souvenirs.
✔ Visit Daimaru Department Store.
✔ Buy Japanese snacks and candies to bring home.
Walking Distance: 5 minutes from Dotonbori
Entrance Fee: Free
Hozenji Temple is a small hidden temple, surrounded by narrow alleys full of restaurants.
Things to Do:
✔ See the moss-covered Mizukake Fudo statue (pour water for good luck).
✔ Walk through Hozenji Yokocho, a traditional street with stone paths.
✔ Take photos of the beautiful old-style atmosphere.
You have many choices for lunch depending on your diet.
Ichiran Ramen (Dotonbori): Famous for tonkotsu ramen.
Kani Doraku: Delicious crab dishes.
Tonkatsu KYK: Breaded pork cutlets with rice and miso soup.
Green Earth: Western-style vegetarian meals like pasta and sandwiches.
Paprika Shokudo Vegan: Plant-based Japanese and international meals (many vegetarian options too).
AIN SOPH. Journey Osaka: 100% vegan Japanese-style meals and desserts.
Saido Vegan Osaka: Vegan ramen, curry, and set meals.
Walking Distance: 10 minutes from Namba Station
Entrance Fee: Free
This shrine is famous for its giant lion head structure.
Things to Do:
✔ Take photos in front of the big lion head.
✔ Walk around the peaceful shrine grounds.
✔ Make a wish at the shrine.
Walking Distance: 10 minutes from Namba Yasaka Shrine
Entrance Fee: Free
Namba Parks is a shopping mall with a rooftop garden.
Things to Do:
✔ Stroll through the rooftop garden with flowers and trees.
✔ Sit and relax while looking at the city views.
✔ Do some shopping or visit the movie theater.
✔ Grab a coffee or light snack at one of the cafés inside.
Walking Distance: 10-15 minutes from Namba Parks
Entry Fee: Free
Den Den Town is Osaka’s electronics and anime district.
Things to Do:
✔ Shop for electronics, gadgets, and games.
✔ Visit anime and manga shops.
✔ Explore stores selling models, figures, and collectibles.
Walking Distance: 10 minutes from Den Den Town
Entrance Fee: Free
America-mura is full of street art, fashion shops, and youth culture.
Things to Do:
✔ Check out vintage clothing and sneaker shops.
✔ See colorful murals and street art.
✔ Relax at Triangle Park and watch the locals.
Location: Dotonbori Canal
Cost: Around ¥1000–¥1500
You can take a short river cruise along the Dotonbori Canal for a fun evening activity.
What to Expect:
✔ See the neon lights from the water.
✔ Enjoy views of the famous Dotonbori sights.
✔ Take beautiful night-time photos.
Choose your dinner depending on your taste.
Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M: High-quality Japanese beef BBQ.
Harukoma Sushi: Affordable and fresh sushi.
Okonomiyaki Chitose: Osaka-style savory pancakes.
Vege Merry: Japanese and international vegetarian dishes.
Chabuton (Vegetarian ramen options): Light and tasty ramen.
Komaki Shokudo: Organic Japanese vegan meals.
AIN SOPH. Journey Osaka: Vegan kaiseki (multi-course meals) and sweets.
After a full day of exploring, shopping, eating, and sightseeing, it’s time to head back to your hotel for a good rest.
