Namba was one of those places that drew me the moment I stepped into Osaka. The streets are alive with both tourists and locals, and you will find iconic signboards lighting up the night, food courts packed with local foods, and street food stalls. Below, I’ve listed a few of the must-visit spots and experiences you can find in Namba..png) |
| Dotonbori, Osaka |
Dotonbori
One of the main attractions in Namba is Dotonbori, where the famous Glico Running Man sign lights up the area. As you walk along the Dotonbori canal, you will come across lively restaurants and street stalls, all lined up along the banks of the Tombori River.
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| Dotonbori canal |
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| Tombori river cruise |
I had a great time exploring Dotonbori both day and night. It was lively during the day, but at night, the colorful lights made it even more vibrant.
Getting there was easy too, just a 5 to 10 minute train ride from my hotel to Namba Station, and from there, just a short walk to Dotonbori. |
| Dotonbori at night |
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| A walk down the city streets |
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| Traffic police controlled the road |
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| Narrow alley between buildings |
Shopping Area
Namba is home to several shopping streets and malls, including the Shinsaibashi Shopping Area, Namba Parks, Namba City, and Namba Walk.
These places offer various shopping options, from luxury brands to local boutiques, electronics stores, and souvenir shops. One of the highlights is the Shinsaibashi Shopping Area, a pedestrian street that runs alongside Dotonbori.
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| Shinsaibashi shopping area |
Don Quijote, or Donki, is a popular discount store in Japan with a wide variety of items, from everyday products to electronics and unique things, all at low prices.
You can find almost anything here, and you might even have trouble finding the exit, haha. And that catchy song? It’ll stay in your head long after you leave the store! 😆
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| The largest Don Quijote in Namba |
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| Donki |
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| Skincare products were quite cheap here |
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| Biskut Kapal is a must! |
Street food
Attention all food lovers! There are many restaurants, cafes, and street food vendors offering everything from authentic Japanese dishes to international favorites. You can enjoy fresh sushi, a warm bowl of ramen, or tasty street snacks like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).
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| Kani Doraku Dotonbori |
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| Takoyaki stall |
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| Daifuku stall |
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| Daifuku mochi |
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After waiting in line for ages, I finally got my hands on "¥10 pancake" with the price of ¥500.
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Muslim-Friendly Restaurants
Yo will also find a variety of restaurants to suit everyone, including options for those seeking Muslim-friendly choices. The last time I visited, I simply used Google Maps to find a nearby halal restaurant.
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| Halal Ramen Naniwaya |
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| Japanese curry rice |
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| Ramen |
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| Zero Hachi |
Nipponbashi
Namba and Nipponbashi are right next to each other. If you enjoy walking, you can take a leisurely stroll between the two, which only takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Nipponbashi, known as "Den Den Town," is a fun place filled with electronics shops, anime and manga stores, and gaming centers. Alternatively, there are plenty of subway and local transport options that connect the two districts quickly and conveniently.
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| Nipponbashi |
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| Takoyaki stall |
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The "real" takoyaki with tako (octopus) inside
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