Osaka’s Minami area is one of the most fun, colorful and vibrant areas in all of Japan! It is home to some amazing attractions, sights, and interesting people making it a must-see on your trip to Japan.
If you have already ticked most of your Japan travel bucket list off, or you simply are not one for the more traditional sights, then you may be wondering where some of the most vibrant, and perhaps weirdest, sights can be found in Japan.
Well, look no further than Osaka’s Minami area, which is located near Namba station.
Namba Station Location Via Google Maps
The Minami area encapsulates the big city feel of Japan, demonstrating the powers of commercialism, kawaii culture, and Japanese history all in one.
Here you are sure to find something to suit your interest. In fact, there is so much to do in this area that you may want to return to it again and again.
What is Osaka’s Minami area?
This is an area located around Namba station in Osaka that is very popular with both locals and tourists, making it a hotspot of entertainment, shopping, and dining.
It is one of the main centers in Osaka, the other being Kita. In fact, Minami means “south” and “Kita” means north, telling you just where to find each of these main hubs in Osaka.
The Minami area can be reached via three different train lines as well as by bus, making it a very easily accessible part of town.
There is something for everyone here no matter whether you want to experience the best nightlife that Japan has to offer, you want to experience the cultural and historical side of Japan, or you simply want to try out some fantastic Japanese dishes. So, keep reading to find out more.
Where to go for a cultural and historical experience?
If you are heading to Osaka’s Minami area for a cultural experience you are in for a treat. The area has numerous offerings, ranging from museums to theaters and even architectural passages.
The National Bunraku Theater
Bunraku is a style of Japanese puppet theater that is similar in many ways to kabuki. However, Bunraku uses puppets that are three feet tall. This theater is considered to be one of the most prestigious in all of Japan and commonly offers free seminars on Bunraku throughout the year.
Shows typically run for three weeks and are usually held in January and April, in the summer months (June, July, and August), and also in November.
The price for the tickets can vary depending on the season, show, and seats but typically it will cost anywhere from 2000 yen to 6000 yen.
National Bunraku Theatre Official Website
The Shochikuza Theater
If you are looking to see a Kabuki show in Japan, then this is the theater for you. The Shochikuza Theater is designed in a western-style and was first opened in 1923. The theater is relatively large and has a little over 1000 seats.
If you do not speak Japanese then this theater is very accommodating and English headsets, as well as program books, are available upon request.
Shochikuza Theatre Official Website
The shows here are usually held five times per year and also run for around three weeks each. However, some shows are known to run slightly longer for a four-week period.
The tickets here range a lot more than the National Bunraku Theater and can cost anything from 4000 yen up to 15,000 yen.
The Kamigata Ukiyoe museum
If you are in the mood to appreciate art as well as the cultural history of Japan then head to the Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum. This is actually the only museum in the world that houses a permanent exhibition of traditional woodblock prints.
Traditionally these woodblock prints depict figures from Kabuki theater and they originate from the Osaka region, making them a fascinating display of the local area’s art and design history.
Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum Official Website
However, there is a surprise in store on the third floor and roof. Here you will find a section that is dedicated to rice growing as well as a rice field!
The museum is open to the public every day except Mondays (or the next day if Monday is a national holiday).
The price of admission is 500 yen and the museum is open from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. The last admission is at 5:30 p.m.
Hozenji Yokocho
If architecture is your thing then Osaka is a fantastic place to visit and offers many different styles and uses in terms of its buildings.
However, one truly fascinating place is Hozenji Yokocho. This is a small area near Dotonbori. Here you will find two long, narrow alleyways.
These two alleyways are a reminder of Kyoto’s Pontocho area and are lined with interesting small restaurants and eateries.
You are sure to find a true hidden gem here and the architecture of the narrow alley makes for a fantastic photograph.
Where to go for entertainment?
If you are heading to Minami to have fun and entertain yourself then there is no shortage of things to do and places to go. Here we will name a few of the best spots for nightlife as well as some great shopping areas.
Dotonbori
If you are unsure of exactly how you want to spend your time in the Minami area then head to Dotonbori where you will find a number of shops, restaurants, and interesting things to see.
This area is particularly popular with tourists.
Dotonbori Or Dotombori Official Website
As the day turns into night the area becomes lit up with neon signs, making it a great opportunity for photography lovers. Some of the most famous signs include the Kani Doraku crab and the Glico Running Man.
Here you can find an open restaurant at any hour of the day as a number of eateries are open 24 hours.
Amerikamura
This shopping district is referred to as Amemura by locals and is thought of as Osaka’s Harajuku. This trendy area is home to up-and-coming fashion trends, teenage clothing shops and is always popular with the younger generation.
Amerikamura Location Via Google Maps
In addition to the amazing shops, you can also find a large number of restaurants and cafes to relax in after a busy day of shopping.
There are no set opening hours for this area and each store will close at different times.
Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade
If you want to do an afternoon of shopping but are not quite sure what it is you are after then the Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade is the perfect place.
Here you will find a collection of both small, independent boutique stores as well as large chain shops and even designer brands.
This shopping center is very large, approximately 1968 feet long, and most of the shops usually open between 10 or 11 a.m. and close around 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade Official Website
Kuromon Market
If you are interested in what the local cuisine looks like in Osaka then instead of heading to a restaurant you could try heading to Kuromon Market, which is open typically from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. This long strip of market stalls is lovingly referred to as “Osaka’s kitchen”.
Here you will find all kinds of food stalls selling fresh vegetables, seafood, meat, and fruit.
Kuromon Market Official Website
If you are looking to make your own delicious meal then head here to make sure that you pick up some of the finest and freshest ingredients that Osaka has to offer.
The market spasn several hundreds of feet and can get quite busy so be prepared to squeeze your way through during peak hours.
Namba Park
Namba Park was designed to give shoppers a rest during their day out. The building resembles a canyon and has a beautiful rooftop garden that offers an oasis in the city.
The area is also home to 120 individual shops, an amphitheater, and a cinema. In addition, you can also find a wide array of Asian restaurants on the sixth floor including those featuring Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine. You can also find an Italian restaurant if you are in the mood for Western-style food.
All of the shops in Namba Park are open daily from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. and the restaurants have slightly longer opening hours and are open from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m.
You can easily spend an entire day here without getting bored so if you want to explore more of the Minami area you will need an extra day.
