Minami Area

Minami is Osaka’s shopping, dining and nightlife center – one of the city’s two downtowns. It’s a world of neon lights, colorful people and some of the best food on earth.

Dotonbori: Avigator Thailand/Shutterstock.com

Minami, which means “south” in Japanese, is Osaka’s number-two urban hub (after Kita/Umeda). Encompassing the districts of Shinsaibashi and Namba (and a bit of Minami-Horie), Minami is where Osakans go for a good time. From north to south, Minami is bisected by the wide boulevard of Midosuji, which is lined with some of the city’s most fashionable shops and department stores.

From east to west, Minami is bisected by the Dotombori Canal, which is surrounded on both sides by the raucous Dotombori dining and nightlife district. Running parallel to Midosuji and Dotombori, you’ll find some of Osaka’s classic covered shopping arcades. And to the southeast, you’ll find Den-Den Town, Osaka’s main electronics and pop culture zone.

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Check-in date

Fri 13 Dec 2024

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Sat 14 Dec 2024

Things to See and Do in Minami

• Dotombori (dining/entertainment/shopping district)
  Named for the Dotombori Canal that runs through the middle of it, Dotombori is the colorful and crowded entertainment district located mostly on the east side of Midosuji. The Dotombori Arcade runs parallel to the canal on the south side and it’s lined with some of Osaka’s most famous and largest restaurants.
• Midosuji (shopping street)
  Osaka’s “main street,” Midosuji is a broad street that runs north/south right through the heart of Minami. All the major international luxury brands have outlets here, including Dior, Chanel, Armani and Louis Vuitton, and you’ll also find the vast Daimaru department store here. Needless to say, shopping (or just window shopping) is a lot of fun – not to mention the great people watching!
• Hozenji Yokocho (traditional alley)
  Two small blocks east of Midosuji and two small blocks south of the Dotombori Arcade, you’ll find the impossibly atmospheric alley called Hozenji Yokocho. This stone-paved alley, lined with traditional and restored shops and restaurants, is one of the most beautiful streets in all of Osaka and it looks like it was magically transported from somewhere in Kyoto.
• Doguyasuji Arcade (kitchen and cooking supply shopping arcade)
  About five minutes’ walk southeast of Namba subway station (easily reached on foot from Dotombori), the covered shopping arcade known as Doguyasuji is Osaka’s kitchen and restaurant supply street. Here is where you’ll find that bizarre plastic food sample to bring home as a quirky gift, or a proper Japanese cooking knife, lacquer bowl or pair of chopsticks.
• Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Arcade (shopping arcade)
  This covered shopping arcade is the quintessential “shotengai” or covered shopping arcade. It runs parallel to and one block east of Midosuji. Even if you don’t intend to do any shopping, it’s well worth taking a walk along this street to see the incredible cast of Osaka characters who prowl this place.
• Shochikuza (kabuki theater)
  Osaka’s main kabuki theatre, Shochikuza is well worth checking out for fans of traditional theatre. Even if you don’t stay for the full program, one act of kabuki is enough to transport you to another world. You could always stop by the box office to see if anything is on while you are there.
• Amerika Mura (trendy district)
  Amerika Mura (or “Amemura” to the locals) is located on the west side of Midosuji, just north of the Dotombori Canal. This is a warren of narrow streets lined with shops that mostly appeal to 20-something fashionistas and fashion-victims, with a strong tilt toward urban apparel and hip hop wear. It’s a fun place to wander and there are plenty of bars and restaurants in the area, most of which are welcoming to foreigners.
• Den-Den Town (electronics shopping district)
  Osaka’s answer to Tokyo’s Akihabara, Den-Den is the city’s electronics, camera, computer and pop culture shopping neighborhood. It’s about 10 minutes’ walk southwest of Namba Station, in Nippombashi, running roughly between Nippombashi and Ebisucho stations on the Sakaisuji subway line. Many of the shops here have someone on hand who can speak English, so don’t be afraid to ask for help when looking for something.
• Namba Marui (shopping mall)
  One of the main shopping malls in the Minami District of Osaka, this vast department store/shopping mall is one of the best one-stop shopping destinations in the city.
• Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum (museum)
  Though small and unassuming, the Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum in the heart of Dotombori is a gem of a museum for Japanese art lovers. Fans of woodblock prints will find much to delight them here.

Best Hotels in Minami

Hotel NikkoLuxuryMore Info

Hotel 88 ShinsaibashiMid-RangeMore Info

Cross HotelMid-RangeMore Info

Hearton HotelBudgetMore Info

Places to Eat in Minami

Budget to Moderate Places to Eat in Minami

• Ajinoya (okonomiyaki; budget to moderate)
  This okonomiyaki specialist near the Dotombori Arcade is one of our favorite places to sample Osaka’s signature dish. It’s friendly, fast and the okonomiyaki is rich, filling and absolutely delicious. Recommended!
• Shinsaibashi Madras 5 (curry; budget)
  If you like Japanese curry and rice, you’ll love this simple and excellent shop at the south end of Amerika Mura. There are tons of great choices, including some vegetarian options.
• Kidatake (udon; budget)
  This rough and ready udon specialist in Namba serves one of the best bowls of udon noodles in the city. It’s perfect for a casual lunch while exploring the area. Recommended!
• Bonkuraya (okonomiyaki; moderate)
  A funky, fun, and tasty time out with a playful menu and a cheeky Osaka feel, from lunch time to late night.
• Nishiya (udon; budget to moderate)
  This popular and long-standing udon restaurant is a great place for a hearty bowl of udon noodles while shopping in Shinsaibashi. They have lots of choices in addition to udon, so everyone should be happy here. Look for the white curtains with black letters reading にし家.
• Chibo (okonomiyaki; budget to moderate)
  If you fancy one of Osaka’s most popular dishes, okonomiyaki, try Chibo, which is located along the crowded Dotombori Arcade. The okonomiyaki here is awesome! There’s an English sign and menu.
• Ryukishinraizu (ramen; budget)
  A bit of a walk south of Namba Station, the shoyu ramen here is well worth the journey. Both the noodles and the soup here are thick and rich. It’s a must for serious ramen fans! Look for the word “Rize” on the sign.
• Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M (yakiniku; moderate)
  This Dotombori/Hozenji yakiniku specialist serves Matsuzaka beef, one of Japan’s most famous and prized brands of beef. This place is cramped and often crowded, but the grilled beef is tasty.
• Ichiran Dotombori (ramen; budget)
  This nationwide ramen chain is famous for its private booth seating, where you can enjoy their thick-soup and tasty ramen. The branch here in Dotombori is great for a quick and casual meal. Buy a ticket from the vending machine in front.
• Tsuki no Odori (yakitori; moderate)
  This yakitori-ya on the Dotombori arcade is a cut above your typical yakitori joint. They serve all kinds of creative chicken dishes and they’re perfectly comfortable with foreign guests. Recommended!
• Dotomobori Imai (soba and udon; budget to moderate)
  This classic old soba and udon shop is a calm refuge among the chaos of the Dotombori Arcade. The noodles are merely average, but the setting is very nice.
• Mizuno (okonomiyaki; budget)
  Mizuno near Dotombori Arcade has a permanent queue out of the door for their world-famous okonomiyaki, which is as delicious as the Michelin guide promises and entirely worth the wait. Vegetarians and gluten-intolerant diners aren’t left out, either - they have options for you, too!
• Takoyaki Juhachiban (takoyaki; budget)
  Visitors to Dotonbori are spoilt for choice when it comes to food, but if you have to choose just one takoyaki stall here, make it Takoyaki Juhachiban. These octopus balls contain several surprise ingredients that take them to the next level of deliciousness.
• Kougaryu (takoyaki; budget)
  Shopping in Shinsaibashi but need a break? Grab some takoyaki from famed shop Kougaryu in Amerikamura. Not only is the takoyaki fabulous, there’s a wealth of intriguing toppings to choose from. Why not try them all?
• Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru (takoyaki; budget)
  Dotonbori has several great takoyaki stalls to choose from, and Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru is super popular with lovers of this street food. What’s so great about them? Order their “bikkuri takoyaki” or “Surprise Takoyaki” to find out!
• Takoyaki Doraku Wanaka (takoyaki; budget)
  Takoyaki Doraku Wanaka’s takoyaki is another favourite with Osakans. They have several branches across the city from Namba to Nippombashi, but we like the Sennichimae stall - the takoyaki is fabulous, and you can have it for breakfast on the weekends, in true Osaka binge-eating fashion.
• Tonkatsu Daiki (tonkatsu; budget to moderate)
  Craving something homey, approachable, and affordable? At Daiki, a tonkatsu specialist in Higashi-Shinsaibashi, you’ll find gorgeous deep-fried pork cutlets at affordable prices. Lunches are great if you’re on a tight budget, but dinner won’t exactly break the bank either.
• Torijiro Dotonbori Branch (yakitori; budget)
  Having a late night out with friends around Dotonbori and need a place to eat when the party’s over? Yakitori at Torijiro on Dotonbori Arcade is just the ticket when hunger comes calling at 1am.

Moderate to Expensive Places to Eat in Minami

• Aochi (Japanese; moderate to expensive)
  Over in western Shinsaibashi, this creative restaurant serves fresh and interesting dishes based on typical Japanese ingredients. It’s a nice choice for a slightly refined but not excessively formal meal in Osaka.
• Asai (kaiseki; expensive)
  This one-star Michelin pick is a great place to try kaiseki in Minami. Sitting at the counter and watching the chefs create their sublime dishes is part of the appeal of this place.
• Kitamura (sukiyaki; expensive)
  This classic old-school Shinsaibashi restaurant serves some of the best sukiyaki in the city. If you want a break from yakiniku and teppanyaki, give this place a try.
• Shimanouchi Ichiyo (kappo; expensive)
  On the far east side of Shinsaibashi, this wonderful kappo specialist serves out-of-this-world seafood.
• Momen (kaiseki/kappo; expensive)
  This superb little Shinsaibashi counter restaurant serves some of the most sublime dishes you’re likely to encounter anywhere. It’s usually described as kaiseiki, but kappo is probably a better word for it – a flight of wonderful and artistic creations made from the freshest Japanese ingredients.
• Sushitokorojinsei (sushi; expensive)
  This Shinsaibashi sushi-ya is one of the best sushi restaurants in the city. It’s a sublime dining experience in every regard.
• Jiyuken (curry rice; budget)
  Since 1910, Jiyuken in Namba has been serving up its wildly popular old-school curry rice with a twist: you don’t get to mix the curry into the rice. If you’re not keen on curry, don’t worry - they have other options too!
• Bistrot d’Anjou (French; moderate)
  If you’re craving hearty comfort food of the European variety, head over to Bistrot d’Anjou in Shinsaibashi. This charming, well-loved French bistro has been serving up some fine, authentic brasserie fare to Osakans for the last 40 years!
• Osaka Yakiton Center (izakaya; moderate)
  Fancy experiencing a super-local standing bar on your visit? Head over to the Osaka Yakiton Center in Namba for delicious grilled pork skewers. There’s no English menu, but the staff are friendly and, hey, you get to pour your own sake!
• Shinkawa Nishiya (izakaya, udon; moderate)
  What’s not to love about a seafood izakaya like Shinkawa Nishiya? It’s centrally located smack in the middle of Namba, the food is great and reasonably priced, the drinks are good, and best of all, it’s open until 5:00am.
• Karatto (kushikatsu; moderate)
  Karatto is a stylish, slightly upmarket kushikatsu restaurant located a stone’s throw from Shinsaibashi Station. Not only is the food delicious and generously portioned, it’s open till 5:00am - great to finish off a night of karaoke or partying.
• Honto Sushi Kaiba (sushi; moderate)
  Can you believe a hipster neighbourhood like Kita-Horie has great sushi? Honto Sushi Kaiba near Yotsubashi does, indeed, serve up some delicious sushi. But if you don’t like raw fish, don’t fret - there’s plenty of cooked items on the dinnertime menu for a tasty meal.
• Kuruma Shinsaibashi Branch (yakitori; moderate)
  For a casual but tasty yakitori dinner in comfortable surroundings, Kuruma Shinsaibashi Branch fits the bill. They use flavourful free-range chicken from Miyazaki, and have a variety of dishes from chicken sukiyaki to chicken sashimi in addition to the usual skewers.

Eat Like A Local in Minami

Want an even more adventurous eating experience where you mingle with Osaka locals? Try these places

• Akari Soba
  Looking for an escape from Dotonbori's relentless crowds? Akari is a charming, homey soba shop will whisk you away to a calmer, quieter world - along with some delicious soba and tempura to boot.

Places to Stay in Minami

Budget Hotels in Minami

• Hotel Cargo Shinsaibashi
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Hotel Cargo Shinsaibashi is a modern take on the classic Japanese capsule hotel. With a dynamite location in Shinsaibashi, within walking distance of Dotombori, and rates below US$50 per night, this is a great choice for budget travelers.
• First Cabin Midosuji Namba
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Curious about capsule hotels but find the idea of one too claustrophobic? Try a cabin instead! The super-central First Cabin Midosuji Namba has compact, comfortable, and reasonably priced cabins - perfect for solo travellers who need a little more space than a box.
• Hearton Hotel Shinsaibashi
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Hearton Hotel is a centrally-located hotel that’s a perfectly decent pick for budget travellers. The combination of clean, comfortable accommodation and Namba a 10-minute walk away is hard to beat.
• Sotetsu Fresa Inn Osaka Shinsaibashi
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  A solid budget hotel in a convenient location in Minami, the Sotetsu Fresa Inn Osaka Shinsaibashi is typical of this chain: no frills but comfortable enough for a few nights.
• Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka Namba (formerly Hotel Sunroute Osaka Namba)
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Located just a short walk from Nippombashi Station, Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka Namba (formerly Hotel Sunroute Osaka Namba) is a no-frills hotel offering everything you need in a small and efficient package. If you know the chain, you know it’s very decent value for money.

Family Hotels in Minami

• Mimaru Osaka Namba North
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  The Mimaru Osaka Namba North is one of the best family hotels in Osaka. And it’s located in Namba, which is filled with shops and restaurants the kids will love. If you can afford the rates, you really cannot go wrong here.
• Mimaru Osaka Shinsaibashi West
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  The Mimaru Osaka Shinsaibashi West is arguably the best family hotel in Osaka. It’s perfectly located in a great part of Minami, close to the subway and walking distance to many attractions. It’s a superb choice for traveling families and small groups.
• Fraser Residence Osaka
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  If a hotel doesn’t appeal while you’re on holiday, serviced apartments are a fantastic alternative. With spacious, fully-equipped studios and rooms, Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka in Namba is just the ticket for families with kids or when you’re travelling as a group!
• Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka
  (View on on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Located right above JR Namba Station, Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka is a convenient and reasonably priced option for visitors to the city. It’s one of the few more child-friendly hotels around, too.

Mid-Range Hotels in Minami

• Hotel the Leben Osaka
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  The Leben is an excellent and well-run hotel on the edge of the desirable Shinsaibashi district of Osaka. It’s one of those places that gets everything right and the prices are extremely reasonable given the quality.
• KOKO HOTEL Osaka Namba (formerly Hotel WBF Art Stay Osaka Namba)
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  KOKO HOTEL Osaka Namba (formerly Hotel WBF Art Stay Osaka Namba) isn’t your run-of-the-mill, conventionally designed hotel. This hotel in Minami features cozy, compact rooms covered with adorable children's drawings – perfect for people who love a splash of fun and colour in their rooms!
• Centara Grand Hotel Osaka
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  The Centara Grand Hotel Osaka towers over the Namba district in the Minami area of Osaka. It offers stunning views and excellent service at rates far below similar hotels in the rest of Japan. Best of all, it’s nearly on top of Nankai Namba Station, with easy access to/from Kansai Airport.
• Cross Hotel Osaka
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  For a reasonably-priced, stylish, modern hotel with clean and comfortable rooms, Cross Hotel Osaka is just the ticket. It’s great for visitors who want to be near all the action happening in Dotonbori.
• Dotonbori Hotel
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  This comfortable little hotel with a superb location right in the heart of Dotombori is a great choice for someone who wants to explore Osaka’s nightlife.
• Hotel 88 Shinsaibashi
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Located down a quiet side street in Minami, the unassuming Hotel 88 Shinsaibashi is near enough all the action and bright lights of Dotonbori, but low-key enough to make your stay pleasant and relaxing.
• Hotel Ilcuore Namba
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Located just 2 minutes on foot away from Namba Subway Station, Hotel Ilcuore Namba is a central and comfortable place to stay. We like the free coffee in the hotel lobby – great for recharging in between shopping!
• Hotel the Grandee
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  A charming mid-range boutique hotel located near Shinsaibashi, Hotel the Grandee offers spacious, tastefully decorated rooms in the heart of the city. A free drink every evening at the hotel lounge doesn’t hurt, either!
• Namba Oriental Hotel
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Right in the heart of Namba, this well-located hotel is good value for money and the management tries very hard to please. There are endless dining and shopping spots nearby.
• Hotel Nikko Osaka
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Enjoying a brilliant location, overlooking the north end of Shinsaibashi (and directly over a subway stop), the Nikko is a fantastic hotel. Considering the style and service, the rooms here are very good value.
• The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Besides the comfortable rooms and great location, the Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi stands out for its fun value-added guest services like free ramen and fun cultural workshops. A great choice for first-time visitors to Osaka who want to mingle with other hotel guests and make friends.

Luxury Hotels in Minami

• Swissotel Nankai Osaka
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Towering over Nankai Namba Station, the Swissotel Nankai Osaka is a fine hotel right in the heart of the Minami action. Views from the rooms are stunning – taking in vast swathes of the Osaka/Kobe metropolis. There are some great on-site facilities and restaurants, as well.
• W Osaka
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  The W is a stylish hotel located in a convenient part of Shinsaibashi, within walking distance of the important sights of Minami. It’s some serious eye candy and will please those who like this kind of thing.

Shopping in Minami

• Namba Parks (shopping center)
  Just south of Namba Station and just west of Nankai Namba Station, Namba Parks is an enormous multi-level shopping, dining and entertainment complex. It’s called “Parks” because the upper outdoor areas are filled with large potted plants. It’s one of the more pleasant shopping areas in Osaka and it’s worth a look even if you don’t intend to buy anything.
• Midosuji/Shinsaibashi Brand-Name Area (shopping street)
  See the “Midosuji” entry under Things to See and Do above for details on the famous Midosuji shopping area.
• Tokyu Hands (hi-tech gadget/hobby store): The Minami branch of this world-famous gadget and hobby store is one of our favorite shops in the entire city. This is your one-stop shop for cool “only-in-Japan” souvenirs.
• Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Arcade (shopping street)
  See the “Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Arcade” entry under Things to See and Do above for details on this famous covered shopping arcade.
• Den-Den Town (electronics shopping district)
  Osaka’s famous electronics, camera and pop culture shopping district.

Nightlife in Minami

• Café Absinthe (restaurant/bar)
  This restaurant/café/bar is a great place to start an evening or spend an entire evening. There’s great Mediterranean food, delicious drinks and you can even smoke a shisha (hookah). Highly recommended. It’s over in Kita Horie, a bit of a walk from Shinsaibashi Station.
• CinqueCento (bar)
  On the east edge of Shinsaibashi, this casual bar restaurant offers really cheap drinks and a friendly crowd. It’s a great place to meet some locals and expats.

Where Are These Places Located?

See these places on the Inside Osaka Google map:

• Open the Osaka map
• You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
• Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
• Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
• If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

Osaka District Map

• Shin-Osaka Area
• Kita Area
• Central Osaka Area
• Minami Area
• Tennoji Area
• Osaka Castle Area
• Osaka Bay Area