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.
Namba Parks - image © Florentyna Leow
Osaka is known as the city of kuidaore - to eat until you fall over. But really, it should also be known as the city where you can shop until you drop. Central Osaka is home to some of the best shopping in the region, from 2 kilometer-long shopping arcades to districts crammed with malls and dozens of shops stocking anything and everything you could want. A good mall to visit when you’re in the Minami district is Namba Parks, an enormous multi-level mall located just south of Namba Station.
Namba Parks - image © Florentyna Leow
It might be a mall, but it’s a far cry from the depressing strip malls of North America. Namba Park is built to resemble a natural canyon, incorporating plants, trees, and flowers into its physical space. The idea is for shoppers to be able to enjoy a dose of nature while browsing boutiques.
Namba Parks - image © Florentyna Leow
Whether you think the concept works or not, it’s pleasantly airy and full of natural light compared to most shopping centers, and rather nice to stroll around. There’s plenty in the way of casual and high-end fashion brands for both men and women, some cute cafes, and shops selling everything from locally-made organic soap to kids toys. If you need a break from retail therapy, there’s a cinema, and also an outdoors rooftop garden where you can soak up the sun.
English name:
Namba Parks
Japanese name:
なんばパークス
English address:
2-10-70 Namba-naka, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, 556-0011
Japanese address:
〒556-0011 大阪市浪速区難波中2-10-70
Opening hours:
Shops: 11am-9pm
Restaurants: 11am-11pm
Garden: 10am-12am
Price:
Nearest Transport:
Train and Subway: Directly connected to Namba Station.
Telephone:
+81-6-6644-7100
Website:
Official website (English of the machine translation)
Near To Here:
Namba Parks is located in Osaka's Minami district. See our complete list of things to do in the Minami district, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
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 Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Osaka guide
- Check Osaka accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Osaka
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Osaka, Osaka to Kyoto and Osaka to Tokyo
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- View my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare flight prices and timings to find the best Japan flight deals
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help