Osaka, Japan Nov. 24 Sun 4:30AM
Trendy and Exciting
Namba is one of the two main city centers of Osaka, and is also known as "Minami" (South).
Ura-Namba is popular for its trendy cafes, small restuarants, and hole-in-the-wall bars. Food and drinks are priced reasonably as well which makes it popular with locals.
Around Namba station is known as the main entertainment ditrict in Osaka. The Namba City at Nankai Namba Station has over 300 stores and restuarants to choose from. Shin-Kabukiza is Osaka's main kabuki theater, and Namba Grand Kagetsu is a theater devoted to comedy- Osaka is known for producing many of Japan's comedians.
Nipponbashi is a district that is home to the Kuromon Ichiba, or the Kuromon Market. The market has been active for over 170 years and is known for having the freshest meat, vegetables, fish, eggs, and other ingredients in Osaka. The market has close to 200 shops, most specializing in fresh foods, but some in prepared foods or snacks. Over half of the sales from the market are for restaurants and eateries, but the market is open to the public as well.
Sennichimae Doguyasuji is a shopping street with speciality stores that cater to restauranteurs and sell professional cooking supplies. This is also a popular area with visitors because of the plastic food models so ubiquitous at Japanese restaurants.
Dotonbori, known as "Japan's kitchen" is also located here, with hundreds of restaurants and lots of street food representing typical Osaka fare: takoyaki, okonomiyaki, yakisoba, and kushikatsu.
Den-den Town is also located in Minami, and is known as Osaka's answer to Akihabara. There are clusters of electronic shops, manga and anime shops, and maid cafes.
Namba is full of things to do, and any visitor to Osaka shouldn't miss a trip here!
