Naniwa Travel Guide

Osaka

Naniwa
Tsutenkaku Tower featuring a city and street scenes
Naniwa
Naniwa
Naniwa

Discover neon-lit entertainment areas, attend a festival at a colorful temple and watch sumo wrestlers in action at this ward in central Osaka. 

In the heart of Osaka, Naniwa is perfectly positioned for exploring the city’s blend of modern and traditional cultures. Naniwa is the original name of Osaka. The neighborhood was once the imperial capital of Japan. Flattened by bomb raids during World War II, the ward reinvented itself into an entertainment and retail neighborhood. Find streets lined with amusement arcades, pretty parks, shrines, specialty shops and lively bars.

Den Den Town, in the Nipponbashi district, attracts shoppers with its discount electronics, housewares and secondhand stores. Nearby Hakihaki Town specializes in footwear and has a shrine dedicated to Hakimono Jinja, the footwear goddess. Travel south to Shinsekai, where lanterns illuminate old-fashioned storefronts and 24-hour restaurants serve Osaka staples such as kushikatsu (deep-fried meat and vegetable skewers). Janjan Yokocho Alley has retro arcade rooms and affordable bars while Tsutenkaku Tower has great city views.

Make your way to the modern malls of Namba for more retail options. Namba City and Namba Parks are packed with the outlets of both popular Japanese and international fashion labels. Take a break from shopping to relax at the rooftop garden of Namba Parks. For something different, book tickets to watch sumo wrestling at Arena Osaka.

Dedicate time to visiting the ward’s temples. Nambayaska Shrine impresses visitors with an elaborate lion-shaped performance stage set alongside customary Buddhist temples. Imamiya Ebisu Shrine is a Shinto complex dedicated to the gods of financial success. Join thousands of devotees who come to pray for prosperity and enjoy a flamboyant parade during January’s Toka Ebisu Festival.

At the Osaka Human Rights Museum, exhibits highlight the city’s battles against the discrimination of minority groups, women and the LGBT community. Escape the bustling streets for a while at urban green spaces such as Kamomemachi Park and Naniwa Park.

Naniwa is served by several metro and train stations, including Daikokucho, Ebisucho, Imamiyaebisu and Namba. Get around the neighborhood on foot for the most rewarding experiences.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Naniwa

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower
APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower
3 out of 5
1-2-13 Minatomachi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka, Osaka
The price is ₹7,114 per night from 9 Jun to 10 Jun
₹7,114
₹8,608 total
9 Jun - 10 Jun
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Dotonbori and Nipponbashi are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,427 reviews)
"The only issue was bed had to sleep in the middle"

Reviewed on 21 May 2025

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower
Centara Grand Hotel Osaka
Centara Grand Hotel Osaka
5 out of 5
Nambanaka, Naniwa-ku, 2-11-50 33, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹15,063 per night from 15 Jun to 16 Jun
₹15,063
₹19,055 total
15 Jun - 16 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,135 reviews)
"Excellent property"

Reviewed on 20 May 2025

Centara Grand Hotel Osaka
Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka
Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka
4 out of 5
1-2-3 Minatomachi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka, Osaka
The price is ₹8,638 per night from 18 Jun to 19 Jun
₹8,638
₹11,212 total
18 Jun - 19 Jun
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,350 reviews)
"One block away from the party! Minute or two walk away from a 7-11 and Family mart. So much to do within 10-15 minute walk from the hotel! From our three hotels in our last visit to Japan, this was our favorite! Super good view too."

Reviewed on 21 May 2025

Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka
Nest&Rise Osaka Namba Hotel
Nest&Rise Osaka Namba Hotel
3 out of 5
3-4-21 Shikitsuhigashi, Naniwa, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (274 reviews)
"This was a no frills hotel. But it was clean and nice. It was about a 10 minute walk to the subway station. The staff were friendly and there were no problems at all with the stay."

Reviewed on 10 May 2025

Nest&Rise Osaka Namba Hotel
Hotel Taiyo
Hotel Taiyo
2.5 out of 5
1-2-23, Taishi, Nishinari-ku, Osaka, Osaka-fu
Stay at this hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the overall value in their ...
7/10 Good! (997 reviews)
"Best place and budget friendly, near to metro station"

Reviewed on 25 Feb 2025

Hotel Taiyo
Hot Spring OSAKA HINODE HOTEL NIPPONBASHI
Hot Spring OSAKA HINODE HOTEL NIPPONBASHI
3.5 out of 5
Ebisu-nishi 1-2-10, Naniwa-ku, Osaka, Osaka-fu
The price is ₹9,313 per night from 9 Jun to 10 Jun
₹9,313
₹10,424 total
9 Jun - 10 Jun
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (464 reviews)
"Love the hot springs facility"

Reviewed on 18 May 2025

Hot Spring OSAKA HINODE HOTEL NIPPONBASHI
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Naniwa

Namba featuring a city

Namba

4.5/5(309 area reviews)

Visitors to Namba love its popular shops, and you can check out Dotonbori and Namba Parks. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Namba Station (Nankai).

Namba
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Sennichimae

If you're spending time in Sennichimae, you might enjoy attractions like Dotonbori and Namba Walk Shopping Mall. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Nippombashi Station to see more of the city.

Sennichimae
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Nishishinsaibashi

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Dotonbori to Amerikamura – discover Nishishinsaibashi, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Nishishinsaibashi
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Minami

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Minami. Dotonbori is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Nippombashi Station or Namba Station to see more of Osaka.

Minami
Shinsaibashi which includes street scenes

Shinsaibashi

Travellers to Shinsaibashi praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street and Mitsutera Temple.

Shinsaibashi
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Higashishinsaibashi

Shopping and restaurants are notable features of Higashishinsaibashi. You might consider stopping by Hope Chapel Osaka while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Higashishinsaibashi

Naniwa Travel Guide