FAQ about sightseeing

These are examples of frequently asked questions and answers about Namba and other matters provided by Information Center Namba.

About tourist sites around Namba

Q.What are the tourist sites around Namba?: A.The areas of Namba, Dotombori and Ebisubashi are called Minami and it is filled with the sentiments of the people of Osaka. Here, enjoy the atmosphere rather than see the sights. Within walking distance, you will find Sennichimae Doguyasuji, where professional cooking tools are sold, Hozenji Yokocho with its stone paving, Dotombori with colorful neon signs, Nippombashi – the town of Japanese pop culture , and Namba Yasakajinja-shrine popular for its unique architecture. Why not visit them all with Osaka’s famous takoyaki in hand?
The area map can be downloaded from the homepage.(PDF)

Q.What’s Tsutenkaku? Is it near Namba?: A.Tsutenkaku is Osaka’s symbolic tower. It looks rather strange for its upper half looks like the Eiffel Tower and the bottom half looks like the Arc de Triomphe, and it offers a 360-degree view of Osaka City from its observatory deck 91 meters above ground.
The area around Tsutenkaku Tower is called Shinsekai where specialties of Osaka such as kushikatsu (deep-fried breaded meat on skewer) are available at reasonable prices.
Tsutenkaku Tower is a train ride away from Namba on the Nankai Electric Railway. Get the local train in platform no.1 (KOYA LINE) at Nankai Namba Station and alight at Imamiyaebisu Station. Once out of the ticket gate, go left (east) for about 400 meters, turn right (south) at the intersection in front of Naniwa Police Station and walk 200 meters to reach Tsutenkaku Tower.

Q.What are the most popular Osaka souvenirs?: A.The juicy and generously portioned “551Horai no Butaman” (steamed pork bun) is an Osaka specialty that must be tried at least once (available from a shop in Nankai Namba Station.) “Rikuro Ojisan no Yakitate Cheesecake” (freshly baked cheesecake) in Nankai Dori Street is even popular among men for its light creamy texture and refined sweetness. “Hokkyoku no Ice Candy”(ice lolly) in Ebisubashisuji Street is popular for its packaging with a cute penguin motif and its nostalgic flavor.

Q.Where can I go for a good lunch?: A.The area of Namba is famous for having many local shops that offer popular dishes. There are many reasonably-priced sushi restaurants in Nankai Dori Street. In the area around Namba Oriental Hotel, you can enjoy the “flavors of Osaka” such as Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki. “Namba Comejirushi” where there are many shops voted to be the best by the people is also recommended. If you get stuck on which one to go to, feel free to ask a infomation staff.

Q.How do I get to Kansai International Airport?: A.Use the Airport Line from Nankai Namba Station. It takes about 38 minutes on Ltd. Exp. Rapi:t (adult one-way: 1,390 yen) or about 47 minutes on Airport Express (adult one-way: 890 yen.)
(Airport Bus service from Namba is 1,000 yen one-way)

Q.How do I get to the World Heritage Koyasan?: A. Koyasan is located in the north of Wakayama Prefecture in a 1,000-meter class mountain range. Koyasan, which is one of Japan’s most famous power spots, can be reached by a train and a bus from Nankai Namba Station. It takes about 90 minutes to Koyasan on Ltd. Exp. KOYA. The Koyasan-World Heritage Ticket from the ticket sales windows is good value.
(*It takes about 110 minutes on either the Express or Rapid Express train, but if you get a train bound for Hashimoto, you will need to change to a train bound for Koyasan Gokurakubashi, which departs from the forward direction of the platform where you alight at Hashimoto Station.)
Check here for details.