The urban area of Namba and Minatomachi will be redeveloped as a setting for socializing and cultural activities.
With their long history and culture, the Namba and Motomachi Districts (called "Minami") have enjoyed great-prosperity as a center for socializing, leisure, and information exchange. These destricts still retain many traditional characteristics, symbolized by the Hozenji-yokocho quarter and the bunraku puppet theater. Minami's ability to attract people and its unique characteristics has led to the development of new culture that builds on this tradition. As this area is a site for information and exchanges, it will be a key area in the revitalization of the city. Future development projects will certainly add to the prosperity of these districts.
Namba and Minatomachi Districts Table of Contents (Jump within this page.)
Panorama of district and transport access
- From JR Shin-Osaka Station:20-25 min. by road/JR rail or subway
- From Kansai International Airport:35-50 min. by road/rail
By rail:
1-5 min. on foot from Namba Stations of JR Line, Nankai Line, Kintetsu Line, Midosuji Subway Line, or Yotsubashi Subway Line
Potential
Namba and Minatomachi have one of the largest concentration of commercial and cultural facilities in western Japan. About 1 million people passengers use the subway, JR, and private railway stations here daily.
One of the Largest concentration of commercial and cultural facilities in Osaka
- America Village and Europe Village: Numerous boutiques and eateries
- Shinsaibashi-suji: A historic shopping area selling high-quality goods
- Tachibana-dori in Minami-Horie: Birthplace of new youth culture
- Dotombori and Sennichimae: A variety of places to eat and theaters staging Kamigata performances
- Denden Town in Nipponbashi: Electronic appliances and computer shops
America Village
Substantial business resources and attractive residential area
- These districts are home to many small and medium companies. The number of SOHO businesses in residential buildings is also growing.
- Various hotels and other accommodations are found in these districts.
- Tourist bureaus for many countries are located in OCAT.
- Urban residential buildings provide convenience to residents.
OCAT (JR Namba Station)
Recent developments in Namba and the Minatomachi District
Two major development projects underway in Namba and Minatomachi Districts
Development of Minatomachi District
Sketch of the Namba Sankei Building - a new focal point for information
[Renaissa Namba]
A new urban center that provides an integrated home-work environment and is a source of new culture and information
In addition to the transportation hub OCAT and the Minatomachi River Place (Namba Hatch), intended to be a focal point for music culture, steps are being taken for the construction of office building and residential areas with a view to achieving close proximity between the home and workplace, as well as commercial facilities, etc., in the new city zone. Furthermore, the Namba Sankei Building, which will house the Fuji Sankei Group, will open in July 2005. Designed to be a key location for human resources and information, it will be a new center for the dissemination of information in the Minami area.
Minatomachi River Place (Namba Hatch), a popular urban spot
Urbane Namba, a new style of urban living
Development of Namba District
[Namba Parks]
A green space with a variety of recreational opportunities
Namba Parks - the first stage of the Namba District Development project - opened in October 2003 on the former site of the Osaka Baseball Stadium, south of the Namba terminal station of Nankai Railway Line. This huge rooftop garden facility offers an array of recreational activities in a beautiful green space.
Namba Parks
Parks Garden on a rooftop
2nd phase of development (completed in spring 2007)
The 2nd phase (completed in spring 2007, approx. 76,600 m2), located immediately south of the 1st phase of Namba Parks and developed as an integrated unit with Phase I, boasts the addition of a cinema complex and amusement facilities for leisure-oriented entertainment.
Greenery, water, and natural light abound in spacious public relaxation spots.
High-rise residential buildings are under construction nearby.
Image courtesy of Nankai Urban Development Co.,Ltd
Namba Parks reference site (Opens in new window.)
