Namba Parks is a massive shopping complex in the Minami area of Osaka with an unique architectural structure. In an attempt to bring some natural greenery into Osaka’s concrete jungle, the building is composed of a series of rising terraces with rooftop gardens at each level.
Inside the canyon of Namba Parks
Through the center of the structure there is a huge “canyon” which provides dramatic viewpoints from every floor. Around this canyon are 9 floors of shops, restaurants, and other facilities such as a cinema, and an outdoor rooftop arena.
A view of Namba Parks from the 4th story walkway
Most people access Namba Parks directly at the 2nd floor level which is at the bottom of the canyon. Your first stop when you arrive should be the 2nd Floor Information Desk. Here you can pick up a floor guide to the building and a pamphlet of discount coupons.
The 2nd floor Information Desk
The 1st floor through to the 5th floor is a shopping mall with many clothing boutiques stocking men’s and ladies’ fashions, cosmetics, and on the 5th floor interior goods and children’s goods.
Fredy & Gloster on the 2nd floor stocks ladies’ and men’s original and select traditional and classy fashions
Comme Ca Style on the 3rd floor stocks high fashion designer brands with sleek lines and bold patterns
G-Star Raw on the 4th floor is a Dutch urban design brand for ladies and men
Makanai on the 5th floor is a local cosmetics brand specializing in hand cream, scrubs, moisturizers, and herbal bath soaks
A 5th floor toy shop
On the 6th floor you can find a large number of restaurants and the Namco games arcade.
The entrance to Namco
Moby Dick is a teppanyaki style steak and gourmet burger restaurant
There are more restaurants on the 7th and 8th floors and the entrance to the cinema is also on the 8th floor.
The Parks Cinema shows all the latest international and domestic popular movies
Outside on the 8th floor rooftop is an amphitheater for outdoor concerts and other events and a garden which leads up to the 9th floor landscape garden.
A path through the garden
The garden is planted with flowers, shrubs, and trees, and you can walk down through its leafy terraces from the 9th floor all the way down to the ground floor level. The natural birdsong, a trickling stream, and plenty of benches help to create a pleasant environment in which to take a break from shopping. The gardens are also illuminated at night.
Viewing the canyon from above
Access
Namba Parks is directly connected to Nankai Namba Station by a walkway at the 2nd story level and to Swissotel Nankai Osaka by a walkway at the 4th story level.
Article and original photos by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved.
