Namba Square

We have now arrived at a large pedestrian square called Namba Hiroba, or Namba Square. Today the space feels calm and open, but for decades this area was filled with roads, buses, and a large taxi stand, making traffic chaotic and leaving very little room for pedestrians. Starting in 2008, local residents, shop owners, and community groups began imagining a different future for this space. Their idea was simple: create a square designed for people rather than cars, a place where visitors and locals could meet, rest, and enjoy the city. After many years of planning, experiments, and construction, Namba Hiroba finally opened in 2023 and was fully completed in 2025. Right in front of you stands a vast building, Takashimaya Osaka, one of the most prestigious department stores in Japan and also one of the oldest in the city. The building dates back to 1932 and is known for its Art Deco architecture, with geometric lines, a massive façade, and elegant details that stand out among the more modern buildings around it. Inside, you can find almost everything: Japanese and international fashion, cosmetics, stationery, souvenirs, and also a huge food basement known as a depachika, where visitors can buy bentō boxes, pastries, and many Osaka specialties. It’s a very popular stop for both locals and travelers, and the train station is located just behind the department store. As you might imagine with all this activity, the area is always lively and forms the heart of the district that shares its name, a neighborhood well known for its entertainment venues and shopping centers.