Knowing Osaka’s “North” and “South”: The Kita and Minami Districts

Hanshin’s flagship Umeda store is connected to Umeda Station.

There are currently no plans to change the name of Umeda Metro Station.

The red Ferris wheel on top of Hep Five is a landmark for both Umeda and the Kita area.

Nanba, in Minami, is home to JR Nanba Station and Osaka-Nanba Station on the Kintetsu and Hanshin lines.

Together, Lucua 1100 and Lucua, which adjoin Osaka Station, form one of the largest station shopping complexes in Japan.

Umekita Plaza and Umekita Ship Hall, located to the north of Osaka Station. Umeda Sky Building can be seen on the right in the background. (Courtesy Umeda Sky Building)

Typical Osakan shopping arcades and underground malls may also be found in Kita. This photo shows the Sonezaki Ohatsu Tenjin-dōri arcade.

This iconic view of Minami includes Ebisubashi, known for its Glico runner billboard. The Tonbori River Cruise is a popular way of seeing Dōtonbori from a boat.

Dōtonbori, replete with oversized signs advertising crab and gyōza, is popular with foodies.

The Grand Front Osaka development exemplifies the redevelopment of the Kita area, which has now entered a new phase.

Kuromon Market in Nihonbashi, famous for fresh seafood and other produce, is a popular destination in Minami.

Yumeshima, the site for Expo 2025. As of June 2019, the only sign of activity was a few shipping containers. Over the bridge in the background is Maishima.

The Osaka Prefectural Government Sakishima Building, currently the landmark for the “Nishi” area.

Intex Osaka, the venue for the G20 Summit.

Tenpōzan Harbor Village seen from Sakishima. The blue and red building in front of the Ferris wheel is Osaka Aquarium Kaiyūkan.