Where the City Meets Nature
NAMBA PARKS was developed by Nankai Electric Railway on the former site of Osaka Stadium, which was demolished in 1998. The redevelopment was based on the concept of “Future City Naniwa Shinto”.
The first phase opened in October 2003, followed by the second phase in April 2007, creating the large-scale complex seen today.
Architecture Inspired by a Great Canyon
The architectural design was created by Jon Jerde, the architect known for projects such as Canal City Hakata and Roppongi Hills. The spectacular exterior is inspired by the image of a vast canyon, with the building’s walls designed to evoke the passage of time and geological layers.
In 2014, NAMBA PARKS was selected by CNN in its feature on the Top 10 Most Beautiful Sky Gardens in the World.
History of the Site
Namba Gura: An Edo-Period Rice Warehouse
During the Great Kyoho Famine of 1732, the Edo shogunate established a rice warehouse known as Namba Gura in Namba Village. As a facility directly controlled by the shogunate, it played an important role in supporting Osaka’s food supply.
Infrastructure around the area was also developed during this period, including the construction of the Namba Iribori Canal.
Osaka Stadium: Home of the Nankai Hawks
In 1950, Osaka Stadium was built on this site. It became the home ground of the professional baseball team Nankai Hawks and was an important landmark in Osaka’s sporting history.
The stadium was demolished in 1998, and the site was subsequently redeveloped into the present NAMBA PARKS.
The Birth of NAMBA PARKS
Following the demolition of Osaka Stadium, Nankai Electric Railway began redeveloping the site under the “Future City Naniwa Shinto” concept. The first phase of NAMBA PARKS opened in October 2003, while the second phase was completed in April 2007.
In July 2023, the new NAMBA PARKS South Grand opened, further expanding the area and strengthening its role as a major landmark in Osaka.
The Main Areas of NAMBA PARKS
The complex consists of three major areas:
NAMBA PARKS Shops & Diners – A commercial area featuring shops and restaurants.
Parks Tower – An office tower.
NAMBA PARKS South – A newer area containing hotels, offices, and other facilities.
NAMBA PARKS Shops & Diners
The main commercial building has 10 floors above ground and three basement levels. Its rooftop features the spectacular terraced garden known as Parks Garden.
More than 70,000 plants representing approximately 300 species are grown throughout the garden, creating a remarkable green landscape in the middle of Osaka’s busy urban center.
Canyon Street and Baseball Memorials
On the second floor, the home plate and pitcher’s plate from the former Osaka Stadium have been preserved. A commemorative plaque also recalls the exciting baseball games once played at the stadium.
At Canyon Court, the large Parks Vision screen displays videos and information during events.
Parks Garden and the Rooftop Park
The rooftop garden has received high praise, including an award from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
The eighth floor is home to the outdoor Amphitheater, which hosts performances and events. The rooftop area also includes Urban Farm, a community garden where visitors can experience urban agriculture.
The Second-Phase Area
The second-phase area, which opened in 2007, is centered around Namba Parks Cinema, a multiplex cinema with 11 screens and 2,164 seats.
The area also features the specialty shopping zone T-Terrace, developed in cooperation with Takashimaya, with a wide variety of stores including Asahiya Bookstore and Toys“R”Us.
An Expanded Rooftop Garden
The expansion of the second-phase area also brought an extension of the rooftop gardens. Approximately 30,000 additional plants were added, bringing the total across NAMBA PARKS to approximately 300 plant species and 70,000 plants.
The result is an even larger green retreat where visitors can take a break from the surrounding city.
Events, Art, and Cultural Activities
NAMBA PARKS has also developed a strong connection with art and culture. Musician Taro Hakase has been involved with the complex as its imaging producer, helping promote artistic and cultural activities throughout the facility.
His designs have also been used for “Lov↑ng NAMBA,” a regional promotional campaign organized by the Nankai Group and Takashimaya.
Access
NAMBA PARKS is directly connected to Nankai Namba Station, making it particularly convenient for visitors exploring the Namba area. It also has easy connections to Osaka Metro lines, JR services, and local bus routes.
Nearest Stations
Nankai Namba Station: Directly connected.
Osaka Metro Namba Station: A short walk from the Midosuji, Yotsubashi, and Sennichimae Lines.
JR Namba Station: Approximately a 5-minute walk.
A Green Urban Landmark in Namba
NAMBA PARKS offers much more than shopping and dining. Its combination of architecture, gardens, art, entertainment, and restaurants makes it an attractive destination for visitors exploring Osaka.
Despite being located in the heart of one of Osaka’s busiest districts, the extensive greenery of Parks Garden provides a peaceful place to relax. It is a distinctive urban attraction where visitors can enjoy both the energy of Namba and the refreshing atmosphere of nature in one place.