Where Anime Dreams, Maid Cafés, and Retro Goods Come to Life
🌟 What is Nipponbashi?
Nipponbashi—nicknamed “Den-Den Town” and home to the famous Otaku Road (Ota-Road)—is Osaka’s hub for anime, manga, video games, figures, cosplay, and second-hand electronics.
Located just southeast of Namba, this area is the go-to destination for pop culture fans, collectors, and those looking for uniquely Japanese experiences like maid cafés or retro gaming consoles.
More low-key than Tokyo’s Akihabara, Nipponbashi has its own charm: friendly shop owners, deep cuts of fandom, and rare hidden gems.
🔭 Why Visit Nipponbashi?
🎮 Retro & Modern Gaming: Find Famicom to PS5—new, used, and rare
📦 Figure Hunting Heaven: Limited edition anime merch & models
☕ Maid Cafés & Themed Cafés: Cute, quirky, and photo-worthy
🎌 Otaku Street Culture: Cosplay shops, doujinshi, and events
🔌 Electronics Market: Small tech stores with repair parts & vintage gear
📸 Street Photography Gold: Colorful signage & cosplay on weekends
📸 Featured Spots
| Spot | Description |
|---|---|
| Ota-Road | Main strip packed with anime shops, maid cafés, arcades |
| Super Potato Nipponbashi | Retro game store paradise with playable consoles |
| Joshin Denki / Kids Land | Multi-floor electronics & toy store for tech + otaku fans |
| Melonbooks / Toranoana | Doujinshi, manga & fan creations galore |
| Café de Joule / Maidreamin | Popular maid cafés with performances and “moe” service |
🎟️ Admission & Booking
| Attraction / Café | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Super Potato | Free (store) | Retro games for sale & demo play |
| Maidreamin Nipponbashi | ¥700 entry + food | English menu, performances inside |
| Arcade Centers | ¥100–¥500 per play | Open till late |
| Doujinshi Shops | Free (browse) | Great for collectors |
🚨 Visitor Tips
📅 Visit on weekends for cosplay sightings on Ota-Road
📷 Ask before taking photos in shops or with staff (especially in cafés)
💴 Many stores are cash-friendly—bring some yen
🎌 Otaku etiquette is respected—quiet, friendly, and no judging
🧳 Some stores offer tax-free shopping—bring your passport
🚉 Access
Nearest Stations:
- 🚇 Nippombashi Station (Osaka Metro Sennichimae & Sakaisuji Lines)
- 🚇 Ebisucho Station (Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line – closer to southern end)
- 🚉 Namba Station – 10-minute walk
From Major Locations:
✈️ Kansai Airport → 45 min via Nankai Line to Namba, then 10-min walk
✈️ Itami Airport → 45 min via Monorail + Subway
🚄 Shin-Osaka Station → 25 min via subway (Midosuji + Sennichimae Line)
🏨 Top 3 Recommended Hotels Near Nipponbashi
- 🛌 Hotel WBF Namba Motomachi – Clean, cozy, and great location
- 🎮 MIMARU Osaka Namba Station– Apartment-style, perfect for gamers & families
- 💼 APA Hotel Namba-Ebisucho – Budget-friendly and close to Ota-Road
🍴 Top 3 Food Spots for Otaku Energy Boost
- 🍛 Coco Ichibanya Nipponbashi – Japanese curry, customizable spice levels
- 🥩 Yakiniku Like Ebisucho – Solo grill experience, quick & satisfying
- 🍰 Maidreamin Café – Cute meals, magical shows & “moe” desserts
📍 Address & Contact
Den Den Town Tourist Info Corner
📍 5-8-21 Nipponbashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka
📞 +81-6-6634-6756
🌐 https://osaka-info.jp/en/
✨ Whether you’re a hardcore anime collector, a retro gamer, or just curious about Japan’s subculture, Nipponbashi is Osaka’s electric playground—full of color, characters, and nostalgia.