An Oasis Hidden in the Heart of Osaka: A Stroll Through Namba Parks
The first time I saw photos of Namba Parks, I was captivated by its flowing greenery that looked like Antelope Canyon. This time in Osaka, I made sure to set aside time to see this legendary "urban oasis" in person. Namba Parks is not just a shopping mall; it feels more like a forest stage within the city, a true urban healing space in my heart.
The entire building resembles a layered hill, with plants covering the exterior walls and rooftop. It’s open from 10 AM until late at night, making it perfect whether you come here to shop, eat, watch a movie, or simply take a walk, daydream, or meet friends to chat. Actually, if you don’t want to enter the mall and just want a quiet stroll, you can take the pathway from the back and walk all the way up. Each level offers different scenery, making it feel like you’re slowly climbing a city garden.
The day I visited happened to be cloudy, with a slightly chilly early spring breeze. The plants hadn’t fully revived yet, but the whole place still felt very alive. I remember slowly walking up the stairs and seeing a girl sitting at the top, her eyes a bit melancholic. Her friend came up from below, and the two silently sat by the city rooftop, watching the view. At that moment, I suddenly felt this place was more than just a mall—it was like a spiritual corner for the people of Osaka.
The design details of Namba Parks are truly beautiful, even the restrooms have a natural style with no sense of discord. The greenery isn’t maintained to be perfectly pristine but respects the plants’ natural growth, so occasionally seeing a leaf or two turning yellow feels very authentic. The biggest surprise was that the park area wasn’t cluttered with random sculptures or billboards; it felt like the architecture itself was the star.
As someone who isn’t an architecture expert, I may not understand much about structural design, but every corner I walked through felt visually soothing, and my pace naturally slowed down. There was an indescribable comfort that made me want to sit a while longer and keep strolling slowly.
If you long for a moment of peace in the city without wanting to stray far from daily conveniences, Namba Parks should definitely be on your itinerary, and it’s even worth spending an entire afternoon here just to relax.
Address: 2-10-70 Namba Naka, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Namba PARKS
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