Osaka is known as the central city in the west of Japan.
Osaka is also known as Naniwa.
In fact, many Osaka residents know the word Naniwa, but do not know what it means or why it is called Naniwa.
In this article, we will introduce the reason why Osaka is called Naniwa and the meaning of the word.
We also introduce some recommended sightseeing spots in Osaka related to Naniwa, so please use it as a reference when you go sightseeing.
What is the meaning of Naniwa?
The kanji Naniwa has several varieties, including "浪速," "浪花," and "難波".
According to Kojien, Japan's leading dictionary of the Japanese language, Naniwa is the old name for the city of Osaka and its vicinity, and the word Naniwa originally came from "fish garden" (魚庭 pronounced "sakana-niwa"). There is a theory that the abundance of seafood in Osaka Bay is the origin of the name.
Today, it has become a nickname not only for Osaka City but also for Osaka Prefecture.
Meaning of Naniwa in Nihon Shoki
The name Naniwa has a long history, and the place name "Naniwa-no-miya" appears in Nihon Shoki, Japan's first history book written in 720.
Naniwa-no-miya was located in what is now Osaka Castle Park in Chuo-ku, Osaka City, and was once the political, economic, and cultural center of the area.
Today, the area is known as Naniwa-no-Miya-Ato Park, and is a gathering place for local residents.
Recently, the Naniwa-no-miya 1400 Project has been held to promote the historical Naniwa-no-miya Ato Park.Naniwa Miya 1400 Project is taking place.
Various events are being held, so be sure to visit.
Naniwa-no-Miya-Ato Park
Address: 1-6 Hoenzaka, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Access: 1 minute walk from Tanimachi 4-chome Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line.
5 minutes walk from Morinomiya station on JR Osaka Loop Line
A nickname loved by the people of Osaka
Today, the word Naniwa is a popular nickname for Osaka.
Although Naniwa is rarely used to refer to Osaka in actual conversation, the word Naniwa is used in various places in Osaka.
For example, Naniwa is used on the license plates of cars in Osaka City.
Place and station names in Osaka City include Naniwa-ku, Osaka City, Namba, and Naniwabashi station on the Nakanoshima Line of the Keihan Railway.
Osaka also hosts the Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival every summer.
In addition, the word Naniwa is also used in entertainment, such as the idol group Naniwa Danshi and the song "Naniwa Koishigure."
Recommended sightseeing spots in Naniwa-ku, Osaka City
There is also an area in Osaka City called Naniwa-ku.
This is an attractive area with many famous Osaka sightseeing spots.
The Tsutenkaku Tower, which is the symbol of Osaka, and the Shinsekai shopping district that surrounds it are must-see spots for visitors to Osaka.
Shinsekai is lined with restaurants where you can enjoy Osaka's gourmet food such as kushikatsu and takoyaki (octopus dumplings), so be sure to try lots of delicious food.
Tsutenkaku Tower
Address: 1-18-6, Emisu-higashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Access: 3-minute walk from Ebisucho Station on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line / 6-minute walk from Dobutsuen-mae Station on the Midosuji Line
3 minutes walk from Emisucho station on Hankai Line / 6 minutes walk from Shin-Imamiya station on JR Loop Line
Another popular spot in Osaka is SPAWORLD HOTEL&RESORT, a swimming pool and hot bath facility located just a short distance from Tsutenkaku Tower.
Recently, a hotel has been added to the building, and it is now crowded with tourists.
SPAWORLD HOTEL&RESORT
Address: 3-4-24, Emisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Access: Short walk from Dobutsuen-mae station on the OSAKA METRO Midosuji and Sakaisuji lines
Short walk from Shin-Imamiya Station on the JR Loop Line
In addition, the Nippombashi area, with its anime and electronics stores, and the Namba area, a town in Osaka where you can enjoy shopping and dining, are also included in Naniwa-ku.
The most charming city of Naniwa
In this article, we have introduced the reason why Osaka is called Naniwa, the meaning of the name, and sightseeing spots related to Naniwa.
You may see or hear the word Naniwa in various situations in Osaka.
We hope you will visit the most charming city of Naniwa.
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