Minami, which means "south" in Japanese, is Osaka's number two urban center (after Kita/Umeda). Consisting of Shinsaibashi and Namba districts (and a bit of Minami-Horie), Minami is where Osakans go to have a good time. From north to south, Minami is bisected by the wide Midosuji Avenue, home to some of the city's most extravagant shopping malls and fashion boutiques. 
 From east to west, Minami is bisected by the Dotombori Canal, surrounded on both sides by Dotombori's bustling nightlife and dining district. Running parallel to Midosuji and Dotombori, you'll find some of Osaka's classic covered shopping. And to the southeast, you'll find Den-Den Town, Osaka's main electronics and pop culture district. 
 Popular areas in Minami include 
 Dotonbori District (dining/entertainment/shopping district) Named for the Dotombori canal that runs through its middle, Dotonbori is a crowded and colorful entertainment district located most of the east side of Midosuji. The Dotonbori Road runs parallel to the canal to the south and it houses some of the biggest and most famous restaurants in Osaka. 
 Midosuji (shopping street) Osaka's "main street", Midosuji is a broad street running north/south right in the heart of Minami. All the major international luxury brands have stores here, including Dior, Chanel, Armani and Louis Vuitton, and you'll also find the vast Daimaru shopping mall here. Needless to say, shopping is a lot of fun. 
 Hozenji Yokocho area . This cobblestone alley, with restored and restored traditional shops and restaurants, is one of the prettiest streets in Osaka and it looks like it was magically transported from somewhere. in Kyoto. 
 Doguyasuji Arcade (kitchen and cookware shopping district) About a 5-minute walk southeast of Namba subway station , a covered shopping district called Doguyasuji is a street that supplies restaurant and home supplies Osaka's kitchen. This is where you'll find that weird plastic food sample to take home as a quirky gift or a cooking knife, lacquer bowl, or Japanese chopsticks. 
 Shinsaibashi-suji (shopping district) This covered shopping arcade is the quintessential “shotengai” or covered shopping district. It runs parallel to and one block east of Midosuji. Even if you don't intend to shop, it's a good idea to walk along this street and experience an eye-opening view of life in Japan. 
 Shochikuza (kabuki theater) Osaka's main kabuki theater, Shochikuza, is well worth a try for fans of traditional theater. Even if you don't stay for the entire show, a kabuki performance is enough to transport you to another world.