Osaka Apartment Guide: Overview and Rental Prices in the Nakatsu & Nakazakicho Areas

When considering living in Osaka, many people think "Umeda is the most convenient." However, there are areas near Umeda that offer a more livable environment. These are Nakatsu and Nakazakicho.

Located just a 10-minute walk from Umeda, Osaka's central district, the Nakatsu and Nakazakicho areas combine urban convenience with a tranquil residential atmosphere. These rare neighborhoods retain historical architecture from the pre-war era, blending harmoniously with new cafes and restaurants to create a unique charm. Despite their proximity to Umeda, the rental prices for apartments in these areas are notably lower, adding to their appeal.

This article introduces the livability, transportation access, and apartment rental prices in the Nakatsu and Nakazakicho areas.

What Kind of Neighborhood Are Nakatsu & Nakazakicho?

Situated about a 10-minute walk from Umeda, Nakatsu and Nakazakicho offer the perfect balance of urban convenience and livability. Despite being close to Umeda, these areas are much quieter, making them highly desirable as residential neighborhoods. The safety is also excellent, with the vicinity of Nakazakicho Station recognized as one of the safest areas in Osaka's Kita Ward.

Nakatsu Area

The Nakatsu area features two stations: Hankyu Nakatsu Station and Osaka Metro Nakatsu Station, each with its own distinct surroundings. Around Hankyu Nakatsu Station, you'll find nostalgic izakayas beloved by locals under the railway viaduct. The area is primarily a residential neighborhood with low- to mid-rise apartments and parks. In contrast, the area near Osaka Metro Nakatsu Station on the Midosuji Line has undergone redevelopment, showcasing high-rise apartments and a bustling atmosphere with numerous restaurants.

Nakazakicho Area

Despite being close to the skyscrapers of Umeda, Nakazakicho exudes a nostalgic atmosphere that feels as though time has stood still. Recently, the area has gained popularity for its renovated cafes, restaurants, and vintage clothing shops, becoming a hotspot for young people in Osaka. It's also a popular destination for tourists, especially on weekends when visitors from around Japan and overseas flock to the area. Additionally, this neighborhood's relatively affordable apartment prices make it an attractive place to live.

Transportation Access in the Nakatsu & Nakazakicho Areas

Located near Osaka's major terminal stations, Osaka and Umeda, the Nakatsu and Nakazakicho areas offer excellent access to destinations across the Kansai region. Their proximity to Umeda makes bicycles a popular mode of transport for local travel.

Nakatsu Station Information

Nakatsu Station has two facilities: Osaka Metro on the Midosuji Line and Hankyu Railway. The two stations are about a 6-minute walk apart. The Osaka Metro Nakatsu Station was renovated in 2017, featuring a modern, clean design with platform doors for enhanced safety. On the other hand, Hankyu Nakatsu Station retains a retro charm and is known for having one of the narrowest platforms in Japan. However, as of December 2024, it remains the only Hankyu station without elevator access. The station serves the Hankyu Takarazuka and Kobe Lines, but the Hankyu Kyoto Line passes through without stopping.

Note that Osaka Station and Umeda Station are different names for stations in the same area.

Nakazakicho Station Information

Located on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line, Nakazakicho Station is just two minutes from Higashi-Umeda Station, making it extremely convenient. Some may wonder, "Isn't Higashi-Umeda Station different from Umeda Station?" Higashi-Umeda Station is the Tanimachi Line station in the Umeda area. Connected via an underground walkway, it functions as an integral part of the Umeda district.

The Nakazakicho area is also close to Tenjinbashisuji 6-chome Station, Temma Station, and Ogimachi Station, offering convenient options for different destinations.

Living Comfort in the Nakatsu & Nakazakicho Areas

Despite being in the heart of Osaka, the Nakatsu and Nakazakicho areas beautifully blend the nostalgic warmth of old-town Osaka with modern convenience. The proximity to Umeda, combined with essential facilities within walking distance, makes daily life here exceptionally convenient. For those commuting to businesses or schools in Umeda or Shin-Osaka, these neighborhoods are ideal places to live.

Convenient Shopping Options

The Nakatsu and Nakazakicho areas are home to a variety of supermarkets, convenience stores, and drugstores. For instance, "Life Nakazakicho Ekimae" near Nakazakicho Station is open until midnight, making it perfect for late-night shopping. Other options include "Navel Honjo," a combination fresh market and supermarket, and "Aeon Food Style Nakazakicho," which opens as early as 7 AM.

In the Nakatsu area, supermarkets like "Life Honjo," "Food Shop Goody," and "Shokusen Hoko Honmine" cater to residents' needs. Compared to Umeda, these stores tend to be more down-to-earth and budget-friendly.

Trendy Dining and Shopping

The charm of the Nakatsu and Nakazakicho areas lies in their stylish eateries housed in renovated old buildings. In Nakatsu, "Kita no Kita Nagaya," a 70-year-old renovated row house, hosts shops, offices, and a shared kitchen offering daily-changing takeaway meals like cakes and rice balls. Meanwhile, Nakazakicho boasts iconic cafes like "Taiyo no To Main Store," a retro-themed café with tatami seating upstairs, perfect for experiencing Japanese traditions while enjoying a meal or drink.

Aside from restaurants, Nakazakicho features numerous unique stores like vintage shops and craft boutiques, making it a great area to explore for both residents and visitors.

Traditional Shopping Streets

Nakatsu's shopping street has recently undergone renovations, brightening up the atmosphere after the arcade was removed. It includes long-established shops like the 60-year-old candy store "Fukumoto Shoten," alongside new additions like ramen and porridge restaurants.

In Nakazakicho, the Ten-Go Nakazaki-dori Shopping Street, affectionately known as "Oideyasu Street," features eateries, cafes, and izakayas. It's an excellent spot for lunch or bar hopping. Some stores date back to the pre-war era, offering a glimpse into traditional Japanese living culture.

Access to Parks and Riverside Areas

The riverside area along the Yodo River, within walking distance of Nakatsu and Nakazakicho, is a popular spot for jogging, cycling, and walking pets. For family outings, Nakatsu Park offers playground equipment for children, while "Tako Park" (Toyosaki-Nishi Park) is known for its octopus-shaped slide and spring cherry blossoms. Further south, the expansive Ogimachi Park includes a variety of attractions, from playgrounds to nearby landmarks like Kansai TV and Kids Plaza Osaka.

The Yodo River Fireworks Festival

Every August, the Yodo River Fireworks Festival showcases one of Kansai's largest fireworks displays. Residents in mid- to high-rise apartments can often enjoy the fireworks from their balconies. For those venturing outside, Honjo Park, about 10 minutes from Nakatsu Station, is a lesser-known but comfortable viewing spot. However, with an estimated 450,000 attendees, public transport around Nakatsu and Juso can become extremely crowded, so plan your return journey carefully.

Apartment Rental Prices in the Nakatsu & Nakazakicho Areas

The rental prices in Nakatsu and Nakazakicho are comparatively lower than in Umeda, despite being within walking distance of the area.

Many apartments in the Nakatsu and Nakazakicho areas are older buildings, which might allow you to find properties at or below average prices depending on their age and amenities. However, newly developed high-rise apartments in these areas often match Umeda's rental prices. Keep this in mind and consult with a real estate agent to find apartments that suit your preferences and budget.