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Shopping and Entertainment in Osaka - Best Shopping Areas

Shopping and Entertainment in Osaka - Best Shopping Areas

By CarolUpdated Oct. 21, 2022

Osaka has a huge variety of shopping areas, arcades, streets, and malls, selling all kinds of articles, from luxury goods to novelty items. It has a reputation for inexpensive yet excellent shopping, so it is the perfect destination for overseas shoppers.

Osaka can be divided into two major areas: the north (Kita) and the south (Minami). Buy Japanese sweets, unique souvenirs, or clothes while visiting the city. It is also known for its history and modern architecture. While there, why not visit some interesting spots like theatres, museums, and parks.

Highlights

  • Kita (the north) is centered round Umeda, where you can shop for the latest trendy items.
  • Minami (the south) is home to Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori, where you can enjoy an authentic Osaka atmosphere.
  • Buy various souvenirs unique to Osaka as perfect gifts for your loved ones.
  • Don't forget to bargain when you shop at traditional department stores.
  • Visit interesting entertainment spots such as Namba Parks or the Pokemon Center.

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Shopping districts, arcades and malls

Umeda, Namba, Shinsaibashi-suji

The Kita region centers on the bustling Umeda area, known for setting the latest trends in art and fashion. The 13-story complex offers sophisticated high brand shopping, with over 170 shops for both men and women.

Namba is at the heart of the Minami area, which is filled with bustling shopping streets. You can also find plenty of restaurants and leisure spots there, as well as Shinsaibashi-suji, countless and varied shops lined up on a 600-meter shopping arcade.

Dotonbori, Den Den Town

For those who love to shop or are still wondering what to get for loved ones at home, Dotonbori is an enticing shopping paradise. The shops here are attractive, selling among other things Osaka's special souvenirs and the latest skincare products.

Den Den Town is home to a range of stores selling a wide variety of wares, from computers, cameras, anime and manga to power tools. There are also a number of pop culture-related stores, with collectible figurines, DVDs and more.

Takashimaya Osaka Store, Rinku Premium Outlets

Takashimaya is one of Japan's leading department store chains. The ground floors are home to international boutiques offering designer clothing, cosmetics and accessories. You also can buy yukata (light summer robes), super-comfortable for lounging around at home. Upscale Japanese folk craft, including kimonos and furoshiki, can be found on the higher floors.

The Rinku Premium Outlets is a super-sized outlet mall with more than 200 shops. Here you can find famous domestic and imported fashion brands, with an abundant variety of shops selling items ranging from household goods, shoes, bags, and other accessories. There are also many restaurants.

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What to buy

Clothing and fashion goods

Osaka is literally brimming with great department stores, boutiques and interesting stand-alone fashion shops. All the great international and Japanese brands are represented and you can find prices ranging from super-budget to impossibly expensive.

Gadgets, Hi-Tech items, toys

Many of Japan's famous hi-tech toys, gadgets and electronics are actually made in and around Osaka. There are different stores where you can shop for particular electronic appliances from heated toilet seats, takoyaki-makers, and small fans to the small gadgets perfect as souvenirs or gifts, such as cute-looking USB drives.

Japanese sweets

Japanese sweets are a perfect gift that everyone appreciates. Any department store food floor will have a great selection. Dojima rolls, matcha snacks, and Osaka petit bananas are recommended sweets and cakes to buy in Osaka.

Takoyaki souvenirs

Takoyaki is the most popular food in Osaka. That is why it crops up in many different kinds of souvenir, and tourists like those a lot. They most commonly buy takoyaki phone straps or key rings, but other such items are also cute. They look so realistic, with artistic designs. You will simply love them, and they make great gifts for your friends.

Osaka Castle souvenirs

After visiting the historical Osaka Castle, you will be able to look for some interesting castle-themed souvenirs. The choice seems endless; just pick what you like.

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Tips for shopping

Osaka is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan after Tokyo. Unique food, culture and landmarks attract millions of visitors every year. Shopping is also one of the most attractive things about Osaka, and it is known as the best city for bargaining.

Since the city has such a strong sales spirit, among both sellers and shoppers, you will have many opportunities to buy items at bargain prices.

Theaters and museums

National Bunraku Theater

The National Bunraku Theatre houses many facilities, including the main theater, a training institution and archives for historical materials. It was constructed blending tradition and modernity, with key elements from traditional Edo Era (1603-1868) architecture incorporated abstractly throughout the design.

The theater uses modern technology on stage to enhance the traditional characteristics of a Bunraku performance.

Shochikuza Theater

Osaka Shochikuza Theatre is situated in a commercial area of Osaka, surrounded by shopping streets. The theater is a landmark of the Dotonbori area and has long been cherished by local residents. It offers various types of entertainment, including comedy troupe performances, revues and concerts.

Designed in neo-Renaissance style, it has a large arched entrance, making it a must-see example of historical architecture.

Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum

Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum is the only museum in the world that features a permanent exhibition of Kamigata Ukiyoe, or Kamigata woodblock prints.

Kamigata Ukiyoe were printed and sold in the Kamigata region during the Edo era, which had a long tradition of art and culture. They were very realistic, tending to express the true personalities of their subjects, especially of the great Kabuki actors of the day.

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Alleys, Parks and Centers

Hozenji Yokocho Alley

Hozenji Yokocho Alley is a narrow, stone-paved lane next to Dotombori Street, in the busy district of Minami, but still retaining the tranquil Naniwa atmosphere.

Cozy and quaint, Yokocho is home to long-standing restaurants, bars, small food shops and cafes. The beautiful stone-paved pathways here, and the moss-covered Buddhist figures, feature the cultured aspects of Osaka.

Namba Parks

Namba Parks is an oasis shopping mall in the city where people can enjoy trees and flowers while browsing boutiques. In addition to fashionable boutiques for men and women, the mall includes a space for outdoor events, a roof-top garden, a cinema complex and many specialty stores.

Opened in October, 2003 at the former site of Osaka Baseball Park, this multiple-story shopping complex includes 1 story underground and 8 stories above ground.

Pokemon Center

Pokemon Center Osaka is located on the 13th floor of Daimaru Umeda department store, next to Osaka Station. There is a large Uniqlo on the same floor and the upper floor is packed with restaurants.

The Pokemon Center is an open space without walls and there is a good view of it from the Uniqlo store, an effective layout for parents who want to shop but still be able to check on their kids.

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Explore Osaka with Asia Highlights

Fashion, gadgets, cosmetics, food and more, we're introducing some of Osaka's trendy entertainment and shopping spots so that you can satisfy your shopping needs at a reasonable price. Feel free to contact Asia Highlights'staff to learn more about shopping and entertainment in Osaka.

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