Shinsaibashi Shopping Street, Osaka (must see)

The Shinsaibashi shopping street in Osaka stretches from North Namba to Hommachi. It is a covered shopping arcade that has a length of 600 meters.

The Shinsaibashi Shopping Street is the largest shopping area of Osaka. The area got its name from the bridge constructed by local merchants in the area. The Shinsaibashi bridge, a wooden bridge was built by four merchants led by Shinsai Okada in 1622. It was replaced by an iron bridge imported from Germany and later a stone bridge. The prosperity of the area increased after its construction. In 1973 the old German iron bridge was assembled again to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Shinsaibashi Bridge. It now serves as a pedestrian overpass.

The Shinsaibashi Shopping Street offers different types of shopping from high end brands to affordable products. Tradition meets modern at the street and one can find old fashioned kimono tailors and well known fashion brands from Europe. The western part is called the American Village where trendy fashions and products are available. Restaurants serving Japanese and international cuisine are located here. The Mido Suji Street is the main street of Osaka and connects downtown Kita and downtown Umeda with downtown Minami South. During the Mido Suji parade held in autumn, bands from all over the world march down the street.