Osaka Shopping and Dining Walking Tour (Self Guided), Osaka
As well as being an exciting Western-style city full of cool entertainment and cultural attractions, Osaka is a great place for shopping. The appealing range of shopping venues here includes covered arcades, malls, thoroughfares, and more. Let's take a closer look at some of these locations.
Shinsaibashi Shopping Street is a bustling retail district renowned for its upscale stores and boutiques. It caters to fashion enthusiasts with its trendy clothing, accessories, and cosmetics. Whether you're a fashionista or simply looking for souvenirs, Shinsaibashi has something for everyone.
Dotonbori Gastronomic Area, on the other hand, is a food lover's paradise. It is famous for its vibrant street food scene, offering delectable local dishes such as takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). Strolling along the canal, you'll be surrounded by dazzling neon signs and a lively atmosphere.
Hozenji Yokocho is a hidden gem, a narrow alleyway nestled near Dotonbori. It offers a quaint, traditional ambiance with cozy restaurants and izakayas (Japanese pubs) – an ideal place to savor authentic Japanese cuisine and experience the warm hospitality of the locals.
Doguyasuji Shopping Arcade is where you can find an array of kitchenware and restaurant supplies. It's a paradise for culinary enthusiasts and chefs, with shops selling everything from knives and cookware to traditional Japanese tableware.
Nipponbashi, also known as the Electronic Market, caters to tech enthusiasts. It's a hub for electronics, anime, and manga-related goods. From the latest gadgets to vintage collectibles, you'll find it all here.
Lastly, Kuromon Market is a bustling food market where you can sample fresh seafood, street food, and local snacks. It's a sensory delight that will agitate your taste buds and provide a glimpse into Osaka's culinary culture.
Osaka offers a rich tapestry of shopping and dining experiences that cater to all tastes and interests. Fashion enthusiasts, foodies, tech lovers, or culture seekers can satisfy their cravings with ease in this vibrant city. So, don't miss the chance to explore the culinary and retail delights of Osaka for a truly unforgettable adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun!
Shinsaibashi Shopping Street is a bustling retail district renowned for its upscale stores and boutiques. It caters to fashion enthusiasts with its trendy clothing, accessories, and cosmetics. Whether you're a fashionista or simply looking for souvenirs, Shinsaibashi has something for everyone.
Dotonbori Gastronomic Area, on the other hand, is a food lover's paradise. It is famous for its vibrant street food scene, offering delectable local dishes such as takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). Strolling along the canal, you'll be surrounded by dazzling neon signs and a lively atmosphere.
Hozenji Yokocho is a hidden gem, a narrow alleyway nestled near Dotonbori. It offers a quaint, traditional ambiance with cozy restaurants and izakayas (Japanese pubs) – an ideal place to savor authentic Japanese cuisine and experience the warm hospitality of the locals.
Doguyasuji Shopping Arcade is where you can find an array of kitchenware and restaurant supplies. It's a paradise for culinary enthusiasts and chefs, with shops selling everything from knives and cookware to traditional Japanese tableware.
Nipponbashi, also known as the Electronic Market, caters to tech enthusiasts. It's a hub for electronics, anime, and manga-related goods. From the latest gadgets to vintage collectibles, you'll find it all here.
Lastly, Kuromon Market is a bustling food market where you can sample fresh seafood, street food, and local snacks. It's a sensory delight that will agitate your taste buds and provide a glimpse into Osaka's culinary culture.
Osaka offers a rich tapestry of shopping and dining experiences that cater to all tastes and interests. Fashion enthusiasts, foodies, tech lovers, or culture seekers can satisfy their cravings with ease in this vibrant city. So, don't miss the chance to explore the culinary and retail delights of Osaka for a truly unforgettable adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun!
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Osaka Shopping and Dining Walking Tour Map
Guide Name: Osaka Shopping and Dining Walking Tour
Guide Location: Japan » Osaka (See other walking tours in Osaka)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 6
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Author: alice
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Japan » Osaka (See other walking tours in Osaka)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 6
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Author: alice
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Shinsaibashi Shopping Street
- Dotonbori Gastronomic Area
- Hozenji Yokocho
- Doguyasuji Shopping Arcade
- Nipponbashi (Electoric Market). Sakaisuji Avenue
- Kuromon Market
1) Shinsaibashi Shopping Street (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.
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.
2) Dotonbori Gastronomic Area
The Dotonbori area of Osaka is the unofficial gastronomic district of the city. Eating places of all sizes offering a variety of cuisine are located on either side of the Dotonbori-gawa Canal. It is also a popular shopping area in the city.
The Dotonbori restaurant area is located on the south bank of the Dotonbori- gawa Canal. The street also has amusement facilities for children, Bunraku puppet shows, movie theaters and storytelling halls. It has become a landmark location in Osaka and the scene of many movies including the 1989 film, Black Rain. The 17th century Hozen-ji temple lies to the south of the street along the canal with a paper lantern giving off an orange light at sunset. The lane near the temple has many Edo Period latticework buildings.
The Dotonbori is busy during the day and at night. At night it is lit by magnificent neon lights including mechanized signs of the Glico Running Man and the Kani Duraku Giant Crab. Restaurants serve local Osaka delicacies like the Tokoyaki or octopus balls and Okinomiyaki or vegetable and meat stuffed pancakes. Visitors can also get Fugu, a poisonous fish called the blow fish which needs to be prepared carefully or could prove fatal to the person eating it. There are Shabu or all you can eat restaurants where customers can cook their own treats. Dotonbori has the most vibrant and exciting environments among shopping streets across Japan.
The Dotonbori restaurant area is located on the south bank of the Dotonbori- gawa Canal. The street also has amusement facilities for children, Bunraku puppet shows, movie theaters and storytelling halls. It has become a landmark location in Osaka and the scene of many movies including the 1989 film, Black Rain. The 17th century Hozen-ji temple lies to the south of the street along the canal with a paper lantern giving off an orange light at sunset. The lane near the temple has many Edo Period latticework buildings.
The Dotonbori is busy during the day and at night. At night it is lit by magnificent neon lights including mechanized signs of the Glico Running Man and the Kani Duraku Giant Crab. Restaurants serve local Osaka delicacies like the Tokoyaki or octopus balls and Okinomiyaki or vegetable and meat stuffed pancakes. Visitors can also get Fugu, a poisonous fish called the blow fish which needs to be prepared carefully or could prove fatal to the person eating it. There are Shabu or all you can eat restaurants where customers can cook their own treats. Dotonbori has the most vibrant and exciting environments among shopping streets across Japan.
3) Hozenji Yokocho
Hozenji Yokocho is a stone-paved street located next to Dotombori Street. Though it is located in one of the busiest areas of Osaka, it remains quaint and cozy, lined on both sides with small food shops and restaurants. It is the perfect spot for weary tourists to take a break.
There are many Japanese restaurants located at Hozenji Yokocho. These restaurants, bars, and street food stands are mainstays of the environment. There are so many places to eat that many tourists find themselves returning to Hozenji Yokocho day after day.
Those visiting Hozenji Yokocho should check out the moss-covered Mizukake Fudo statue. The guests will notice a signboard with calligraphy written by the third Harudani Katsura on the east gate, and by Kambi Fujiyama on the west gate. A moss-covered Buddha is also present at Hozenji Yokocho.
The business hours for each restaurant vary. Those who want to have an assortment of meals should plan to visit Hozenji Yokocho during the weekdays between 8 AM and 4 PM to ensure their favorite restaurant will be open.
There are many Japanese restaurants located at Hozenji Yokocho. These restaurants, bars, and street food stands are mainstays of the environment. There are so many places to eat that many tourists find themselves returning to Hozenji Yokocho day after day.
Those visiting Hozenji Yokocho should check out the moss-covered Mizukake Fudo statue. The guests will notice a signboard with calligraphy written by the third Harudani Katsura on the east gate, and by Kambi Fujiyama on the west gate. A moss-covered Buddha is also present at Hozenji Yokocho.
The business hours for each restaurant vary. Those who want to have an assortment of meals should plan to visit Hozenji Yokocho during the weekdays between 8 AM and 4 PM to ensure their favorite restaurant will be open.
4) Doguyasuji Shopping Arcade
Doguyasuji Arcade, also known as Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street, is a covered shopping arcade that is a must-see for those who love to cook. Doguyasuji Arcade is populated with shops that sell kitchen implements of all types along with restaurant supplies and food.
Doguyasuji Arcade is a narrow, 150-meter-long arcade that is sometimes called "Kitchenware Street." The arcade's claim to fame is the ability to provide any type of kitchenware a shopper can imagine. From two-gallon pickle jars to miniature milk pitchers, if it's not available at Doguyasuji Arcade, it's probably not available anywhere.
The arcade was built in 1970. Originally it was lined with antique shops, drugstores, and souvenir stop for those visiting the nearby temples. In the late 20th century, it became known for providing kitchen implements and bulk restaurant supplies.
The arcade is open throughout the day. Individual stores post their hours, but most are open during the day from about 8 AM to about 6 PM.
Doguyasuji Arcade is a narrow, 150-meter-long arcade that is sometimes called "Kitchenware Street." The arcade's claim to fame is the ability to provide any type of kitchenware a shopper can imagine. From two-gallon pickle jars to miniature milk pitchers, if it's not available at Doguyasuji Arcade, it's probably not available anywhere.
The arcade was built in 1970. Originally it was lined with antique shops, drugstores, and souvenir stop for those visiting the nearby temples. In the late 20th century, it became known for providing kitchen implements and bulk restaurant supplies.
The arcade is open throughout the day. Individual stores post their hours, but most are open during the day from about 8 AM to about 6 PM.
5) Nipponbashi (Electoric Market). Sakaisuji Avenue
Nipponbashi Den Den Town, situated in Osaka's Naniwa Ward, is a bustling shopping hub frequented by tourists, particularly for its position along Sakaisuji Avenue. The area boasts a diverse selection of goods including electronics, Japanese comics (manga), and various other items.
Historically, this location housed a theater named Nagamachi during the Edo period, which was later renamed Nipponbashi by the Osaka Municipal Government. Following the Meiji restoration, the area saw the emergence of numerous secondhand bookstores. It earned the nickname Den Den Town after World War II, attributed to the influx of electronic shops that established there. Although its popularity waned with the rise of large electronic chains in nearby Umeda and Namba, it regained traction with the introduction of stores specializing in anime and manga-related products.
Currently, Nipponbashi Den Den Town offers a wide array of products such as electronics, home appliances, lighting, computers, video games, CD players, and cameras, all at reasonable prices. Unique to this market, customers have the option to negotiate prices, which isn’t as common in other Osaka markets. Duty-free options are available for tourists who present their passports, providing significant savings. Additionally, the area is known for its Maid and Cosplay cafés, where staff in thematic outfits serve guests, and full-service cabarets also enhance the local entertainment offerings.
Historically, this location housed a theater named Nagamachi during the Edo period, which was later renamed Nipponbashi by the Osaka Municipal Government. Following the Meiji restoration, the area saw the emergence of numerous secondhand bookstores. It earned the nickname Den Den Town after World War II, attributed to the influx of electronic shops that established there. Although its popularity waned with the rise of large electronic chains in nearby Umeda and Namba, it regained traction with the introduction of stores specializing in anime and manga-related products.
Currently, Nipponbashi Den Den Town offers a wide array of products such as electronics, home appliances, lighting, computers, video games, CD players, and cameras, all at reasonable prices. Unique to this market, customers have the option to negotiate prices, which isn’t as common in other Osaka markets. Duty-free options are available for tourists who present their passports, providing significant savings. Additionally, the area is known for its Maid and Cosplay cafés, where staff in thematic outfits serve guests, and full-service cabarets also enhance the local entertainment offerings.
6) Kuromon Market (must see)
Kuromon Market is a covered street market in the Minami area of Osaka. The market looks modern and fresh, but it dates back to the Edo Period, the time between 1603 and 1867 in the history of Japan.
Kuromon Market contains approximately 150 shops. Most of these shops sell food items, like meat, produce, fish and sweets. It is an excellent place to find and taste a variety of street foods. Some of the more unique options tourists can find are sea urchin, eels, and yakitori.
Those shopping for souvenirs will find plenty of options at Kuromon Market. Though food items are predominant, some shops sell clothing, homewares, jewelry, makeup, and accessories. There is even a 100 Yen shop, where everything that is on the shelves costs only 100 Yen (approximately USD 0.69).
The street is open throughout the day, but each store and restaurant post their hours. Most are open Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 6 PM.
Kuromon Market contains approximately 150 shops. Most of these shops sell food items, like meat, produce, fish and sweets. It is an excellent place to find and taste a variety of street foods. Some of the more unique options tourists can find are sea urchin, eels, and yakitori.
Those shopping for souvenirs will find plenty of options at Kuromon Market. Though food items are predominant, some shops sell clothing, homewares, jewelry, makeup, and accessories. There is even a 100 Yen shop, where everything that is on the shelves costs only 100 Yen (approximately USD 0.69).
The street is open throughout the day, but each store and restaurant post their hours. Most are open Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 6 PM.
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