10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Osaka

Umeda shopping arcade is a haven for shoppers of all kinds, offering everything from high-end fashion boutiques and big department stores to quaint bookstores and small gift shops. This retail spot, conveniently connected to Umeda Station, is actually a comprehensive network of interconnected underground malls, making it an ideal shopping destination regardless of the weather.

Its unique appeal is further amplified by cool design elements like indoor rivers, meticulously manicured gardens, captivating fountains and bubbling waterfalls. This blend of variety, convenience and ambiance makes the shopping arcade a must-visit shopping destination in Osaka.

America Town, colloquially known as America-Mura, is a hotspot for young Japanese who shop for the hippest international brands and styles. Originally, America-Mura was the first place to sell inexpensive, imported American clothing and accessories, gaining immense popularity over time. Today, it has evolved into a bustling district, boasting over 3,000 shops that offer an eclectic mix of products. Despite its American roots, shopping at America-Mura is a uniquely Japanese experience.

Conveniently located, America Town is just a short walk away from Shinsaibashi Station on the Midosuji line.

HEP FIVE stands for Hankyu Entertainment Park, a massive leisure complex that offers a rich blend of shopping and dining options. It's home to over 160 stores that showcase stylish fashion from Japanese and western brands, as well as myriad unique specialty shops. The complex also features an iconic rooftop Ferris wheel, where you can soak in panoramic views of the city after shopping.

HEP FIVE’s sister building, HEP NAVIO, complements the experience with additional amenities including movie theatres and several restaurants. Located in Umeda, close to Osaka Station, this duo is the heart of the district.

Shinsaibashi-Suji Street is a gigantic, covered shopping arcade that stretches for over 600 metres. As a testament to its enduring appeal, this shopping haven has been a commercial hotspot for nearly 400 years, tracing its roots back to the Edo period of Japanese history.

Shinsaibashi-Suji Street is still one of the fashionable shopping districts in Osaka, presenting premier brands such as Prada, Chanel and Gucci. Beyond these luxury labels, the arcade offers a diverse array of stores retailing clothing, cosmetics and international goods.

Japan’s very first underground shopping mall, Namba NanNan Town was built in 1957 underneath Namba station. The craze really took off and similar shopping subterranean retail centres soon popped up all over the country.

Nan Nan Town is known as a casual shopping destination. It’s more of a place to pick up basics rather than shop for something fancy. But it’s connected to additional shopping avenues, like Namba City and Namba Walk, where you’ll find more exclusive boutiques and brand name stores, plus a number of interior design shops.

As the brilliant neon signboards decree, Den Den Town carries everything electronic. With more than 150 shops supplying the latest computers, video game consoles, digital cameras, hi-fi equipment, electronic gizmos and gadgets, Den Den Town follows the tradition of Tokyo’s Akihabara. Bargaining is often rewarded with discounts or extras.

Do be careful to check that your new purchase can be programmed in your language; sometimes it can be stuck in Japanese. This area of south Osaka is also popular with fans of Manga and anime figurines.

Crysta Nagahori is an enormous shopping arcade that runs underground from Yotsubashi Station in the west, through Shinsaibashi, to Nagahoribashi Station in the east. The design is meant to make you feel like the underground arcade is actually on street level. Glass ceilings and filtered sunlight illuminate the space, and natural elements like gardens and waterfalls make for a relaxing shopping experience.

Crysta Nagahori houses more than 100 shops and restaurants offering everything from cosmetics to fashion to bookstores in a convenient location close to 5 major train and subway stations.

Steeped in history, the Tennoji district in Osaka is endowed with a unique atmosphere blending Osaka’s merchant past with its commercial present. With a special mix of old specialty shops and newly built shopping malls, you’ll find everything from priceless antiques to contemporary fashion around the Tennoji Station area.

Kintetsu Abeno Department Store, Avetica Underground Mall, Abeno-Suji Street and the Apollo Building are all shopping venues in the area, which is bounded by the beautiful green space of Tennoji Park.

For bargain hunters in a hurry, Rinku Premium Outlets allows you to shop for discount designer gear just a few minutes from your departure gate at Kansai International Airport. Designed like a quaint, miniature town, this outdoor shopping complex delivers an enjoyable and leisurely shopping experience.

The boutique shops are brimming with world-renowned brands like GAP, Ralph Lauren and Kate Spade, presenting a wide array of fashion choices. The outlet is also dotted with a variety of restaurants and cafes, providing delightful spaces to take a breather, refuel and reflect on your finds.

Tempozan Marketplace is in the west of the city, bordered by Osaka harbour and Universal Studios Japan. It houses around 80 international restaurants, nightclubs and shops selling clothes, souvenirs and other items targeted at tourists. The 3-storey shopping mall also contains a wonderful art gallery and a public events arena. It’s decorated with modern art pieces.

Tempozan Marketplace is great for travelling families as, surrounding the mall, you’ll find an excellent aquarium, a Lego Land amusement park and one of the world’s largest Ferris wheels.