Abeno Harukas

The biggest skyscraper in Osaka also comprises one of the largest department stores in all of Japan. Over some 100,000 square meters spaced out in a 300 metre high tower, you can find stores from well-known brands as well as high quality interior design shops. Make your way up to the 60th floor and enjoy Osaka from above on the observation deck where the sweeping views of Osaka show the city off in a very different light.

• Web:

  www.abenoharukas-300.jp

• Address:

  1-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka

• Phone:

  +81 6 6621 0300

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–10pm

Amerika Mura

This shopping area just to the West of the Shinsaibashi shopping district is a temple for fashionistas as well as those with a penchant for vintage clothes, shoes and records. The shops here sell items of clothing that are inspired by American culture through the ages and feature a number of second hand shops where the bargain hunters roam. America Mura is also worth visiting at night as it turns into a vibrant location with loud music and good smells surrounding Sankaku Koen Park, the focal point of the area.

• Address:

  1 Higashishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 10.30am–6pm, Sat & Sun Closed

• Subway:

  Metro Stop: Shinsaibashi Station

Flea Market at Ohatsu Tenjin Shrine

There are some 30 to 40 stalls worth a visit at the Ohatsu Tenjin Shrine in Umeda and they are often set up around the temples. At this flea market held twice a month (1st and 3rd Friday of every month) you can find works of art, antiques and other such fine suitcase stuffers. While it may not be a large market, the items on sale here are usually of very high quality.

• Web:

  www.tuyutenjin.com

• Address:

  2-5-4 Sonezaki, Kita-ku, Osaka

• Phone:

  +81 6 6311 0895

• Opening hours:

  1st & 3rd Friday Every Month, 8am–4.30pm

Grand Front Osaka

This shopping mall is a great stop for bargain hunters. Here you can get the latest fashion, high-end electronics and modern furniture all for an absolute steal. A number of restaurants and cafes provide refreshments after a long day of shopping. You won’t leave this place empty handed.

• Web:

  www.grandfront-osaka.jp

• Address:

  4-20 Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka

• Phone:

  +81 6 6372 6300

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10am–9pm

Hankyu Department Store

Japan’s largest chain of department stores is based in the heart of the Umeda District at the Hankyu Terminal. The interior is particularly impressive and modernised throughout, just as the other Hankyu stores across Japan. The brands on offer include both International and Japanese retailers such as GAP, Miyake, Nicole Farhi, Kenzo and Cerruti. If you go there, do not miss the food market on the two bottom floors which has become known for its high quality produce and service.

• Web:

  www.hankyu-dept.co.jp

• Address:

  8-7 Kakuda-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka

• Phone:

  +81 6 6361 1381

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10am–8pm

Hep 5 Department Store

There are over 150 stores in the “hip” Hep 5 shopping mall in the Umeda district. Most of them are fashion retail shops that suit young costumers, but people of all ages can find something of interest at this department store. There is a Disney outlet and a Snoopy Town shop for the children, all kinds of clothing stores (some of them providing discounted items), a food hall and much more. The greatest attraction in Hep 5 has to be the giant Ferris wheel sticking out of the middle of it from which you can get an outstanding view over the Umeda district of Osaka.

• Web:

  www.hepfive.jp

• Address:

  5-15 Kakuda-cho, Osaka

• Phone:

  +81 6 6313 0501

• Opening hours:

  Daily 11am–9pm