Shinjuku Gyoen All to Yourself: Limited-Time Private Tours in Tokyo

Shinsaibashi Shopping Guide: Fashion, Cosmetics, and Local Dishes in Osaka

This service includes sponsored advertisements.
article thumbnail image

Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street is a must-visit in Osaka. This giant shopping arcade of cosmetics stores, apparel shops, and restaurants extends 600 meters. Read this detailed guide to learn about this lively Osaka neighborhood and how to get to the area!

Written by

This is the official account of MATCHA's editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.

more

About Shinsaibashi: Osaka's Shopping Center

shinsaibashi

Shinsaibashi is an area near Namba, the center of Osaka sightseeing, and Dotonbori. Here, you’ll find a famous Osaka shopping arcade called Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street.

Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street is approximately 600 meters (1,968 feet) long. If you include the separate shopping streets connected to the front and back of Shinsaibashi, then the shopping district itself is a total two kilometers in length.

Drugstores and shops with cosmetics, duty-free items, 100-yen items, and character goods line the street. There are also many restaurants and cafés. Just about everything a shopper would want is here.

In this article, we’ll introduce the kind of shops there are in Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, separated by category. Directions to the shopping street are written at the end of this article, so be sure to use it for future reference.

Second-hand boutique "ALLU" discount of 10,000 Japanese yen

The Ultimate Shinsaibashi Shopping Guide

1. Where Does Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street Begin
2. Drugstores and Cosmetics Shopping
3. Duty-Free Stores
4. 100-Yen Shops
5. Character Shops
6. Fashion
7. Restaurants and Cafés
8. Souvenirs
9. Places Near Shinsaibashi

1. Where Does Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street Begin

shinsaibashi

Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street begins at the Ebisu Bridge located right in the middle of Dotonbori. Look opposite the Glico sign pictured above (the signboard with the character raising its hands).

shinsaibashi-suji shopping street

You’ll find the entrance to Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street. Let’s begin walking down Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street from here!

2.Drugstores and Cosmetics Shopping

shinsaibashi

There are many drugstores in shopping districts in Japan. Drugstores were opened one after another in Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street. You will find many stores in the same area.

shinsaibashi

Two well-known drugstore chains, Matsumoto Kiyoshi, located to the left, and Daikoku Drug to the right, are at the entrance of Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street!

There are also other major chain stores such as Sundrug, Kokumin, and TSURUHA Drug, which you’ll find just a short walk away. Several stores can assist customers in various languages, you can enjoy shopping with ease.

Matsumoto Kiyoshi Shinsaibashi (located at the entrance of the shopping street) Google Map

LUSH

LUSH shinsaibashi

LUSH Shinsaibashi

LUSH Shinsaibashi (pictured), a location of the handmade cosmetics brand, is a popular store with a lot of top-selling products worldwide. A second location, Shinsaibashi 2, opened in the same shopping arcade in 2018 and has also become known for its traditional Japanese style design.

LUSH Shinsaibashi Google Map
LUSH Shinsaibashi 2 Google Map

3.Duty-Free Stores

LAOX

shinsaibashi

LAOX Shinsaibashi-suji

At LAOX, a duty-free shop, you can purchase a wide variety of Japan-made products without paying taxes. These include a range of products, from electronics to folk crafts, watches, jewelry, cosmetics, and food.

shinsaibashi

DAIMARU

LAOX has established four locations in the Shinsaibashi and Namba area. One of them is LAOX Daimaru Shinsaibashi. This store is huge, selling cosmetics, electronics, general goods, and other items, spanning six floors of the South Building of Daimaru, a major department store.

The store has international staff available as well as a tourist information desk on the second floor.

LAOX Shinsaibashi-suji Google Map
LAOX Daimaru Shinsaibashi Google Map

4.100-Yen Shops

shinsaibashi

Souvenirs, daily necessities, and food—you can get all of these items for just 100 yen at 100-yen shops. The popular 100-yen shop shown above is DAISO. Inside this expansive three floor, 1000-square meter store is a complete lineup of merchandise including miscellaneous goods to food.

Other 100-yen shops in Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street include Can☆Do and Seria.

DAISO Shinsaibashi 3F Google Map
Can☆Do Shinsaibashi OPA Google Map
Seria Crysta Nagahori Google Map

3COINS

shinsaibashi

3COINS is a shop that carries products priced at 300 yen, just as its name suggests. They have a selection of products such as household goods, kitchen, bath, home interior, socks, and accessories. It is immensely popular with home decor enthusiasts.

3COINS +plus, located in the Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, sells small furniture in addition to its usual lineup.

3COINS +plus Shinsaibashi Google Map

5.Character Shops

Disney Store

shinsaibashi

You’ll also find stores in Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street with official and popular Disney character merchandise.

The Disney Store is packed with Disney goods including fashion, general goods, toys, and stationery. Immerse yourself in the world of Disney as you listen to the music played inside!

Disney Store Shinsaibashi Google Map

Sanrio Gallery

shinsaibashi

Sanrio Gallery is a licensed shop carrying Sanrio products featuring Hello Kitty, My Melody, and other characters.

There are endless Sanrio products here, from the first to the third floor! Sanrio Gallery also carries a lot of limited edition and rare items.

Sanrio Gallery Shinsaibashi Google Map

6.Fashion

shinsaibashi

You’ll find rows of apparel shops in Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street from fast fashion, such as UNIQLO and H&M, to unique stores. Stores often hang SALE signs outside their storefront.

High-end brand shops such as Chanel and Cartier can be found on Midosuji, the main street adjacent to the Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street.

UNIQLO Shinsaibashi Google Map
H&M Shinsaibashi Google Map

Onitsuka Tiger

shinsaibashi

The popular sneaker brand Onitsuka Tiger is also located within Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street.

At this location, which is the largest in Kansai, you’ll find an abundance of items available aside from basic sneakers including sportswear and accessories. A location in Namba was opened in 2018 and is a ten-minute walk away.

Onitsuka Tiger Osaka Shinsaibashi Google Map
Onitsuka Tiger Namba Google Map

7.Restaurants and Cafés

Soba

shinsaibashi
shinsaibashi

There are several restaurants offering different cuisines here. This is the soba (buckwheat noodle) restaurant Sobayoshi. Sobayoshi is popular for its health-conscious menu. Two examples are Gomakiri Soba, made with sesame seeds, and Dattan Soba, a type of soba that containing a type of polyphenol called rutin.

You’ll be able to enjoy soba in this restaurant's peaceful atmosphere despite the liveliness of the Shinsaibashi area.

Sobayoshi Shinsaibashi Google Map

Kushikatsu

shinsaibashi

There are also shops where you can try famous and local Osaka dishes. Kushikatsu is enjoyed by dipping its crisply fried ingredients in sauce and is something you must experience in Osaka.

Kushikatsu Daruma is a kushikatsu specialty shop with its flagship location in Shinsekai, southern Osaka. Here you can try kushikatsu made from different meat such as beef and pork, vegetables like as potatoes and shiitake mushrooms, and even fish and cheese.

Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsaibashi Google Map

Conveyor Belt Sushi

shinsaibashi

Genrokuzushi started the concept of kaitenzushi (a restaurant serving sushi revolving on a conveyor belt). You can eat various types of sushi here, from classic sushi such as tuna and white fish to dry-cured ham sushi and rolls with salad. A plate starts from 125 yen (tax excluded).

shinsaibashi

Genrokuzushi Dotonbori is famous for their impressive and giant display of tuna sushi being prepared!

Genrokuzushi Shinsaibashi http://www.mawaru-genrokuzusi.co.jp/shop/shinsaibashi/ (Japanese)
Genrokuzushi Dotonbori http://www.mawaru-genrokuzusi.co.jp/shop/dotonboriten/ (Japanese)

Izakaya

shinsaibashi

Isomaru Suisan is an izakaya (Japanese-style pub) chain with locations across the country open 24 hours!

The pub is complete with famous specialty dishes like miso mixed with crab, grilled shellfish, sashimi (raw sliced fish), and a la carte dishes. Here you can leisurely enjoy the Japanese izakaya experience. Those interested in going are recommended to make a reservation, as it is popular. You can receive a discounted plan by reserving online via Klook here.

Isomaru Suisan Kita-Shinsaibashi Google Map

Café Stands

shinsaibashi

You’ll also come across fashionable café stands when you walk along the shopping arcade. Pictured above is the GREEN BAR. It is located on the corner of SENSE OF PLACE, a popular apparel store.

Here, you can enjoy nutrition-filled drinks, like green smoothies (480 yen including tax) made with Japanese mustard spinach, apples, and bananas.

GREEN BAR Google Map

8.Souvenirs

shinsaibashi souvenirs
shinsaibashi

To look for Japanese souvenirs, head to Nakao Shoten. This is a second-hand bookstore that carries history books and other materials.

Replica ukiyo-e paintings are sold at the storefront while works by well-known ukiyo-e artists such as Sharaku are obtainable at reasonable prices beginning at 700 yen (including tax).

If you’ll be purchasing food products like sweets as souvenirs, then we recommend the several wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) shops located in the shopping arcade as well as the basement floor of Daimaru.

Nakao Shoten Google Map

9.Places Near Shinsaibashi

Dotonbori

dotonbori
shinsaibashi

Shinsaibashi is connected to Dotonbori, a well-known Osaka sightseeing area. You’ll find several jumbo-sized and unique signs in Dotonbori! There are also many eateries where you can enjoy Osaka dishes, such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

Namba

shinsaibashi

Namba Station is also located within walking distance. It is about a five-minute walk from the entrance of Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street (Dotonbori) to Nankai Namba Station.

Access to Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street

From Shinsaibashi Station

shinsaibashi

To get to Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, Shinsaibashi Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line is the closest station. Exit near Daimaru Shinsaibashi by taking Exit 5 or 6.

From Namba Station

shinsaibashi

The arcade is about five minutes on foot from Namba Station. You’ll find the entrance to the shopping arcade as pictured above by turning your back to Takashimaya, the department store connected to Namba Station on the Nankai Line, and going to the other side of the intersection.

Continue straight from here and you will arrive at Dotonbori (Ebisu Bridge) and the entrance to Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street in around five minutes.

Takashimaya Osaka Google Map

Travelers can take advantage of the Osaka Amazing Pass, a discount transportation ticket with discounts at sightseeing facilities in Osaka, on both methods and travel around the city.
Second-hand boutique "ALLU" discount of 10,000 Japanese yen

FAQ

What is Shinsaibashi famous for?

Shinsaibashi is famous for its bustling shopping district in Osaka, Japan. It is lined with a variety of stores, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, offering a wide range of shopping and dining opportunities. The area is known for its vibrant atmosphere, modern shopping centers, traditional street markets, and diverse culinary options, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors to Japan.

How long to spend in Shinsaibashi Shopping Street?

The amount of time to spend in Shinsaibashi Shopping Street really depends on your interests and how much you enjoy shopping and exploring. On average, visitors usually spend a few hours here, ranging from 2 to 4 hours. This allows time to browse the shops, sample local food, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. However, if you are a dedicated shopper or plan to explore neighboring areas as well, you may want to budget more time accordingly.

How do you get to Shinsaibashi shopping street?

To reach Shinsaibashi Shopping Street in Osaka, Japan, travelers can opt for various transportation modes. Accessible via the subway system, visitors can disembark at Shinsaibashi Station on the Midosuji Line or Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line. Train commuters can alight at Osaka Namba Station, a short walk away from the bustling shopping district. Bus routes also serve the area, offering additional travel flexibility. Taxis provide a convenient and direct option for those preferring private transport. Once at the nearest station or stop, a pleasant stroll leads visitors to the vibrant destination of Shinsaibashi, awaiting with its array of shops, eateries, and lively atmosphere.

What is the history of Shinsaibashi?

Shinsaibashi boasts a rich history dating back to the Edo period in Japan. Initially established as a shopping district in the early 17th century, it gradually evolved into a bustling commercial center known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse array of shops. Over the years, it has become a prominent destination in Osaka, attracting locals and tourists alike with its mix of traditional markets, modern shopping centers, and vibrant street life. Shinsaibashi maintains its reputation as a hub for retail, entertainment, and culinary experiences, embodying a blend of historical charm and contemporary allure.

Are things cheaper in Osaka than Tokyo?

Generally, Osaka is considered to be more budget-friendly compared to Tokyo in terms of living expenses, dining, and shopping. While both cities are major metropolitan areas in Japan, Osaka is known for its relatively lower cost of living, cheaper accommodation options, and more affordable dining experiences. Prices for goods and services, including food, accommodations, and entertainment, can be noticeably lower in Osaka compared to Tokyo. Travelers often find that they can stretch their budget further in Osaka, making it a popular destination for those looking for a more economical trip in Japan.

Shop to Your Heart’s Content!

Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street is shopping heaven! Be sure to include exploring this lively district as you sightsee around Osaka, and take your time to visit your favorite stores.
Book the JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

Tokyo to Osaka: Book Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets


This article is an updated version of an article originally published on May 24th, 2016.

 

Written by

MATCHA

This is the official account of MATCHA's editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.

more
The information presented in this article is based on the time it was written. Note that there may be changes in the merchandise, services, and prices that have occurred after this article was published. Please contact the facility or facilities in this article directly before visiting. Some of our articles contain affiliate links. We kindly ask our readers to exercise careful judgement when making a purchase or booking a service online.