A Guide To Shotengai In Osaka, Kyoto And The Kansai Area

Charmingly Gaudy! Shin Sekai’s Janjan Yokocho

From: Another Side Of Japan At Janjan Yokocho

The Nanyodori shotengai in Shin Sekai has been fondly known as Janjan Yokocho for many years. With its narrow passages, its charm lies in how its shops are all crammed together, evocative of the Showa era.

Drop by the Kohama Shotengai on Your Way Back from the Power Spots

From: Perfect For A Rainy Day! Kohama Shotengai Shopping Street In Osaka

This shotengai, about ten minutes away from Namba Station on the Nankai Main Line, handles Many of the shops at this shotengai handle lifestyle goods that are indispensable to local residents, so you can feel close to the Japanese lifestyle. Since it has an arcade roof, you can enjoy shopping even on a rainy day. Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is a nearby power spot, so how about adding it to your travel route?

The Bustling Senrin Shotengai

From: Try Out Today’s Snacks on a Stroll at Senrin Shotengai (Japanese)

Even in Osaka, this shotengai stands out for its hubbub of activity. With its own original mascot character and theme song, it feels a little different from shotengai in other regions. The prices at the shops are also reasonable, so it’s a perfect place to look for souvenirs.

The Longest Shotengai in Japan, Tenjinbashi-Suji Shotengai

From: This Is Osaka! Let's Go To Tenjinbashi-Suji Shopping Street

2.6 km in length, Tenjinbashi-Suji is said to be the longest shotengai in Japan, and there are events where people who walk the entire thing can receive a walker certificate of completion.

Kyoto

In Kyoto, one of Kansai’s major cities and one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, every day the streets are flooded with tourists. Of course, in addition to the famous temples and shrines, there are also plenty of shotengai highlights.

An Array of Unique Specialty Shops at the Sanjokai Shotengai

From: It’s Always Sunny in the Sanjokai Shotengai (Japanese)

Close to JR Nijo Station, The Sanjokai Shotengai is Japan’s biggest roofed shotengai, making it a great place for rainy day shopping. There are also umbrella shops, and even shrines within the shotengai, so you can enjoy a totally different vibe.

The Historical Figure-Related Ryoma-Dori Shotengai

From: Footsteps Of Ryoma Sakamoto At Ryoma-Dori Shopping Street, Fushimi

Because Ryoma Sakamoto, an important Edo-era historical figure, lived here in Teradamachi, many of his fans come to Ryoma-Dori Shotengai from all over the country, The area’s atmospheric old townscape is quite charming.

Hyogo

Enjoy the Bounty of the Seto Inland Sea at the Uonotana Shotengai

From: Fresh Seafood from Uonotana Shotengai in Akashi, Hyogo(Japanese)

Akashi’s famous octopus and other fresh fish are available at this shotengai. Seafood restaurants and establishments serving Akashi-yaki, fluffy octopus balls fried in egg batter and dipped in soup make it the perfect place to experience Hyogo’s gourmet food.

Shotengai have their own unique characteristics depending on the region. When you find a place you want to visit during your travels, perhaps you should head over to the closest shotengai and see what you can find.