Welcome to Osaka, a charming city full of adventures and exciting things to do. With so many memorable experiences and interesting things to see, taking home the memories through mementos and doing some shopping is necessary for many travelers.
May it be to take home the memories and reminisce about your time in Osaka or to find some cute or useful things you need to get, going shopping in Osaka is more than just a chore—it's an experience! Here, we'll show you some of the top shopping locations in Osaka, so your retail therapy will be nothing short of spectacular.
For those who love to shop, Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi are locations that just need to be seen by all travelers. With each colorful neon sign and flashing light, there are different types of stores in the lively area that’ll catch your attention. Dotonbori has everything, from unique local treasures, and cute souvenir shops to upscale stores. Whether you like to shop or not, simply take a stroll by the canal, and you’ll soon discover the items you’ll want in this neighborhood's alleyways.
If you’re looking for fashion inspiration or to get the latest fashion items, then Shinsaibashi is the perfect place for you. Located near Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi Shopping Street is a famous center of fashion that is alive with both the newest styles and traditional favorites. This busy boulevard is dotted with local stores, department stores, boutiques, and high-end brands. Explore the fashionable area of Shinsaibashi and make yourself the “main character” during your visit to Osaka.
Shinsekai, literally meaning "New World," is a concept of modernity and advancement during its development in the early 20th century. Once intended to be an entertainment zone, theaters, eateries, and retail establishments swiftly grew to occupy the area, changing it throughout the years and becoming the fun and vibrant Shinsekai that we know today. Retaining its nostalgic appeal from the “New-World-Modern” concept while incorporating elements from modern Japan.
Although Shinsekai still has a nostalgic feel, the retro appeal is now harmoniously merged with the modern components, resulting in unique store facades, contemporary art installations, and eccentric businesses that give Shinsekai's lively streets a refined touch. The interesting exterior of these stores would definitely attract and interest you enough to do some shopping, as these stores had a diverse selection to choose from. From snacks to fun mementos, these unique stores and galleries are perfect for bringing home some gifts.
A fan of the classic snack but with an Osaka-exclusive twist? Indulge yourselves in the crispy joys at the Pringles Store in Shinsekai, which offers a snack lover's paradise with various tastes, from traditional favorites to tastes unique to Japan. This store is perfect for getting some Pringles or other popular and local Japanese snacks; it is a must-visit for snack lovers.
Address: 1 Chome-17-9 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan
Operational Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10.00 AM - 07.30 PM
Planning to visit Osaka and want a comprehensive guide to maximize your time and experience? Check out "Explore the Enchanting Osaka: A Comprehensive 3-Day Itinerary" for a slice of the best parts of Osaka!
Tucked away on Osaka Bay, Tempozan Harbor Village is a mesmerizing seaside haven that combines shopping, entertainment, and stunning scenery. It is also home to one of the best shopping malls, Tempozan Marketplace.
The Tempozan Marketplace entices visitors with its abundance of stores and choices, which sell anything from distinctive trinkets to apparel. Due to its location by the bay, it gives your shopping experience a unique atmosphere with a beautiful backdrop. The mall is also home to the infamous Istanbul Table Halal Restaurant Tempozan, one of Muslim travelers' favorite halal restaurants while visiting Osaka. Enjoy food, browse the charming shops, and indulge in a shopping spree while the sea wind is at your back.
With the Kaiyukan Aquarium and captivating marine life located right beside Tempozan Marketplace, the shopping experience includes a variety of stores where guests may purchase mementos that perfectly encapsulate their underwater experience. Find gifts inspired by the ocean's delights, such as fluffy plushies, vibrantly colored accessories, and tasteful decorations.
Whether you're diving into the ocean at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, indulging in some retail therapy at Tempozan Marketplace, or just soaking in the expansive vistas from the Ferris wheels, Tempozan Harbor Village is the perfect spot for a whole day of activity and shopping.
Muslim visitors of the Tempozan Harbor Village may rest assured during their visits. A spacious prayer room with an ablution area is available on the second floor of Tempozan Marketplace, located next door to the Istanbul Table Halal Restaurant Tempozan. Information and access to the prayer room are available at the information center, just beside the ticket booth of the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.
Address: 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022, Japan
Operational Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11.00 AM - 08.00 PM
Image Credit: LaLaport EXPOCITY
Amid the energetic metropolis of Osaka, LaLaport EXPOCITY is a perfect fit for the city, offering an expansive shopping center that provides an unmatched shopping experience. Skillfully combining food, shopping, and entertainment, LaLaport EXPOCITY is a complete one-stop shopping haven for its visitors, with a wide range of specialty shops, local boutiques, and worldwide premium brands to satisfy the needs of every customer.
As one of the biggest shopping complexes in Japan, LaLaport EXPOCITY guarantees an unmatched shopping experience with over 300 stores. Shopping coupons, cashback discounts, along with tax-free services are available widely throughout the shopping complex, making it an excellent place to purchase for less money.
With the diverse store choices, you’ll definitely find whatever you're looking for, whether it's cutting-edge gadgets in the Docomo shop, miscellaneous lifestyle goods at 3COINS+plus, or fashion items in ABC-MART, Uniqlo, and GU. It is also home to Soba Dining Yuigetsuan Sojibou, perfect for Muslims who are searching for authentic halal soba.
LaLaport EXPOCITY has more to offer than just shopping for those looking for entertainment, such as a cinema, a Ferris wheel, and the well-known Nifrel aquarium. There are activities for families, couples, and lone travelers to meet their interests, catering to guests of all ages with an engaging experience that goes beyond ordinary shopping.
Visitors of LaLaport EXPOCITY can utilize their spacious prayer room to fulfill their spiritual needs and daily prayers, which is located on the second floor near the orange side elevator. The prayer room features a divided prayer space for males and females, each with a separate ablution area, ensuring maximum privacy. Information on prayer room access is available at the mall information center on the first floor.
Address: 2-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-0826, Japan
Operational Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10.00 AM - 09.00 PM
*Operational hours are subject to change, please visit LaLaport Expocity's website before your visit.
In addition to providing unforgettable experiences, Osaka's tourist attractions usually have gift shops that let guests bring a little piece of the excitement home. Visitors can bring a bit of the city's history home with them, as these stores usually offer specialty items that are distinctive to each of the attractions, making each piece of souvenir a token of remembrance of your visit. They are also generally quite affordable and come in pretty packaging, making them perfect for gifts!
Some of the attractions that offer unique keepsakes are Universal Studios Japan, and Kaiyodo Figure Museum, which features characters from popular movies and TV shows; Osaka Castle's Castle Gift Shop, which offers gifts that embody Japanese history and culture; Tsutenkaku Tower and Umeda Sky Building, with mementos that capture different facets of the city and the marvel of its architecture; and Kaiyukan and Nifrel, with its aquatic-themed souvenirs. Together, these varied purchasing alternatives capture the spirit of Osaka and enable every visitor to select a unique keepsake that perfectly captures their precious moments spent in the city.
Self-checkout counters with minimum workers are becoming more common at many establishments. While it is pretty simple, it is best for you to get familiar with the procedure to not slow down other visitors; generally, there will be on-screen directions (available in English), where you'll scan the products upon cue, choose your payment method, pay by inserting your bills or tapping your IC card (such as ICOCA), and take your receipt and changes. Make sure to have cash or your IC card loaded, as there are possibilities that credit or debit cards will not be available as a payment method.
Taking advantage of tax-free shopping is a wise choice for tourists, as it provides significantly cheaper items. Seek out establishments with "Tax-Free" signage and get help from the staff during payment to receive the tax-free service. These tax-free outlets, which are frequently located in well-known retail centers and large department stores, let you make purchases without having to pay the regular consumption tax. Keep in mind that you must have your passport with you or fill out the tax-free form on the Visit Japan Website to purchase it tax-free.
Osaka’s bustling shopping scene offers a wide range of general product outlets to suit a variety of demands, and with it, you can actually pack light and get all the things you need in Osaka at an affordable price!
These discount stores in Osaka provide a varied shopping experience with a diverse range of products. From general household items to unique selections at Mega Don Quijote to the slightly higher-end Tokyu Hands, these discount stores promise you a variety of options, whether you're looking for high-end fashion, one-of-a-kind souvenirs, or everyday necessities.
Planning to take it a step further? Hunt for 100 yen stores (the equivalent of a dollar store)! These inexpensive shops sell a variety of goods that are mostly 100 yen (plus tax), ranging from basic necessities, affordable home goods, and snacks, to unusual and eccentric souvenirs. Some of the well-known 100 yen retailers are Seria and Daiso, offering a variety of reasonably priced goods with branches scattered across Osaka.
Need more tips and tricks before visiting Osaka? Check out "Essential Tips for a Halal Trip to Osaka" for maximum enjoyment during your trip!
This article is brought to you by the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau
