Shinsaibashi: Osaka's Fashionable Heart
Explore Shinsaibashi, Osaka's premier shopping destination, where history meets high fashion and culinary delights await around every corner.
Shinsaibashi, located in the Chūō-ku ward of Osaka, is the city's main shopping area, offering a vibrant mix of history and contemporary fashion. The area's name originates from the Shinsaibashi Bridge, first constructed in 1622 by Shinsai Okada, a local merchant. This bridge spanned the Nagahori-gawa canal and quickly became a landmark, fostering commerce and connecting the Shinmachi and Dotonbori districts. Over the centuries, the bridge evolved from a wooden structure to an iron bridge in 1873, imported from Germany, and finally to Osaka's first stone bridge in 1909. Although the canal was filled in 1964, remnants of the bridge's carved railings and lamps can still be seen in the Crysta Nagahori underground shopping mall, a subtle nod to the area's rich past. Today, Shinsaibashi is synonymous with high-end retail and trendy fashion. The Shinsaibashisuji shopping arcade, a covered street stretching 580 meters, is home to a diverse array of shops, from international brands like Uniqlo, H&M and Zara, to local boutiques and traditional craft stores. Luxury Brand Avenue, located just west of the arcade, features flagship stores from brands like Dior, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. Shinsaibashi also boasts a wide selection of restaurants and cafes, offering everything from traditional Osaka cuisine to international fare.
Local tips
- Visit during the week to avoid the largest crowds, as weekends can get very busy.
- Explore the side streets branching off the main arcade for unique finds and traditional shops.
- Take advantage of the tax refund services available at many stores for tourists.
- Don't miss the chance to try local Osaka delicacies like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in the surrounding Dotonbori area.
- Look for the remnants of the original Shinsaibashi Bridge in the Crysta Nagahori underground shopping mall.
A brief summary to Shinsaibashi
- 3 Chome Minamisenba, Osaka, 3 Chome Minamisenba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, JP
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Public Transport
Shinsaibashi is easily accessible via the Osaka Metro. Take the Midosuji Line or the Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line to Shinsaibashi Station. Subway fares in Osaka vary based on distance, but a short trip within the city center typically costs between ¥190 and ¥240. Consider purchasing an ICOCA card for convenient travel on public transport. A one-day pass for unlimited travel on the Osaka Metro and City Bus is also available.
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Walking
If you are coming from the Dotonbori area, Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street begins at the Ebisu Bridge, right in the middle of Dotonbori. Simply walk north, away from the Glico sign, and you'll find the entrance to the covered shopping arcade. The walk is approximately 500 meters and takes about 5-10 minutes.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Osaka. The standard fare is ¥680 for the first 2km, with an additional ¥400 per kilometer thereafter. A short taxi ride from Namba Station to Shinsaibashi will likely cost around ¥2,000. Note that fares increase by 20% at night (10 PM - 5 AM). There is no need to tip taxi drivers in Osaka.
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Driving
If driving, be aware that parking in Shinsaibashi can be limited and expensive. Several parking lots are available in the area, with hourly rates ranging from ¥300 to ¥700 for 20-60 minutes. Maximum daily rates range from ¥1,000 to ¥1,900. Some department stores like Shinsaibashi PARCO offer parking services with purchase. Consider using parking search websites or apps to find available spaces and compare prices.
Attractions Nearby to Shinsaibashi
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Ichiran Ramen Shinsaibashi
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THE 超 PINK
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Cat cafe MoCHA (Mocha) Osaka Shinsaibashi
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Pokemon Center Osaka DX
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Nightclub【CRAZYLAND by CHEVAL】Osaka
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Kushikatsu Daruma - Shinsaibashi
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Ramen Zundo-Ya Shinsaibashi
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Site of Yotsubashi
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Namba Jinja Shrine
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Bar Nayuta
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Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street
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Amerika-Mura
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Triangle Park (Sankaku Park)
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Shinsaibashi Sunhall
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Ammona
Landmarks nearby to Shinsaibashi
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Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau
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Shinsaibashi Shopping Street Promotion Association
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Zyanose-Loveless-EP Rooftop
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Glico Sign Dotonbori
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Dotonbori
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Ukiyo Koji
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スパイダーマンの館
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Tombori River walk
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Hozenji Yokocho
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Hozen-ji Temple
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Hozenji Mizukake Fudoson Temple
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Ebisu Bashi-Suji Shopping Street
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3-chōme-1-15 Namba
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난카이난바 목적출구
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Shingonzaka