Shinsaibashi

Osaka

Shinsaibashi, commonly referred to as Ginza, is a busy shopping area extending from Shinsaibashi Station on the city subway line. Department stores such as "Daimaru" and fashion buildings such as "Parco" and "Crysta Nagahori", as well as some of the most famous luxury brands including Channel and Gucci, have shops in Shinsaibashi. Most of these stores are concentrated along the Shinsaibashi-Suji St. shopping promenade that's nearly 600 meters long. There are also casual boutiques, shoe stores and fast food shops, so it's fun to stroll along, taking in the sights and sounds of Osaka. In "America Mura", the younger generation is attracted to the many brand shops with flashy signs and also the secondhand clothing shops. There are movie theaters and live houses, so there's plenty of people coming and going till late in the day.

Daimaru Shinsaibashi Store

This is Daimaru's head store, which is celebrating its 280th anniversary, and it is a pleasant spot for shopping in a relaxed atmosphere. The neo-Gothic building is considered a masterpiece of department store architecture in Japan. High-quality Japanese art including pottery, tea utensils and scrolls are there among the store's many products.

America Mura (Village)

This is the source of youth culture, where casual fashion boutiques and secondhand shops stand side by side. The name was adopted in the 1970s along with the growing volume of imported American clothes. Live houses, clubs and secondhand record shops are dotted throughout, and teenagers are a big part of the crowds.

Big Step

At the center of America Mura, the huge Big Step complex has clothing stores, restaurants, movie theaters and live houses. There is a good selection of casual brands including United Arrows and Edwin denim. Popular restaurants include steak houses and cheesecake specialists.

Kokumin Shinsaibashi Chuo Store

This drug store, established in 1935, is situated on the Shinsaibashi-Suji St. shopping promenade. Its headquarters are in Osaka-shi and there are about 200 branches operating throughout Japan. With focusing on health and beauty, their products include drugs, medicines, cosmetics, supplements and imported perfumes as well as reasonably priced miscellaneous items.