Osaka Walk, Japan
Osaka, often dubbed Japan’s “Kitchen,” is a vibrant city celebrated for its lively food scene, bustling urban culture, and rich history.
Shinsaibashisuji: 1 Chome-3-21 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0085, Japan
America-mura: 2 Chome-10-26 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0086, Japan
Dotonbori: Japan, 〒542-0071 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Dotonbori, 1 Chome−7−21 中座くいだおれビル 1F
Hozen-ji Temple: 1 Chome-2-16 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0076, Japan
Ebisu Bashi-Suji Shopping Street: Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0076, Japan
Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street: Nanbasennichimae, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0075, Japan
Nipponbashi Denden Town: Nipponbashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0005, Japan
Date Picture Taken: September, 2024
From Sapporo, I flew to Osaka—Japan’s second-largest metropolis—famed for its lively canal-side food scene. I stayed near Shinsaibashi Station, just a short stroll from the renowned Dotonbori. This walk begins north of Shinsaibashi Station, passes through several of Osaka’s popular districts (including Dotonbori), and culminates in Denden Town.
Shinsaibashi is a district in the Chūō-ku ward of Osaka, Japan, and the city’s main shopping area. At its center is Shinsaibashi-suji, a covered shopping street that is north of Dōtonbori and Sōemonchō and parallel and east of Mido-suji Street.
Shinsaibashi-suji is one long-covered shopping street that goes through many blocks.
A store offering comic books, CDs, DVDs, figures, and cards.
A side street
This is still the same market
A side street
There were numerous drug stores like this in this market
Parco is a popular department chain in Japan
Inside the Parco
Came back on to the street
I took a left turn and went out to the adjacent main street
This is the next major street, continuing in the same direction as the covered market, lined with numerous upscale department stores.
Leaving the major street, I took a narrower road leading to America-mura.
America-mura, or “American Village,” is a vibrant, youth-oriented district in Osaka’s Minami area, known for its eclectic mix of trendy fashion boutiques, vintage stores, art galleries, and Western-inspired cafes. This colorful neighborhood is often compared to Tokyo’s Harajuku, brimming with street art, quirky pop culture elements, and an energetic atmosphere that draws locals and tourists alike.
Leaving America-mura, I headed back to the covered market area before continuing on to Dotonbori.
Dotonbori Canal Side
Back side
Dotonbori is a bustling entertainment district in the heart of Osaka, famed for its eye-catching neon signage—including the iconic Glico Running Man—and its vibrant canal lined with restaurants and bars. Often cited as a must-visit spot for first-time travelers to Osaka, it encapsulates the city’s lively spirit with an array of street food stalls, lively nightlife, and photo-worthy landmarks. Boasting everything from takoyaki vendors to upscale eateries, Dotonbori offers visitors a true taste of Osaka’s dynamic urban culture.
The left side
From the bridge, the view of canal right side
The left side
Right after crossing the bridge, you’ll find the famous food street on this road—just turn left from here.
This is the famous food street in Dotonbori along the canal
A store selling gifts
Near the end of the food street, I turned around and headed back toward the bridge.
Then, instead of going straight back to the bridge, I turned left and headed south to Hozenji Yokocho.
Hozenji Yokocho
Hozen-ji Temple is a small yet revered Buddhist temple tucked away in the bustling Minami district of Osaka, near the lively Dotonbori area. Renowned for its moss-covered statue of the deity Fudo Myoo—created by visitors continuously splashing water on it—this tranquil spot offers a serene respite from the city’s vibrant energy. Surrounded by the atmospheric Hozenji Yokocho alley with its traditional lanterns and cozy eateries, the temple serves as both a local spiritual landmark
The main gate to the temple
Ebisu Bashi-Suji Shopping Street
Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street
Nipponbashi Denden Town
Nipponbashi Denden Town is Osaka’s answer to Tokyo’s Akihabara, known for its vibrant electronics shops, anime and manga stores, and otaku culture. Visitors can explore a wide range of goods—from retro game consoles to collectible figurines—amidst colorful storefronts and themed cafes. This lively district offers a unique pop-culture experience, drawing hobbyists, tech enthusiasts, and curious travelers alike.
