Osaka Shopping

Osaka's shopping areas can be divided into four districts - Umeda, Namba, Shinsai-bashi and Tennoji. Umeda has three of the city's largest department stores - Hanshin, Hankyu and Daimaru as well as several shopping malls such as Diamor Osaka and the "hip" HEP Five. Namba, also known as Minami, is where you will find the conservative department store Takashimaya and for those looking for more youthful styles they should head towards Namba City Shopping Mall. Shinsia-bashi is arguably the main shopping area, where you will also find the popular Amerika-mura a district with many American style shops.

Look out for the tell-tale Statue of Liberty. Tennoji has three major shopping centres close to its subway station. Mio, a trendy shopping mall, the Kintetsu Department store and Hoop, this district's answer to HEP Five. There are several markets worth a visit and they are often set up around the temples; at the flea market at Ohatsu Tenjin Shrine, held twice a month, you'll find many works of art and antiques.

The Daishie Market at Shitennoji Temple is held monthly and has a variety of second hand clothing, antiques and traditional food to sample. Kuromon-ichiba is a food market established in the mid-1920's, sought after for its fresh produce. You can also pick up quality kimono fabric here.