If you're planning a walking tour of Osaka in the summer, why not include a shopping arcade in your itinerary?
The appeal of arcade shopping streets lies in their ability to provide shelter from strong sunlight and sudden rain while still allowing you to enjoy an outdoor stroll through the city. You can wander at your own pace, browsing interesting shops and taking a break with a cold drink or sweets.
This time, we'll introduce four shopping streets where you can enjoy shopping, dining, and the unique atmosphere of Osaka.
01 | Enjoy a long arcade game while taking breaks
Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street
The Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street stretches approximately 2.6 km from north to south, from Tenjinbashi 1-chome to 7-chome. Known as Japan's longest shopping street, it boasts around 800 shops, including restaurants, delicatessens, greengrocers, cutlery shops, tea shops, and clothing stores.
This shopping street has a rich history, having flourished as a temple town for Osaka Tenmangu Shrine during the Edo period, and even today, it offers a glimpse into the everyday life of Osaka. We recommend strolling along the long arcade, taking breaks at cafes and sweet shops along the way. Combine your visit to Osaka Tenmangu Shrine with a stroll through the city in the summer.
| Address | Tenjinbashi 1-7 chome, Kita-ku, Osaka City |
| Access | Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line/Tanimachi Line "Minamimorimachi Station" JR Tozai Line "Osaka Tenmangu Station" Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line: "Ōgimachi Station" and "Tenjinbashisuji 6-chome Station" JR Osaka Loop Line "Tenma Station" |
| Business hours and regular holidays | It varies by store. |
02 | Enjoy comfortable summer shopping
Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Street
Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street is an arcade stretching approximately 580 meters from Nagahori-dori to Soemoncho-dori. With around 180 shops selling fashion, cosmetics, general goods, gourmet food, and more, it is one of Osaka's representative shopping areas in Minami.
In the summer, you can enjoy walking through the arcade while avoiding direct sunlight, and it's also nice to be able to easily stop by air-conditioned shops and cafes. With long-established shops dating back to the Edo period coexisting with the latest brand shops, you can enjoy shopping while experiencing both the history and trends of Shinsaibashi.
| Address | Shinsaibashi-suji 1-2 chome, Chuo-ku, Osaka City |
| Access | Approximately 1 minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station on Osaka Metro Midosuji Line and Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line. |
| Business hours and regular holidays | It varies by store. |
03 | Experience Osaka’s Food Culture in a compact arcade
Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street
Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street in Namba is a shopping street specializing in cooking utensils, stretching approximately 150 meters in length. You can find a wide variety of food-related items, from knives, pots and pans, tableware, and kitchen equipment to shop curtains, lanterns, signs, and even food samples.
Because it's a relatively compact arcade, it's an easy spot to stop by during summer sightseeing. Some shops also offer hands-on experiences such as making food samples and glass etching. You can enjoy shopping while avoiding the sun and experience Japanese craftsmanship and Osaka’s Food Culture.
| Address | 10 Namba Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka City |
| Access | Approximately 3 minutes on foot from Nankai Electric Railway, Osaka Metro Midosuji Line and Yotsubashi Line "Namba Station". Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Osaka Metro Sennichimae Line and Kintetsu "Nipponbashi Station" |
| Business hours and regular holidays | It varies by store. *Please check with each store for details on the experience, dates and times, and how to make a reservation. |
04 | Local summer time in a downtown arcade
Senbayashi shopping street
The Senbayashi Shopping Street, approximately 700 meters long, connects Keihan Senbayashi Station and Osaka Metro Senbayashi-Omiya Station. The arcade, lined with around 200 shops, is home to a variety of businesses supporting the daily lives of the local community, including fresh food, prepared meals, clothing, household goods, and restaurants.
After the war, the first Daiei store opened here, and it's also known as "Japan's cheapest shopping street." In the summer, one of the pleasures is strolling under the arcade, sheltering from the sun, and searching for cold drinks, sweets, and local deli items. You can experience a glimpse of everyday life in Osaka, a little different from the tourist spots.
| Address | 1-5-20 Senbayashi, Asahi-ku, Osaka City |
| Access | Right next to Keihan Railway's "Senbayashi Station" Located right next to Exit 1 of Senbayashi-Omiya Station on Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line. |
| Business hours and regular holidays | It varies by store. |
In shopping arcades, you can enjoy shopping, dining, and the unique Osaka streetscape all at once without having to worry too much about the summer sun or weather.
From bustling city centers to quiet streets rooted in local life, each shopping district offers a diverse range of scenery. Why not take a stroll through Osaka's shopping streets at your own pace, enjoying the cool air at shops that catch your eye?