The Top 10 Things To Do and See In Shinsaibashi

Shoppers crowd the Shinsaibashisuji shopping arcade at all hours.
Shoppers crowd the Shinsaibashisuji shopping arcade at all hours. | © Studio Incendo / Flickr

Shinsaibashi is one of the most popular areas in Osaka, with countless stores from high-end retailers to the familiar high street shops. This neighborhood is more than just for shopping though, with some of the most exciting attractions, delicious foods, and fun bars and nightclubs. Be sure to make the most of your time in this thriving district with our list of the 10 best things to see and do.

Loved by over 40s

Video Game Bar Space Station

Bar, American

space station osaka japan
© Tsuyoshi Tagawa c/o Space Station
Space Station is a staple of this niche bar scene. It’s packed with both locals and tourists almost every night of the week, so it’s a great place to meet like-minded people from all over the world. Space has 13 consoles, 8 screens, and scores of games ranging from nostalgic NES favorites to the most recent Super Smash Brothers. Space Station is the only game bar in town that doesn’t have a cover charge – you only pay for your drinks, many of which are named after video game characters you love, like the “Floating Peach” and “Gin Sonic”. To find it, just look for the flashing, animated LED staircase at street level and climb on up!

Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Street

Market

Dotonbori-Osaka-Japan
© Culture Trip
Almost as famous as Dotonbori is Shinsaibashi-suji, an undercover shopping avenue that is the heart of the Minami district. Shinsaibashi-suji has been Osaka’s most important shopping area for 400 years, with hundreds of shops lining this 600-meter long street. From huge department stores like Daimaru and flagship Uniqlo clothing stores to small independent boutiques, there is something for every shopper and every wallet on this street. There are also dozens of delicious restaurants and cafes hidden in the streets and the alleys leading just off it.

Mandarake ground chaos shop

Shop

If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for all your quirky Japan souvenir purchases, or simply a place to willingly get lost in for a few hours, Mandarake is the place to go. Mandarake is a multi-story specialty shop selling goods like used video games and action figures, old movie posters, costumes, manga, anime, and more. Many of the toys and electronics are used and nostalgia-inducing. It’s a great place to shop or simply pass the time perusing the shelves.

Mitsuhachimangu

Shinto Shrine

mitsuhachimangu-shrine_amemura_osaka_japan
© bittercup / WikiCommons

Nestled away in this busy entertainment district is the Mitsuhachimangu Shrine, which has been standing since 749. The name “Mitsu” means port, suggesting the sea once came inland up to the Shinto shrine. These days the grounds are surrounded not by water, but by the hip Amemura district. The shrine is the home of the guardian god of Minami, the south section of Osaka. This quiet shrine is particularly lovely in the spring when the cherry blossoms bloom.

Mitsutera

Buddhist Temple

Mitsutera Temple is another holy site to take refuge in if you need a break from the rushed urban atmosphere of Shinsaibashi. Located just off the busy Midosuji street and surrounded by urban highrises, this temple is a sanctuary of tranquility. This temple was built in honor of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, founded in the 8th century in Koyasan, a venerated town south of Osaka.

Amerikamura

Park, Shopping Mall

triangle_park_amemura_osaka_japan
© M M / Flickr
Located to the west of Shinsabashi is Amerikamura, also known as Amemura. With its American-style boutiques and shops, international bars, and low prices, Amemura is a popular hangout spot for trendy youths who like Western fashion and pop culture. Rather than the big-name brands found in Shinsaibashi or Midosuji, Amemura has indie boutiques and thrift stores that give it its quirky and lively reputation. Flea markets are sometimes set up on weekends and there are often street performances. This makes this a fun place to visit and hang out to experience the fusion of Japanese and Western culture.

Alice on Wednesday

Shop, Store

Alice on Wednesday is a great shop to grab some gifts and knick-knacks. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice In Wonderland, the tiny entry door is only a meter tall. The interior reflects all the adventures that Alice experiences in Wonderland, including bottles labeled “drink me” and chocolates labeled “eat me”. “Would you dare try one in case you shrank to the size of a mouse or grew to the size of a giant?” The store is small, so be ready to queue to get in. It’s worth it to see childhood memories brought to life.

Kama Sutra Karaoke Bar (カーマスートラ カラオケバー)

Bar, Japanese

A night out in Japan is not complete without a little karaoke, and a nighttime excursion in Shinsaibashi just isn’t the same without a trip to Kama Sutra. This tiny but lively karaoke bar is a staple of the local nightlife scene. Customers sing together in one space, and you can choose from one of the over 130,000 songs while ordering a drink at the bar. The staff are extremely friendly and speak both Japanese and English.

Cat of Liberty

Cafe, Japanese

scottish-fold_cat
© Tom Thai / Flickr
Another way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of this crowded district is to stop at Cat of Liberty, a cute cat cafe and the first in the country. Customers pay by the hour to simply sit and drink coffee or tea with over a dozen furry friends. Cat treats and toys cost slightly extra. There are many types of cats to play with at this cafe, including a Sphinx cat and a giant Maine Coon. The atmosphere is very calming and both the staff and the animals are very friendly.

rock bar Cherry Bomb

Bar, American

A tiny little bar among many in Shinsaibashi, rock bar Cherry Bomb stands out with its laid-back atmosphere and rock music scene. American owners Chris and Jesse originally started this place to fill the gap of rock music bars in the local bar scene, and it has since evolved into a gathering place for locals, expats, and travelers, where you can be sure to find English-speaking company. While they don’t have anything fancy in terms of drinks, with a respectable selection of ice-cold craft beers on tap, Cherry Bomb offers what is at the core of the best bars – a fun atmosphere, good music, and most importantly, great company.
culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Keen to explore the world?

Our passionately curated premium small-group trips are an invitation to connect with like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.