Best Thrift Stores & Districts in Osaka! Vintage Clothing Shops Guide 2024
Osaka is known as the "City of Kuidaore" (eat until you drop), where a unique food culture has developed. Today, it has become one of the most famous tourist destinations, especially for its culinary delights.
Moreover, Osaka is a central city where about 7% of Japan's total population and about 10% of foreigners living in Japan reside. Its charm lies in the mix of high-rise buildings typical of a big city alongside retro spots and areas with a downtown atmosphere.
Among these, "thrift stores" are a common sight. Areas like "Nakazakicho" next to Umeda and "Amerikamura" in the center of Osaka's Minami area are home to many vintage shops, making Osaka famous as the perfect place for Osaka thrifting adventures!
In this guide, we'll introduce areas perfect for thrift shopping in Osaka and recommend vintage shops in a guide format!
Osaka Has Several Central Areas Where Thrift Stores and Vintage Shops Gather
The characteristic of Osaka's thrift stores is that they are clustered in spots amidst the high-rise buildings of Osaka's cityscape. You can enjoy everything from affordable second hand clothes to vintage item stores.
The "Minami" area, centered around Amerikamura, including Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori, leads the American atmosphere and youth culture. On the other hand, the "Kita" area around Osaka Station and Umeda Station is characterized by a cityscape that fuses modern and old buildings, with many shops that exude a sense of dedication.
It's enjoyable just to walk around, with good access from tourist spots and gourmet spots, in addition to thrift store hopping!
Why Are Japanese Thrift Stores So Well-Regarded Worldwide?
As the number of foreign tourists increases, we often see people shopping at Japanese thrift stores. The reasons for the popularity of Japanese secondhand clothes are the wide variety, good condition and cleanliness of the clothes, and reasonable prices. The weak yen is also thought to have influenced the increase in tourists enjoying shopping.
Above all, the appeal of Japanese secondhand clothes is that there are many items where the "goodness of secondhand clothes" is conveyed by buyers with a good eye. When visiting Japan, be sure to experience the world-renowned "Japanese secondhand clothes" in famous areas.
Must-See! 4 Famous Areas in Osaka Where Thrift Stores Gather, Introduced Along with Must-Visit Thrift Shops
Amerikamura
"Amerikamura" (American Village) near Shinsaibashi Station used to be a quiet area lined with corporate warehouses, parking lots, and office buildings. In the 1970s, casual clothes imported from America began to be sold in vacant warehouses and parking lots, which led to the establishment of secondhand clothing culture.
Currently, about 2,500 shops selling secondhand clothes, miscellaneous goods, and used records are lined up, bustling as a sacred place for youth culture.
Enjoy thrift store hopping and Osaka's youth culture, centered around the famous "Triangle Park" (Sankaku Kouen), which is familiar to many as a meeting place for people.
Amerikamura Vintage Mecca
Source: Official website
This is a recommended thrift store for vintage lovers. It mainly deals in American vintage clothes from the 30s to 60s, and is characterized by its abundance of vintage and deadstock items.
The clothes bought by the knowledgeable owner are selected with attention to materials, so they are comfortable to wear and reputed to last long. You should be able to find high-quality items such as "denim," "shirts," and "military pants," which are staple vintage items. Please visit to find your favorite piece.
Address: 101B Shozan Building, 2-13-13 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka City
Business Hours: 13:00-19:00
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone Number: 06-6213-9099
Official Website: https://55mecca.com/
Thrift Store Grizzly Amerikamura Branch
Source: Sakata Koumuten
"Grizzly," one of Osaka's representative thrift stores, has four stores in Amerikamura. Because carefully selected items are sold at reasonable prices, it's recommended even for beginners in thrift shopping. Many items are displayed regardless of gender, making it a recommended store to enjoy the "digging" unique to thrift stores.
The Ame-mura 1st store is near the famous "Triangle Park" and is a regular thrift store mainly dealing with Ralph Lauren and other brands. High-quality items are lined up.
The Ame-mura 2nd store is located closest to Shinsaibashi Station, so access is convenient. In addition to standard thrift store products, you can also enjoy casual & street-style items.
The display methods and in-store atmospheres differ for each store, so it's also recommended to visit each Grizzly store.
[GRIZZLY Ame-mura 1st Store]
Address: 1F B, Ocean Drive, 2-12-14 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka City
Business Hours: 12:00-19:30
Closed: Irregular
Phone Number: 06-6211-4650
Official Website: https://grizzly-online.jp/
[GRIZZLY Ame-mura 2nd Store]
Address: 1F Second Stage Building, 1-6-4 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka City
Business Hours: 12:00-19:30
Closed: Irregular
Phone Number: 06-6252-2807
Official Website: https://grizzly-online.jp/
If you are interested in America Mura, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
Horie Orange Street
About a 3-minute walk from Triangle Park in Amerikamura is "Orange Street," lined with stylish shops and cafes. Orange Street is an 800-meter long street that used to have many furniture stores.
Even now, while remnants of that remain, you can also enjoy thrift store strolling, and it's attracting attention as a new cultural hub bustling with many young people. It's also close to Amerikamura, so it's easy to hop between thrift stores. It's truly a recommended spot for finding your favorite secondhand clothes!
JAM Horie Orange Street Store
Source: Official website
JAM Horie Orange Street Store is appealing for its varied selection and can be enjoyed by anyone. With 9,000 items constantly in stock in a 140-tsubo (about 463 square meters) store, everyone from vintage beginners to vintage maniacs can enjoy "thrift digging."
For example, it's well-stocked with imported secondhand clothes, antique miscellaneous goods, and regular trend items, and is especially perfect for those who like feminine, healthy fashion for women. With its in-store atmosphere and dedication, it has many fans and is a shop where you can feel the charm just by looking.
Address: 2F/3F Avant-garde Building, 1-19-23 Minami-Horie, Nishi-ku, Osaka City
Business Hours: 11:00-20:00
Phone Number: 06-4395-5039
Official Website: https://jamtrading.jp/
jaBBer
Source: Official website
jaBBer is a store with the concept of "moving fashion one step forward and transmitting excitement." It deals with a wide range from vintage to regular items. It's a store that also became the spark for the 90's vintage clothing boom.
The items are bought by buyers in LA, so it's perfect for those who like LA fashion. Moreover, there are sales with super low prices, so it's worth checking out! Please visit to find bargains while feeling excited.
Address: 1F, 2-4-17 Minami-Horie, Nishi-ku, Osaka City
Business Hours: 11:00-20:00
Closed: Irregular
Phone Number: 06-7410-2233
Official Website: http://jabber-used.com/
Nakazakicho
"Nakazakicho" is a town where you can feel a nostalgic atmosphere with wooden buildings, despite being close to the bustling area of Umeda. The characteristic of thrift stores in this town is that there are many individual stores filled with the owner's dedication.
You might encounter shops in unexpected places like back alleys or inside buildings. It's perfect for finding unique and fashionable items that are a step above.
The townscape where you can view pre-war wooden architecture and high-rise buildings simultaneously is also recommended for travelers. There are also renovated old house cafes, so enjoy thrift store hopping while exploring.
Sakura Building
Source: Homes
"Sakura Building" is a 60-year-old 3-story multi-tenant building. While there are unique bookstores and miscellaneous goods stores, most are thrift stores with a retro atmosphere. If you love secondhand clothes, this is a spot you'll definitely want to add to your schedule.
For example, the famous store "Rice Bowl," which specializes in overseas local purchases, is a shop where you can enjoy a "truly thrift store-like atmosphere," can be enjoyed regardless of gender, and also focuses on vintage items for young people.
"Furugiya Yushoku" is attractive for its high cost-performance secondhand clothes while also valuing quality, and it's stocked with trend items, so it can be enjoyed by everyone from beginners to secondhand clothes lovers.
You're sure to find your favorite clothes if you go around all the tenants. Sakura Building is a spot where you can fully experience the retro feel of Japan!
TAU
Source: Rurubu
"TAU" is a store where you can enjoy secondhand clothes and the in-store atmosphere with an artistic sense, making new discoveries and refining your sensibility with each visit. Its charm lies in the array of high-sense products bought overseas, with a wide range of items from designer to regular products.
The store is staged as "a single art space" including the products, and it's a used shop that continues to update "current fashion."
Address: 3F Create Umeda Building, 2-5-18 Nakazakinishi, Kita-ku, Osaka City
Business Hours: 13:00-20:00
Closed: Irregular
Phone Number: 06-6225-7460
Official Website: https://tau-artclothing.com/
If you are interested in Nakazakicho, check the article below! I summarized Nakazakicho's Thrift Shops I recommend and how I felt each Shop.
Tennoji (Shitenkai Flea Market)
Source: Official website
The "Shitenkai Flea Market" held on the second Sunday of every month in the Tennoji area is another spot that secondhand clothes lovers shouldn't miss.
Started in 2020, this flea market attracts visitors with about 100 shops selling secondhand clothes, antiques, and vintage miscellaneous goods. Enjoying communication with the vendors is also one of the pleasures of the flea market. There are vendors from outside Osaka Prefecture as well, and it's fun just to look around.
It's exciting to look around the venue as if treasure hunting for vintage items. There are also food stalls, so you can take your time discovering treasures or drop by while sightseeing. If it fits your schedule, try experiencing this local Osaka event.
Address: 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji-ku, Osaka City
Date: Every 2nd Sunday of the month
Time: 7:00-16:00
Admission: Free
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shitenkai/?hl=ja
If you are interested in Shinsekai Area, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Shinsekai Area as much as possible.
For Shopping Enjoyment, Visit Japan's Leading Shopping Centers
If you want to enjoy shopping, the "Umeda area," where popular commercial facilities and department stores are gathered, is also recommended. With good access and a wealth of shops and gourmet restaurants, it's bustling with people of all ages.
Here are some recommended shopping spots in Osaka where you can enjoy the latest trends and Osaka's famous gourmet food!
Hankyu Umeda Main Store
Source: Official Facebook
"Hankyu Umeda Main Store," located right next to Umeda Station, is a department store that has walked alongside the history of Osaka and Umeda. In 2012, it had its grand opening as a "theater-type department store," becoming one of the largest in Japan.
Even now, it's loved by many as a department store that disseminates the cutting edge of refined fashion and lifestyle.
The atrium on the 9th floor, known as the Festival Plaza, is also famous. Impressive events and exhibitions are frequently held in this powerful space.
Address: 8-7 Kakuda-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka City
Business Hours: 10:00-20:00
*12F-13F Restaurants: 11:00-22:00
Closed: Irregular
Phone Number: 06-6361-1381
Official Website: https://www.hankyu-dept.co.jp/
If you are interested in Hankyu Umeda Mainstore, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
Grand Front Osaka
Source: Official website
This is a shopping center near Osaka-Umeda Station with about 260 shops gathered. With the concept of creating a "new Osaka" and spreading it to the whole of Japan and into the future, it houses shops dedicated to craftsmanship, famous stores, flagship stores of brands, and "Knowledge Capital," a facility for interaction among people from various fields.
A wide variety of gourmet options are available, from cafes to Japanese cuisine and Osaka specialties, allowing you to enjoy wonderful dining experiences.
It's perfect for finding your favorite items while taking a stroll through the spacious interior!
Address: Umekita Plaza: 4-1 Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka City
South Building: 4-20 Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka City
North Building: 3-1 Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka City
Business Hours: Shops: 11:00-21:00
Restaurants: 11:00-23:00
UMEKITA CELLAR: 10:00-22:00
UMEKITA DINING & UMEKITA FLOOR: 11:00-23:00
KNOWLEDGE CAPITAL: 8:00-23:00
Closed: Irregular
Phone Number: 06-6372-6300 (Call Center / Reception Hours: 11:00-18:00)
Official Website: https://www.grandfront-osaka.jp/
If you are interested in Grand Front Osaka, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
LUCUA Osaka
Source: Yahoo! map
"LUCUA Osaka," directly connected to Osaka Station, is convenient for shopping. It's a commercial facility with about 500 shops in the east and west buildings combined, featuring trendy, high-sense shops and restaurants and cafes perfect for dates or breaks during shopping.
It's a commercial facility where you can find everything from souvenirs to Kansai gourmet food. It's easy to use even when transferring or taking the Shinkansen, making it a popular spot!
Address: 3-1-3 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka City
Business Hours: Shopping Floors: 10:30-20:30
LUCUA Dining / Barchika & LUCUA Food Hall: 11:00-23:00
Closed: Irregular
Phone Number: 06-6151-1111
Official Website: https://www.lucua.jp/
If you are interested in LUCUA Osaka, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
If you are interested in Shopping in Osaka, check the article below! I summarized Shopping Places in Osaka I recommend and how I felt each Place.