Enjoy Fashion in Osaka! 3 Recommendations for Fashion Districts
Osaka is a major city that has developed second only to Japan's capital, Tokyo. The core of Osaka's business and commerce is centered around JR Osaka Station and the Umeda area, which continues to develop. With large commercial facilities lined up, it's constantly upgrading as a trendsetting source that disseminates cutting-edge information.
While Osaka is often noted for its food culture, it's also a place where you can catch the latest trends in Japanese fashion, accessories, and interior design early on. As we look ahead to osaka fashion 2024, the city continues to be at the forefront of style and innovation.
In this article, we'll introduce essential large-scale facilities for enjoying shopping in Osaka. In the latter half, we'll touch on the unique Japanese clothing culture of "kimono" in the context of fashion categories. We hope you'll use this article as a reference to enjoy "sightseeing in kimono" as well.
If you want to enjoy fashion in Osaka, department stores with many shops are recommended!
Osaka's department stores include long-established ones with 300 years of history, showing that it has long been the center of commerce. This remains true in modern times, and visiting department stores is still the best way to learn about trends.
World-renowned high-end brands, up-and-coming brands that are about to gain attention, and brands that continue to preserve traditional craftsmanship techniques are all gathered in department stores.
In an era where things and information overflow infinitely, we've narrowed it down to the top 5 facilities that you should focus on right now. This is a must-see lineup for those who come to Osaka to enjoy shopping.
5 Department Stores Where You Can Enjoy Fashion, Cosmetics, and Accessory Shopping in Osaka
Hankyu Umeda Main Store
Source: Official Facebook
The "Hankyu Umeda Main Store" is at the forefront of disseminating cutting-edge information and culture in all genres of clothing, food, and housing.
It stands out for its high fashion sensitivity. It's a force to be reckoned with among department stores in the Kansai region. Not only does it cover domestic and international high-end brands, but it also quickly catches up-and-coming brands and trend information that are about to break through.
There are also always niche and unique events such as bonsai exhibitions (bonsai is a traditional Japanese art of growing plants in pots while nurturing them to seek beauty beyond the appearance of plants in nature), Western and Eastern antique exhibitions, and dollhouse exhibitions. These events are so popular that they have their own fans.
Such unique discerning ability and planning capability have gained overwhelming support from fashion enthusiasts and many consumers.
- Address: 8-7 Kakuda-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Business hours: 10:00-20:00 *Restaurant floor is 11:00-22:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone number: 06-6361-1381
- website: https://www.hankyu-dept.co.jp/
GRAND FRONT OSAKA
Source: Official website
If you're looking for high-end and luxury fashion, "GRAND FRONT OSAKA" is a must-see.
It features a concentration of top-class shops in the Japanese apparel industry, such as "Edition," a select shop that carefully curates cutting-edge domestic and international brands, "Ron Herman," which proposes high-quality Californian style, and "Deuxieme Classe," which pursues true minimalist beauty.
In September 2023, the MUJI store was renovated to the largest scale in the Kansai region, making it a commercial facility that's always attracting attention with new developments. As we approach osaka fashion 2024, GRAND FRONT OSAKA continues to be a hub for the latest trends and styles.
The development around Grand Front is still ongoing, and in the future, it will continue to develop as a green urban park. It's likely to become an even more comfortable shopping spot.
- Address: South Building / 4-20 Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka, North Building / 3-1 Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Business hours: 11:00-21:00 Restaurant floor is -23:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone number: 06-6372-6300
-website: https://www.grandfront-osaka.jp/
Osaka Takashimaya
"Osaka Takashimaya" is a long-established department store located in Namba, the gateway to Minami, one of Osaka's bustling districts.
Its attractive point is its location adjacent to Namba Station, which is directly connected by Nankai Electric Railway from Kansai Airport, making it easily accessible for tourists.
It's especially recommended for brand lovers as it offers everything from luxury brands like Hermès and Chanel to Japanese mode brands like Yohji Yamamoto and Issey Miyake.
Also worth checking out are unique corners such as "Salon le Chis," which gathers creations that allow you to feel the history, philosophy, and reliable craftsmanship of brands, and "DENIM STYLE LAB," which specializes in denim.
- Address: 5-1-5 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Business hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone number: 06-6631-1101
- website: https://www.takashimaya.co.jp/
Daimaru Umeda Store
Source: Wikipedia
"Daimaru Department Store" is a historic department store that started as a used clothing store in Kyoto in 1717. Among them, the Umeda store is adjacent to JR Osaka Station and is located in the center where large companies gather, so it tends to be used not only by tourists but also by business people in the neighborhood.
Daimaru Umeda Store shows its originality by enhancing brands and services for women that are suitable for business scenes.
For example, the "Ufufu Girls" zone on the 5th floor targets women in their 20s to 30s. It offers fashion and accessories from brands that are rarely handled in department stores, as well as stylish cafes.
The "Cinderella Avenue" on the 4th floor is an area specialized in shoes. They focus on providing a rich assortment and shoe fitting services so that visitors can find a pair that perfectly matches their preferences and size.
- Address: 3-1-1 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Business hours: 10:00-20:00 Restaurant floor is 11:00-23:00
- Closed: 1/1, 1/2
- Phone number: 050-1780-0000
- website: https://www.daimaru.co.jp/umedamise/
LUCUA・LUCUA 1100
Source: Yahoo! map
"LUCUA・LUCUA 1100" is a commercial facility directly connected to JR Osaka Station. The main target is working women who are sensitive to fashion and trends.
With the concept of "affordable luxury in daily life" and "high-sensitivity and sophisticated lifestyle," it houses 500 stores including brands, shops, and restaurants with good sense for daily use.
It has also become a topic of conversation for developing its own fitting service "E SALON" that allows you to try on clothes across brand boundaries. This service allows you to freely choose and try on products from registered stores in LUCUA before purchasing (a dedicated app is required).
You can shop very conveniently without having to go back and forth between stores while worrying, as you can gather everything in one place and try on combinations from different brands.
- Address: 3-1-3 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Business hours: 10:30-20:30 Food and beverage floor is 11:00-23:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone number: 06-6151-1111
- website: https://www.lucua.jp/
Kimono Rental Shops Are Also Abundant in Osaka, Just a Short Distance from Kyoto
While kimono rental has become established in Kyoto, there are actually many stylish kimono rental shops in Osaka as well. Although kimono might seem a bit challenging, it was originally everyday wear in Japan and is suitable for daily use.
Kimono, which is both modest and gorgeous, has become a tool to express a stylish sense. If you've come all the way to Japan, try walking around Osaka in a kimono. It's sure to be a wonderful experience.
What is Kimono?
Until the early 1900s, when Western culture began to fully flow into and permeate Japan, kimono was everyday wear in Japan.
The most talked-about charm of kimono is its beautiful patterns and color schemes. Spring is represented by cherry blossoms and butterflies, summer by goldfish and fans, autumn by autumn leaves and the moon, and winter by snow and plum blossoms, reflecting designs for each season. It's a truly elegant world of expression that allows you to feel the seasons through your attire.
You can also enjoy your own style by choosing obi (sash) and accessories, like choosing accessories and small items. Kimono is one of the fashion tools that allow you to express your unique and special self.
Sightseeing in Kimono! 3 Recommended Spots Where You Can Aim for Instagram-worthy Photos with Kimono and Tourist Attractions
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
Source: Official website
"Osaka Tenmangu" is a shrine that is affectionately called Tenjin-san of Tenma in Osaka. It's said to be associated with Sugawara no Michizane, who was active as an excellent scholar and politician in the 9th century, and is enshrined as the god of learning.
It's also famous as a power spot, with well-known features such as the shrine of sacred water that springs within the grounds and the Hoshiai Bridge (Star-meeting Bridge) for successful love.
And when it comes to Osaka Tenmangu, the "Plum Blossom Festival" held every February and the "Tenjin Festival" in July, one of Japan's three major festivals, have become symbols of Osaka.
February and March, when about 100 plum trees cover the shrine grounds, are the most gorgeous times of the year, attracting many visitors. During the Tenjin Festival, befitting Osaka as a city of water, religious ceremonies are held on the river, and the event concludes with grand dedication fireworks. If your travel timing aligns, these are events you should definitely participate in.
- Address: 2-1-8 Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Opening hours: 9:00-17:00
- Closed: Open daily
- Phone number: 06-6353-0025
- website: https://osakatemmangu.or.jp/
Tenma Kimono
Source: Google Maps
"Tenma Kimono" is a rental kimono shop located inside the Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street right next to Osaka Tenmangu Shrine.
Here, they offer rental kimonos that are said to take only a minute to put on. It's an innovative design that can be easily put on and taken off with a zipper while maintaining a beautiful silhouette. It's an excellent piece produced by kimono dressing professionals.
They even have a track record of holding kimono fashion shows at Milan Fashion Week. If you want to enjoy modern and stylish kimono wearing, use Tenma Kimono.
- Address: Tenma Garden 2F, 3-4-14 Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Business hours: 11:00-18:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone number: 06-6356-1032
- website: https://www.instagram.com/tenma_kimono3/
Dotonbori River
Dotonbori, famous for its iconic "Glico sign," is a bustling district popular among tourists.
Dotonbori, which can be called the center of Osaka, known as the city of "kuidaore" (spending extravagantly on food), is home to popular gourmet foods from Osaka and Japan. Because of this, it's always full of energy.
A recommended attraction that allows you to enjoy Dotonbori from a different perspective is the "Tombori River Cruise." It's a boat tour that cruises down the Dotonbori River flowing through the middle of Dotonbori.
My favorite is the evening to night cruise, illuminated by colorful neon lights. The view of Dotonbori from the river exudes a fantastical and seductive brilliance, like a scene from a movie.
For details on the Tombori River Cruise, click here
wargo Osaka Shinsaibashi Store
Source: Official website
"Wargo Osaka Shinsaibashi Store" offers a wide range of kimonos and yukatas for sightseeing.
The luxurious furisode plan is especially popular among foreigners. It's a rare service that allows you to rent precious furisode, which is usually worn for coming-of-age ceremonies and weddings in Japan, for street walking and sightseeing.
The charm lies in its unique lineup, such as a plan where you can enjoy coordinating with the popular brand "Mamechyiyo Modern," which creates a unique world view by freely combining Japanese and Western, old and new.
- Address: Shinsaibashi OPA Kirei-kan 2F, 1-9-2 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Business hours: 11:00-19:00 (Last reception for dressing 18:00)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone number: 06-6484-8116
- website: https://kyotokimonorental.com/shop/28
Namba Yasaka Shrine
Source: Osaka City Official
"Namba Yasaka Shrine" is a shrine with a deep history, said to have been built 310 years ago.
The lion's den, which was constructed along with the main shrine rebuilt after being completely burned down in the air raids of 1945, is a characteristic feature of Namba Yasaka Shrine.
This giant lion's den has become a tourist spot that is hugely popular among foreign tourists as well. Looking up at the large lion, which is 12m high, 11m wide, and 10m deep, is overwhelming.
It is said to have appeared newly along with the main shrine as a lion that wards off evil, as the area had long been known for its thriving lion dance.
There's also an anecdote that it was born from the unique idea of "Let's make something that will surprise Osaka people as a symbol of the shrine." It can be said to symbolize the humor of Osaka.
- Address: 2-9-19 Motomachi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka
- Opening hours: 6:00-17:00
- Closed: Open daily
- Phone number: 06-6641-1149
- website: https://nambayasaka.jp/
Kimono Rental Kireikan
Source: Asoview
"Oshare Kobo Kireikan" is a furisode, yukata, and kimono rental shop close to Namba Yasaka Shrine. With professional kimono tailors holding national qualifications on staff, they can respond meticulously to all kimono-related requests.
Here, you can enjoy a wide range of kimono styles, not only formal wear like visiting kimonos and formal furisode and tomesode, but also special coordinations like oiran (high-class courtesans active from the 1600s to the early 1900s) and Taisho Roman (cultural and ideological trends popular from 1912 to 1926).
- Address: Imoto Building 1F, 1-4-13 Motomachi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka
- Business hours: 11:00-18:00
- Closed: Thursday
- Phone number: 06-6641-2242
- website: https://kireikan.jp/
