Enjoy Grand Front Osaka! Shopping Guide of Osaka's Entrance

Osaka, long known as the "Kitchen of the Nation" (Tenka no daidokoro) and the "City of Kuidaore" (eating until you drop), has developed a unique food culture, led by flour-based dishes such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki. The people's interest in food is high, making it one of Japan's most famous tourist destinations for gourmet experiences.

Osaka is Japan's second-largest central city after Tokyo, the capital. About 7% of Japan's total population and about 10% of foreigners living in Japan are concentrated in Osaka. Moreover, it's a popular travel destination due to its many attractive tourist spots unique to Osaka, ranking among the top tourist destinations in Japan.

Osaka, which attracts many residents and tourists alike, brings in cutting-edge fashion and high-level gourmet food from all over the country. There are many large commercial facilities as well as individual stores, especially around Umeda Station, which is conveniently accessible from the Shinkansen station, with numerous commercial facilities housing various shops from dining to fashion.

In this article, we'll introduce Grand Front Osaka, one of the commercial facilities in Umeda.

Grand Front Osaka: "Osaka's Entrance" Where Nature and Commercial Facilities Merge

Grand Front Osaka is a complex commercial facility built in the redevelopment area of Osaka Station/Umeda Station, the heart of Osaka. In addition to shops where you can enjoy about 260 stores including fashion and gourmet, it consists of offices, hotels, and apartments.

Fashion ranges from globally popular brands to Japanese-origin brands, so you're sure to find your favorite shop. As for gourmet, there are many restaurants where you can enjoy famous Japanese dishes, which we'll introduce in detail later.

Furthermore, Grand Front Osaka has spots where you can experience nature scattered throughout, despite being in the middle of a big city. Representative examples include Umekita Plaza spreading in front of the central north exit of JR Osaka Station, the zelkova tree-lined street connecting the South Building and North Building, and the garden spreading on the rooftop of the South Building. Being able to take a break in nature-filled spots when tired of the crowds is one of the charms of Grand Front Osaka.

Three Fashion Shops to Enjoy at Grand Front Osaka with Impeccable Taste!

Edition

Source: Official website

"Edition" is a Japanese select shop that handles high-end brands from Europe and other countries. It has a rich selection for both men and women, and you can also purchase "Edition" original brand items.

While it mainly focuses on casual items for people in their 20s and 30s, there are many products with chic colors and subdued designs, making it usable by a wide range of age groups.

Most "Edition" products are expensive high-end brands, but the secret to their popularity lies in the high-level fabric materials and design.

You can enjoy shopping in a relaxed atmosphere as the products are spaciously displayed in the open store.

- Floor: South Building 2F
- Phone number: 06-6359-3770
- Official website: https://store.tomorrowland.co.jp/store/edition/?utm_source=tomorrowland&utm_medium=corporate&utm_campaign=coltd_brand_ed
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edition_jp/

ESTNATION

Source: Official website

"ESTNATION" is a Japanese select shop that handles its original brand as well as domestic and foreign luxury brands. The store is bright and open, with a distinctive point being the sophisticated display that feels like visiting a modern art museum.

The original brand is popular for its elegant and simple designs that can be worn both in private and at work. You can feel the commitment to functionality, such as comfort, despite the luxurious appearance, like shirts made of 100% cotton with good breathability.

At "ESTNATION," in addition to fashion items, you can also purchase gifts such as fragrances and candles. It's also recommended for those looking for stylish souvenirs.

- Floor: South Building 1F
- Phone number: 06-6485-8704
- Official website: https://www.estnation.co.jp/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estnation_osaka

Bshop

Source: Official website

"Bshop" is a Japanese-born select shop that gathers items that fit into daily life under the theme of "the best ordinary." With many simple items that suit any body type, it's popular among a wide age range from those in their 20s and above.

"Bshop" is also famous for having many functional products. Check out practical functions like leather sandals with high durability and non-slip effects, or down blousons with convenient staff bags for carrying.

While a bit pricey, the quality of the products is high. When you visit Bshop, why not find that special piece you can use every day?

- Floor: South Building 3F
- Phone number: 06-6485-7669
- Official website: https://bshop-inc.com/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bshop_official/?_ga=2.175865442.1599749692.1726489242-978355151.1726489242

Must-See for Outdoor Enthusiasts! Three Recommended Outdoor Shops to Enjoy at Grand Front Osaka

DESCENTE

Source: Official website

"DESCENTE" is a Japanese-born sports apparel brand. Starting with ski wear, which is the origin of the brand name, it handles products specialized for various sports such as baseball and golf.

The secret to the popularity of "DESCENTE" items lies not only in their functionality but also in their commitment to design and wear comfort. In particular, the refined simple and stylish designs are enjoyed by many people as everyday fashion.

You can also purchase genuine "made in Japan" products made in domestic factories, such as the Mizusawa Down named after the factory where it was produced.

- Floor: South Building 5F
- Phone number: 06-6940-6785
- Official website: https://store.descente.co.jp/descente/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/descente_staff_jp/

THE NORTH FACE +

Source: Official website

"THE NORTH FACE+" handles products from the global outdoor brand THE NORTH FACE, as well as in-house brand products from GOLDWIN, which manufactures THE NORTH FACE made in Japan. As a result, there are even tourists who come to Japan specifically to get items that are only available in Japan.

"THE NORTH FACE+" products are very popular in Japan, and their charm lies in the fact that they can be worn not only for outdoor purposes like mountain climbing but also as everyday fashion items. Please try the products from THE NORTH FACE and GOLDWIN, which are recognized worldwide for both fashion and functionality.

- Floor: South Building 5F
- Phone number: 06-6485-7805
- Official website: https://lit.link/thenorthfacegrandfrontosaka
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tnf_grandfront_osaka/

ARC'TERYX

Source: Official website

"ARC'TERYX" is a Canadian outdoor brand that handles items for mountain climbing and hiking. Products tested in the harsh environment of mountain ranges in Canada are durable, lightweight, and have excellent functionality.

Moreover, a charming point of "ARC'TERYX" is the rich "EVERYDAY" collection of jackets and cardigans that can be used on a daily basis.

While not cheap due to their high quality, you're sure to find a special piece that you can cherish for a long time.

- Floor: South Building 4F
- Phone number: 06-6147-5458
- Official website: https://arcteryx.jp/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcteryx.osakaumeda/

Restaurants are Also Abundant! Eight Recommended Restaurants to Enjoy at Grand Front Osaka

Osaka Gourmet

Ageha

Source: Official website

At "Ageha," you can enjoy freshly fried kushikatsu, an Osaka specialty. The kushikatsu at "Ageha" is characterized by its fluffy and light texture, like a swallowtail butterfly (Ageha), as the name suggests.

The kushikatsu ingredients range from standards like shrimp and asparagus to seasonal ingredients like matsutake mushrooms in autumn and cod in winter, which is another attractive point. The seasonings include sauce, dashi, salt, and lemon, allowing you to enjoy various flavors suited to the ingredients.

At "Ageha," you can enjoy kushikatsu with carefully selected wine at night, of course, but you can also casually enjoy it with the lunch menu.

- Floor: South Building 7F
- Phone number: 06-6485-7784
- Official website: https://yamatogushi.com/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ageha.kushiyakitei/

Okonomiyaki Seijuro

Source: Official website

The okonomiyaki at "Okonomiyaki Seijuro" is characterized by the abundant use of dashi, which is part of Osaka's food culture. The gentle umami of the dashi and the sweetness of the sauce create an exquisite harmony. It's recommended to eat it while it's still hot enough for the bonito flakes topping the okonomiyaki to wave in the steam!

Moreover, at "Okonomiyaki Seijuro," you can also enjoy other Osaka specialties such as negiyaki, which uses green onions instead of cabbage as the okonomiyaki ingredient, and tonpeiyaki, which wraps grilled vegetables and pork in an egg. If you want to taste various Osaka specialties at once, please give it a try.

- Floor: South Building 6F
- Phone number: 06-6485-7899
- Official website: https://www.seijuro.jp/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seijuro_grandfront/

Fukutaro

Source: Official website

At "Fukutaro," you can enjoy okonomiyaki cooked right in front of you at the counter-only seating.

"Fukutaro" emphasizes not overcooking, which results in a soft texture that melts in your mouth. You can experience a luxurious okonomiyaki that can only be tasted here, where the dashi-infused batter blends with toppings like sauce, mayonnaise, and aonori seaweed.

Also, "Fukutaro" is famous for its delicious negiyaki. My recommended way to eat the soy sauce-seasoned negiyaki is to top it with shichimi togarashi, a standard Japanese spice. The seasoning using Japanese soy sauce and shichimi togarashi pairs perfectly with sake or shochu.

- Floor: South Building 7F
- Phone number: 06-6359-2951
- Official website: https://2951.jp/

If you are interested in Okonamiyaki in Osaka, check the article below! I summarized Okonomiyaki Restaurants in Osaka I recommend and how I felt each Restaurant.

Japanese Cuisine

Teuchi Soba Ishizuki

Source: Official website

At "Teuchi Soba Ishizuki," you can enjoy authentic soba made from buckwheat carefully selected from all over Japan.

The most attractive point of "Teuchi Soba Ishizuki" is that you can fully enjoy the flavor of soba as the craftsmen hand-make the noodles in the store using soba flour ground in a stone mill every morning. When you dip it in the slightly strong soup made with dashi and soy sauce, it enhances the rich soba flavor.

Furthermore, "Teuchi Soba Ishizuki" also offers a rich selection of tempura and side dishes using seasonal vegetables and seafood. Please try tasting the four seasons of Japan, such as mountain vegetables like bamboo shoots and butterbur sprouts in spring, and summer vegetables like okra and eggplant in summer.

- Floor: South Building 7F
- Phone number: 06-6485-7571
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ishiduki_gfo_003/

Obonshokudo 16

Source: Official website

At "Obonshokudo 16," you can enjoy a set menu of "ichiju rokusai" (one soup and six dishes), which adds three dishes to the basic Japanese meal of "ichiju sansai" (rice as the main food, soup, and three side dishes).

The attractive point of "Obonshokudo 16" is that you can enjoy various types of side dishes that go well with rice, using seasonal ingredients, in small portions. There are many uniquely Japanese dishes, for example, the grilled silver cod with Saikyo miso perfectly matches the sixteen-grain rice (nutritionally rich rice blended with grains) served at "Obonshokudo." Marinating the silver cod in miso makes the flesh tender, and the richness of the miso stimulates the appetite.

"Obonshokudo 16" is ideal not only for lunch but also for enjoying evening drinks with a la carte dishes. It's recommended for those who want to casually taste Japanese cuisine.

-Floor: South Building 7F
-Phone number: 06-6373-0005
-Official website: https://onthesquare.jp/
-Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obonshokudo16/

Tempura Uminosachi Tenkyu

Source: Official website

"Tempura Uminosachi Tenkyu" is an izakaya where you can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine such as tempura and sashimi made with fresh seafood.

The tempura menu includes classics like shrimp (Ebi) and sweet potato (Satsumaimo), as well as seasonal ingredients like conger eel (Hamo) and sea eel (Anago). My personal recommendation is the onion (Tamanegi) tempura, which becomes sweeter when fried and pairs perfectly with the crispy batter and juicy texture.

"Tempura Uminosachi Tenkyu" is also popular for its all-you-can-eat ochazuke during lunch hours. Ochazuke is a dish where rice is topped with pickles (Tsukemono) and other ingredients, then covered with dashi broth. At "Tempura Uminosachi Tenkyu", they use dashi made from fresh fish every morning, making even this simple dish exceptionally delicious. If you want to casually enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine, please do visit.

-Floor: South Building 7F
-Phone number: 06-6359-6109
-Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tenpura10kyu/

Uoshou Ginpei

Source: Official website

At "Uoshou Ginpei", you can enjoy seafood dishes using fresh fish and shellfish from Wakayama, known for its famous fishing ports. The restaurant is particularly notable for offering fish prepared in various ways, including sashimi, grilled fish (Yakizakana), and simmered fish (Nizakana).

A must-try specialty of "Uoshou Ginpei" is their Taimeshi (sea bream rice). This exquisite dish is cooked in an earthenware pot, allowing the umami of the sea bream to infuse into the rice. The subtle seasoning allows you to fully appreciate the flavors of the fish broth and the sweetness of the rice.

For lunch, "Uoshou Ginpei" offers set meals (Teishoku) that include fish dishes with rice and miso soup. In the evening, you can enjoy seafood side dishes like butter-sautéed squid tentacles (Ikageso) or marinated firefly squid (Hotaruika Okizuke) along with Japanese sake or shochu.

-Floor: South Building 8F
-Phone number: 06-6485-7310
-Official website: https://www.ginpei.shop/ginpei-guranfuronto
-Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gfoginpei/

Aji no Gyutan Kisuke

Source: Official website

"Aji no Gyutan Kisuke" is a restaurant specializing in beef tongue, a specialty of Sendai. Sendai beef tongue is known for its elasticity and tenderness, typically served in thick slices.

The beef tongue at "Aji no Gyutan Kisuke" is aged over time, resulting in a juicy flavor that releases umami with each bite. In addition to the standard salt seasoning, you can also enjoy soy sauce-based (Tare) and miso-based seasonings, the latter made from a blend of two types of miso.

They offer lunch menus featuring grilled beef tongue with barley rice (Mugi meshi), as well as à la carte dishes like beef tongue stew (Shichu) and beef tongue sausage, perfect for enjoying drinks in the evening. Japanese sake, with its rice-derived sweetness, pairs wonderfully with the aromatic grilled beef tongue.

-Floor: South Building 7F
-Phone number: 06-6485-7910
-Official website: https://www.kisuke.co.jp/
-Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kisuke777/

Basic Information about Grand Front Osaka

-Address: [Umekita Plaza] 4-1 Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka
           [South Building] 4-20 Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka
           [North Building] 3-1 Ofukacho, Kita-ku, Osaka
-Business hours: SHOPS 11:00-21:00　
                 RESTAURANTS 11:00-23:00　
                 KNOWLEDGE CAPITAL 8:00-23:00　
                 *May vary depending on the shop
-Phone number: 06-6372-6300
-Official website: https://www.grandfront-osaka.jp/
-Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grand.front.osaka/

Access

[JR]
-Osaka Station: About 3 minutes walk from the connecting bridge exit (3F)
-Kitashinchi Station: About 9 minutes walk towards JR Osaka Station

[Hankyu Railway]
-Osaka-Umeda Station: About 4 minutes walk via JR Osaka Station

[Hanshin Electric Railway]
-Osaka-Umeda Station: About 5 minutes walk via JR Osaka Station

[Osaka Metro]
-Umeda Station: About 3 minutes walk towards JR Osaka Station
-Higashi-Umeda Station: About 9 minutes walk towards JR Osaka Station
-Nishi-Umeda Station: About 6 minutes walk towards JR Osaka Station

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.