Osaka America-mura Guide 2024: Enjoy Thrifting and Retro Shops
Osaka is one of Japan's famous tourist destinations known for its exceptional cuisine. Around 1700, it was called "Tenka no Daidokoro" (The Nation's Kitchen) due to its abundance of quality food, including rice, fish, and vegetables.
Today, it has developed its unique food culture called "Konamon" (dishes made with flour), including "Takoyaki," "Okonomiyaki," and "Kushi Katsu," earning it the nickname "Kuidaore no Machi" (The City Where People Eat Until They Drop).
Osaka is Japan's second-largest city after Tokyo, currently home to 7% of Japan's total population and about 10% of the foreign residents in Japan.
While Osaka is a metropolis with many skyscrapers, it also features retro spots and areas full of downtown atmosphere. Famous areas include "Nakazakicho" near Umeda and "America-mura" in the heart of Osaka's Minami area. These areas are home to many vintage shops. In particular, America-mura is one of the largest vintage clothing districts in the country and is ideal for "digging" (exploring vintage shops).
In this article, I'll introduce the charm of America-mura, one of Osaka's famous tourist spots, and recommend shops that I'm confident you'll enjoy.
America-mura: One of Japan's Largest Vintage Clothing Districts
America-mura, affectionately known as "Amemura," is one of Japan's largest vintage clothing districts. It houses 2,500 stores, including apparel shops, restaurants, and live music venues, making it a hub for youth culture. It's particularly famous as a vintage clothing district and is considered a holy ground for vintage fashion, attracting enthusiasts from all over Japan.
The area's history as a vintage clothing district dates back to the 1970s, when it began to grow popular among young surfers. The number of shops increased in the 1980s, and in the 1990s, the opening of large commercial facilities like "BIG STEP" and "OPA" transformed it into a nationally recognized vintage shopping destination.
Why is it Called "America-mura"?
The area that is now America-mura was once a quiet neighborhood filled with warehouses. It got its name in the 1970s when young surfers began renovating warehouses into shops and importing vintage clothing and accessories from the American West Coast and Hawaii.
Since then, the number of stores selling American casual items, particularly vintage clothing, has increased, developing the area into a fashion hub.
If you are interested in Thrifting, check the article below! I summarized Thrift Shops I recommend and how I felt each Thrift Shop.
sena kanda
Three Attractions of America-mura with Recommended Points
1. Carefully Curated Vintage Items in Numerous Shops
Source:PR TIMES
America-mura is home to shops offering meticulously curated vintage items. There are nearly 300 vintage clothing stores in the area, from major retailers to independent boutiques. It's a vintage paradise featuring well-known stores like "JAM," which is one of Japan's largest, and "Pigsty" with its extensive selection.
Many shops have their own warehouses in America, receiving carefully selected vintage items directly from the United States daily. These high-quality, one-of-a-kind pieces are highly sought after in Japan, making the "digging" (exploring vintage shops) experience truly exciting.
2. Experience a Mix of Cultures Centered on American West Coast Vibes
Source:Wikipedia
Developing from the surfer culture of the 1970s, America-mura now offers a space where various cultures blend, centered around American West Coast influences.
The "Peace on Earth" mural, unique objects, and occasional street performances are quintessential America-mura sights. The central "Triangle Park" (officially Mitsu Park) is a beloved landmark always bustling with young people.
At night, the area comes alive as young people gather at clubs and live music venues, making it a city that never sleeps.
3. Instagram-Worthy Cafes and Cutting-Edge Dining Spots
Source:Namba Keizai Shimbun
America-mura is packed with cafes and restaurants. Like Tokyo's Harajuku, it's a trendsetting area for young people, featuring Instagram-worthy sweets and cutting-edge dining establishments. Many young people visit specifically for the food.
You can enjoy unique treats like donuts from the popular Korean shop "BONTEMPS" or rose-decorated ice cream at "Osakapoppin" - photogenic and trendy sweets you can't find anywhere else.
Many establishments offer quick, one-handed foods perfect for enjoying while shopping.
Three Must-Visit Vintage Shops in America-mura with Recommended Points
1. Pigsty
Source: Official website
Pigsty is a popular vintage clothing store with branches in Tokyo's Shibuya and Harajuku as well. As a major retailer, its selection is unparalleled. The approximately 50-tsubo (165 square meters) store carries over 3,000 items, from regular vintage clothing to rare vintage pieces and even kids' vintage clothing, which few stores handle. They have their own warehouse in America, and quality vintage items selected by local buyers are shipped monthly.
Within America-mura, there are sister stores like "Pigsty a⇌z STORE Amemura" for young people and "vivie Amemura" for women. If you like Pigsty's style, these two stores are also worth checking out.
Basic Information:
- Address: 3F Osakaya Shinsaibashi West Building, 1-7-14 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Hours: 12:00-20:00
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 06-6251-0289
- URL: https://www.pigsty1999.com/shop/amemura/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pigsty_amemura/
2. VANCY
Source: Official Facebook
VANCY offers a wide range of unique items for both men and women. They're especially known for their extensive T-shirt collection, featuring impactful designs from metal bands, Western movies, and anime characters.
You can check newly arrived items on their Instagram. As an anime fan myself, I get excited about their all-over print T-shirts featuring series like "Dragon Ball" and "NARUTO" - designs that are hard to find in Japan.
This store is a must-visit for T-shirt enthusiasts and those who love unique fashion.
Besides T-shirts, they also carry denim, jackets, and accessories. The store is recommended for fans of American casual and street-style clothing.
Basic Information:
- Address: 2F NAUGHTY BUILDING, 1-7-2 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Hours: 12:00-21:00
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 06-7493-8098
- URL: http://www.vancy.co.jp/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shop_vancy/
3. JAM
Source:PR TIMES
JAM is so famous that there's hardly a vintage clothing enthusiast in Japan who hasn't heard of it. They offer a wide range of items, from regular vintage clothing to famous domestic and international brands like Ralph Lauren and Burberry, as well as precious vintage pieces.
The store is rich in antique accessories, making it enjoyable just to browse. With such a vast selection, you're sure to find your perfect piece.
The JAM Shinsaibashi store, within walking distance of America-mura, is Japan's largest vintage clothing store. This new location, opened in 2022, spans 150 tsubo (approximately 495 square meters) and houses 13,000 items. When shopping for vintage clothing in America-mura, this store is also worth checking out.
Basic Information:
[America-mura Store]
- Address: Big Step South M1, 2-9-28 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Hours: 11:00-20:00
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 06-6563-7905
- URL: https://jamtrading.jp/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/furugiya_jam_official/
[Shinsaibashi Store]
- Address: 1F, 1-10-28 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Hours: 11:00-20:00
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 06-4256-1519
How to Get to America-mura
Address: 1-2 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Access:
- [Osaka Metro] 3 minutes walk from Exit 7 of Shinsaibashi Station on the Midosuji Line
3 minutes walk from Exit 5 of Yotsubashi Station on the Yotsubashi Line
- [Kinki Nippon Railway/Hanshin Electric Railway] 10 minutes walk from Exit 25 of Osaka-Namba Station
- [JR Line] 15 minutes walk from JR Namba Station
If you are interested in Thrifting, check the article below! I summarized Nakazakicho (Famous Thrift Shops Area) I recommend and how I felt each Shop.
sena kanda
More Than Just Vintage Shops! Three Carefully Selected Popular Spots in America-mura
1. The Trending Takoyaki Shop "Kougaryu Takoyaki"
Source: Official X
"Kougaryu Main Store" is a popular takoyaki shop that has been selected by Michelin. This long-established shop has been operating since the 1970s and is famous for inventing the "web-like mayonnaise" (Amikake mayonnaise) topping. They are particular about their mayonnaise, using homemade mayonnaise made only with egg yolks. This is a must-visit spot for mayonnaise lovers!
You can choose from four sauce varieties: "Sauce Mayo," "Soy Sauce Mayo," "Green Onion Ponzu," and "Black Pepper Salt." My personal recommendation is the "Black Pepper Salt."
Adding the provided lemon allows you to enjoy a refreshing taste.
Basic Information:
Kougaryu Main Store - Osaka America-mura
- Address: 2-18-4 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Hours: 10:30-20:30 / Saturdays and days before holidays 10:30-21:30
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 06-6211-0519
- URL: https://kougaryu.jp/
- X (Twitter): https://x.com/kougaryu1974
If you are interested in Takoyaki, check the article below! I summarized Takoyaki Restaurants in Osaka I recommend and how I felt each Takoyaki Restaurant.
sena kanda
2. Instagram-Worthy Stylish Café "COLONY by EQI"
Source:Hot Pepper Gourmet
"COLONY by EQI" is a café popular among young people for its photogenic sweets and food. With all staff being pastry chefs, every dish is of high quality and first-class taste.
Among the extensive dessert menu including parfaits and cakes, my recommendation is their pancakes. Made carefully one by one, these pancakes are fluffy like clouds and melt in your mouth like soufflé. The decorations are cute, making them satisfying both visually and taste-wise.
While sweets are their main focus, they also offer over 100 types of alcoholic beverages, making it a great spot for nighttime bar visits as well.
Basic Information:
- Address: 1F-A OCEAN DRIVE314, 2-12-14 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Hours: 11:00-23:00
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 06-6224-0061
- URL: https://colonybyeqi.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colony_cafe_official/
3. "Original Ice Dog" - Known for Its New-Style Sandwich
Source:Tabelog
At "Ganso Ice Dog," as the name suggests, you can enjoy their signature "Ice Dog" - ice cream served inside a deep-fried hot dog bun.
The combination of the crispy, warm bun and the cold, sweet ice cream creates an unforgettable taste. With its substantial volume, it's perfect for a quick, one-handed snack while shopping.
Prices start at a reasonable 500 yen, and they offer various flavors including matcha and chocolate.
While trying different flavors is recommended, since the bun is warm, the ice cream melts quickly, so it's best to finish one before purchasing another.
Basic Information:
- Address: 1-7-11 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Hours: 11:00-21:00
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 06-6281-8089
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amemura_icedog/
Three Recommended Tourist Spots Easily Accessible from America-mura
1. Dotonbori
Dotonbori is a representative tourist spot in Osaka. It's so iconic that when Japanese people think of Osaka, they often picture Dotonbori first.
The buildings along the river feature flashy signboards, and at night, the area transforms into a colorful cityscape with illuminations. It's also popular as a photo spot, attracting many tourists looking to take pictures. In Dotonbori, you can enjoy boat rides to appreciate the scenery and try Osaka delicacies like takoyaki.
If you are interested in Dotonbori, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Dotonbori as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
2. Shinsekai
"Shinsekai" is a bustling district where you can experience the nostalgic atmosphere of old Osaka. It features traditional, friendly shopping streets and lively restaurant districts, making it popular among tourists.
The "Tsutenkaku Tower" standing in the center serves as Shinsekai's landmark. Around Tsutenkaku, you can find streets lined with flashy signboards and restaurants serving Osaka soul food like kushikatsu and okonomiyaki.
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.
Takashi Nakadomari
3. Umeda Station/Osaka Station
The Umeda Station/Osaka Station area serves as the gateway to Osaka. It's a daily thoroughfare for tourists, locals, and office workers, making it the face of Osaka.
Recent redevelopment has brought modern buildings like "Osaka Grand Front" and "Umeda Sky Building" to the area.
With many large commercial facilities including department stores, this area is recommended for those looking to enjoy shopping.
If you are interested in Umeda, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Umeda as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
