Amerikamura

East meets West in the trendy urban shopping district of Amerikamura, Osaka’s “American Village.” While a variety of Western-styled goods and entertainment are available, Amerikamura is no simple expat enclave. Admire the area’s playful, gaudy decorations while watching stylish young Osakans sport the latest in Japanese street fashion.

This unique district has its origins in the 1970s, when a number of local warehouses were converted into stores selling imported Western goods, particularly surfer fashion and vintage jeans and records. In the decades since, the area has been strongly identified with this American influence, although today it is best known as an exciting shopping destination and a hub for Japanese youth culture.

Buy a drink and take a seat in Sankaku Koen (Triangle Park) to indulge in fascinating people-watching. Check out street performances, fashion shows and flea markets on the weekends.

Walk along Amerikamura’s colorful streets, taking in the larger-than-life decorations and quirky storefronts. Look for customized humanoid lampposts, a miniaturized Statue of Liberty and an Alice in Wonderland door. Find abundant creativity on store signs and in street art, most notably a Roy Lichtenstein reproduction and an original piece by Seitaro Kuroda named Peace on Earth.

Shop a range of local and global brands in diverse boutiques and chains, enjoying the often-humorous hodgepodge of American styles. Browse curated collections of vintage clothes or try on brand new street wear. Amerikamura is sometimes called the “Harajuku of Osaka” for its cutting-edge fashion scene.

Head to Big Step, one of the district’s largest shopping complexes. Here you can see local art and buy clothing, gifts and sporting goods. Hone your skills at a vintage pinball arcade.

Take your pick of Amerikamura’s cafés, restaurants and bars. Try the takoyaki or check out the diverse international food available, from pizza to burgers to third-wave coffee. Continue on to a club or live music venue to round out the day.

Amerikamura is small but dense, so it is best explored slowly on foot. Reach the area directly by taking the subway to Shinsaibashi Station and walking west for a few minutes.