The Shinsaibashi Shopping Street is a shopper’s paradise in the Dotonbori area of Osaka in Japan.
It is a covered shopping arena with a semi-transparent roof allowing ample daylight to seep in.
It is quite a crazy place with a great variety of food, snacks restaurants, izakaya cafes, etc.
Tourists are allowed to use bicycles inside the market.
There is something for everyone here with various budgets.
For example, this irresistible Gacha toy vending machine for kids is seen at many places within the market.
I found it was a very vibrant area which is usually quite crowded, and, on the weekends, it can get crazy packed.
Here is the west side entrance to the covered market.
There are also a duty-free shops for economical purchases.
Going through the reviews and YouTube videos for the Osaka trip I realized I can’t miss this place.
All kinds of imaginable vending machines are seen everywhere.
For example, an orange juice dispenser and a food dispenser machine stood out of the crowd - very convenient for having a drink and food on the go.
The market is a culinary paradise, with a wide range of dishes from traditional to modern.
Here’s the eastern entry gate of the covered market.
The eateries are reasonably priced.
Here’s the south side entrance of the Shinsaibashi Shopping Street.
A close-up view shows the vibes inside this amazing shopper’s paradise.
The more time I spent out here the more fun I had and the busier I got with all the eye candy neon glow signs and graffiti.
I saw more amazing vending machines like the one for toys and another one was a phone recharge outlet operated by a coin or a credit card - very convenient!
I saw there were tons of souvenir shops to stock up on.
And to ease the shopping experience for those who reached here unprepared, there were ATMs everywhere.
Another convenient vending machine was for cigarettes.
I was there only for a couple of hours in the afternoon but sure the place stays active all night.
Here’s some amazing decoration just for entertainment and to ease the long walks through the alleys.
I noted that everyone was friendly and talkative and the best thing to do here was grab some beers and enjoy the people-watching, the lights, and the advertising all around.
I also took a small boat ride back and forth up the river.
What a cool experience everything was, I’d return again and again.
Lastly, there were a few but accessible friendly washroom within the market.
The washrooms were super clean and tidy and most importantly free! which is a rare sight in Japan.
Filled with locals and foreigners at all times, it can be a little annoying when you just want to take a simple photo, but you have to wait until all the social media stars are finished with their photo sessions.
That’s the takeaway from my little 2-hour trip to this top tourist destination in Osaka, Japan.
for the appreciation.