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Osu Shopping Street, located in the heart of Nagoya’s Naka Ward, is one of the largest shopping districts in the Tokai region, boasting around 1,200 stores. It has a history as an electronics district, but today it features a diverse range of shops, including vintage clothing stores, variety shops, and gourmet spots.
Not only can you enjoy strolling and shopping, but you can also explore cultural spots like Bansho-ji Temple and Osu Theater. Throughout the year, events such as the Osu Summer Festival and the Osu Daidou Chonin Festival are held, offering a unique atmosphere where local traditions and modern culture blend seamlessly.
Osu Shopping Street spans from 2-chome to 3-chome in Osu, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. Enclosed by four major streets - Wakamiya-dori, Fushimi-dori, Osu-dori, and Minami Otsu-dori - it is a compact yet diverse area with around 1,200 shops and facilities. The district is packed with a variety of stores, from long-established shops to the latest trendy stores, creating an exciting atmosphere just by walking around.
The location is also convenient, sandwiched between Osu Kannon Station on the Nagoya City Subway Tsurumai Line and Kamimaezu Station on the Meijo and Tsurumai Lines. This excellent accessibility makes Osu Shopping Street an easy place to visit for both locals and tourists.
Osu Shopping Street is a must-visit spot when touring Nagoya. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy shopping, dining, and the local atmosphere.
Osu Shopping Street is a paradise for food lovers. Here, you can enjoy a wide range of culinary experiences, from traditional Japanese flavors to international cuisine.
Many restaurants offer a variety of international dishes, including British pubs, Korean food, Turkish kebabs, Taiwanese fried chicken, Mexican, Italian, Thai, and Brazilian cuisine. Popular spots often have lines out the door!
For those who prefer a quieter, more nostalgic experience, there are retro-style cafes. You can also find the famous local eatery “Sugakiya” in Osu Shopping Street!
Recently, colorful sweets and drinks have become a trend. Crepes, waffles, fruit juices, and other visually appealing treats are popular. In particular, the fluffy pancakes at Gram Osu Shop are a big hit! They also offer lunch options, and the stylish interior is perfect for photos.
One of the charms of Osu Shopping Street is the variety of eateries at different price points. You can choose from budget-friendly options to a bit more luxurious dining experiences, depending on your mood and budget.
When enjoying a food tour, it’s a good idea to check out the lines and the bustling spots frequented by locals. It’s an easy way to spot the popular places!
Exploring the gourmet delights of Osu Shopping Street offers a chance to discover new flavors while soaking in the lively atmosphere. If you love eating, you’ll want to come back again and again to this enticing spot.
If you’re going to enjoy a food tour of Osu Shopping Street, it’s best to start with the local specialties. Particularly popular now are the exquisite traditional Japanese sweets made by long-established confectionery shops! Here are some recommended Japanese sweets shops.
Shinsuzume Honten is a famous shop in Osu! It’s a long-established mitarashi dango shop. Loved by locals for its tradition maintained since its founding, you can enjoy watching the dango being carefully grilled right in front of you.
The secret to its popularity is its incredible value. For just 100 yen per skewer, you can savor the deliciousness of freshly grilled dango. The sweet and savory soy sauce-based sauce perfectly complements the texture of the dango, making it an exquisite treat.
Although it’s a popular shop with long lines, it’s worth the wait. Be sure to try this famous mitarashi dango when you visit Osu.
When it comes to Nagoya specialties, uiro (sweet rice jelly) is a must!
Founded in Showa 22, the long-established confectionery “Osu Uiro” continues to offer high-quality uiro, making it a famous Japanese sweets shop in Nagoya.
Uiro is a traditional Japanese sweet made mainly from rice flour and sugar. It has a chewy, soft texture, a delicate sweetness, and a refined taste unique to Japanese sweets.
Moreover, Osu Uiro’s uiro is visually appealing. The beautiful colors of the Japanese sweets make them perfect for souvenirs from Osu Shopping Street.
You’ll see people in cosplay all around Osu Shopping Street. The area is closely associated with cosplay, being a venue for the World Cosplay Summit. There are also many concept cafes, like maid cafes, with over 20 such establishments! It’s a fun place for cosplay enthusiasts.
Osu Shopping Street is also a fantastic spot for fashion lovers. From sneakers and T-shirts to accessories, you’ll find a wide variety of styles, from long-established stores to the latest trends, offering unique fashion items.
For vintage lovers, Osu Shopping Street is a treasure trove. Numerous vintage clothing stores offer a wide range of items, including shops specializing in retro fashion from the Showa era, evoking a sense of nostalgia.
Of course, there are also many modern clothing stores catering to younger crowds. The street is also home to numerous accessory and variety shops!
Additionally, there are cosplay-related shops, making it a delight for subculture fans. Seeing cosplayers on the street highlights how positively the shopping street embraces fashion.
Osu Shopping Street offers more than just shopping and dining; it’s a fascinating spot where you can experience history and culture. Temples and shrines scattered throughout the shopping district provide a sense of tranquility and solemnity amidst the bustling streets.
A must-see is Osu Kannon, the symbol of Osu. Officially named Kitanozan Shinpuku-ji Houshou-in, it is located in the center of the shopping street. The approach is lined with many shops, bustling with tourists.
Bansho-ji Temple, known as a temple associated with Oda Nobunaga, is also located within Osu Shopping Street. It was built by Nobunaga’s father, Nobuhide Oda. It’s a must-visit spot for history enthusiasts!
This is Kasuga Shrine, a compact shrine with beautiful vermillion colors.
Kasuga Shrine is home to “koma-shika” (guardian deer) instead of the usual “koma-inu” (guardian dogs).
It’s located right near Kamimaezu Station, so be sure to stop by. The guardian deer are adorable.
A visit to Osu Shopping Street will leave you amazed by its scale and diversity. The multiple arcades stretching from Kamimaezu Station to Osu Kannon Station are lined with a plethora of shops, from long-established stores to the latest trends. The blend of traditional Japanese sweets shops, retro cafes, and its roots as an electronics district with the latest fashion and variety stores, and multicultural eateries is Osu Shopping Street’s biggest charm.
Among the highlights is the joy of a food tour. Enjoying mitarashi dango, crepes, Taiwanese fried chicken, Turkish kebabs, and flavors from around the world will definitely satisfy your cravings!
Additionally, historical temples and shrines like Osu Kannon and Bansho-ji Temple are scattered throughout, offering a unique atmosphere where tradition and modernity coexist. You can also spot cosplayers, showcasing its role as a subculture hub.
The convenience of access is another attraction. Located just steps from the subway stations, you can comfortably explore the area even on rainy days thanks to the arcades.
Osu Shopping Street is a place with diverse attractions, akin to a combination of Akihabara, Asakusa, and Harajuku in Tokyo. It’s a top tourist spot in Nagoya that people of all ages can enjoy. Each visit brings new discoveries, ensuring you never get bored.
Don’t miss the chance to visit Japan’s most vibrant shopping street, Osu Shopping Street.
