shopping, Osaka

There is so much activity going on on the food floors of the dept stores. It really is a site to watch. Super crowded, food everywhere, vendors yelling out trying to sell the products. There is non-stop energy & if you stop for a moment & take in everything, you might even get dizzy!
The best dept store to visit is Hanshin Dept Store in Umeda. The seafood section is the best! Vendors yelling so loud at the top of their lungs you`d think they go hoarse!
Definitely a place to see if you want to know where the action is!

One of Osaka's leading large-scale multipurpose facilities. The site is divided into three areas: a fun area to shop for outlet and other goods; a fun area for meals and amusements; and a large exhibition space.

SHISEIDO COSMETIC GARDEN
This is a great place for girls to visit at any time (men can go too but if you are not really into make-up it could be a little boring). It is Shiseido's cosmetic showroom. You can go in and try on as much make-up as you like, you can also paint your nails and do your hair. They don't sell anything there so no-one hassles you and you can stay as long as you want. Highly recommended for women who have time to pass in this big expensive city. The best thing about it is that it is free, free, free and you'll look great!!!

YODOBASHI - the new electronics store at Umeda! This I am told is now THE CHEAPEST place for electronic goods in Osaka - all under the one big roof! I plan to check it out further next month when I look into CD burners...

Mostly fashion, accessories, useless nick-nacks...
The building is unique, you can ride the ferris wheel for about $700 yen and get a nice view and even if you don't buy anything, it is fun to look and people watch!

Hep5, Umeda. If you want to see plenty of young shopping crowds, get some silly gift, buy a GAP sweater that is 5 sizes too small and 3 times the price back home... then go to Hep5!! Yes, those are red, plastic whales hanging from the roof...

SHOPPING: Another must: I love picking up all the latest fashion from an underground departmental stores at Hankyu Sanbangai. Hotel New Hankyu is one of the best and most convenient places to station oneself. It is within walking distance from all those shopping I'd like to do!
What to buy? Well, it all depends on your budget; things ranges from daily essentials to fine arts: I love Japanese products; they are all of top quality. One obvious example is its paper quality. If you happen to see any Japanese bookstore, walk in for a stroll and pick up any of its dictionary and examine the paper quality: it's the best. In fact, it's the Japanese strive for quality control that has lifted them from the destruction in World War II to an economic powerhouse today.

Go shopping to ATC (Asai and Pacific Trade Center)
Enjoy browsing brand clothing shops. Osaka is traditionally the hub of the textile industry in Japan. You will not be able to resist buying trendy but bargain clothings, including designers' brands.