Osaka

Japan’s largest chain of department stores is based in the heart of the Umeda District at the Hankyu Terminal. The interior is particularly impressive and modernised throughout, just as the other Hankyu stores across Japan. The brands on offer include both International and Japanese retailers such as GAP, Miyake, Nicole Farhi, Kenzo and Cerruti. If you go there, do not miss the food market on the two bottom floors which has become known for its high quality produce and service.

There are over 150 stores in the “hip” Hep 5 shopping mall in the Umeda district. Most of them are fashion retail shops that suit young costumers, but people of all ages can find something of interest at this department store. There is a Disney outlet and a Snoopy Town shop for the children, all kinds of clothing stores (some of them providing discounted items), a food hall and much more. The greatest attraction in Hep 5 has to be the giant Ferris wheel sticking out of the middle of it from which you can get an outstanding view over the Umeda district of Osaka.

There are some 30 to 40 stalls worth a visit at the Ohatsu Tenjin Shrine in Umeda and they are often set up around the temples. At this flea market held twice a month (1st and 3rd Friday of every month) you can find works of art, antiques and other such fine suitcase stuffers. While it may not be a large market, the items on sale here are usually of very high quality.

The flea market at Shi-Tennoji Temple, known for interesting and unique Japanese crafts is held on the 21st and 22nd of every month. Here you can dig out some bargains from a wide variety of second hand clothing or purchase a newly tailored kimono. There are also rare antiques and traditional Japanese food to sample.

For those in search of a new memory card, a back-up charging device or a fresh set of headphones, there’s no better place than Yodobashi Camera. Within this megastore you can pick up all kinds of electronic devices and services at low prices. In case you get hungry during your shopping tour there are also a number of sweet shops and gourmet eateries in the building.

Kuromon Ichiba, otherwise known as the 'Black Gate' of the Enmyoji Temple is a huge marketplace that showcases the fishy delicacies of Osaka. Some 150 shops offering fresh fruit, healthy vegetables and meat line the 580 metre-long arcade. There are also some restaurants in the area for those looking to try a slice of the action in the moment.

Down Sakaisuji Avenue you can find the anime paradise that is Nipponbashi. Better known as 'Den-Den Town', the district offers collectibles in the form of mangas, comic books, movies, DVDs and a vast array of retro-gaming memorabilia. The prices are very reasonable considering the type of products on offer and some items are hard (nigh impossible) to come by in other areas of the world.

The biggest skyscraper in Osaka also comprises one of the largest department stores in all of Japan. Over some 100,000 square meters spaced out in a 300 metre high tower, you can find stores from well-known brands as well as high quality interior design shops. Make your way up to the 60th floor and enjoy Osaka from above on the observation deck where the sweeping views of Osaka show the city off in a very different light.

The longest shopping street in Osaka and all of Japan, Tenjinbashisuji stretches some 2.6km from the North to the South of the city and is a must-visit for all shopaholics and souvenir hunters. The arcade houses over 600 shops and stores, along with street food stalls, restaurants, pachinko parlours and much, much more. Here you can buy everything from Manga comics to Japanese knife sets as well as local delicacies such as teas and Bentos.

This trendy shopping centre is a haven for shoppers that have an eye for upcoming fashion. Inside you can mingle with the hip locals whilst meandering through the ten floors of shops, sandwiched between two food halls which make up most of the top and bottom floors. Whether you're looking for something smart for the office, something to lounge in or a special bit of garb to go out in, you will find all you need at Lucua.

Ota Road is Osaka's answer to Akihabara, an otaku culture paradise where lovers of contemporary Japanese pop culture can find merchandise and collectibles related to their favourite anime, manga and video games. There are also a number of arcades, hobby shops and cafes here which should not be missed.