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Plan Your Overnight Trip to Osaka: An Easy Guide to Osaka Sightseeing & Umeda Shopping

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Make the most of your overnight trip to Osaka with our guide to the best food, shopping, and sightseeing in Umeda - perfect for short stays and first-time visitors exploring Japan!

Explore the Best of Osaka, Starting With Umeda!

Hep Five Ferris Wheel, Osaka

When you’re on a tight schedule but want to enjoy every moment of your trip to Osaka, look no further than Umeda! This lively, walkable neighborhood is the urban center of Osaka, packed with panoramic city views, real local eats, and top-rated shopping centers. Whether you’re arriving via Kansai International Airport or taking the shinkansen to Shin-Osaka Station, Umeda’s convenience and wide range of attractions make it the perfect base for a quick Osaka trip. (Osaka/Umeda is a quick trip from Kyoto or Kobe, and easily accessible from Tokyo via the Shinkansen!)

Osaka Transportation Map
Image Courtesy of Umeda Shopping

Use this worry-free guide to plan a 2-day stay in Osaka with some of the city’s most exciting sights, sounds, and flavors, and enjoy a balance of relaxation, Osaka culture, and souvenir shopping too!

Day 1: Shop, Eat, and Enjoy Amazing Views of Osaka

Whether you’re flying into Kansai International Airport or taking the shinkansen to Shin-Osaka Station, the Umeda area surrounding Osaka/Umeda train station is Osaka’s most convenient transportation hub, which makes it a logical first stop. But once you’re there, the lively atmosphere, interesting shopping spots, and beautiful views will make you want to spend all your time in the area! For our first day in Osaka, we’re getting a bird’s eye view of the city and taking it easy with a variety of relaxed shopping and dining destinations!

① Umeda Sky Building: Say Good Morning to the City

Umeda Sky Building, Osaka

Start your trip to Osaka right by getting a good look at the city from above! Osaka’s famous Kuchu Teien Observatory (空中庭園) is perched at the very top of a pair of massive skyscrapers, connecting the two towers with a 40th-floor viewing deck. Take the escalator out across open air to reach an indoor area with 360-degree panoramic views of Osaka, then climb the stairs to see it all from the rooftop viewing deck! From the bustling streets of Umeda to the peaceful waters of Osaka Bay, you can take in the whole city at a glance!

Umeda Sky Building, Osaka

Umeda Sky Building (梅田スカイビル)
1-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka
Hours: 9:30 – 22:00
Admission: adults 2,000 yen | children (4~12) 500 yen
Official Website (en)

② GRAND FRONT OSAKA: Dive Into Umeda Shopping & Relax With Rooftop Dining

Grand Front Osaka

Back down on the ground, the impressive facade of GRAND FRONT OSAKA Shops & Restaurants can be spotted just a few minutes from Umeda Sky on foot – a large and airy commercial complex filled with chic fashion, practical outdoor gear, the latest tech, and much more. Thanks to the selection of restaurants on the upper floors of the southern building, however, it’s also a great place to grab a bite to eat.

Vegetarian and Halal Food in Osaka at BALILax THE GARDEN Umeda

For lunch on your first day in Osaka, we recommend asking for a seat on the rooftop terrace of BALILax THE GARDEN Umeda, where you can relax and enjoy your meal with a view of the Osaka skyline! The restaurant is located on the 8th floor of GRAND FRONT OSAKA South Building, but it feels like a seaside resort, and the menu is full of flavorful Indonesian cuisine that look straight from the island of Bali, with platters full of turmeric rice, grilled chicken, spicy shrimp, and more. The restaurant caters to a variety of dietary choices and religious restrictions, making it especially convenient for international travelers. Check out the vegeterian and Halal-friendly sets!

▶︎ BALILax THE GARDEN Umeda
Location: GRAND FRONT OSAKA South Building, 8F
Hours: lunch 11:00 – 14:00 | cafe 14:00 – 17:00 | dinner 17:00 – 23:00
Phone: 06-6616-8498
Official Website | Instagram

GRAND FRONT OSAKA Shops & Restaurants (グランフロント大阪ショップ&レストラン)
4-1, 4-20, 3-1 Ofukacho, Kita Ward, Osaka
Hours:
 Shopping: 11:00 – 21:00
 Dining: 11:00 – 23:00
 Cellar: 10:00 – 22:00
 *Hours for other parts of the facility may vary.
Official Website (en)

③ The Umeda Seat: Find Umeda’s Best Photo Spot

The Umeda Seat

Head to the other side of the Osaka/Umeda station complex to find one of the area’s most photo-friendly spots, perfect for taking Osaka snapshots to remember your trip! Called the “Umeda Isu” (梅田イス), or “Umeda Seat,” you’re free to sit down on the bench-like sculptures, or you can just strike a pose in front of the landmark and the nearby HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel – more on that to come.

Umeda Seat (梅田イス)
8−47 Kakudacho, Kita Ward, Osaka

④ HEP FIVE: Shop the Latest Styles From Japan & Beyond

Hep Five, Osaka

Right nearby, HEP FIVE is a popular spot for fashion, beauty, and entertainment, which makes it a fantastic spot to join Osaka’s younger, more stylish crowd for some shopping! Japanese style is endlessly diverse, blending global influences with a distinctly Japanese twist, so this is a great place to discover the latest trends in Japan, and update your own look!

aiicosme, a Popular Cosmetics Shop in Osaka

One of the most popular recent trends in Japanese beauty is actually Korean cosmetics, so we recommend a stop at aiicosme, which stocks a wide variety of Korean makeup. With all products out on display and easy to swatch, and a full vanity setup with mirrors, cotton pads, and makeup remover, this isn’t your standard cosmetics shop! There’s even an automated “personal color analyzer” that can check your complexion and then give you product recommendations, whether you’re a cool-toned summer or a warm-toned spring!

Makeup Vending Machines in Osaka

Once you’ve made your picks, there’s no need to line up at check-out, since everything is available through their unique cosmetics vending machines – so Japanese!

▶︎ aiicosme
Location: HEP FIVE, 6F #25
Hours: 11:00 – 21:00 (same as mall hours)
Phone: 06-6366-6172
Official Website | Instagram

Niko and ... Shop in Osaka

Next, head to the popular Japanese shop niko and … [sic] to explore their intriguing mix of apparel, accessories, home goods, and other quirky finds. It’s a great spot to explore a variety of local trends in Japanese fashion and update your wardrobe, or even grab some stylish souvenirs for friends back home. With new seasonal arrivals and special collaborations dropping regularly, you’re bound to discover something fresh and fashionable, even if the specific items you saw online are long gone.

Niko and ... Cafe in Osaka

If you’re ready for a mid-afternoon break, the niko and … COFFEE cafe is the perfect place to sit down, rest your feet, and recharge with some coffee and baked goods. Accessible from one corner of the niko and … shop or from the street, this laid-back cafe stocks a selection of home goods and offers specialty coffee drinks developed in partnership with Honey Coffee, a Japanese roastery located in Fukuoka Prefecture!

▶︎ niko and …
Location: HEP FIVE, 1F #05
Hours: 11:00 – 21:00 (same as mall hours)
Phone: 06-6366-3870
Official Website | Instagram

Tax Refund Services in Osaka

When you’re all finished with the day’s shopping, don’t forget to visit the Tax-Free Counter on the B1 floor. Visiting international shoppers who spend 5,000 yen (before tax) or more at eligible shops within HEP FIVE can save a lot by using the tax-free services!

HEP FIVE
5-15 Kakudacho, Kita Ward, Osaka
Hours:
 Shops: 11:00 – 21:00
 Restaurants: 11:00 – 22:30
 ”Amusement”: 11:00 – 23:00
Official Website (en)

⑤ The HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel: See Osaka Sparkle After Sunset

Hep Five Ferris Wheel in Umeda, Osaka

Before leaving HEP FIVE you won’t want to miss a trip to the Osaka icon that towers over its roof! Accessible from the 7th floor, HEP FIVE’s vivid red Ferris wheel stands 106 meters high, letting passengers peer out over the Osaka Station train tracks and the city beyond. While the daytime scenery is impressive, the real magic begins after sunset, when the 15-minute ride offers a delightful opportunity to relax and enjoy the twinkling lights of the Osaka skyline.

Hep Five Ferris Wheel in Umeda, Osaka

▶︎ HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel (HEP FIVE観覧車)
Hours: 11:00 – 23:00 (final entry 22:45, or earlier depending on the number of people waiting)
Admission: 800 yen | free for children under 5
*The Ferris wheel is planning to close temporarily in the near future, so please check before your visit! Current closure dates are mid-October, 2025 to late April, 2026.
Details

⑥ HERBIS: Indulge in Luxury Dining in Osaka

Herbis, Osaka

The HERBIS complex contains a theater, a live music venue, and a wide variety of elevated shopping and dining options spread across two buildings, but we particularly recommend visiting for dinner. Osaka is called “The Kitchen of Japan” thanks to its rich culinary culture, so when it’s time to eat, it only makes sense to treat yourself to something special!

Sushi in Osaka, at XEX WEST

On the 7th floor of the HERBIS PLAZA ENT building you’ll find XEX WEST, which combines three different luxury dining options with three different vibes in one stylish setting. While the brick-oven pizza at Salvatore Cuomo Bros. (their Italian restaurant) is certainly tempting, for this trip we recommend ordering one of the decadent multicourse meals at An, the traditional Japanese restaurant. Order “Nagomi” to enjoy 6+ courses, many of which are prepared right at the counter by the head chef, including fresh seasonal sashimi, crunchy Kuruma prawn and seasonal vegetable tempura, a traditional Japanese dessert, and more. Order Japanese sake or a cup of tea to sip with your meal, and enjoy the luxury of traditional Japanese food done right.

Live Music and Flair Bartending at XEX WEST, in Osaka

The third XEX WEST restaurant, The BAR, offers a laid-back setting and outdoor seating for barbecues high above Umeda – but we recommend taking advantage of the lounge area after your meal! With comfortable couches and live music, it’s the perfect place to relax with a drink after dinner before heading to your hotel. Order a cocktail (or a non-alcoholic mocktail) from the bar, and you might catch a few fancy flair bartending moves – the bartender has even won competitions!

▶︎ XEX WEST
Location: HERBIS PLAZA ENT, 7F
An Hours: lunch 11:00 – 15:00 (last order 14:00) | dinner 17:30 – 23:00 (last order 21:30)
The BAR Hours: 11:00 – 24:00 (last order 23:00) | ~25:00 on Fridays, Saturdays, & before public holidays (last order 24:30)
Phone: 06-4795-0065
Official Website | Instagram

HERBIS (ハービス)
2-5-25 Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka
Official Website (jp)

Osaka Hotels: Where to Stay in Umeda

Hotel Hanshin Osaka: Hot Spring Baths & Views of the City

Hotel Hanshin Osaka

A leisurely walk from central Umeda, or just one stop away by train, Hotel Hanshin Osaka is one of our top recommendations for accommodations in the Umeda area. The hotel is situated next to Fukushima Station (one stop from Osaka Station), an area with plenty of shops and other conveniences, but the quiet hotel rooms are far from the noise of the city below. Each of the bathrooms offers the option to bathe in real natural hot spring water, so you can really luxuriate in the steaming water in peace! The classic guest rooms sleep all kinds of travelers, ranging from singles to quads, but most guests will probably be more interested in looking out than in. The views on the higher floors are impressive, with some rooms facing the iconic Umeda Sky Building!

Breakfast at Hotel Hanshin Osaka

In the morning, the breakfast buffet offers a wide variety of standard Japanese and Western staples, as well as some more exciting options. Get a plain omelette that looks like something from a traditional Japanese kissaten cafe made right in front of you, or try a bowl of the “hotel curry” – a Japanese classic!

Hotel Hanshin Osaka (ホテル阪神大阪)
5-6-16 Fukushima, Fukushima Ward, Osaka
Check-in / Check-out: 15:00 / 12:00
Official Website (en)

Hotel Hankyu GRAN RESPIRE OSAKA: A Remarkable Breakfast Buffet & Stylish Interiors

Looking for something a little closer to the heart of Umeda? Then you’ll want to stay at Hotel Hankyu GRAN RESPIRE OSAKA, which is directly connected to the Osaka Station complex via both underground and overground paths. This hotel is actually a part of the GRAND GREEN OSAKA shopping complex, but if you take the elevator up to the hotel lobby, you’ll find yourself welcomed by a peaceful lounge with comfortable sofas, greenery, and even a small library for guests to explore. Head up to your room and you’ll feel the same chic vibe, with modern furnishings, spacious bathrooms, and convenient seating areas.

Breakfast at Hotel Hankyu GRAN RESPIRE OSAKA

Wake up early to fit in a quick workout at the gym or a relaxing cup of coffee in the guest lounge, before heading to the restaurant off the lobby for the hotel’s truly impressive breakfast buffet. Next to the bright, sunny seating areas, the hotel lays out a vast spread each morning: eight kinds of bread and pastries, cheese and coldcuts, smoked salmon, sausages, eggs, a salad bar complete with nuts and multiple dressings, Japanese poridge with traditional pickles, rice with grilled fish and stewed vegetables, little slices of cake, fresh fruit, and even local Osaka specialties like takoyaki (octopus balls) and kushi-katsu (fried pork skewers). All of that, and we haven’t even gotten to the dishes that can be ordered from your table, like a flavorful egg sandwich or eggs benedict made with smoked salmon and a refreshing avocado sauce. To drink, you’ll find coffee and tea both hot and iced, water flavored with fresh citrus, and a barista making fresh lattes, complete with latte art. By the time you clean your plate, you’ll be bursting with energy to face your second day in Osaka!

Hotel Hankyu GRAN RESPIRE OSAKA (ホテル阪急グランレスパイア大阪)
5-54 Ofukacho, Kita Ward, Osaka
Check-in / Check-out: 15:00 / 12:00
Official Website (en)

Day 2: Osaka Souvenir Shopping & Side Streets

For day two in Osaka, we know you’ll want to make the most of every moment in Umeda before moving on. So we’re exploring some of Osaka’s best shopping spots, many of which are part of Umeda’s massive network of paths and underground facilities, conveniently connected to Osaka/Umeda Station. Pick up all the souvenirs your friends back home really want before you leave the city!

① HANKYU SANBAN GAI: Shop Your Favorite Anime Merch & Character Goods

Slip into the bustling network of paths, transportation, and commerce connected to Osaka/Umeda Station and it’s easy to find your way into HANKYU SANBAN GAI. The restaurant floors of this shopping and dining facility are popular among locals and travelers searching for a bite to eat in the busy area around the station, but with floors dedicated to both traditional and modern shopping options, HANKYU SANBAN GAI is also a great destination for lovers of Japanese culture.

Ghibli Merchandise at Kiddyland Osaka Umeda

If you fall in love with all the kawaii characters in Japan, or if it’s your passion for anime and other Japanese pop culture that’s bringing you to Japan in the first place, you will definitely want to visit the Kiddy Land in HANKYU SANBAN GAI during your trip. The Umeda, Osaka location is filled to the brim with character goods and irresistible merchandise, making every trip feel like hunting through a treasure trove! From kawaii icons like Sanrio’s Kuromi and Monchhichi to popular anime like Jujutsu Kaisen, we spotted some of the season’s most popular characters during our visit (in July 2025), and it’s obvious that Kiddy Land is always keeping up to date with new items and limited-release products. This location even has a few special franchise-specific areas, like a shop dedicated to Studio Ghibli merchandise!

▶︎ KIDDY LAND Donguri Republic/SNOOPY TOWN Shop
Location: HANKYU SANBAN GAI North Building, B1F
Hours: 10:00 – 21:00
Phone: 06-6372-7701
Official Website | Instagram

Tax-Free Counter in Osaka

It’s easy to get carried away with all the irresistible merch, but international shoppers have one major advantage: tax-free shopping! Bring your receipts (from Kiddy Land and other eligible stores) to the Tax-Free Counter on the South Building’s first floor (past the Kinokuniya in BIGMAN Plaza, through the Umecha Koji & Hankyu Koshonomachi), and get your sales tax refunded for purchases totaling 5,000 yen (before tax) or more!

▶︎ HANKYU SANBAN GAI Tax-Free Counter
Location: HANKYU SANBAN GAI South Building, 1F
Hours: 10:30 – 21:30
*Staff includes 2~3 members capable of offering support in English, Chinese, and other languages.
*Tax-free services are available on the day of purchase. This location offers 3 booths.
*Some shops offer their own separate tax-free services.
*The counter plans to expand tax-free services to include more tenants in the future.
Tax-Free Counter Details | Participating Tenants

HANKYU SANBAN GAI (阪急三番街)
1-1-3 Shibata, Kita Ward, Osaka
Hours:
 Shopping: 10:00 – 21:00
 Dining: 10:00 – 23:00
 Tax-Free Counter: 10:30 – 21:30
*Hours may vary by tenant, and are subject to change.
*Mall closed Sep. 17th & Nov. 19th, 2025.
Official Website (en)

② GRAND GREEN OSAKA Shops & Restaurants (North): Gear Up For Any of Japan’s 4 Seasons

Patagonia Shop at GRAND GREEN OSAKA

Back on the western side of Osaka/Umeda Station, GRAND GREEN OSAKA Shops & Restaurants is split into a series of structures surrounding the lush green space of Umekita Park. The facility offers a number of eateries, everyday essentials, and a mix of Japanese and international brands, including Patagonia Osaka Umeda.

The first floor of the North Building is home to a Patagonia store, a brand known globally for its incredibly durable, high-quality outdoor gear. Patagonia is a great place to shop for functional travel pieces to use during your trip and beyond, especially if your wardrobe isn’t equipped to handle the variety of different temperatures that come with Japan’s four seasons. Surprisingly, though, Patagonia would probably tell you to think long and hard before making any purchases! The brand is so deeply committed to protecting the environment and preventing overconsumption that the shop even has signs telling you think before buying, repair your items, and use them for as long as possible. The Patagonia Osaka Umeda store is actually the first in Japan to launch a permanent “Better Than New” program, buying back used Patagonia items, repairing them, and offering them for resale – promoting a circular approach to consumption. It’s a great place to find high-quality, environmentally conscious outdoor wear and gear for both kids and adults – if you truly need it.

▶︎ Patagonia Osaka Umeda
Location: GRAND GREEN OSAKA North Building, 1F
Hours: 11:00 – 19:00
Phone: 06-6445-9770
Official Website | Instagram

GRAND GREEN OSAKA North Building (グラングリーン大阪 北館)
6-38 Ofukacho, Kita Ward, Osaka
Hours:
 Shopping: 11:00 – 21:00
 Dining: 11:00 – 23:00
*Hours may vary from tenant to tenant.
Official Website (en)

③ GRAND GREEN OSAKA Shops & Restaurants (South): Dine on Takoyaki & Other Osaka Specialties in Style

Time Out Market Osaka

Located on the B1 floor of the GRAND GREEN OSAKA Shops & Restaurants building to the south of Umekita Park, Time Out Market Osaka makes an impression even before you check out the food, thanks to its chic subdued lighting and unique Japanese features like rock garden-inspired tables – but the real highlight is the incredible range of dining options inside. With its stylish interiors, it should come as no surprise that this isn’t your average food market! Options include everything from the casually inventive Japanese-fusion pizza to traditional fresh sushi and a bar serving up both alcoholic drinks (like Japanese whisky) and flashy mocktails, and some of the vendors are outposts of Michelin-starred restaurants. Several eateries also cater to diverse dietary needs, making it an ideal spot for many international travelers, with delicious Halal-friendly options and great food for vegetarians – even flavorful vegan ramen.

Okonomiyaki at Time Out Market Osaka

If you want to try a taste of local Osaka cuisine for lunch, you’ll want to get your food from Koala Shokudo, which actually specializes in takoyaki octopus balls, savory okonomiyaki pancakes, yakisoba noodles, and other local teppanyaki favorites. Plant-based eaters will be pleased to find vegetable okonomiyaki on the menu, which is crunchy from the variety of crisp veggies, and savory from the rich sauce drizzled on top!

▶︎ Time Out Market Osaka: Koala Shokudo
Location: GRAND GREEN OSAKA South Building, B1 S21
Hours: 11:00 – 23:00 (last order: 22:30)
Website | Instagram | Time Out Market Osaka Instagram

GRAND GREEN OSAKA South Building (グラングリーン大阪 南館)
5-54 Ofukacho, Kita Ward, Osaka
Hours:
 Shopping: 11:00 – 21:00
 Dining: 11:00 – 23:00
*Hours may vary from tenant to tenant.
Phone: 06-6136-3928
Official Website (jp)

▶︎ Wondering Where to Find Prayer Rooms in Umeda?

Muslim Prayer Rooms in Osaka

Located next to Time Out Market Osaka, the dedicated prayer rooms at GRAND GREEN OSAKA offer a convenient, quiet space for afternoon and evening prayers (open 12:00 – 19:00). To access the facilities, simply follow the signs on the wall, and use the intercom to let security know you’d like to enter to pray. Separate rooms are available for men and women, each equipped with a washing area, prayer rug, and a ceiling-mounted Qibla indicator.

▶︎ Prayer Room
Location: GRAND GREEN OSAKA South Building, B1
Hours: 12:00 – 19:00
Specifications: Separate rooms for men and women. Washing area (wudu) available. Paper towels provided. Rooms can accommodate up to 3 men and 2 women at one time.
To Use the Rooms: Call security using the intercom to remotely open the electronic lock.
Details

④ DIAMOR OSAKA: Discover Osaka’s Underground Shopping Arcades

Still on the hunt for the perfect Japanese souvenirs? Go back underground and head towards the station to discover DIAMOR OSAKA, a shopping center with a variety of Japanese cosmetics and fashion brands, gourmet groceries stocked with delicious Japanese delicacies, and other sophisticated options for friends and family back home – or to treat yourself! Despite being underground, the skylights and quaint decor make it a pleasant place to shop!

Albion Skincare & Cosmetics at DIAMOR OSAKA

If you’re not sure where to go first, just make your way to the boutique of one of Japan’s most popular luxury cosmetics brands, Albion. The shop’s atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, but the staff are always ready to help you find just the right products for your needs, making it easy take a step into the world of premium Japanese cosmetics. Recently, Albion’s “La Poudre” face powder (from their Elegance line) has been making a splash among customers from Japan and overseas, thanks to the clear, brightening effect that the multi-shade powder gives the skin. Albion’s most popular product over the years, however, is their Skin Conditioner Essential – a medicated lotion that calms skin and leaves it smooth and moisturized. Japanese beauty lovers can shop these and a whole variety of other Albion products, and international customers who make a purchase of 5,000 yen or more can also shop tax-free!

▶︎ Atelier Albion
Location: DIAMOR OSAKA, Variety Street 57
Hours: 10:00 – 20:00
Phone: 06-6344-8588
Official Website | Instagram

DIAMOR OSAKA (ディアモール大阪)
Osaka Station Diamond Underground Shopper Center, 1 Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka
Hours:
 Shopping: 10:00 – 20:00
 Dining: 11:00 – 22:00 (some shops open at 7:00)
Official Website (en)

⑤ Ohatsu Tenjin-dori: Look for a Bite to Eat & a Historic Romance

Ohatsu Tenjin-dori

If you’re ready to see a slightly different side of Umeda, then make your way above ground to the Sonezaki Ohatsu Tenjin-dori Shopping Street, a pedestrian shopping arcade stretching about 300 meters across the neighborhood. While the street is fairly quiet throughout the daylight hours, it becomes a particularly popular destination in the evening, when locals flock to enjoy the 100+ shops and restaurants that line the street. With plenty of izakayas and cafes, it’s a great place to grab dinner and enjoy a little local Osaka atmosphere.

Tsuyuno Tenjinsha Shrine

On one end of the street you’ll also find Tsuyuno Tenjinsha, often called “Ohatsu Tenjin,” a Shinto shrine with over 1,000 years of history. These days the shrine is actually famous thanks to a tragic love story from the 1700s, providing the setting for the lovers Ohatsu and Tokubei to take their own lives together after being forbidden from staying together. In honor of these sad, star-crossed lovers, many present-day visitors actually come to the shrine to pray for long and happy relationships, while others just come to enjoy a quiet oasis in the middle of the city.

Tsuyuno Tenjinsha (Ohatsu Tenjin) (露天神社 お初天神)
2-5-4 Sonezaki, Kita Ward, Osaka
Hours: 6:00 – 23:00
Official Website (jp)

⑥ NU chayamachi: Finish Your Trip with a Japanese Serenade

Tower Records Umeda, Osaka at NU chayamachi

Head back north to arrive at our final stop, the Japanese culture-focused shopping center of NU chayamachi (and the NU chayamachi PLUS annex), designed to help visitors “expand and deepen their passions” with everything from anime merchandise to Japanese sneakers. This last destination will be particularly exciting for music lovers due to the not one, but TWO different shops inside the mall: TOWER RECORDS, with its CDs and DVDs, and TOWER VINYL.

The larger shop is the TOWER RECORDS Kansai Flagship, which takes up the entirety of the NU chayamachi 6th floor with a breathtaking array of Japanese music, international artists, themed displays, and even a cafe. As a flagship, this branch of Tower Records had an impressive number of special listening stations with new releases from popular Japanese artists. Whether you’re looking to pick up an album from recent Japanese stars like Yoasobi, Ado, or Mrs. Green Apple, hoping to shop beloved favorites like Hikaru Utada or AKB48, or even searching for your favorite anime soundtrack, you’ll find plenty of great Japanese music here!

▶︎ TOWER RECORDS
Location: NU chayamachi, 6F
Hours: 11:00 – 22:00
Phone: 06-6373-2951
Official Website | Instagram

Tower Vinyl Osaka Umeda at NU chayamachi

Down on the 4th floor, anyone who owns a record player will be overjoyed to discover TOWER VINYL, which specializes in vinyl records! This shop’s selection is impressive in its own way, offering customers everything from American classics to modern J-pop in record form. Did you know that Yoasobi’s latest hits are also released on vinyl? How about all the Studio Ghibli soundtracks? Of course, the City Pop section is especially popular, full of vintage records from artists like Tatsuro Yamashita and Miki Matsubara, with plenty of ’80s hits.

Both TOWER RECORDS and TOWER VINYL are open late, so before you head to the next destination on your trip to Japan, you can end the night with your own sweet lullaby – perhaps a City Pop classic from Mariya Takeuchi, or even one of Fuji Kaze’s modern hits.

▶︎ TOWER VINYL
Location: NU chayamachi, 4F
Hours: 11:00 – 22:00
Phone: 06-6373-2965
Official Website | Instagram

NU chayamachi (NU茶屋町)
8-26 Chayamachi, Kita Ward, Osaka
Hours:
 Shopping: 11:00 – 21:00
 Dining: 11:00 – 23:00
 4F/6F TOWER RECORDS: 11:00 – 22:00
Official Website (en)

Make Your 2-Day Osaka Itinerary the Perfect Quick Trip!

Umeda Sky Building, Osaka

Even with just one night in Osaka, the Umeda area delivers a full travel experience, offering visitors incredible views, vibrant city life, world-class shopping, and unforgettable food all in one place. Famous for its warm hospitality, Osaka goes the extra mile to make international visitors feel at home, with plentiful vegetarian and Halal-friendly dining, convenient prayer rooms, and tax-free shopping available throughout the city. So discover why Umeda is a must-see destination during any Japan adventure, from sunset rides on the HEP FIVE Ferris wheel to underground shopping arcades brimming with souvenirs. Whether you’re here for the fashion, the food, or the sights, this Osaka overnight guide proves that a short trip can still deliver memories to last a lifetime!

▶︎ For more tips and info on Umeda, Osaka, check out the Umeda Shopping website!

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A New Tokyo Animal Destination: Relax & Learn About the World’s Animals in Japan
#pr #japankuru #anitouch #anitouchtokyodome #capybara #capybaracafe #animalcafe #tokyotrip #japantrip #카피바라 #애니터치 #아이와가볼만한곳 #도쿄여행 #가족여행 #東京旅遊 #東京親子景點 #日本動物互動體驗 #水豚泡澡 #東京巨蛋城 #เที่ยวญี่ปุ่น2025 #ที่เที่ยวครอบครัว #สวนสัตว์ในร่ม #TokyoDomeCity #anitouchtokyodome

A New Tokyo Animal Destination: Relax & Learn About the World’s Animals in Japan
#pr #japankuru #anitouch #anitouchtokyodome #capybara #capybaracafe #animalcafe #tokyotrip #japantrip #카피바라 #애니터치 #아이와가볼만한곳 #도쿄여행 #가족여행 #東京旅遊 #東京親子景點 #日本動物互動體驗 #水豚泡澡 #東京巨蛋城 #เที่ยวญี่ปุ่น2025 #ที่เที่ยวครอบครัว #สวนสัตว์ในร่ม #TokyoDomeCity #anitouchtokyodome

Shohei Ohtani Collab Developed Products & Other Japanese Drugstore Recommendations From Kowa
#pr #japankuru 
#kowa #syncronkowa #japanshopping #preworkout #postworkout #tokyoshopping #japantrip #일본쇼핑 #일본이온음료 #오타니 #오타니쇼헤이 #코와 #興和 #日本必買 #日本旅遊 #運動補充能量 #運動飲品 #ช้อปปิ้งญี่ปุ่น #เครื่องดื่มออกกำลังกาย #นักกีฬา #ผลิตภัณฑ์ญี่ปุ่น #อาหารเสริมญี่ปุ่น

Shohei Ohtani Collab Developed Products & Other Japanese Drugstore Recommendations From Kowa
#pr #japankuru
#kowa #syncronkowa #japanshopping #preworkout #postworkout #tokyoshopping #japantrip #일본쇼핑 #일본이온음료 #오타니 #오타니쇼헤이 #코와 #興和 #日本必買 #日本旅遊 #運動補充能量 #運動飲品 #ช้อปปิ้งญี่ปุ่น #เครื่องดื่มออกกำลังกาย #นักกีฬา #ผลิตภัณฑ์ญี่ปุ่น #อาหารเสริมญี่ปุ่น

도쿄 근교 당일치기 여행 추천! 작은 에도라 불리는 ‘가와고에’
세이부 ‘가와고에 패스(디지털)’ 하나면 편리하게 이동 + 가성비까지 완벽하게! 필름카메라 감성 가득한 레트로 거리 길거리 먹방부터 귀여움 끝판왕 핫플&포토 스폿까지 총집합!

Looking for day trips from Tokyo? Try Kawagoe, AKA Little Edo!
Use the SEIBU KAWAGOE PASS (Digital) for easy, affordable transportation!

Check out the historic streets of Kawagoe for some great street food and plenty of picturesque retro photo ops.

#pr #japankuru #도쿄근교여행 #가와고에 #가와고에패스 #세이부패스 #기모노체험 #가와고에여행 #도쿄여행코스 #도쿄근교당일치기 #세이부가와고에패스
#tokyotrip #kawagoe #tokyodaytrip #seibukawagoepass #kimono #japantrip

도쿄 근교 당일치기 여행 추천! 작은 에도라 불리는 ‘가와고에’
세이부 ‘가와고에 패스(디지털)’ 하나면 편리하게 이동 + 가성비까지 완벽하게! 필름카메라 감성 가득한 레트로 거리 길거리 먹방부터 귀여움 끝판왕 핫플&포토 스폿까지 총집합!

Looking for day trips from Tokyo? Try Kawagoe, AKA Little Edo!
Use the SEIBU KAWAGOE PASS (Digital) for easy, affordable transportation!

Check out the historic streets of Kawagoe for some great street food and plenty of picturesque retro photo ops.

#pr #japankuru #도쿄근교여행 #가와고에 #가와고에패스 #세이부패스 #기모노체험 #가와고에여행 #도쿄여행코스 #도쿄근교당일치기 #세이부가와고에패스
#tokyotrip #kawagoe #tokyodaytrip #seibukawagoepass #kimono #japantrip

Hirakata Park, Osaka: Enjoy the Classic Japanese Theme Park Experience!
#pr #japankuru #hirakatapark #amusementpark #japantrip #osakatrip #familytrip #rollercoaster #retrôvibes #枚方公園 #大阪旅遊 #關西私房景點 #日本親子旅行 #日本遊樂園  #木造雲霄飛車 #히라카타파크 #สวนสนุกฮิราคาตะพาร์ค

Hirakata Park, Osaka: Enjoy the Classic Japanese Theme Park Experience!
#pr #japankuru #hirakatapark #amusementpark #japantrip #osakatrip #familytrip #rollercoaster #retrôvibes #枚方公園 #大阪旅遊 #關西私房景點 #日本親子旅行 #日本遊樂園 #木造雲霄飛車 #히라카타파크 #สวนสนุกฮิราคาตะพาร์ค

🍵Love Matcha? Upgrade Your Matcha Experience With Tsujiri! 
・160년 전통 일본 말차 브랜드 츠지리에서 말차 덕후들이 픽한 인기템만 골라봤어요 
・抹茶控的天堂!甜點、餅乾、飲品一次滿足,連伴手禮都幫你列好清單了
・ส่องมัทฉะสุดฮิต พร้อมพาเที่ยวร้านดังในอุจิ เกียวโต

#pr #japankuru #matcha #matchalover #uji #kyoto #japantrip #ujimatcha #matchalatte #matchasweets #tsujiri #말차 #말차덕후 #츠지리 #교토여행 #말차라떼 #辻利抹茶 #抹茶控 #日本抹茶 #宇治 #宇治抹茶 #日本伴手禮 #抹茶拿鐵 #抹茶甜點  #มัทฉะ #ของฝากญี่ปุ่น #ชาเขียวญี่ปุ่น #ซึจิริ #เกียวโต

🍵Love Matcha? Upgrade Your Matcha Experience With Tsujiri!
・160년 전통 일본 말차 브랜드 츠지리에서 말차 덕후들이 픽한 인기템만 골라봤어요
・抹茶控的天堂!甜點、餅乾、飲品一次滿足,連伴手禮都幫你列好清單了
・ส่องมัทฉะสุดฮิต พร้อมพาเที่ยวร้านดังในอุจิ เกียวโต

#pr #japankuru #matcha #matchalover #uji #kyoto #japantrip #ujimatcha #matchalatte #matchasweets #tsujiri #말차 #말차덕후 #츠지리 #교토여행 #말차라떼 #辻利抹茶 #抹茶控 #日本抹茶 #宇治 #宇治抹茶 #日本伴手禮 #抹茶拿鐵 #抹茶甜點 #มัทฉะ #ของฝากญี่ปุ่น #ชาเขียวญี่ปุ่น #ซึจิริ #เกียวโต

・What Is Nenaito? And How Does This Sleep Care Supplement Work?
・你的睡眠保健品——認識「睡眠茶氨酸錠」
・수면 케어 서플리먼트 ‘네나이토’란?
・ผลิตภัณฑ์เสริมอาหารดูแลการนอน “Nenaito(ネナイト)” คืออะไร?

#pr #japankuru #sleepcare #japanshopping #nenaito #sleepsupplement #asahi #睡眠茶氨酸錠 #睡眠保健 #朝日 #l茶胺酸 #日本藥妝 #日本必買 #일본쇼핑 #수면 #건강하자 #네나이토 #일본영양제 #อาหารเสริมญี่ปุ่น #ช้อปปิ้งญี่ปุ่น #ร้านขายยาญี่ปุ่น #ดูแลตัวเองก่อนนอน #อาซาฮิ

・What Is Nenaito? And How Does This Sleep Care Supplement Work?
・你的睡眠保健品——認識「睡眠茶氨酸錠」
・수면 케어 서플리먼트 ‘네나이토’란?
・ผลิตภัณฑ์เสริมอาหารดูแลการนอน “Nenaito(ネナイト)” คืออะไร?

#pr #japankuru #sleepcare #japanshopping #nenaito #sleepsupplement #asahi #睡眠茶氨酸錠 #睡眠保健 #朝日 #l茶胺酸 #日本藥妝 #日本必買 #일본쇼핑 #수면 #건강하자 #네나이토 #일본영양제 #อาหารเสริมญี่ปุ่น #ช้อปปิ้งญี่ปุ่น #ร้านขายยาญี่ปุ่น #ดูแลตัวเองก่อนนอน #อาซาฮิ

Japanese Drugstore Must-Buys! Essential Items from Hisamitsu® Pharmaceutical 
#PR #japankuru #hisamitsu #salonpas #feitas #hisamitsupharmaceutical #japanshopping #tokyoshopping #traveltips #japanhaul #japantrip #japantravel

Japanese Drugstore Must-Buys! Essential Items from Hisamitsu® Pharmaceutical
#PR #japankuru #hisamitsu #salonpas #feitas #hisamitsupharmaceutical #japanshopping #tokyoshopping #traveltips #japanhaul #japantrip #japantravel

Whether you grew up with Dragon Ball or you just fell in love with Dragon Ball DAIMA, you'll like the newest JINS collab. Shop this limited-edition Dragon Ball accessory collection to find some of the best Dragon Ball merchandise in Japan!
>> Find out more at Japankuru.com! (link in bio)
#japankuru #dragonball #dragonballdaima #animecollab #japanshopping #jins #japaneseglasses #japantravel #animemerch #pr

Whether you grew up with Dragon Ball or you just fell in love with Dragon Ball DAIMA, you'll like the newest JINS collab. Shop this limited-edition Dragon Ball accessory collection to find some of the best Dragon Ball merchandise in Japan!
>> Find out more at Japankuru.com! (link in bio)
#japankuru #dragonball #dragonballdaima #animecollab #japanshopping #jins #japaneseglasses #japantravel #animemerch #pr

This month, Japankuru teamed up with @official_korekoko  to invite three influencers (originally from Thailand, China, and Taiwan) on a trip to Yokohama. Check out the article (in Chinese) on Japankuru.com for all of their travel tips and photography hints - and look forward to more cool collaborations coming soon!

【橫濱夜散策 x 教你怎麼拍出網美照 📸✨】
每次來日本玩,是不是都會先找旅日網紅的推薦清單?
這次,我們邀請擁有日本豐富旅遊經驗的🇹🇭泰國、🇨🇳中國、🇹🇼台灣網紅,帶你走進夜晚的橫濱!從玩樂路線到拍照技巧,教你怎麼拍出最美的夜景照。那些熟悉的景點,換個視角說不定會有新發現~快跟他們一起出發吧!

#japankuru #橫濱紅磚倉庫 #汽車道 #中華街 #yokohama #japankuru #橫濱紅磚倉庫 #汽車道 #中華街 #yokohama #yokohamaredbrickwarehouse #yokohamachinatown

This month, Japankuru teamed up with @official_korekoko to invite three influencers (originally from Thailand, China, and Taiwan) on a trip to Yokohama. Check out the article (in Chinese) on Japankuru.com for all of their travel tips and photography hints - and look forward to more cool collaborations coming soon!

【橫濱夜散策 x 教你怎麼拍出網美照 📸✨】
每次來日本玩,是不是都會先找旅日網紅的推薦清單?
這次,我們邀請擁有日本豐富旅遊經驗的🇹🇭泰國、🇨🇳中國、🇹🇼台灣網紅,帶你走進夜晚的橫濱!從玩樂路線到拍照技巧,教你怎麼拍出最美的夜景照。那些熟悉的景點,換個視角說不定會有新發現~快跟他們一起出發吧!

#japankuru #橫濱紅磚倉庫 #汽車道 #中華街 #yokohama #japankuru #橫濱紅磚倉庫 #汽車道 #中華街 #yokohama #yokohamaredbrickwarehouse #yokohamachinatown

If you’re a fan of Vivienne Westwood's Japanese designs, and you’re looking forward to shopping in Harajuku this summer, we’ve got important news for you. Vivienne Westwood RED LABEL Laforet Harajuku is now closed for renovations - but the grand reopening is scheduled for July!
>> Find out more at Japankuru.com! (link in bio)
#japankuru #viviennewestwood #harajuku #omotesando #viviennewestwoodredlabel #viviennewestwoodjapan #비비안웨스트우드 #오모테산도 #하라주쿠 #日本購物 #薇薇安魏斯伍德 #日本時尚 #原宿 #表參道 #japantrip #japanshopping #pr

If you’re a fan of Vivienne Westwood's Japanese designs, and you’re looking forward to shopping in Harajuku this summer, we’ve got important news for you. Vivienne Westwood RED LABEL Laforet Harajuku is now closed for renovations - but the grand reopening is scheduled for July!
>> Find out more at Japankuru.com! (link in bio)
#japankuru #viviennewestwood #harajuku #omotesando #viviennewestwoodredlabel #viviennewestwoodjapan #비비안웨스트우드 #오모테산도 #하라주쿠 #日本購物 #薇薇安魏斯伍德 #日本時尚 #原宿 #表參道 #japantrip #japanshopping #pr

Ready to see TeamLab in Kyoto!? At TeamLab Biovortex Kyoto, the collective is taking their acclaimed immersive art and bringing it to Japan's ancient capital. We can't wait to see it for ourselves this autumn!
>> Find out more at Japankuru.com! (link in bio)
#japankuru #teamlab #teamlabbiovortex #kyoto #kyototrip #japantravel #artnews 
Photos courtesy of teamLab, Exhibition view of teamLab Biovortex Kyoto, 2025, Kyoto ® teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery

Ready to see TeamLab in Kyoto!? At TeamLab Biovortex Kyoto, the collective is taking their acclaimed immersive art and bringing it to Japan's ancient capital. We can't wait to see it for ourselves this autumn!
>> Find out more at Japankuru.com! (link in bio)
#japankuru #teamlab #teamlabbiovortex #kyoto #kyototrip #japantravel #artnews
Photos courtesy of teamLab, Exhibition view of teamLab Biovortex Kyoto, 2025, Kyoto ® teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery

Japanese Makeup Shopping • A Trip to Kamakura & Enoshima With Canmake’s Cool-Toned Summer Makeup
#pr #canmake #enoshima #enoden #에노시마 #캔메이크 #japanesemakeup #japanesecosmetics

Japanese Makeup Shopping • A Trip to Kamakura & Enoshima With Canmake’s Cool-Toned Summer Makeup
#pr #canmake #enoshima #enoden #에노시마 #캔메이크 #japanesemakeup #japanesecosmetics

⚔️The Robot Restaurant is gone, but the Samurai Restaurant is here to take its place. Check it out, and don't forget your coupon!
🍣신주쿠의 명소 로봇 레스토랑이 사무라이 레스토랑으로 부활! 절찬 쿠폰 발급중
💃18歲以上才能入場的歌舞秀,和你想的不一樣!拿好優惠券去看看~
#tokyo #shinjuku #samurairestaurant #robotrestaurant #tokyotrip #도쿄여행 #신주쿠 #사무라이레스토랑 #이색체험 #할인이벤트 #歌舞伎町 #東京景點 #武士餐廳 #日本表演 #日本文化體驗 #japankuru #japantrip #japantravel #japanlovers #japan_of_insta

⚔️The Robot Restaurant is gone, but the Samurai Restaurant is here to take its place. Check it out, and don't forget your coupon!
🍣신주쿠의 명소 로봇 레스토랑이 사무라이 레스토랑으로 부활! 절찬 쿠폰 발급중
💃18歲以上才能入場的歌舞秀,和你想的不一樣!拿好優惠券去看看~
#tokyo #shinjuku #samurairestaurant #robotrestaurant #tokyotrip #도쿄여행 #신주쿠 #사무라이레스토랑 #이색체험 #할인이벤트 #歌舞伎町 #東京景點 #武士餐廳 #日本表演 #日本文化體驗 #japankuru #japantrip #japantravel #japanlovers #japan_of_insta

Japanese appliance & electronics shopping with our KOJIMA x BicCamera coupon!
用JAPANKURU的KOJIMA x BicCamera優惠券買這些正好❤️
코지마 x 빅 카메라 쿠폰으로 일본 가전 제품 쇼핑하기

#pr #japankuru #japanshopping #kojima #biccamera #japaneseskincare #yaman #dji #osmopocket3 #skincaredevice #日本購物 #美容儀 #相機 #雅萌 #日本家電 #일본여행 #면세 #여행꿀팁 #일본쇼핑리스트 #쿠폰 #일본쇼핑 #일본브랜드 #할인 #코지마 #빅카메라 #japankurucoupon

Japanese appliance & electronics shopping with our KOJIMA x BicCamera coupon!
用JAPANKURU的KOJIMA x BicCamera優惠券買這些正好❤️
코지마 x 빅 카메라 쿠폰으로 일본 가전 제품 쇼핑하기

#pr #japankuru #japanshopping #kojima #biccamera #japaneseskincare #yaman #dji #osmopocket3 #skincaredevice #日本購物 #美容儀 #相機 #雅萌 #日本家電 #일본여행 #면세 #여행꿀팁 #일본쇼핑리스트 #쿠폰 #일본쇼핑 #일본브랜드 #할인 #코지마 #빅카메라 #japankurucoupon

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MAP OF JAPAN

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    • HOKKAIDO

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      Hokkaido (北海道) is the northernmost of the four main islands that make up Japan. The area is famous for Sapporo Beer, plus brewing and distilling in general, along with fantastic snow festivals and breathtaking national parks. Foodies should look for Hokkaido's famous potatoes, cantaloupe, dairy products, soup curry, and miso ramen!

    • Niki, in south-west Hokkaido, is about 30 minutes from Otaru. The small town is rich with natural resources, fresh water, and clean air, making it a thriving center for fruit farms. Cherries, tomatoes, and grapes are all cultivated in the area, and thanks to a growing local wine industry, it's quickly becoming a food and wine hotspot. Together with the neighboring town of Yoichi, it's a noted area for wine tourism.

    • Niseko is about two hours from New Chitose Airport, in the western part of Hokkaido. It's one of Japan's most noted winter resort areas, and a frequent destination for international visitors. That's all because of the super high-quality powder snow, which wins the hearts of beginners and experts alike, bringing them back for repeat visits. That's not all, though, it's also a great place to enjoy Hokkaido's culinary scene and some beautiful onsen (hot springs).

    • Otaru is in western Hokkaido, about 30 minutes from Sapporo Station. The city thrived around its busy harbor in the 19th and 20th centuries thanks to active trade and fishing, and the buildings remaining from that period are still popular attractions, centered around Otaru Canal. With its history as a center of fishing, it's no surprise that the area's fresh sushi is a must-try. Otaru has over 100 sushi shops, quite a few of which are lined up on Sushiya Dori (Sushi Street).

    • SAPPORO

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      Sapporo, in the south-western part of Hokkaido, is the prefecture's political and economic capital. The local New Chitose Airport see arrivals from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, alongside international flights. Every February, the Sapporo Snow Festival is held in Odori Park―one of the biggest events in Hokkaido. It's also a hotspot for great food, known as a culinary treasure chest, and Sapporo is a destination for ramen, grilled mutton, soup curry, and of course Hokkaido's beloved seafood.

    • Consisting of six prefectures, the Tohoku Region (東北地方) is up in the northeastern part of Japan's main island. It's the source of plenty of the nation's agriculture (which means great food), and packed with beautiful scenery. Explore the region's stunning mountains, lakes, and hot springs!

    • Akita Prefecture is on the Sea of Japan, in the northern reaches of Japan's northern Tohoku region. Akita has more officially registered important intangible culture assets than anywhere else in Japan, and to this day visitors can experience traditional culture throughout the prefecture, from the Oga Peninsula's Namahage (registered with UNESCO as a part of Japan's intangible cultural heritage), to the Tohoku top 3 Kanto Festival. Mysterious little spots like the Oyu Stone Circle Site and Ryu no Atama (Dragon's Head) are also worth a visit!

    • FUKUSHIMA

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      Fukushima Prefecture sits at the southern tip of Japan's northern Tohoku region, and is divided into three parts with their own different charms: the Coastal Area (Hama-dori), the Central Area (Naka-dori), and the Aizu Area. There's Aizu-Wakamatsu with its Edo-era history and medieval castles, Oze National Park, Kitakata ramen, and Bandai Ski Resort (with its famous powder snow). Fukushima is a beautiful place to enjoy the vivid colors and sightseeing of Japan's beloved four seasons.

    • YAMAGATA

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      Yamagata Prefecture is up against the Sea of Japan, in the southern part of the Tohoku region, and it's especially popular in winter, when travelers soak in the onsen (hot springs) and ski down snowy slopes. International skiiers are especially fond of Zao Onsen Ski Resort and Gassan Ski Resort, and in recent years visitors have been drawn to the area to see the mystical sight of local frost-covered trees. Some destinations are popular regardless of the season, like Risshakuji Temple, AKA Yamadera, Ginzan Onsen's nostalgic old-fashioned streets, and Zao's Okama Lake, all great for taking pictures. Yamagata is also the place to try Yonezawa beef, one of the top 3 varieties of wagyu beef.

    • Japan's most densely populated area, the Kanto Region (関東地方) includes 7 prefectures: Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Saitama, Tokyo, Chiba, and Kanagawa, which means it also contains the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. In modern-day Japan, Kanto is the cultural, political, and economic heartland of the country, and each prefecture offers something a little different from its neighbors.

    • Gunma Prefecture is easily accessible from Tokyo, and in addition to the area's popular natural attractions like Oze Marshland and Fukiware Falls, Gunma also has a number of popular hot springs (Kusatsu, Ikaho, Minakami, Shima)―it's even called an Onsen Kingdom. The prefecture is popular with history buffs and train lovers, thanks to spots like world heritage site Tomioka Silk Mill, the historic Megane-bashi Bridge, and the Watarase Keikoku Sightseeing Railway.

    • TOCHIGI

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      Tochigi Prefecture's capital is Utsunomiya, known for famous gyoza, and just an hour from Tokyo. The prefecture is full of nature-related sightseeing opportunities year-round, from the blooming of spring flowers to color fall foliage. Tochigi also has plenty of extremely well-known sightseeing destinations, like World Heritage Site Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Lake Chuzenji, and Ashikaga Flower Park―famous for expansive wisteria trellises. In recent years the mountain resort town of Nasu has also become a popular excursion, thanks in part to the local imperial villa. Tochigi is a beautiful place to enjoy the world around you.

    • Tokyo (東京) is Japan's busy capital, and the most populous metropolitan area in the world. While the city as a whole is quite modern, crowded with skyscrapers and bustling crowds, Tokyo also holds onto its traditional side in places like the Imperial Palace and Asakusa neighborhood. It's one of the world's top cities when it comes to culture, the arts, fashion, games, high-tech industries, transportation, and more.

    • The Chubu Region (中部地方) is located right in the center of Japan's main island, and consists of 9 prefectures: Aichi, Fukui, Gifu, Ishikawa, Nagano, Niigata, Shizuoka, Toyama, and Yamanashi. It's primarily famous for its mountains, as the region contains both Mt. Fuji and the Japanese Alps. The ski resorts in Niigata and Nagano also draw visitors from around the world, making it a popular winter destination.

    • Nagano Prefecture's popularity starts with a wealth of historic treasures, like Matsumoto Castle, Zenkoji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine, but the highlight might just be the prefecture's natural vistas surrounded by the "Japanese Alps." Nagano's fruit is famous, and there are plenty of places to pick it fresh, and the area is full of hot springs, including Jigokudani Monkey Park―where monkeys take baths as well! Thanks to the construction of the Hokuriku shinkansen line, Nagano is easily reachable from the Tokyo area, adding it to plenty of travel itineraries. And after the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, ski resorts like Hakuba and Shiga Kogen are known around the world.

    • Aichi Prefecture sits in the center of the Japanese islands, and its capital city, Nagoya, is a center of politics, commerce, and culture. While Aichi is home to major industry, and is even the birthplace of Toyota cars, it's proximity to the sea and the mountains means it's also a place with beautiful natural scenery, like Saku Island, Koijigahama Beach, Mt. Horaiji. Often used a stage for major battles in Japanese history, Sengoku era commanders like Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu left their own footprints on Aichi, and historic buildings like Nagoya Castle, Inuyama Castle, and those in Meiji Mura are still around to tell the tale.

    • NIIGATA

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      Niigata is a prefecture on Japan's main island of Honshu, situated right on the coast of the Sea of Japan, and abundant with the gifts of nature. It's known for popular ski resorts such as Echigo-Yuzawa, Japanese national parks, and natural hot spring baths, plus local products like fresh seafood, rice, and sake. Visitors often spend time in the prefectural capital, Niigata City, or venture across the water to Sado Island.

    • SHIZUOKA

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      Shizuoka Prefecture is sandwiched between eastern and western Japan, giving the prefecture easy access to both Tokyo and Osaka. Not only is it known for beautiful natural attractions, with everything from Mount Fuji to Suruga Bay, Lake Hamanako, and Sumata Pass―Shizuoka's Izu Peninsula is known as a go-to spot for hot springs lovers, with famous onsen like Atami, Ito, Shimoda, Shuzenji, and Dogashima. Shizuoka attracts all kinds of travelers thanks to historic connections with the Tokugawa clan, the Oigawa Railway, fresh eel cuisine, Hamamatsu gyoza, and famously high-quality green tea.

    • Kansai (関西) is a region that includes Mie, Nara, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, and Shiga Prefectures. Kansai contained Japan's ancient capital for hundreds of years, and it's making a comeback as one of the most popular parts of Japan. Kyoto's temples and shrines, Osaka Castle, and the deer of Nara are all considered must-sees. Plus, the people of Kansai are especially friendly, making it a fun place to hang out.

    • Kyoto flourished as the capital of Japan between the years 794 and 1100, becoming a center for poilitics and culture, and to this day it's a great place for close encounters with Japanese history. The cobbled streets of Gion, the atmospheric road to Kiyomizudera Temple, Kinkakuji's golden walls and countless historic attractions, even Arashiyama's Togetsukyo Bridge―Kyoto is a place of many attractions. With new charms to experience throughout the seasons, travelers can't stop themselves from returning again and again.

    • Nara Prefecture's important history reaches back to 710, a time now called the Nara era, when it was once capital of Japan. Called "Heijo-kyo" during its time as a capital, it's said that nara was once the end of the silk road, leading it to flourish as a uniquely international region and produce important cultural properties of all kinds. To make the most of each season, travelers head to Nara Park, where the Nara deer who wander freely, or climb Mount Yoshino, a famous cherry blossom spot.

    • Osaka is known for friendly (and funny) people, but its history is nothing to laugh at, playing a major part in Toyotomi Hideyoshi's 16th century unification of Japan. Thanks to long years of economic activity, it's one of Japan's biggest cities, and Osaka's popular food culture earned it the nickname "The Kitchen of the Nation." To this day Osaka is the model of western Japan, and alongside historic structures like Osaka Castle, it also has major shopping malls like Umeda's Grand Front Osaka and Tennoji's Abeno Harukas. Osaka is a place to eat, eat, eat, with local specialties like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushi-katsu, and for extra fun, it's home to Universal Studios Japan.

    • CHUGOKU

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      The Chugoku Region (中国地方) consists of five prefectures: Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi. In Chugoku you’ll find the sand dunes of Tottori, and Hiroshima’s atomic bomb site, plus centers of ancient history like Grand Shrine of Izumo.

    • HIROSHIMA

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      Hiroshima Prefecture has everything, from world heritage sites to beautiful nature and delicious local cuisine, and it's either an hour and a half from Tokyo by plane, or four hours by train. Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island and the Atomic Bomb Dome, two Hiroshima UNESCO sites, are famous around the world, but in Japan it's also famous for food. Seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, especially oysters, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, and Setouchi lemons are all popular, and the natural scenery alone is worth seeing.

    • SHIKOKU

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      On the other side of the Seto Inland Sea opposite Japan’s main island, Shikoku (四国) is a region made up of four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima. The area is famous for its udon (in Kagawa), and the beautiful Dogo Onsen hot springs (in Ehime).

    • Kagawa Prefecture is on the northern part of the island of Shikoku, facing Japan's main island and the Seto Inland Sea. It's known for being the smallest prefecture in Japan, by area, but at the same time Kagawa is called the "Udon Prefecture" thanks to its famous sanuki udon. Aside from Kotohiragu Shrine and Ritsurin Garden, the prefecture's small islands are popular, and Kagawa is full of unique destinations, like Angel Road. They say that if you lay eyes on Zenigata Sunae, a huge Kagawa sand painting, you'll never have money troubles ever again.

    • Located in the most southwestern part of Japan, Kyushu (九州) is an island of 7 prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. The island's unique culture has been influenced by Chinese and Dutch trade, along with missionaries coming in through Nagasaki's port. Modern-day travelers love the lush natural scenery and fresh food, plus the natural hot springs found all throughout the area (thanks to volcanic activity)!

    • FUKUOKA

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      Fukuoka Prefecture has the highest population on the southern island of Kyushu, with two major cities: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Thanks to growing transportation networks, Fukuoka is more accessible than ever, and so are the many local attractions. On top of historical spots like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, travelers shouldn't miss Fukuoka's food scene, with motsu nabe (offal hotpot), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and famous Hakata ramen―best eaten from a food stall in the Nakasu area of Hakata. Plus, it's full of all sorts of destinations for travelers, like trendy shopping centers, and the beautiful nature of Itoshima and Yanagawa.

    • KAGOSHIMA

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      Kagoshima Prefecture played a major role in Japan's modernization as a backdrop for famous historical figures like samurais Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who pushed Japan out of the Edo era and into the Meiji. Because of that, Sengan-en Garden is just one of many historical destinations, and when it comes to attractions Kagoshima has plenty: the active volcano of Sakurajima, popular hot springs Ibusuki Onsen and Kirishima Onsen, World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, even what Japan calls the "island closest to heaven," Amami Oshima. Kagoshima might be found on the very southernmost tip of the southern island of Kyushu, but there's plenty to see.

    • OKINAWA

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      The island chain of Okinawa (沖縄) makes up the southernmost tip of Japan, which is why it's also the most tropical area in the country. Thanks to a history of independence and totally distinct political and cultural events, Okinawa has a unique culture, and remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom are still visible all over the islands. Food, language, traditional dress, it's all a little different! It's also said to be the birthplace of karate.

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