Sakai Yayoi · CC0 · Wikimedia CommonsStreet & neighbourhood · Osaka
Den Den Town
でんでんタウン
Den Den Town in Nipponbashi is western Japan's biggest electronics and otaku district. More than 150 shops line about a kilometre of Sakaisuji avenue and the lanes behind it. It began as an electronics market and now sells anime goods, figures, plastic models, trading cards, manga and retro video games.
The side street called Ota Road is the heart of the pop-culture scene, with maid cafés and shops stacked floor by floor. It's a short walk south of Namba and Dotonbori, and worth an hour even if you don't collect anything.
What to see and do
Shops full of old consoles and cartridges, from Famicom to PlayStation.
New and second-hand figures, plus specialist tools and paints for plastic models.
A back street of anime, idol and cosplay shops and maid cafés.
A huge cosplay festival and parade on a Sunday in spring.
Good to know
- Many shops open around 11:00. Mornings are quiet.
- Check the condition and region of retro games before buying. Some shops offer tax-free shopping with your passport.
More art nearby
Mc681 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsNational Bunraku Theatre
Bunraku puppet theatre was born in Osaka and is on UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage list. Three puppeteers move each puppet together.
Tokumeigakarinoaoshima · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsOsaka Shochikuza
Kabuki and big stage shows on Dotonbori, behind a 1923 arched facade.
Mc681 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsDoguyasuji kitchen street
A covered street of chef’s tools, lanterns and the plastic food samples you see in every restaurant window.
Dotonbori signs
The Glico Running Man has glowed here since 1935, next to giant crabs and pufferfish. Advertising as folk art.