Shopping in Shinsaibashi-suji and Amerikamura

Shinsaibashi-suji and Amerikamura make up the most vibrant and eclectic shopping area in Osaka. Shinsaibashi-suji is a covered arcade almost a kilometre long that runs from the Dotonbori canal northwards, packed with fashion shops of big international chains, Japanese brands, cosmetics, accessories and youth clothing. West of this arcade is Amerikamura, popularly known as Amemura, the heart of the city's alternative urban culture: since the 1970s it has been the epicentre of vintage fashion, second-hand clothing, streetwear boutiques, vinyl records and shops selling American import goods. The atmosphere is completely different from the main arcade: smaller, noisier, with graffiti on the walls and young people in extravagant looks. In the centre of Amemura there is a small triangular park that is a meeting point and spontaneous urban-fashion parade. The whole area is free to stroll; shop prices vary widely, from items under 1.000 yen to collector's vintage pieces. To get there, take the subway to Shinsaibashi (Midosuji and Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi lines).