Nakazakicho in Osaka! Visit Thrift Shops and Fashionable Cafes & Restaurants
In 2024, I visited Osaka four times to research tourist destinations. One place I returned to on all four trips was Nakazakicho, which I'm excited to introduce to you today.
Nakazakicho is a retro neighborhood located next to Umeda station, particularly known for its stylish cafes and vintage clothing shops. Although I've visited many times before 2024, its charm still makes my heart skip a beat every time I go there.
While Osaka has many captivating neighborhoods like Nakazakicho, it can be challenging for tourists to fully experience all these hidden gems. That's where Magical Trip comes in - we offer various tours led by local guides who help visitors experience each city's culture and traditions. Our efforts paid off when our tour ranked #1 among all tours on TripAdvisor in 2024.
Our most popular offerings in Osaka include the "Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai," where you can fully experience Osaka's food culture, and the "5-Hour Osaka Highlights Bike Tour with Lunch," which takes you around major tourist spots with a guide. When visiting Osaka, consider joining one of these tours to enjoy a deeper experience of the city with locals.
For those who would like to check more tour options for Osaka, please visit the tours listing page.
After enjoying Shopping during the day, enjoy excellent Osaka cuisine and bar hopping in Dotonbori at night.
You can enjoy sightseeing in Osaka more comfortably by using the following guides as well as tours.
Takashi Nakadomari
Introduction
Osaka, known as Japan's second major city after Tokyo, is one of the country's most famous tourist destinations, particularly renowned for its delicious food. Often called the "Nation's Kitchen" or the "City of Kuidaore" (eating until you drop), Osaka has developed its own unique food culture since ancient times.
While Osaka is home to many skyscrapers, it also boasts numerous retro spots and areas filled with downtown charm, making it a place brimming with attractions.
Among these, Nakazakicho is one of the retro neighborhoods not far from the high-rise buildings of Umeda. The area is home to old-fashioned cafes, retro diners, and stylish vintage clothing stores, with many old wooden buildings and row houses creating a relaxed atmosphere.
In this article, we'll introduce the charms of Nakazakicho, known for its retro and stylish vibe, along with some recommended spots.
Nakazakicho: Osaka's Hidden Popular Spot with Stylish Cafes and Vintage Clothing Stores
Nakazakicho is a hidden gem in Osaka, popular for its concentration of stylish cafes and vintage clothing stores. It retains a retro atmosphere from the Showa era, with many old buildings still standing, making it an excellent spot for a stroll.
Many cafes are housed in renovated old wooden buildings, offering delicious drinks and sweets. Not only cafes but also vintage clothing stores and galleries have opened, making it a neighborhood that has become popular with young people in recent years.
While Osaka is strongly associated with food, Nakazakicho allows you to enjoy browsing stylish vintage stores and galleries as well.
Excellent Access from Umeda! Nakazakicho is Recommended for Those Who Want to Enjoy a Relaxed Atmosphere
Nakazakicho, where you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, is also conveniently located near Umeda. It's about a 10-minute walk from Umeda to Nakazakicho, covering a distance of about 1km.
You can also access Nakazakicho by subway from Umeda. Take the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line from Higashi-Umeda Station towards Dainichi and get off at Nakazakicho Station, which is just one stop away.
Although it's only 1km away from Umeda, Nakazakicho has a retro and relaxed atmosphere that feels far from the urban hustle, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll. It's also recommended as a break spot when you're tired of the city's bustle.
The Top 6 Stylish Vintage Clothing Stores to Enjoy "Vintage Fashion" in Nakazakicho
Green Pepe
Source: Official website
Green Pepe, located in the heart of Nakazakicho, is a vintage clothing store housed in a renovated old traditional house. This shop mainly deals in vintage clothing with pop designs that were popular in the 1970s, corresponding to Japan's Showa era, as well as retro Japanese furniture and kitchenware. The variety and selection of items are extensive, ensuring you won't get bored browsing.
In Japan, these items are affectionately called "Showa Retro" and are popular among Japanese people over 40, including myself, who get excited seeing nostalgic items from their childhood.
The items sold at Green Pepe are stylish and in good condition. In front of the store, you can find gacha-gacha machines (vending machines that dispense small toys when you insert a coin and turn the handle), which have recently become popular overseas. Feel free to try them out!
<Store Information>
Address: 3-1-12 Nakazaki, Kita-ku, Osaka
Opening Hours: Weekdays 12:00-18:00（Wednesday 12:00-17:00）, Weekends and Holidays 12:00-19:00
Closed: Tuesdays
Phone: 06-6359-5133
Official Website: https://www.greenpepe3104.com/
Vintage Clothing TAD
Source: Official X
Vintage Clothing TAD is a vintage clothing store located near Nakazakicho Subway Station. The cozy interior is filled with stylish vintage clothes, making it irresistible for vintage fashion enthusiasts.
Most of the items sold are vintage pieces. You can purchase attractive vintage clothing at reasonable prices. The owner's carefully selected collection includes clothes with bold patterns, making it an ideal shop for those who love unique vintage designs.
Please note that some items displayed in the store may show signs of use or age-related wear, so be careful when making a purchase. If you're looking for stylish vintage clothing with great taste, be sure to visit Vintage Clothing TAD.
<Store Information>
Address: Core Nagasaki 102, 1-7-17 Nakazaki Nishi, Osaka
Opening Hours: 13:00-20:00
Closed: Thursdays
Phone: 06-6377-1767
Official Website: https://tadvintage.thebase.in/
Sakura Building
Source:Homes
The Sakura Building is located one minute's walk from Nakazakicho Station, housing vintage clothing stores, general stores, and bookshops. Built 60 years ago in 2024, the building maintains a retro atmosphere.
The building is packed with shops, primarily vintage clothing stores. It's a recommended spot for vintage fashion enthusiasts and those interested in fashion.
shop_band.nakazaki
Source:Official Instagram
shop_band.nakazaki, opened in 2001, is a vintage clothing store specializing in high-class brands. Located in Nakazakicho, it deals in designer vintage wear for both men and women.
shop_band sells items from world-renowned brands like Armani, Prada, and Issey Miyake. They're known for stocking designer items in excellent condition at reasonable prices. A notable feature is their extensive collection of matching sets, which are rare in vintage stores.
Recommended for those seeking high-class brand vintage items or unique coordinated sets.
<Store Information>
Address: Rooms 218/219, Sakura Building, 1-6-36 Nakazaki-nishi, Kita-ku, Osaka
Opening Hours: 13:00-21:00
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 06-4256-6374
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shop_band.nakazaki/
C E T T E N sakurabuilding
Source:Official Instagram
CETTEN is a vintage clothing store themed around the Japanese concept of "cherishing items." The floor design is inspired by "kintsugi," the art of repairing broken pottery with gold-painted lacquer.
They offer carefully selected vintage items meant for long-term wear. The store features many "archive" pieces from past brand and designer collections. Their selection includes formal wear, slacks, and flare pants, offering a refined vintage selection.
CETTEN provides attentive customer service, creating a comfortable shopping environment. Recommended for those seeking long-lasting and refined vintage clothing.
<Store Information>
Address: 1-6-36-115 Nakazaki-nishi, Kita-ku, Osaka
Opening Hours: Weekday: 14:00 - 19:00 Holiday: 13:00 - 19:00
Closed: New Year holidays
Phone: None
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cetten_official/
Rice Bowl Used Clothing
Source:Official X
Rice Bowl is a vintage clothing shop specializing in items sourced globally, primarily from the United States and the United Kingdom.
Their distinctive feature is the extensive lineup ranging from vintage items produced up to the 1980s to "next vintage" pieces predicted to increase in value. The knowledgeable staff who can provide styling advice makes it particularly appealing.
Within the Sakura Building, you'll also find "RiceBowl PANTS store," which exclusively deals with vintage pants. If you're specifically looking for pants, be sure to visit this location.
Recommended for those interested in American and British vintage clothing or seeking styling advice.
<Store Information>
Address: Room 307, Sakura Building, 1-6-36 Nakazaki-nishi, Kita-ku, Osaka
Opening Hours: 14:00-19:00
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone: 06-6450-8615
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ricebowl_usedclothing/
TAU
Source:Google Maps
TAU is a select shop offering a wide range of items from designer vintage to used pieces. The store features vintage clothing from the 1960s-90s sourced from America, alongside unique one-of-a-kind pieces and designer vintage items from Philip Lim, Acne, and Prada.
Located in the vibrant Nakazakicho district, TAU's genderless curation approach results in items that blend well with contemporary fashion. Their inventory is completely refreshed every 7-10 days, ensuring a constantly curated selection of vintage pieces.
Recommended for those seeking to find their perfect vintage piece from a diverse lineup ranging from unique items to designer pieces.
<Store Information>
Address: 3F Create Umeda Building, 2-5-18 Nakazaki-nishi, Kita-ku, Osaka
Opening Hours: 12:00-20:00
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone: 06-6225-7460
Official Website: https://tau-artclothing.com/
5 Recommended Cafes You Should Visit in Nakazakicho
Kissaten are Japanese-style cafes that focus not only on coffee but also on food. In addition to drinks like coffee, you can also enjoy Western-style dishes like pasta and gratin, as well as light meals and desserts.
Many of these shops are particular about their coffee, making them recommended for those who want to enjoy a delicious cup. Additionally, many retro Japanese-style cafes offer breakfast items like toast.
Salon de AManTo
Source: Official website
Salon de AManTo is a cafe housed in a 120-year-old traditional house surrounded by greenery, offering a retro atmosphere that makes you feel like you've time-traveled to old Japan.
Many old traditional houses remain in Nakazakicho, and many of them have been transformed into stylish shops through redevelopment projects. Salon de AManTo is known as the starting point of the Nakazakicho redevelopment project.
In addition to being a cafe, they also host English conversation meetups with foreign guests and events where you can converse in Spanish or French. These events are held frequently, so I recommend them to those who, like me, enjoy international exchanges with foreigners.
If you want to experience old Japan and enjoy a leisurely meal, this is definitely a place to visit.
<Store Information>
Address: 1-7-26 Nakazaki Nishi, Kita-ku, Osaka
Opening Hours: 12:00-22:00
Closed: Open every day
Phone: 06-6371-5840
Official Website: http://amanto.jp/
Cafe Arabiq
Source: Google Maps
Cafe Arabiq, housed in an old traditional house in Nakazakicho, wears three hats: a cafe, a bookstore, and an art gallery. The cafe offers seasonal original coffee blends and coffee cocktails.
The bookstore stocks mystery novels and fantasy books, ranging from rare out-of-print editions to new releases. It's a must-visit for those who love Japanese old books or find retro books fascinating.
They also exhibit paintings and art pieces. The doll collection is particularly extensive, featuring Western and Japanese dolls. The interior has a very quiet atmosphere, perfect for spending a relaxed time.
<Store Information>
Address: 3-2-14 Nakazaki, Kita-ku, Osaka
Opening Hours: 13:30-21:00
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone: 06-7500-5519
Official Website: http://arabiq.net/
OSA COFFEE
Source: Official website
OSA COFFEE is a stylish cafe with its main store in Fukuoka, Kyushu, themed around travel. The interior is designed with an airplane motif. Even the latte art features airplanes, which is irresistible for travel enthusiasts like myself.
Their recommended item is the pudding, which has a rich, firm texture with a slightly bitter caramel that's exquisite. You can also add ice cream as a topping to the pudding, making it an indulgent treat for dessert lovers.
OSA COFFEE is one of the most popular cafes in Nakazakicho, with high popularity among foreign visitors, resulting in daily queues. There's also terrace seating, which is recommended on nice days.
As it can get crowded, it's best to visit early if possible.
<Store Information>
Address: 3-3-10 Nakazakicho, Kita-ku, Osaka
Opening Hours: 11:00-18:00
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 06-6359-6900
Official Website: https://fuk-coffee.com/shop/osa-coffee/
Cafe & bar farben
Source:Tabelog
Located in the charming Nakazakicho district, Cafe & bar farben is famous for croffle - a Korean-inspired sweet that combines croissant and waffle. The name "farben" means color in German, and the interior creates a warm atmosphere with various color schemes.
The cafe offers five flavors of croffles with customizable sizes. My recommendations are the Caramelized Banana and Honey Lemon varieties. Croffles feature a crispy exterior and fluffy interior with subtle sweetness.
Perfect for those interested in Korean desserts or aesthetically pleasing sweets.
<Store Information>
Address: 4-1-6 Nakazakinishi, Kita-ku, Osaka
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 11:00-19:00, Fri-Sun & Holidays 11:00-23:00
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 072-260-9482
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafe_farben/
Spiacafe
Source:Tabelog
Spiacafe is a hidden gem located on the second floor of a vintage clothing store building in Nakazakicho.
The predominantly white interior features over 20 Instagram-worthy photo spots. The relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for leisurely cafe visits.
Spiacafe serves four specialty cakes and seven drink options. Their tiramisu is my favorite - featuring perfectly balanced cream smoothness and coffee aroma, with harmonious sweet and bitter notes.
Recommended for photography enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil space to enjoy desserts.
<Store Information>
Address: 3-2-4 Nakazakinishi, Kita-ku, Osaka 2F
Opening Hours: Mon, Wed-Sun 14:00-22:00 (Last Order 21:15)
Closed: Tuesday
Phone: 06-6476-8507
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spia_cafe/
Recommended for Lunch! 3 Selected Diners to Enjoy Delicious Food in Retro Nakazakicho
Taiyo no To Cafe
Source: Official website
Taiyo no To Cafe is a stylish cafe with a nostalgic atmosphere. It's known as the shop that sparked the cafe culture in Nakazakicho back in 2002. The talented owner not only runs the cafe but also manages a wide range of businesses including a pastry shop and an apparel store.
This cafe is modeled after the "jun-kissa" (pure cafe), a type of cafe that emerged in Japan in the early Showa period where people could enjoy coffee. The antique interiors decorating the shop create an atmosphere that feels like you've time-traveled to an old era in Japan. You can also experience Japan's unique cafe culture here.
The menu is extensive, with popular items including healthy Japanese-style set meals, sweet puddings, and homemade scones. If you want to fully experience a traditional Japanese cafe, this is definitely a place you should visit.
<Store Information>
Address: 2-3-12 Nakazaki, Kita-ku, Osaka
Opening Hours: Morning 9:00-11:00, Lunch 11:00-15:00
Closed: New Year's holidays
Phone: 06-6374-3630
Official Website: https://taiyounotou.com/cafe/honten/
PLUG
Source: Tabelog
PLUG, known as a diner located about a 5-minute walk from Nakazakicho Station on the Osaka Metro, is a restaurant with a comfortable interior inspired by New York diners. PLUG can be used not only for meals but also as a cafe or bar, with a simple and stylish atmosphere. The open feeling makes it comfortable to enjoy your meal.
The recommended dish is the rich rice carbonara, which is a dish of turmeric rice topped with a rich carbonara sauce and egg yolk. The spiciness of the coarsely ground black pepper blends in, making it addictive after just one bite.
The relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere will surely make you want to linger.
<Store Information>
Address: suehirogari bldg.1F, 1-8-3 Nakazaki Nishi, Kita-ku, Osaka
Opening Hours: 11:30-22:00
Closed: Mondays (If Monday is a holiday, then the following day)
Phone: 06-6225-8498
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plug_shokudou/
Rojiura Shokudo Machunaga
Source: Google Maps
For those looking for a hidden gem restaurant in Nakazakicho, we recommend the Italian restaurant Rojiura Shokudo Machunaga.
True to its name, this backstreet restaurant is housed in a renovated old traditional house with a great atmosphere. The menu is extensive and portions are generous, making it perfect for those who want to indulge in a hearty meal.
The recommended dish is the pasta lunch, which comes with a salad, bread, and soup for less than 1,000 yen, allowing you to enjoy a fulfilling lunch.
Other menu items include taco rice and roast beef tongue rice bowl, offering a wide variety of hearty dishes.
Note that as the owner runs the shop alone, it may take some time for the food to be served. When visiting, make sure you have plenty of time.
<Store Information>
Address: 1-9-22 Nakazaki Nishi, Kita-ku, Osaka
Opening Hours: Lunch 11:30-15:00, Dinner 18:00-22:00
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 050-1556-4663
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/machu_0128/
Kaisen Shokudo Haruko
Source:Official website
Located in the vibrant Nakazakicho district, Kaisen Shokudo Haruko is a specialized seafood restaurant known for its generous seafood set meals. They serve creative seafood dishes using fish delivered directly from the market where fresh catches arrive every morning.
Among their voluminous menu items, I recommend the "Hamidashi Kaisen Don" (Overflowing Seafood Bowl), featuring 10 different types of seafood arranged to overflow from the bowl. Fresh seafood like tuna, shrimp, and scallops offer a melt-in-your-mouth texture and exquisite taste.
This restaurant is perfect for those wanting to enjoy a variety of seafood in generous portions.
<Store Information>
Address: JR High Line 36, 3-3-15 Nakazaki-nishi, Kita-ku, Osaka
Opening Hours: 11:30 - 14:00 (Last Order 13:30)
Closed: New Year's Eve
Phone: 06-4802-0303
Official Website: https://tetsutarou.com/umeda/news_umeda/20220326.html
Il Terra
Source:Tabelog
Situated in Nakazakicho, Il Terra is an intimate teppanyaki restaurant with just 12 counter seats. Teppanyaki is a style of cuisine where ingredients are cooked on an iron griddle, with chefs preparing dishes right before your eyes.
Their most popular dish is omurice, a Japanese-originated dish where rice is wrapped in an omelet. Watching the chef prepare omurice on the teppan feels like witnessing a performance. I recommend their limited-edition Porcini Mushroom Omurice (only 5 servings per day). The aromatic mushrooms and melty egg texture create a delightful combination.
Perfect for those wanting to try omurice or enjoy a meal in a lively atmosphere.
<Store Information>
Address: 4-2-30 Nakazaki-nishi, Kita-ku, Osaka
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, Holidays, and Day before Holidays 12:00 - 15:30 (Last Order 15:00), 18:00 - 00:00 (Last Order 22:30)
Closed: Sunday and Monday
Phone: 050-5571-1091
Official Website: https://www.instagram.com/teppanyaki__il.terra/
Souvenir Shops in a Retro Town! 2 Stores Where You Can Purchase Stylish Retro Goods
Guignol
Source: Official Facebook
Guignol is a shop housed in a renovated old house that sells accessories themed around celestial bodies and dolls, all created by artists.
The second floor of the shop is a gallery where solo exhibitions and group exhibitions of artists' works are regularly held. The gallery events are free, so they're easy to enjoy and highly recommended.
Near Guignol, there's a sister shop called JAMPOT, which also regularly hosts handmade artists' events and exhibitions. Both shops are full of artistic accessories, making them great places to purchase souvenirs.
<Store Information>
Address: 2-3-28 Nakazaki, Kita-ku, Osaka
Opening Hours: 12:00-19:00
Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays
Official Website: https://guignol.jp/
ONLY PLANET
Source: Tripadvisor
ONLY PLANET, located in Nakazakicho, is a specialty shop selling animal-themed accessories. It's filled with cute animal-themed accessories, perfect for those seeking a touch of comfort in their daily lives.
The accessories range from earrings and piercings to necklaces and keychains, with great variety. There are even dinosaur-themed goods. The shop is so packed with these animal accessories that even I, an animal lover, found myself absorbed in browsing and lost track of time.
The shop is filled with accessories of excellent taste, and it's also recommended just for the healing experience. There are also reasonably priced accessories, so why not pick some up as souvenirs?
<Store Information>
Address: Elveil Quatre 1F, 3-1-6 Nakazaki, Kita-ku, Osaka
Opening Hours: 11:00-18:00
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 06-6359-5584
Official Website: https://onlyplanet.web.fc2.com/shopinfo.html
Access
Nakazakicho, where you can enjoy a retro atmosphere with its rows of old traditional houses, is located 800m from Umeda.
If you want to enjoy Osaka's sightseeing spots deeply and effectively, 5-Hour Osaka Highlights Bike Tour with Lunch is the BEST!!
This comprehensive 5-hour bicycle tour costs $64.90 (approximately ¥9,500). The price includes a cross bike, lunch, matcha, and insurance coverage.
Participants must be at least 150cm tall. The tour covers approximately 11km, centering around the 105-hectare Osaka Castle Park.
Learn about daily life and culture at local shrines and shopping streets, and discover Osaka's history at the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living. At Osaka Castle, one of Japan's three major castles, you'll have ample time for photos, and pictures taken by the guide will be emailed to you later.
Vegetarian options are available, though dashi (soup stock) contains seafood. Vegan and gluten-free options are not available. Cancellation is possible if there's a 40% or higher chance of rain, and schedule changes can be made up to 24 hours in advance. The small group format allows for flexible rest breaks, making it suitable for various travel styles.
Details here: 5-Hour Osaka Highlights Bike Tour with Lunch
After a day of shopping, enjoy exquisite Osaka cuisine and bar hopping with a local guide in the evening!
When visiting Osaka, don't just limit yourself to shopping - indulge in the city's legendary cuisine and enjoy bar-hopping in Dotonbori and Namba, Osaka's premier entertainment districts. Osaka is renowned for having one of Japan's top three food cultures.
However, with countless restaurants throughout the city, it can be challenging for first-time international visitors to find those authentic local gems that residents love.
If you want to efficiently explore and deeply experience Osaka's food culture, culinary delights, and drinking scene, consider joining tours with a local guide provided by Magical Trip.
In this article, we'll introduce both Magical Trip tours and provide a guide to help you make the most of Osaka's nightlife.
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
This is a 3-hour tour where you can savor Osaka's food culture. For $93.44 (approximately ¥14,000) per person, you can enjoy 8 local specialties and 3 drinks.
Visit local favorite shops serving piping hot takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, and more. From Shinsekai to Dotonbori, you'll explore not only tourist spots but also hidden alleyways and temples known only to locals.
An English-speaking local guide will explain the history and culture of each spot in detail. This popular tour has been experienced by over 4,700 people and is well-received by various groups from couples to families and elderly visitors. Vegetarian options are available with advance request (by the previous day), but gluten-free options are not available. Meeting point is at Imamiya-Ebisu Station and dismissal at Namba Station, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Details here: Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
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