Department Stores

All major Japanese depato (department stores) are represented in Osaka. Hankyu is headquartered here. They're open 10-7, but usually close one day a month, on a Wednesday or Thursday. The food hall in the basement of Hanshin department store is the city's best. If you want to take a break from shopping, head to the roof of HEP Five, where you can ride an enormous Ferris wheel. The following are some of Osaka's leading depatos: Daimaru (1-7-1 Shin-sai-bashi-suji, Chuo-ku, 542-0085. 06/6343-1231). Hankyu (8-7 Kakuta-cho, Kita-ku, 530-0017. 06/6361-1381). Hanshin (1-13-13 Umeda, Kita-ku, 530-0001. 06/6345-1201). HEP Five (5-15 Kakuda-cho, Kita-ku, 530-0017. 06/6342-0002. Ferris wheel ¥500. Building and Ferris wheel daily 11-11, shops daily 11-9). Takashimaya (5-1-5 Namba, Chuo-ku, 542-0076. 06/6631-1101).

Hilton Plaza West and East have international brands like Max Mara, Dunhill, Chanel, and Ferragamo. Herbis Ent Plaza is a local high-end shopping complex connected to the Hilton Plaza West complex. These three shopping complexes are opposite Osaka Station. To the east of the Hankyu Grand Building is NU Chayamachi—a collection of small boutiques, both local and foreign, and some good cafés. Hilton Plaza East (1-8-6 Umeda, Kita-ku, 530-0001. 06/6348-9168). Hilton Plaza West (2-2-2 Umeda, Kita-ku, 530-0001. 06/6342-0002). Herbis Ent Plaza (2-2-22 Umeda, Kita-ku, 530-0001. 06/6343-7500). Namba Parks (2-10-70, Naniwa-ku, 556-0011. 06/6644-7100). NU Chayamachi (10-12 Chayamachi, Kita-ku, 530-0013. 06/6373-7371).

Crafts Shopping

At one time famous for its traditional crafts—particularly karaki-sashimono (ornately carved furniture), fine Naniwa Suzu-ki pewterware, and uchihamono (Sakai cutlery)—Osaka lost much of its traditional industry during World War II. The simplest way to find Osakan crafts is to visit one of the major department stores.