Osaka features almost everything that you’d want to experience while traveling. When you want to take a trip down memory lane, there’s the magnificent Osaka Castle. Families with kids will appreciate Harry Potter’s world at the Universal Studios theme park here. For a taste of authentic takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, yakiniuku, and more, this city hailed as “Japan’s Kitchen,” is also the place to be.
However, to see a side of this destination that’s focused anime, manga, and all things Japanese pop culture, you should visit Den Den Town. Take a look at this definitive guide to Osaka’s answer to Tokyo’s Akihabara, its otaku heaven.
Why Is Den Den Town Known as the Otaku Heaven of Osaka?
Den Den Town is widely visited by both locals and tourists not just for anime and manga actually, but also for electronics, cameras, computers, video games, and pop culture.
Its name is such because it’s a truncated form of “Denki no Machi,” which means “Electric Town,” as it should be. Akihabara in Tokyo may be more popular, but Den Den Town is regarded as the more superior alternative.
The biggest stores are concentrated along two lengthy, main streets, Sakaisuji’s Nipponbashisuji Shopping Mall, and Ota Road. This town’s urban design makes it easy to navigate and find what you are looking for. Plus, there are also lesser crowds.
Best Things to Do in Den Den Town
Discover Osaka’s otaku heaven and find the best things to do in this destination.
Simply Stroll Around and Take In Its Beauty
You wouldn’t appreciate the grandeur of a certain destination without taking a moment to explore it on foot. Simply strolling around Den Den Town is probably the cheapest activity you can have. Get mesmerized by the shops and remember to take pictures. The street signs are clear, so even if you lose yourself, you won’t technically get lost.
Indulge in J-Culture: Manga, Karaoke, and More
Den Den Town is also Japan’s reaction to the phenomenal K-Pop culture. While you’re here, sing your hearts out at a karaoke establishment, browse manga comics, play arcade video games, and so much more. The experiences are limitless.
Order Your Cravings at a Maid Coffee Shop
Those gorgeous gals wearing white aprons over black mini-skirt dresses in Japanese animes are maids you can see come to life at Den Den Town’s maid cafés. These waitresses are screaming kawaii culture, and so are what you can have here. Aside from sumptuous meals, these maids will also sing, dance, and start a conversation with you.
Watch a Cosplay Parade
Cosplay parades occasionally being held at Den Den Town will make those Disneyland parades shake in fear. Instead of your favorite Disney characters, the people starring these parades are cosplayers wearing anime-inspired costumes. You can take photos of them, or star with the parade in your background as you wear cosplay costumes, too. There are lots of stores here that sell cosplay gear and more.
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Shop Retro and Vintage Pre-Loved Merch
In a world where Netflix and other streaming platforms have clearly replaced the popularity of animes you can watch on traditional TVs, Den Den Town preserves tradition by offering vintage items, such as gaming consoles, J-music CDs from the 80s, and other merch that will bring nostalgia to your surroundings. Saving money, but wish to own retro? Some stores here also sell pre-loved merchandise.
Go On a Food Adventure
No adventure at Den Den Town would be complete without embarking on a journey with food. Just like how there are food stalls and restaurants all over the Mong Kok shopping district in Hong Kong, there are also plenty of gastronomic choices here. Experience delicious curries and ramen, while pairing them with irresistible glasses of sake.
Collect Gashapon Toys
Gashapon are popular figurines you see played by your favorite characters from anime and manga. Some of these toys take the shapes of snacks, plants, or animals. Nearly every storefront in Den Den Town features small machines with toys inside their capsules. Like playing arcade games, insert money and watch in delight if you’re able to get a toy out, or watch in horror as the winning slips away. If you’ve been to Taipei, these toy capsules are pretty similar.
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Getting to Den Den Town
By Car or With Your Group Tour
Unless you are hailing a ridesharing car or participating in a group tour arranged by your travel agency, or KKday or Klook, you’re more likely to find yourself commuting. The most convenient way is to take the train.
By Train
If you’re coming from Nipponbashi Station, take Exit 5. Once above ground, walk south, passing by UCC Cafe Plaza and Tokiwa Camera on your right. Your destination begins a block south.
Meanwhile, if you will come from Ebisucho Station, exit at numbers 2 and 5. Once you’re above ground, walk north to see yourself on the main stretch of Nipponbashisuji Shopping Mall. Ota Road shall be nearby.
Lastly, if you’re coming from Namba Station, take the South exit, which will take you to the top edge of Den Den Town in about five minutes.
Tips Before Visiting Den Den Town
Crowds can get really thick at Den Den Town, especially during rush hours. So, if you want less crowd, pick a weekday.
Bring cash. Some stores and restaurants do not accept credit cards and even online payments.
For hidden games like vintage gaming consoles and low-priced toys, head to the side streets.
When Den Den Town holds events, the stores usually offer exclusive merchandise.
Should You Visit Den Den Town?
Yes, you should. Not every tourist in Japan would be firm to include Den Den Town on their itineraries, especially with several attractions to see in this East Asian country, and if they’re in Japan for just a few weeks. Nonetheless, Den Den Town is a destination that will unleash your inner child, not the Tokyo Disneyland-way, but something closer to the heart of real Japanese culture.
Want to discover more of Osaka with a local? Join our Osaka Free Walking Tour and experience Osaka’s rich food, culture, and history.
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