Osaka Shopping, JAPAN
Airing Date: Jun 2nd, 2007
Osaka is the third largest city in
Japan and is a major port on the South coast of
Honshu Island. The city is in the heart of the
Kansai region in central Japan, about 350km west of
Tokyo.
It is divided into northern and southern areas,
Kita (north), also known as
Umeda, is the city's main business and administrative centre.
Minami (south), is the city's entertainment district and contains the hyperactive shopping and nightlife areas of
Namba and
Shinsaibashi.
Since the Edo period (1600-1868), shopping has been one of Osaka's main attractions. The city has a myriad of markets, shopping arcades, boutiques and malls of every kind.
Although it's thought that Tokyo is the fashion centre of Japan, fashion experts say Osaka is where the big trends actually start. Because people from Osaka are more likely to live with their family, they are likely to spend their higher disposable income on clothes.
Arcades and themed commercial districts contain specialty shops that sell everything from computer gadgetry and electrical goods, to cameras, restaurant equipment, wholesale clothing, fabric, toys, and fashion. Whatever you're looking for, you'll find it in Osaka.
A great way to fuel your energy as you shop is to eat like the locals do. Osaka is also famous for its food. A popular phrase, Kuidaore, literally means "eat until you drop" or "stuff yourself until you can't eat anymore", describes Osaka's love affair with food. With thousands of restaurants in its alleys, malls and streets, Osaka is a place of perpetual feeding, from gourmet dining rooms to rowdy street stalls!
Further Information:Japan Airlines (JAL) - fly to Osaka via Tokyo from $1542.00 east coast (Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne & Cairns)
Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Call
(02)9272 1111 or visit
www.jal.com.auHotel Nikko Osaka - Double room from $345 a couple. Call
81-6-6244-1111or visit
www.hno.co.jp/english/index_e.htmlJapan National Tourist Organization (JNTO): - Address: Level 18, Australia Square Tower
264 George Street, Sydney 2000 . Call
(02) 9251 3024 or visit
www.jnto.go.jp/sydAustrade: Aya Fujii from Austrade went shopping with Shelley in her home town Osaka. Austrade's mission is to help more Australians succeed in export and international business by providing advice, market intelligence and support to Australian companies setting up in international markets. Call
13 28 78 or visit
www.austrade.gov.au
