Just west of Dotonbori, which can be considered the heart of Osaka tourism, lies the area known as “America Mura” or America Village.
This place bears a striking resemblance to popular districts in South Korea, such as Hongdae or Itaewon, and can be compared to Tokyo’s Harajuku in Japan.
“Osaka’s American Town: America Mura”
America Mura translates to “American Village,” capturing the essence of a small American-style town. This area flourished in the 1970s when shops converted from warehouses began selling imported second-hand clothes, used records, and various goods from the U.S., gaining attention.
Thanks to its history, America Mura continues to thrive with second-hand clothing stores, accessory shops, cafes, galleries, making it a hub for Osaka’s youth culture.
“Centered Around Triangle Park, Also Known as Sankaku Koen”
America Mura unfolds around Triangle Park, known as Sankaku Koen. Occasionally, street performances take place in this park. However, during the time of my visit, there weren’t any street performances, possibly due to the late hour.
“Unique Shops in the Shopping Mall, Big Step”
In America Mura, you’ll discover a shopping mall called “Big Step,” housing distinctive and personality-filled stores. Passing by, I noticed the mall was decorated in anticipation of the upcoming Halloween festival, showcasing Halloween-themed concepts. Although I didn’t have enough time to explore the mall during this trip, I made a mental note to visit next time I find myself in Osaka.
America Mura, a small American town within Osaka, offers a vibe similar to Seoul’s Hongdae in South Korea. It’s a unique spot worth exploring for those seeking a youthful and vibrant atmosphere.
“Japan, Osaka, America Mura”
- Address: 2 Chome-11 Nishishinsaibashi, Chūō-ku, Ōsaka-shi, Ōsaka-fu 542-0086, Japan
- Phone: +81 6-6941-1144