Sometimes known as Nihonbashi or Nipponbashi, Den Den Town is Osaka’s answer to Tokyo’s Akihabara, serving as the city’s premier electronics district. Stretching from Nansan Dori to Nihombashi, this bustling area is packed with one electronics store after another, offering an overwhelming selection of gadgets, devices, and tech-related goods. You can find everything from small battery-operated toys to the latest cutting-edge electronics.
While Den Den Town is also known for hardware, furniture, and antiques, the district is primarily dominated by electronics shops. Stores range from small kiosks selling CDs and MP3 players to massive department stores offering cameras, air conditioners, and other high-end appliances.
The variety of items available is truly astonishing. On our last visit, we saw an incredible selection of novelty products, including electronic Hello Kitty toys, USB memory sticks shaped like plastic sushi, and even a computer case with a built-in fish tank! Unique household appliances are also a major draw, with products like electronic toilet seats and horse saddle fitness machines gaining popularity. Whether you’re after high-quality electronics or quirky gadgets, Den Den Town is a tech-lover’s paradise—just make sure you bring plenty of cash!
Unlike most other retail stores in Japan, haggling is more common here. Many of the larger stores are open to negotiation, and you can often get a 10–15% discount off the ticketed price. Unlike other parts of Asia, most Japanese retailers clearly display prices, making it easy to know what you’re spending. If you don’t speak Japanese, a bit of friendly Kansai-ben (Osaka dialect) can go a long way. Additionally, foreign tourists can often get a sales tax refund by showing their passport—so it’s worth asking!
Another popular spot for visitors in the area is the Osaka Hard Rock Café, located near Namba Railway Station.
Access:
Den Den Town is easily accessible and just a few minutes’ walk from Nipponbashi Station on the Sakaisuji Subway Line. It’s also only a 5-minute walk from Namba Station, making it convenient for both locals and tourists.
