Good morning, good afternoon, or good evening. I’m “Tabisuru Neko-oji” (the Traveling Cat Uncle), a solo traveler who enjoys exploring at my own pace.
When you think of the main street for sightseeing in Osaka, the vibrant “Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street” immediately comes to mind. Packed with everything from long-established stores to the latest trend-setting shops, this area overwhelms you with Osaka’s pure energy just by walking through it. However, for a “solo traveler” who isn’t great with crowds, it’s a place that requires a bit of mental preparation (lol).
Today, I’ll share a secret strategy for starting your day quietly and perfectly in bustling Shinsaibashi. Based on my personal experience, I’ll introduce my favorite morning spot, “Hoshino Coffee,” and how to navigate the shopping street afterward. I hope this serves as a helpful reference for anyone planning a trip to Osaka.
1. An Elegant Morning at “Hoshino Coffee Shinsaibashi-suji Branch” to Forget the City Noise
After 11:00 AM, Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street becomes so crowded there’s hardly room to move. That’s why I recommend “Hoshino Coffee in the morning.” Once you step into this second-floor café, the outside bustle vanishes, replaced by a retro, sophisticated atmosphere.
The Best Seat for Solo Travelers! Window Seats for People Watching
The standout feature here is the luxurious interior. The floors, walls, and ceilings are all finished in wood tones, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a high-end hotel lounge. Yet, the great thing about Hoshino Coffee is that it doesn’t feel overly pretentious.
My absolute favorite is the “window seat.” You can look down on the shopping street from the second floor, sipping your coffee slowly while watching the people passing by below. You can see them, but they don’t notice you. This environment, which allows for perfect “stealth people watching,” is a top-tier healing spot for a solo traveler.
Great Value: An Extraordinary Breakfast Set for 600 Yen
Hoshino Coffee’s morning service (from opening until 11:00 AM) follows the “Nagoya style,” where thick-sliced toast and a boiled egg are included just for the price of your drink. In these times of rising prices, this pricing is truly appreciated.
| Set Menu (Includes Drink) | Price (Tax Included) |
|---|---|
| Thick-sliced Toast & Boiled Egg | From 600 yen |
| Ham & Cheese Toast | From 700 yen |
| Sweet Bean Paste & Whipped Cream | From 700 yen |
| French Toast | From 800 yen |
This time, I ordered the classic “Hoshino Blend” and toast. The Hoshino Blend has low acidity and offers a solid, coffee-like bitterness and richness. Butter melting into the freshly toasted bread, the quiet time spent peeling a boiled egg… Just having this moment significantly upgrades the quality of your day’s journey.
2. After Breakfast, Stroll Through “Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street”
Once your stomach is satisfied, it’s finally time to explore the shopping street. The roughly 600-meter-long arcade is home to about 180 shops. As 10:00 AM passes, shops begin to open one after another, and you can feel the energy of the city rising.
Drugstore Battleground! Perfect for Souvenir Hunting
One thing that surprises people walking through Shinsaibashi is the sheer number of drugstores. “Matsumoto Kiyoshi,” “Cocokara Fine,” “Sugi Pharmacy,” “Sun Drug”… major chains are crowded together within a stone’s throw of each other. Because of the heavy competition, you can often find store-exclusive sale items, making this area the most efficient place to look for cosmetics or daily necessities for souvenirs.
Safe Even in the Rain: An All-Weather Tourist Route
Neko-oji’s Tip: Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street is fully covered by an arcade. Sightseeing in Osaka on a rainy day can be surprisingly difficult, but here you can walk from end to end without needing an umbrella.
3. Don’t Miss These! Nearby Photo Spots
If you continue walking south (towards Namba), you will eventually reach “that view” everyone has seen in photos.
- The Glico Sign at Ebisubashi: Needs no explanation. Taking a photo here with your arms up is a ritual of Osaka tourism.
- Kani Doraku Main Store: Seeing the giant crab legs move always makes me feel, “I’ve truly arrived in Osaka.”
- America-mura (Amemura): About a 5-minute walk west of the shopping street. This area is a hub for youth culture, centered around Triangle Park. There are many unique vintage clothing stores, and it’s entertaining just to look around.
4. Access and Basic Information
Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street is very large, so first-time visitors might get lost. Don’t worry, I’ve summarized the key points so even a “solo traveler” can reach it without getting lost.
■ How to get there from the nearest station
Osaka Metro Midosuji Line / Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line “Shinsaibashi Station” is the closest.
Exit through gates 5 or 6, and you’ll see the entrance to the shopping street immediately. Using the large Daimaru Department Store as a landmark makes it very easy to find.
| Spot Name | Hoshino Coffee Kita-Shinsaibashi Branch |
|---|---|
| Address | D+ Shinsaibashi 2F, 3-10-11 Minamisenba, Chuo-ku, Osaka |
| Morning Hours | Opening ～ Until 11:00 AM |
| Note | Walking north (towards Honmachi) through the shopping street, it will appear on the 2nd floor on your left. |
I’ve also included a Google Map. You’ll be safe as long as you have this on your smartphone!
Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street connects all the way to Dotonbori in “Namba” from here. I strongly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes (lol).
Summary: Find Your Own “Shinsaibashi Morning”
Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street is more than just a shopping area. From a quiet café first thing in the morning to the entire city heating up as noon approaches, I believe the true charm of this town lies in experiencing that gradual change.
“Eat,” “Buy,” “Shoot.” With everything available in Shinsaibashi, please try to make your own unique Osaka memories. Whether you’re alone or with someone, I’m sure it will be the start of a wonderful day.
Thank you for reading until the end. Have a great trip!
