Midōsuji, Osaka

Midōsuji Avenue, a significant thoroughfare in Osaka, stretches north-south through the bustling central districts of Umeda, Nakanoshima, Shinsaibashi, Dōtonbori, Ame-mura, and Namba. This iconic street not only serves as a major urban artery but also houses the Midōsuji Line subway beneath its surface. Historically, during the Edo period, this route was a narrow street known as "Yodoyabashisuji" before its transformation in the Taishō period into the grand avenue that exists today.

The avenue is approximately 4 kilometers long and transitions into Shinmido-suji in the north, aligning with Japan National Route 423, and extends southward as the Kishu Highway. Midōsuji boasts a magnificent canopy of ginkgo trees, creating a stunning yellow vista in autumn, making it a scenic spot for both locals and tourists.

Today, Midōsuji stands out as an ultra-premium shopping destination, likened to Paris's Champs Elysee. It is lined with high-end international fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Armani, alongside major hotels and the expansive Daimaru department store. The Apple flagship store also draws numerous visitors, adding to the street's appeal as a top spot for shopping and window shopping. The street's transformation into a shopping haven has even been celebrated in popular culture, including being referenced in songs by notable Japanese artists.

For those visiting Osaka, Midōsuji offers a unique blend of modern luxury shopping, historical context, and natural beauty, especially during the autumn season when the ginkgo leaves are aglow with golden hues.