Nipponbashi (Electoric Market). Sakaisuji Avenue, Osaka

Nipponbashi Den Den Town, situated in Osaka's Naniwa Ward, is a bustling shopping hub frequented by tourists, particularly for its position along Sakaisuji Avenue. The area boasts a diverse selection of goods including electronics, Japanese comics (manga), and various other items.

Historically, this location housed a theater named Nagamachi during the Edo period, which was later renamed Nipponbashi by the Osaka Municipal Government. Following the Meiji restoration, the area saw the emergence of numerous secondhand bookstores. It earned the nickname Den Den Town after World War II, attributed to the influx of electronic shops that established there. Although its popularity waned with the rise of large electronic chains in nearby Umeda and Namba, it regained traction with the introduction of stores specializing in anime and manga-related products.

Currently, Nipponbashi Den Den Town offers a wide array of products such as electronics, home appliances, lighting, computers, video games, CD players, and cameras, all at reasonable prices. Unique to this market, customers have the option to negotiate prices, which isn’t as common in other Osaka markets. Duty-free options are available for tourists who present their passports, providing significant savings. Additionally, the area is known for its Maid and Cosplay cafés, where staff in thematic outfits serve guests, and full-service cabarets also enhance the local entertainment offerings.