Osaka Den Den Town

The rivalry between the Kansai and Kanto regions is, more often than not, manifest most clearly in the ongoing banter and playful one-upmanship between the cities of Tokyo and Osaka.

The rivalry between the Kansai and Kanto regions is, more often than not, manifest most clearly in the ongoing banter and playful one-upmanship between the cities of Tokyo and Osaka. Where Osaka has the Tsuruhashi Korean Town, Tokyo has Shin Okubo, the Korean Town of Tokyo. Where Tokyo has the Sky Tree, Osaka has the Sky Building.

And while no visit to Tokyo is complete without a trip to the anime-infused Akihabara, often referred to as Tokyo’s “Electric Town,” conversely, many of us may have overlooked the “Otaku Oasis” that is Osaka Den Den Town. (Den Den referring to denki, or electricity.)

What you’ll find

Whether you’re into anime, video games, collectible card games, or you just love dressing up in weird costumes, Den Den Town has something for everyone.

Den Den Town isn’t just for the youngsters either. Perhaps you want to relive your childhood with some Famicom or Sega Mega Drive games from yesteryear. Den Den Town has you covered with its many retro gaming stores, such as Super Potato.

You can find more conventional electronic bargains too. The huge, multi-leveled “Sofmap” store at the beginning of the street, coming from Nipponbashi, has TVs, computers, smartphones and all manner of other second hand electronics, at rock bottom prices.

Or perhaps you just want to relax and be pampered. If so, then why not check out one of the area’s many maid cafes. One of the best times to visit Den Den Town is in March each year, when the area plays host to one of the biggest anime-themed annual events in Kansai: The Nipponbashi Street Festa.

Cosplayers from all over Japan, and indeed beyond, descend on Den Den Town to strut their stuff in a street parade welcoming fans of all genres and characters.

As well as just the costumes themselves, there’s also dance and street art performances, as well as live music. The performers are also happy to pose for photos too, so be sure to bring your best camera with you. Beat that, Akihabara!