Good shopping area for shoes

Introduction

The Kansai region offers a diverse selection of places to buy shoes, from high-end designer stores to unique Japanese brands and specialty boutiques. Osaka and Kobe, in particular, are popular destinations for footwear shopping, with well-known shopping districts and stores featuring international brands, Japanese craftsmanship, and trendy streetwear options. Here are five recommended places for buying shoes in Kansai, along with information about famous shoe stores in these areas.

1. Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street (Osaka)

・Overview:
Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street is one of Osaka's main shopping avenues, renowned for its wide array of stores, from international brands to unique Japanese shops.

・Highlights:
Here, you can find everything from high-end brands to affordable shoe stores. Famous footwear stores in Shinsaibashi include ABC-Mart, one of Japan's largest shoe retailers, known for carrying an extensive selection of both international brands (such as Nike, Adidas, and Converse) and Japanese brands. Another must-visit store in the area is Onitsuka Tiger, a globally recognized Japanese brand known for stylish sneakers with a heritage-inspired design. Shinsaibashi is ideal for finding trendy, high-quality footwear across a range of styles and budgets.

2. Amerikamura (Osaka)

・Overview:
Known as the center of youth culture in Osaka, Amerikamura (American Village) is home to numerous stores that focus on streetwear and unique, edgy fashion.

・Highlights:
For those interested in sneakers and street-style footwear, Amerikamura offers a wealth of choices. Popular stores like Chapter Osaka and Atmos specialize in hard-to-find sneakers and limited-edition releases from top brands, making this area a sneakerhead's paradise. Amerikamura is also known for its selection of vintage shops where you can find rare and retro sneakers, perfect for anyone interested in one-of-a-kind footwear.

3. Umeda (Osaka)

・Overview:
Umeda is Osaka’s commercial and shopping district, with several large department stores and shopping complexes that feature popular shoe brands and designer footwear.

・Highlights:
The Hankyu Department Store in Umeda is one of the top shopping destinations, known for its luxury and high-end brands, including famous international shoe designers like Salvatore Ferragamo, Jimmy Choo, and Japanese designer shoe brands. For more budget-friendly yet stylish options, Umeda also has ABC-Mart Grand Stage, a larger version of the standard ABC-Mart with exclusive collections and an extensive selection of premium shoes. Umeda’s Grand Front Osaka shopping complex also has specialized shoe stores and is a great choice for finding everything from classic styles to luxury options.

4. Motomachi and Sannomiya (Kobe)

・Overview:
Kobe’s Motomachi and Sannomiya shopping streets are known for their stylish atmosphere and variety of fashion boutiques, including famous shoe stores and Kobe's unique handmade footwear.

・Highlights:
Kobe is famous for its leather craftsmanship, especially Kobe Leather, which is highly regarded for quality and durability. Stores like Kanematsu and Regal Shoes in Sannomiya offer locally crafted leather shoes, combining classic Japanese craftsmanship with modern designs. You’ll also find famous shoe brands at Daimaru Kobe, a high-end department store known for exclusive footwear options and high-quality Japanese and international brands. Motomachi and Sannomiya are great for those looking for high-quality leather shoes and premium footwear with Japanese craftsmanship.

5. Kyoto Station Building (Kyoto)

・Overview:
Kyoto Station is more than just a transportation hub; it’s also a shopping destination with a variety of stores that include footwear shops and fashion boutiques.

・Highlights:
Kyoto Station Building has several popular stores like ABC-Mart, where you can find both Japanese and international shoe brands. The station’s Isetan department store also offers designer footwear and classic Japanese brands. Additionally, the station houses smaller specialty shoe stores that focus on comfort and durability, appealing to travelers and those looking for practical footwear with a touch of Japanese style. Kyoto Station is a great place to find comfortable walking shoes, perfect for exploring the city's many temples and historical sites.

Famous Kansai Shoe Stores and Specialty Shops

1. ABC-Mart:
A popular chain across Japan, ABC-Mart carries a wide selection of footwear from international sportswear brands to Japanese casual styles, available in most Kansai shopping districts. Its flagship stores (like the ABC-Mart Grand Stage in Umeda) feature exclusive designs and limited-edition releases.
2. Onitsuka Tiger:
Known for its iconic design, Onitsuka Tiger is a Japanese brand that started in Kobe and offers fashionable sneakers that combine heritage with modern comfort. Onitsuka Tiger stores in Shinsaibashi and Kobe are ideal for visitors looking for Japanese-inspired sneakers.
3. Regal Shoes:
Known for its leather craftsmanship and refined styles, Regal Shoes offers high-quality footwear for both men and women. Located in shopping areas like Umeda and Sannomiya, Regal Shoes is a great choice for classic leather shoes with a Japanese touch.
4. Atmos:
A popular spot in Amerikamura for limited-edition and trendy sneakers, Atmos is the go-to place for sneaker enthusiasts looking for collaborations with global brands like Nike and Adidas.
5. Kanematsu:
Located in Kobe, Kanematsu is known for luxury leather shoes made with Kobe Leather. It’s a great place to find high-end, hand-crafted leather shoes that highlight Kobe’s rich history in leather craftsmanship.