Karahori Shotengai Shopping Street: Osaka’s Retro Town Charm

● Between Matsuyamachi & Tanimachi 6-chome

About 800 meters of shops, cafes, and unique buildings dot the area around and along Karahori Shopping Street. We took a walk through the old-town neighborhood to see what we could find along the way.

●Along Karahori Shopping Street

Only one station away from the hustle and bustle of Shinsaibashi, this part of Osaka features row houses and architecture dating back 100+ years. Newly refurbished, many of the buildings now house chic cafes, and trendy shops.

●Zakka Emoji: All About Washi Japanese Paper

First stop, Kamisho Zakka Emoji, a shop specializing in washi (Japanese paper). Beautiful wood interior lays a gorgeous background for all the different colored papers made from natural fibers. Their tasteful selection of stationery and the customizable made-to-order notebooks were our favorites!

●Konbu Doi: Konbu Specialty Shop

Next, we moved on to Konbu Doi, a long-established konbu (kelp) shop. The base for that famous umami flavor in Japanese cuisine, dashi broth is frequently made with from kelp. Thus the need for a shop dedicated specifically to this magical seaweed. For those who need a shortcut in the kitchen, they stock ready-made soup broth. Plus, they surprised us with a supply of kelp tea and kelp-flavored candy… Wow!

●Lunch at Kyu Yamutei

If you get hungry while exploring, you’ll find plenty of options for lunch and snacks at Karahori Shotengai.

We popped into a local favorite, Kyu Yamutei, for lunch. The aroma of spices wafting through the retro style restaurant welcomes visitors as soon as they step inside. It’s sure to get your appetite revving! Curry flavors change daily and are always exciting to try. We’re already ready to come back for more as soon as we leave the restaurant. And, if you’re lucky, you might meet their resident cat♪

●Ultimate TKG at Tamago no Tamaco

Tamago no Tamaco is open only on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. A true haven for egg lovers, you can enjoy all-you-can-eat raw eggs here! Fresh, beautiful eggs arrive in a basket, just waiting to be savored.

You can even compare specially selected brand eggs from across Japan, each with its own unique characteristics. Experience the surprising variety of colors, richness, and texture firsthand.

Their meringue-style TKG is a completely new experience. The egg is like powdery snow—fluffy, runny, and melting in your mouth. When the rich umami of the yolk meets the special soy sauce, it’s like eating a cloud. This is sure to change the way you think about TKG♪

*TKG (Tamago Kake Gohan) is a popular Japanese breakfast dish—a simple bowl of steaming rice topped with a raw egg and seasoned with a little soy sauce.

●A Perfect Mix of Nostalgia and Modern Trends

A perfect mix of nostalgia and modern trends… Karahori is a fun neighborhood where you can get a taste of the old and the new all in the same place. It’s the perfect place to uncover hidden gems.

Osaka Castle’s outer moat once extended through the Karahori area during the Sengoku (Warring States) period. Legend has it that a secret tunnel in Karahori leads all the way to the castle—a story that inspired the science fiction film Princess Toyotomi. The movie showcases many locations around Osaka, making it a fun way to explore the city and get acquainted with its sights before your visit. Some fans even take it a step further and tour the actual film locations♪

Just one stop away from the hustle and bustle of Shinsaibashi, the old-town neighborhood of Karahori offers a completely different atmosphere. Stroll through the slow-moving streets and enjoy the charming, laid-back vibe of Karahori.

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