With its covered arcades and blend of contemporary and traditional stores, Nagoya's Osu Shopping Street provides a bustling and delightful strolling experience. The food stalls stood out, especially those with large queues, which indicated their popularity, even though many establishments didn't have anything that tempted me to buy. You can try some of the local street food and snacks there. You might find some hidden treasures or better bargains in the side streets if you have the time to explore. Even if you're not there to buy much, the lively environment makes the trip worthwhile for the experience. It's perfect for taking leisurely walks, observing people, and sampling delectable snacks as you go.
An authentic, Showa era style shopping area, but with a mixture of buildings old and new. There are various shops that look like they're decades old, but also various cafes, bars, and an eclectic range of eateries (with food from several countries). Not too many people either, so easy to walk about.
Took an overnight bus from Kanto region to check out the Nagoya City for the first time and even that bus ride was a real hardcore (night one was brutal lol). Surprisingly, the day ride was much more relaxing because of the entire view from my seating had no curtains at all view covering the whole windows and more natural lights available from outside. Also, I had a blast venturing out at every bus stop at parking site at the expressway rest areas where there's plenty of food trucks, indoor food courts, gifts shop, clean and spacious toilets, vending machines, and smoking areas for those smokers lol. They even had a McDonald, Starbucks, and Baskin Robbin Ice Cream shop! A+
Osu Shotengai Shopping street in beautiful Nagoya City has abundance of shops, restaurants, and more lol. Definitely a fun place to explore either on solo or with a family or friends. Compared to Osaka and other popular "Shotengai," this place offersre rare and unique tour experience. They even have maid cafe, maid band, and tons of restaurants. Btw, the donuts vending machine caught me offguard they all look delicious.
As an American, I noticed right away once I got off the bus (mind you, this was like 06:00a.m.) I was clueless for about 2 minutes. Once you start walking towards the main Nagoya train station, about a few minutes you can easily locate the Internet Cafe Mambo (if you are interested in taking a quick shower they also come with a bath towel, 300 yen). Once you enter the main train station building you can locate a spacious clean toilet. Once you look around, there's a vending machine and also the coin locker available if you have luggage (400 yen all day). In most cases, the business hotels you more than likely booked prior to your arrival will take your luggage before you check in too so I would highly recommend you confirm that with the hotel staff. As you further walk passing the clean toilet, vending machine, and coin locker you will next find a McDonald. More than likely it will be crowded being the only place opened that early in the morning. I charged my phone and had a quick breakfast there.
Once you continue walking in the Nagoya Station, you will come across the JR train, subway, and bus signs. While subway system is convenient, I chose the terminal bus route. Why? Because the #11 City Terminal bus stop, located under the basement you can purchase a one day unlimited bus ride ticket (500 yen on a weekday and a little more on weekends, pay as you get in with a cash). This bus will take you all the places on your general bucket lists like Toyota museum, Nagoya Castle, Science museums, and several amazing places easily back and forth. DO NOT rent a car or come to Nagoya City driving a car from other prefectures. One, it's hard to find a parking space and even then, it could get pricey! Also, people drive fast here lol. No offense lol. Be prepared to walk a lot, get a nice pair of sneakers and a light back pack.
Big Camera building right across the Nagoya station, passing the big taxi lot, you can go in there and check out plenty of restaurants, game corner, electronic shop, food court/restaurants, and toilets (basement floor only). One of the floor, I can't remember exactly but had a bunch of toys, anime, and figurines (Star Wars, DC Comic, and more) for last minute shoppers before taking the long distant bus ride.
Now, going back to the Osu Street Shotengai area. Let's say you pass there and walk towards the main streets there are plenty of shopping district you can't miss out. Bars, restaurants, izakayas, and park. Nagoya City people are very fashionable and it's just fun exploring and checking out the scenery lol. One of the building had a major discount store called the Book Off. Jump Comic with a special anime goods try a google search for tourists looking to shop discount Anime items, clothing, music, and variety of rare items you can only find here in Japan.
Enjoy the food and amazing vibe of this beautiful Nagoya City!
