FAQ

• What are the best specialty shops in Osaka?

  Osaka boasts 9 exceptional specialty shops including UES Osaka, Nijiyura, Studio D'Artisan, FULLCOUNT, Sakai Ichimonji Mitsuhide, Tower Knives Osaka, EVISU Shinsaibashi, Warehouse Osaka, and Samurai Jeans. Each shop specializes in unique Japanese craftsmanship ranging from premium denim to handcrafted knives.
• Where can I find Japanese denim shops in Osaka?

  Osaka is a premier destination for Japanese denim with several world-renowned shops including Studio D'Artisan in Minamihorie, UES in Kitahorie, FULLCOUNT in Chuo, EVISU in Shinsaibashi, Warehouse in Hommachi, and Samurai Jeans in Umeda. Each offers distinctive styles and craftsmanship.
• What specialty items can I shop for in Osaka?

  Osaka's specialty merchandise includes premium Japanese denim, traditional handcrafted knives, and tenugui hand towels. The website allows you to filter shops by specialty, making it easy to discover retailers focused on Japanese denim, knives, and traditional textiles.
• How can I navigate between different specialty shops in Osaka?

  Osaka's specialty boutiques are spread across different neighborhoods including Shinsaibashi, Umeda, Namba, and Hommachi. Many are accessible via Osaka's efficient subway system. The Japanetic website provides location information for each shop to help plan your shopping route.
• What makes Japanese denim special compared to other denim?

  Japanese denim is renowned for its superior craftsmanship and attention to detail. It's typically made on vintage shuttle looms producing selvage denim with tightly woven fabric, unique fading characteristics, and distinctive textures. Brands like Studio D'Artisan and FULLCOUNT exemplify this traditional approach.
• Which is the oldest Japanese denim brand in Osaka?

  EVISU, founded in 1991, is one of the pioneering Japanese denim brands with a flagship store in Shinsaibashi. Known for hand-painted seagull motifs on the back pockets, EVISU helped establish Osaka's reputation as a center for premium Japanese denim craftsmanship.
• What is special about FULLCOUNT denim jeans?

  FULLCOUNT specializes in premium selvedge denim made exclusively from hand-picked Zimbabwean cotton. This specific cotton creates exceptionally soft yet durable jeans with beautiful aging characteristics. Their classic styles focus on comfort and authentic vintage details.
• What can I find at UES Osaka shop?

  UES Osaka offers traditional workwear including meticulously crafted jeans, shirts, and jackets that blend vintage aesthetics with modern functionality. Their pieces feature thoughtful details, high-quality materials, and construction techniques that honor traditional Japanese manufacturing practices.
• What is Studio D'Artisan known for?

  Studio D'Artisan, established in 1979, is known as a pioneering selvage denim brand that helped revive traditional Japanese denim production. Their flagship store in Minamihorie showcases their distinctive jeans featuring unique details like a pig logo and copper rivets crafted using traditional techniques.
• Where can I buy authentic Japanese knives in Osaka?

  For authentic Japanese cutlery, visit Sakai Ichimonji Mitsuhide in Namba (established 1952) or Tower Knives in Shinsekai. Both shops offer high-quality handcrafted knives made using traditional techniques, with experts available to help you select the perfect knife for your needs.
• What makes Sakai knives special?

  Sakai knives are renowned for their exceptional sharpness and edge retention. Sakai Ichimonji Mitsuhide specializes in these traditional blades, which are handcrafted using techniques passed down through generations. Their knives feature distinctive layered steel patterns and precisely shaped edges for specific culinary tasks.
• What services does Tower Knives Osaka offer?

  Tower Knives Osaka provides a complete Japanese knife experience including expert guidance in English, knife sharpening demonstrations, and personalization services. They specialize in helping international visitors select authentic Japanese knives while educating them about proper care and usage.
• Can I get personalized Japanese knives in Osaka?

  Yes, many knife artisans in Osaka offer personalization services. Tower Knives Osaka and Sakai Ichimonji Mitsuhide can engrave your name or custom designs on selected knives. Some shops also offer custom handle materials and blade specifications for a truly personalized cutting tool.
• What are tenugui and where can I buy them in Osaka?

  Tenugui are traditional Japanese hand towels made from cotton with distinctive patterns. Nijiyura in Umeda specializes in these versatile cloths that can be used as towels, wrapping cloth, headbands, or decorative items. Their vibrant designs blend traditional motifs with contemporary aesthetics.
• What makes Nijiyura tenugui unique?

  Nijiyura creates handcrafted textile products using traditional dyeing techniques with modern designs. Their tenugui feature vibrant colors and patterns ranging from seasonal motifs to contemporary graphics. Each piece is made using traditional methods that create unique, slightly irregular characteristics in the fabric.
• What are the best areas for specialty shopping in Osaka?

  Osaka's premier shopping districts for specialty items include Shinsaibashi for fashion, Hommachi and Minamihorie for premium denim, Umeda for diverse shopping experiences, and Shinsekai for traditional crafts including knives. Each area has its own distinct atmosphere and specialties.
• What's the price range for Japanese denim in Osaka?

  Premium Japanese denim garments typically range from ¥20,000-40,000 ($140-280) for standard jeans, while limited editions or specialty items can exceed ¥50,000 ($350). Brands like Samurai Jeans and FULLCOUNT command higher prices due to their exceptional materials and craftsmanship.
• What's the price range for Japanese knives in Osaka?

  Japanese artisanal knives vary widely in price depending on type, craftsmanship, and materials. Entry-level quality knives start around ¥10,000 ($70), mid-range options between ¥20,000-40,000 ($140-280), while premium hand-forged blades with special features can exceed ¥100,000 ($700).
• Do these specialty shops offer international shipping?

  Most established specialty retailers in Osaka offer international shipping services, though policies vary by shop. Larger stores like Tower Knives and major denim brands typically provide reliable shipping options. It's advisable to inquire about shipping costs, customs considerations, and tracking services.
• Can I use credit cards at specialty shops in Osaka?

  Most premium retailers in Osaka accept major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, and JCB. However, some smaller traditional shops might prefer cash payments, so it's advisable to carry some Japanese yen when visiting specialty boutiques, especially for smaller purchases.
• What are the typical opening hours for specialty shops in Osaka?

  Most specialty boutiques in Osaka operate from 11:00 AM to 7:00 or 8:00 PM, with some variation by location and day of the week. Many shops close one day per week, often Wednesday or Thursday. It's advisable to check specific shop hours before visiting.
• Is English assistance available at specialty shops in Osaka?

  Language support varies across specialty establishments in Osaka. Tourist-oriented shops like Tower Knives typically offer excellent English assistance, while traditional denim shops may have limited English-speaking staff. Many shops provide translated materials to assist international customers.
• What's the best time to visit specialty shops in Osaka?

  For the best shopping experience, visit specialty shops on weekday mornings or early afternoons to avoid crowds. Weekends, especially Saturdays, tend to be busiest. Many Japanese denim enthusiasts visit shops during late afternoon hours, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays.
• How do I get to Shinsaibashi shopping area in Osaka?

  Shinsaibashi, home to EVISU's flagship store, is easily accessible via the Midosuji subway line at Shinsaibashi Station. From Osaka Station, take the Midosuji Line southbound for approximately 10 minutes. The shopping district extends along and around the covered Shinsaibashi-suji shopping street.
• Are these specialty shops open on weekends?

  Yes, most specialty retailers in Osaka operate on weekends, with Saturday typically being their busiest day. Sunday hours sometimes start later (around noon) and may end earlier. Weekends offer the most vibrant shopping atmosphere but also the largest crowds.
• What is the history of Japanese denim in Osaka?

  Osaka emerged as a denim manufacturing hub in the 1970s when Japanese artisans began recreating vintage American jeans using traditional textile methods. The city's industrial heritage and craftsmanship tradition fostered brands like Studio D'Artisan and EVISU that elevated Japanese denim to global recognition.
• Why is Osaka famous for knives?

  Osaka, particularly the Sakai region, has a centuries-old bladesmithing tradition dating back to the 14th century. Originally known for samurai sword production, Sakai smiths transitioned to kitchen knife making after the Meiji Restoration. The area's knives are prized for their exceptional sharpness and durability.