Enjoy Shopping during Your Kansai Visit
Japan's Kansai region has many enjoyable shopping spots starting with Osaka's Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street and Umeda area department stores.
On this note, we'll introduce eight popular large-scale outlets and shopping malls in the Kansai region.
This article features information on shops with a vast selection of reasonably priced goods to spots easily accessible from Osaka City. If you are planning on shopping in the Kansai region, please read on for more details!
Accessing 8 Large-Scale Outlets and Shopping Malls
Kansai outlets and shopping malls are usually found in the suburbs, not city centers.
Among them are shopping facilities over an hour from central Osaka. However, these establishments have fewer tourists, making shopping more enjoyable and stress-free.
1. AEON MALL Rinku Sennan
AEON MALL Rinku Sennan is located near Kansai International Airport. This heavenly shopping spot is worth visiting before leaving the Kansai region. The mall boasts 170 shops and is only a 15-minute bus ride from Rinku-Town Station.
This shopping mall faces the ocean, resembling a resort mall. In addition to a fun shopping day, visitors can watch the sun setting over the sea while enjoying a meal in the restaurant. You'll feel like you're at a luxurious resort.
A loop bus connects the mall and Rinku-Town Station with five local hotels. We also recommend this mall for visitors considering a stay in the Kansai Airport area.
Recommended brands: UNIQLO, ABC-MART, MUJI, 3COINS, welcia, etc.
2. RINKU PREMIUM OUTLETS
It's no exaggeration to say that RINKU PREMIUM OUTLETS, with its 210 shops, is the most famous shopping outlet in Osaka among overseas visitors. It's just five minutes by train from Kansai International Airport―the gateway to Osaka City. Many people stop in for a visit, either at the start or end of their Kansai trip.
We recommend visitors who either booked an early morning or evening flight to stay at a hotel in the Rinku Town area. You can have a meal or enjoy some last-minute shopping until your departure.
Recommended brands: adidas, MICHAEL KORS, Gap Outlet, BEAMS OUTLET, CASIO, COACH, LEGO, etc.
3. AEON MALL Sakai Teppocho
AEON MALL Sakai Teppocho is located in Osaka's Sakai City. It is a large-scale mall featuring 160 shops.
After opening in 2016, the beautiful scenery surrounding the mall received lots of attention. The area was applauded for retaining its historic red brick building alongside a design showcasing abundant park-like greenery. In fact, it was the recipient of the 37th Osaka Machinami Award.
Please take a closer look at this scenery on your visit!
Recommended brands: FLEUR, H&M, UNIQLO, GU, Zoff, Kojima X BicCamera, etc.
4. AEON MALL Sakai Kita Hanada
AEON MALL Sakai Kita Hanada is also a large mall in Sakai City with about 160 shops.
The unique feature of this mall is the MUJI store promoting food as its theme. Customers can purchase locally-grown vegetables and fruit, sake, bread, and other edible products. Visitors can also buy local specialties unique to this area.
Recommended brands: UNIQLO, MUJI (Japan's largest store), URBAN RESEARCH DOORS, earth music & ecology natural store, BOOKS KINOKUNIYA, LOWRYS FARM, etc.
5. LaLaport EXPOCITY
LaLaport EXPOCITY, located in Osaka's Suita City, is a large-scale shopping facility next to the famous Expo'70 Commemorative Park.
The mall has about 300 shops, which is the most among the facilities introduced in this article. It's also home to a giant Ferris wheel. By combining a mall visit with a trip to the park, visitors can enjoy fun-filled activities for the entire day!
Recommended brands: Afternoon Tea HOME & LIVING, AZUL by moussy, COACH, Standard Products, etc.
6. KOBE-SANDA PREMIUM OUTLETS
When discussing outlet malls, Kansai residents are most familiar with KOBE-SANDA PREMIUM OUTLETS.
This outlet is one of the largest shopping spots in western Japan, with over 200 shops. They focus primarily on international and domestic luxury brands.
The complex was designed to resemble a luxury residential area in Los Angeles, California. Visitors can also enjoy shopping in eye-catching surroundings.
Additionally, KOBE-SANDA PREMIUM OUTLETS is connected by a bridge to another shopping facility: AEON MALL Kobe Kita. Shoppers can enjoy two excellent shopping spots on a single trip!
Recommended brands: ANNA SUI, ARMANI, CK, dyson, FURLA, GUCCI, PRADA, MICHAEL KORS, Samantha Thavasa, Takashimaya, etc.
7. MITSUI OUTLET PARK Marine Pia Kobe(Scheduled to open in 2024)
*MITSUI OUTLET PARK Marine Pia Kobe closed for renovations on January 15, 2023. It plans to re-open in 2024.
MITSUI OUTLET PARK Marine Pia Kobe is 17 minutes by train from Sannomiya Station in the heart of Kobe. It's also near the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.
This two-story commercial complex is not as big as other outlets. However, visitors can enjoy shopping in a picturesque location facing the ocean with a commanding view of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (see photo above).
Recommended brands: agnes b, DIESEL, UNITED ARROWS LTD., COACH, MICHAEL KORS, etc. (these brands were available before the renovation closure).
8. MITSUI OUTLET PARK Shiga Ryuo
MITSUI OUTLET PARK Shiga Ryuo is located in Shiga Prefecture near Kyoto. This attractive outlet is easily accessible from Kyoto Station by direct bus.
The expansive premises of this outlet are home to over 200 shops! The huge selection of brand-name goods will meet the needs of all shoppers―regardless of age. No wonder this is a popular spot with people across Japan.
The mall is some distance from Kansai International Airport and Osaka City. Please be mindful during your shopping adventures, so you don't miss your bus or train ride home!
Recommended brands: GAP, UNITED ARROWS LTD., ZARA, MICHAEL KORS, TOMMY HILFIGER, ARMANI, INGNI, ILL by JILL STUART, etc.
Enjoy Shopping in Osaka and Kyoto!
During your Kansai travels, please visit many shopping streets filled with Osaka residents' warmth and generous hospitality. But, more importantly, stop in some of the outlets and shopping malls to enjoy shopping at highly reasonable prices.
For overseas visitors, please take full advantage of the duty-free services and purchase discounted items!
