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Introduction

Amerikamura (America Village) is a center of youth culture in Osaka, usually referred to by locals as "Ame-mura." It is a sizable retail and entertainment area near Shinsaibashi in the Minami district of Osaka, Japan. Amerikamura is identifiable by a small-scale reproduction of the Statue of Liberty that peers down on the streets.

Tokyo has Harajuku and Shinjuku, well, Osaka has Amerikamura. For those looking for a more youthful vibe (and cheaper buys), this place is definitely worth checking out.

Although there are no signboards stating that you are in Amerikamura, you will feel the shift in the shops that line the streets when you have reached. Americamura streets are crammed with used clothing stores, goods shops, cafes, galleries and more. The retailers at Amerikamura all have their own distinct styles, although the ‘American’ theme stays true in all of them. The lamp-posts lining the streets of Amerikamura are also specially shaped, adding to the already funky atmosphere of the place.

Although the fashion trend at Amerikamura is supposedly ‘American’, it should be noted that the concept of American from a Japanese point of view and foreigner point of view are vastly different. Here you can find many shops that sells hip-hop style clothes and accessories while others take on a more tribal/reggae vibe. Adidas, Ed Hardy and other less outlandish western casual wear are the common stocks in most shops, but there are other smaller stalls stocking curious goods. There is a backpack store selling all sorts of whacky bags of every shape and size. If you fancy some tribal leather goods or gothic pendants, there is a shop for them too (and they play really good soul music in the background).

Second hand shops, something you probably did not know existed in Japan can be found here as well. Some focuses on branded goods while others are home of other random trinkets and pre-loved goods. If you have some old t-shirts you feel like re-styling, many of the shops here also offer t-shirt cutting services to spice up that boring old shirt of yours. If you cannot read the Japanese signs, just look for any shop with DIY cut T-shirts displayed outside (there are literally a ton of them).

Also at night, Americamura is famous for the vibrant night life and entertainment district. Bars and clubs in the district are always crowded with people who work in the area, musicians, designers, and aspiring dancers.

There are performances and flea markets on weekends at Sankaku Koen where is the center of Americamura.

Food wise, you will find typical street food found in other parts of Osaka, such as Takoyaki, but there are also American food stalls selling fries and hot dogs.

History

In 1970's, some people started selling imported goods including vintage clothes, jeans, second-hand records and many other items from the West Coast of the United States, that's how this place was named Americamura. Because of the uniqueness of the area, TV and media introduced the place nationwide and "Amemura" (Amerikamura) became a birthplace of the latest fashion trends.

- If you like fashion for youth or are travelling with one then a short stop by Americamura is a must. This place is great for cheap vintage clothes. There are a few good punk/goth stores too.

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