Solo Travel in Osaka: 8-Hour Citywalk Shopping and Tax Refund Guide

Exploring Osaka alone can be incredibly exciting! This guide packs must-visit shops, local delicacies, and tax refund tips all in one. Follow along to ensure a hassle-free trip! 🛍️【Must-Visit Shops】 ▪️Colombo Cornershop: A second-hand bookstore tucked in a corner of Shinsaibashi, filled with rare Japanese magazines and comics. Book lovers will find themselves browsing for hours! ▪️BIJOUX KIQUE (Nōrin Kaikan Store): Located in a retro building, this spot features over 20 handmade brands offering unique earrings, bags, and stationery. Perfect for shopping and Instagram-worthy photos! ▪️ニューアメリカンプラザビル (New American Plaza Building): A paradise for vintage toy collectors! From Showa-era dolls to limited-edition capsule toys, this is a treasure trove for bargain hunters. 🍜【Local Hidden Gems】 NO NAME Ramen: Known for its rich broth that will have you licking the bowl clean. Niigata Katsudon Tarekatsu: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside pork cutlets paired with a special sauce—an unforgettable bite! 💸【Tax Refund Tips】 1️⃣ Spend at least ¥5,000 (tax included) in a single store to qualify for tax refunds. Don’t forget your passport! 2️⃣ Department stores usually have dedicated tax refund counters, with a handling fee of around 1.1%. 3️⃣ Drugstores and smaller shops often offer on-the-spot tax refunds, making it super convenient to pay tax-free prices directly. Make the most of your solo adventure—save this guide and enjoy a delightful trip to Osaka!