Overview

Ame-mura, short for "American Town"--is the pet name for the district west-southwest of Shinsaibashi Station. The district, as you would imagine from its name, supposedly recreates the feel of popular shopping districts in large American cities. In truth, besides the American brand-name goods and shops, it is very much Japanese, but certainly lively and fun. There are literally hundreds of shops and several large shopping centers. The district would, of course, not be complete without restaurants and bars, either. Given the makeup of the district, its denizens tend to be young and hip, though daylight hours see a more mixed crowd.