I stepped out of Namba station on a cool, pitch black night. The streets around me were nearly deserted. But as I made my way toward the heart of town, the scenery quickly changed. Suddenly I was in a maze of narrow streets bursting with neon lights, street signs, and crowds of revelers out on the town.

Downtown

Dotonbori

Streets of Osaka

Osaka's streets are filled with bright colors and kitschy signs. By day, it's mobbed by tourists, but the locals come out to play at night.

east meets west

東と西

Ame-mura, or “American village” is a cool little part of town west of Shinsaibashi filled with record shops, funky clothing boutiques, and artfully done graffiti.

Shibuya

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A nine-story fashion mecca for the young and bold.