New Tourism ーWest Downtown, Osakaー | Airbnb

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind trip in West Downtown

Life is never dull in the West Downtown area of Osaka, with a new wave of businesses breathing new energy into the cherished old traditions and culture of the city. We’ve put together this guide to show you how to discover the neighborhood’s hidden gems and off-the-beaten path local treasures.
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About West Downtown (Kujo, Horie, Kyomachibori area)

Fast facts

A ‘New Tourism’ with a personal touch

In West Downtown, a calm and peaceful area closely integrated with people's daily lives, we interviewed representatives of five local businesses creating products and experiences that combine the city’s traditional culture with more modern trends. Meet the locals shaping what New Tourism looks like in West Downtown, with all the challenges and hard work that entails.
Part 1:Risa Umeda/ President of the Horie Association and Representative of IMANO OSAKA SHINSAIBASHI HOSTEL

Shopping street x Third place

Meet the woman transforming the relationship between locals, businesses and visitors in Horie at her hostel and café.
Part 2:Jun Nagai and Takamasa Ida/ Co-chairpersons of “from clothes”

Second-hand clothing x Stories

Stitching ties across generations – meet the sustainable entrepreneurs shaking up the vintage clothing scene in Osaka by sharing the story of each garment.
Part 3:Junichi Nakai/ Representative of Machi no Akari Inc. and Owner of Paprika Shokudo Vegan

Foodies x Ethical eating

Meet the chef transforming the Osaka dining scene with his vegan and gluten-free creations.
Part 4:Yukiteru Tamura/ Executive Director of Tamura ShotenKumi Tamura/ Public Relations Manager of Tamura Shoten and TEPPEN Leader

Town factories x Upcycling

Preserving the past to design for the future: meet the young couple reinventing their historic local metal factory and making beautiful items from scrap pieces.
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Part 5: Takumi Taniguchi/ Store Manager of “Mada Ganbarasete Kudasai”

Vintage materials x Redesign

Discover the pioneering home remodeling agency changing the way we look at where we live with their unique empathetic and sustainable approach.
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West Downtown in pictures

West Downtown in pictures

Collaborative project between Airbnb and the Osaka City Shopping Streets Association
The Osaka City Shopping Streets Association was founded in 1941 to promote the economy and the stability of Osakans' consumer lifestyles. It has developed into one of the nation's leading business association organizations for the development of shopping districts and the improvement of the status of merchants.