Back in the old days, the Japanese monzen-machi, stores and services, gathered around temple gates. Now they’re on pedestrianized shopping streets. Namba, just beyond Namba Station in Osaka, is one of the biggest examples outside Tokyo. You name it, it’ll be here somewhere, from high fashion to Hello Kitty items. It’s worth a visit if only to see the statue of the Colonel outside Kentucky Fried Chicken, and to watch how kids stop to shake his hand.
