Dive into Nagoya’s Otaku Wonderland – Explore Osu’s Geek Culture

Move over Akihabara — Osu, Nagoya’s buzzing shopping and cultural district, is a hidden gem for anime, gaming, cosplay, and J-pop fans.

With its mix of retro charm and modern subculture, Osu offers a unique otaku experience that’s more relaxed, local, and authentic than Tokyo’s bigger scenes.

🎯 What Makes Osu Special for Otaku?

🛍️ 1. Treasure Trove of Anime & Game Shops

Explore narrow alleyways filled with anime figures, manga, trading cards, retro consoles, and doujinshi.
Shops like Mandarake Nagoya, Yellow Submarine, and Surugaya are a paradise for collectors and nostalgia hunters.

🧁 2. Maid Cafés & Cosplay Cafés

Osu is home to Nagoya’s most famous maid cafés, where cute maids serve food with magical chants and warm smiles.
You’ll also find cosplay cafés with unique themes and photo opportunities — great for first-time visitors!

🎮 3. Retro Gaming & Arcades

From vintage Famicom games to multi-floor game centers, Osu is perfect for gamers.
Some shops sell hard-to-find games and consoles from the 80s and 90s — a dream for retro game fans.

👘 4. Street Fashion & Cosplay Culture

Osu’s streets regularly host cosplay parades and events, especially during weekends and festivals.
You might spot locals in Lolita, Visual Kei, or anime-inspired fashion, blending perfectly with Osu’s eclectic vibe.

🏯 5. Culture Mix: Shrines, Temples & Pop Culture

Unique to Osu: walk from a Buddhist temple (Osu Kannon) straight into a street filled with idol goods and gacha machines.
It’s a seamless fusion of old Japan and otaku Japan — nowhere else quite like it!

📸 Instagram Tips

Snap a shot under the covered arcade streets, with neon shop signs and colorful figurine displays.
Visit during Osu Cosplay Parade (held in October) for amazing photo opportunities!