This vast underground shopping mall, close to JR Osaka Station and even closer to Hankyu Umeda Station, is one of the largest underground shopping malls in Japan. It seems to stretch forever and you can easily get lost here – if that happens, just come up to street level and figure out where you are.
Whity Umeda - image © Florentyna Leow
The oddly-named Whity Umeda isn’t a reference to Caucasians; it’s a portmanteau of 'white' and 'city' named after the white walls of this underground shopping mall. There are more than 190 shops and restaurants here across every retail category possible. Whether you’re looking for medicine, shoes, or sequin-studded belts, you’re sure to find it in a shop somewhere in Whity.
Whity Umeda - image © Florentyna Leow
Whity is purportedly one of the largest underground malls in Japan, and it sure feels like it when you’re walking around there. There are signs hanging from the ceiling to help situate you, but even then, the endless, labyrinthian corridors lined with shops can get pretty confusing after a while. If that happens, you’ll want to head above ground to get your bearings.
Whity Umeda - image © Florentyna Leow
Whity Umeda doesn’t merit a special visit unless there’s a specific shop you want to visit. But in any case, you’re likely to pass through if you’re walking underground to get to Higashi-Umeda or the Kita-Shinchi district.
English name:
Whity Umeda
Japanese name:
ホワイティうめだ
English address:
Chaya-machi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, 530-0013
Kakuda-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, 530-0017
Doyama-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, 530-0027
Komatsubara-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, 530-0018
2 Sonezaki, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, 530-0057
Japanese address:
〒530-0013 大阪市北区茶屋町
〒530-0017 大阪市北区角田町
〒530-0027 大阪市北区堂山町
〒530-0018 大阪市北区小松原町
〒530-0057 大阪市北区曽根崎2
Opening hours:
Shops: 10am-9pm
Restaurants: 10am-10pm
Price:
Nearest Transport:
Train and Subway: Directly connected to Umeda Station.
Train: 3-minute walk from the Midosuji exit of Osaka Station.
Telephone:
+81-6-6312-5511
Website:
Official website (English of the machine translation)
Near To Here:
Whity Umeda is located in Osaka's Kita and Umeda district. See our complete list of things to do in the Kita and Umeda district, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Where Are These Places Located?
See these places on the Inside Osaka Google map:- Open the Osaka map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Osaka Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Osaka guide
- Check Osaka accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Osaka
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Osaka, Osaka to Kyoto and Osaka to Tokyo
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- View my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare flight prices and timings to find the best Japan flight deals
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- Get a prepaid Icoca card to make travelling around Osaka easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help