Modern cities like Osaka are bustling and lined with tall builldings. In today's era of convenience, people communicate via cell phones and online, even while the city puts them in close proximity.

But in the midst of all the hubbub, getting out of the city and into the fresh air for a weekend or a day off can thoroughly rejeuvenate us. Being in a natural environment allows us to slow down and think, and the communication that brings with others is also very special. It's just this that's caused the outdoors to capture the hearts of a growing number of people.

Outdoor activities are also popular in Japan. Mt. Rokko and Mt. Maya are two nature-rich spots that are easy to reach from Osaka. They can be reached in about an hour from Umeda, Osaka, on Hankyu or Hanshin train lines. Rokko and Maya are the highest peaks in the Rokko mountain range, and not only do they offer rich greenery, breathtaking views, and open vistas, but also a variety of outdoor activities and facilities that allow visitors to exercize and immerse themselves in nature. At night, you can enjoy the scenery from Kikuseidai,a lookout on Mt. Maya, and one of Japan's top three nightscapes. Mt. Maya and Mt. Rokko are also becoming inceasingly attractive as destinations for their onsen and gastronomy.
Minoh is another highly recommended location. Easily accessible from Umeda on the Hankyu Railway, you can enjoy Minoh Falls (selected as one of Japan's 100 best waterfalls), the bright green maple trees in the summer, and red maple scenery in autumn with some hiking.

If you're heading outdoors, you're sure to need some special clothes and outdoor goods. We've carefully selected some outdoor specialty shops where you can find them in central Osaka's Umeda area. We'll also share a few of our recommendations on other popular items, so you'll be all set to head out and enjoy the outdoors in Japan!

MAMMUT: Over 150 years of history

MAMMUT is located on the 4th floor of GRAND FRONT OSAKA's South Building. With a long history that goes back to its founding in Switzerland in 1862, it's one of the world's best-known outdoor brands, and carries a wide selection of outdoor items for hiking, skiing, and more. The MAMMUT logo is a mammoth, the ancient creature that lived through fiercely cold environments: it's an image that really gives a sense of the company's passion for the outdoors. When it was founded, MAMMUT was a rope manufacturer, and from its founding until now, it has come to offer four series of a variety of outdoor apparel and equipment. MAMMUT is beloved by many for its safety, functionality, and innovation.

In its 2024 Spring/Summer collection, MAMMUT has released its new Utility Coach Jacket AF. This urban-style jacket features wind and rain protection. The double lining is soft, and its simple urban design goes well with everyday wear as well. The jacket is available in three colors. Since its release, this jacket has received high praise from users all over the world and is one of the brand's must-have items. Visit the store in person to see MAMMUT's high functionality and attractive silhouette for yourself.

Utility Coach Jacket AF 25,300 yen (tax incl.)
*Price as of May 2024

CHUMS: Bringing happiness

CHUMS is located on the 5th floor of GRAND FRONT OSAKA's South Building and is the first CHUMS store in the Kansai region. Founded in the US in 1983, CHUMS' mission is to provide "comfort, happiness, and quality" to lovers of the outdoors. Constantly developing new products, CHUMS carries items with elements of both fashion and activewear, from outdoor foods to clothes you can wear on a regular day out, bags, and more. They offer a rich variety of colors and original designs that are sure to excite. Especially cute is the brand's iconic logo, the skipjack bird, which is often mistaken for a penguin.

From CHUMS, we have a small folding storage box meant from camping. Combining functionality and design, it has a classic, retro design, marked by the iconic CHUMS logo on both sides, inside, and on the bottom. Available in three colors. The S size storage box has a capacity of 14 liters and weighs only 0.7 kg, which makes it easy to carry. It can be used alone or stacked together with CHUMS' large storage box. The boxes add a bit of color both outdoors and at home.

Camper Folding Container S 5,280 yen (tax incl.)
*Price as of May 2024

A box cover is also available in three unique CHUMS colors and weighs 0.57 kg. When the foldable legs are unfolded from the box, it immediately transforms into a small picnic table. Lightweight andversatile, it's a fantastic item.

Picnic Table With Folding Container S ¥3,190 (tax incl.)
*Price as of May 2024

and wander: A Japanese brand

Keita Ikeuchi and Mihoko Mori founded the Japanese outdoor brand "and wander" in 2011 with the idea of enjoying fashion out in nature just as much as in the city. and wander is a popular brand that combines both fashion and practicality and functionality.

and wander's distinctive feature is that it uses materials that are functional and durable enough to withstand rain and wind, while also being lightweight. The colors blend well in the mountains and nature, but also work well in the city. You can feel the attention to detail in the sophisticated design and great usability. and wander is located on the 1st floor of GRAND FRONT OSAKA's South Building, so come pay them a visit.

We recommend trying and wander's breath rip hoodie. Made of highly breathable and durable water-repellent material, it features a patterned design that allows for a wide range of shoulder movement. In addition to outdoor activities like paddleboarding, it can be used as a windbreaker when hiking.

breath rip hoodie 41,800 yen (tax incl.)
*Price as of May 2024

Columbia/MOUTAIN HARDWEAR: An outdoor giant

The US state of Oregon has incredible natural surroundings, including mountains, the ocean, and rivers. If you're going to do something outdoors, this is just about the ideal place to do so. The state is also the birthplace of famous outdoor sportswear brand Columbia, which was founded in 1938. From camping and fishing to hiking, mountaineering and skiing, Columbia provides functional and durable apparel for all outdoor sports. Columbia/MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR is a multi-brand outdoor specialty store located on the 4th floor of GRAND FRONT OSAKA's South Building. The store features items from Columbia, MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR, as well as the shoe brands SOREL and Columbia Montrail.

From Columbia, we have three popular items that are sure to be of use to outdoorsmen and women!

Stuart Trail Rain Jacket

Made with Columbia's patented Omni-Tech waterproof and breathable material, this jacket has a 2.75-layer structure with microbeads and a waterproof coating. It is lighter and more abrasion resistant than a 3 layer item, and is comfortable to wear even when you sweat. Available in a variety of colors, it also comes with a storage bag and is lightweight and foldable. The classic outdoor design and matte-textured material are perfect for use both outdoor and everyday use.

Women's Orange Forest Jacket

Made of 2.75-layer nylon waterproof material, this lightweight jacket and has a lustrous look. It features a feminine design in its silhouette and fine curves of the hood, making it great for use in the city as well. Available in various colors and bandana patterns.

Steens Peak Outdry Trekking Shoes

These shoes use OUTDRY waterproof and breathable material to prevent water from getting in and making sure the inside of your shoes are comfortable. The OrthoLite insole has excellent cushioning and breathability, providing comfort that prevents fatigue and stuffiness even when used for long periods of time. The Vibram Megagrip outsole provides excellent grip on wet surfaces, making it ideal for a variety of outdoor activities.

*Information in this article is accurate as of the date of posting. There is a possibility that details regarding these products and services have changed, or that some shops have since closed.