Hello! I’ve been following K-pop since 2014 and continue to be an active fan while I’m currently working in Japan. Today, I'd like to introduce some of my favorite fan spots that I visit often in Umeda, Osaka. From shopping for albums and K-pop merch to outfits for plushies, these are all places actually frequented by local fans. Follow my route if you want a taste of Japanese fan culture and some great memories!

Stop 1: Moji Para | Make Your Own Concert Uchiwa Fan & One-of-a-Kind Concert Gear!

If you want to quickly put together your own uchiwa fan to cheer on your favorites at a concert, there’s no better place than Moji Para in HEP FIVE! Whether it's your first time making an uchiwa or you want to make a custom new design for each of your favorites, you'll find everything you need in one place, from the fan itself to decorative materials and a huge selection of letter stickers.

The shop offers a wide selection of stickers featuring classic fan-service requests like "Make bunny ears!" or "Make a heart shape!" plus custom name stickers (in Hangul as well) you can order on the spot. Materials cost around 2,000 yen per sheet on average, and since assembly simply involves sticking the pieces together, you can finish your project in just 10 to 20 minutes. Before you know it, you’ll have your own personalized goods all ready to go.

According to staff, the best color combination for catching an idol’s attention for fan service is fluorescent yellow lettering with a black outline on a fluorescent pink background. In a huge stadium, they say, it’s sure to stand out!

If you’re attending an event that allows fans to bring handmade merchandise, I recommend stopping by Moji Para before your show. But instead of rushing to throw something together at the last minute, you’ll have a more memorable experience if you take your time picking out your materials and making an uchiwa you’ll treasure.

Stop 2: KIDDYLAND | A Must-Visit for Fan Merchandise and Plushie Outfits!

If you’re looking for clothes for your plush dolls or character merch that looks like your favorite idols, add KIDDYLAND to your list!

In K-pop fan culture, it's common to associate idols with specific animals or anime characters—often referred to as "characterization." As a result, many fans take along not only official plushies but also merchandise featuring characters that look just like their favorites to snap photos; the Sanrio series, in particular, has become very popular for this.

Located in HANKYU SANBAN GAI, KIDDYLAND brings together many of Japan's most beloved characters, like Sanrio. The store also carries many limited-edition items, so it’s a great place to treasure hunt for cute fan items. In each character area, you can also find a variety of accessories like small clothes, hats, and accessories for plushies and stuffed animals. If you're like me and love giving your plushies different outfits and styles, definitely stop by!

*Products are available in limited quantities and will be discontinued once sold out.
*Images represent product availability at the time the photos were taken. Availability may change before your visit.

Stop 3: Tower Records | The Best Place for Japanese Albums and Limited Edition Photocard Bonuses!

If you want to buy Japanese editions of CDs, get exclusive trading cards, or try your hand at a lucky draw, Tower Records (often known as “TawaReco” for short in Japanese) in NU chayamachi , which boasts the largest store area and variety of products in western Japan, is a must-visit.

One of Japan’s most iconic CD retailers, Tower Records is a pilgrimage site for many K-pop fans during comeback season. The store’s K-pop corner is extremely well-stocked, and carries not only the latest releases from active groups but also older albums and solo artists' works. If your visit happens to coincide with your favorite group's comeback, you may even find Tower Records-exclusive bonus photocards or lucky draw events!

Aside from CDs, you’ll definitely want to check out Tower Records’ fan merch (oshi katsu gudzu) section. My personal recommendations are the uchiwa fan covers, photocard binders, "silver tape" keychains, and the variety of storage cases available. These are all must-haves in Japanese fan culture, and are perfect both for displaying your collections and bringing to concerts.

Another super popular item you shouldn’t miss is the “fan’s amulet” (oshi katsu omamori) made via a collaboration between Kyoto’s famous Kurumazaki Shrine and Tower Records! Many fans snap these up when they visit - they’re highly recommended.

The most distinctive feature of this shrine amulet or charm is its back, designed as a photo frame into which you can add a cut-out photo of your favorite idol. Many Japanese fans treasure it as a charm for praying for great concert seats, success in ticket lotteries, and meaningful connections with their favorite idols.

Personally, I love this design. Unlike an ordinary omamori charm, these feel like you’re being protected together with your favorite idol. I think it’s a cute, original item that perfectly captures the spirit of Japanese fan culture.

Stop 4: Kotteji | End Your Fan Tour with Delicious Korean Food!

Wrap up your K-pop fan tour in Umeda with some delicious Korean food at Kotteji in NU chayamachi! The spacious, bright restaurant plays the latest K-pop hits, plus throw-backs from years past, so it’s the perfect atmosphere to keep the K-pop excitement going.

If it’s your first time at Kotteji, I really recommend you try their signature dishes: "Hanasaki Samgyeopsal" (scored pork belly) and the UFO Fondue. The grilled pork is grilled to perfection, juicy, and surprisingly tender - with no hint of gamey taste. Pair it with grilled kimchi, pickled radish, and the restaurant's special sauce to enjoy a different flavor in every bite. It’s a dish I come back for every time I visit!

The UFO fondue lets you choose from six different flavors of chicken, including classics like yangnyeom and garlic, so everyone can get a taste of the flavor they like. With each bite of crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside chicken, plus the rich, melty cheesy in the middle, you’ll feel like you’ve instantly traveled to Korea! This dish is a great amount to share with a friend.

Before you dig in, though, there’s one more fan tradition you can’t forget! Other K-Pop fans are sure to understand. Once your table is set with delicious food, before you dig in yourself, you need to offer the first bite to your favorite idol - through your postcards, plushies, or penlights. Lay out all the treasures you’ve picked up together with your freshly-made Korean meal for a commemorative photo for a shot that’ll bring back all the vivid memories of the day!

If you’re celebrating an idol’s birthday or debut anniversary, comeback - or the birthday of a friend in your group, you’ll want to order Kotteji’s Birthday Plate! Just make a reservation in advance to make your visit that much more special - and look great in any photos you might take for social media.

FAQ｜Frequently Asked Questions about K-pop Spots in Umeda, Osaka

Q1: Does the “fan amulet” (oshi katsu omamori) from Kurumazaki Shrine have an expiration date?

A1: According to Japanese shrine customs, it’s generally recommended to return an amulet/charm to the shrine after about one year. If you don't have the opportunity to visit Japan within that time, you can simply return it the next time you visit Kyoto. If you don't expect to travel to Japan for quite some time, you can also mail back your amulet.

*If you send yours back by mail, be sure to write “Omamori Enclosed” (お守り在中) on the outside to prevent it from being confused with hazardous materials.

Q2: Can overseas K-pop fans made reservations at Kotteji, too? How can I reserve a Birthday Plate?

A2: Yes, overseas fans can make reservations, too! If you’re visiting from overseas, send the restaurant a direct message via their official Instagram to reserve a seat or order a Birthday Plate in advance. Plus, if you mention seeing this article when you make your reservation, you can even get a special discount on your Birthday Plate!

HANKYU SANBAN GAI and HEP FIVE offer tax-free shopping counters.

• HANKYU SANBAN GAI: South Building 1F (10:30–21:30)
• HEP FIVE: B1 (11:00–21:00)

Please be advised that some stores handle tax-free procedures individually.
Please check with each store for details.

For more details on how to get to Umeda, see here.

For more information on Umeda, check out some of our Trip Ideas.

*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.