This is a semi-detailed documentation of my visit in Feb 2016.
First thing off, as many would say if you're visiting Japan with the intent
of acquiring a guitar/bass or other musical instrument related items, Ochanomizu in Tokyo would be the place to visit.
But what if you're not going to Tokyo? What if Osaka was your destination?
GUITAR SHOPPING IN OSAKA, JAPANHere's my semi-detailed guide to Osaka guitar hunting.
I learned that there are at least 3 areas in Osaka that you can visit
that has a small concentration of Musical instrument stores namely;
Umeda, Shinsaibashi, and America-mura a.k.a. American Village
I. UMEDAIf you find yourself in the Northern area of the city, you can check out the shops in the Umeda area (business district), there you will find the Umeda branches of Miki Gakki and Ishibashi and one other small mom & pop shop.
unfortunately I didn't have enough time to visit Umeda so all I know is that there are the above mentioned stores.
But if you're in the central or southern part of the city, you'll find 5 stores to visit.
II. SHINSAIBASHI - (Nagahori Dori side, northern end of Shinsaibashi)if you're in a rush and you're in Shinsaibashi shopping with your family/group, this would be the perfect place to visit.
This one store along Shinsaibashi-suji is called Miki Gakki (Shinsaibashi branch).
this place is fairly easy to spot, it's beside UNIQLO and H&M at the northern entry point of Shinsaibashi which is along Nagahori Dori ave.
from what I can remember, they carry the following: Fender, Gibson, Greco, FGN, Moon, Aria. also check out their store exclusive
strap brand called "Selfish". you can ask them to mix and match different colored leather straps to your liking.
III. AMERICA-MURA (a.k.a. American Village) If you have a lot of time on your hands, you MUST visit the place called America-Mura (American Village).
It's just West of Shinsaibashi (you'll need to cross Mido-suji ave.) There you will find 4 stores
all within a stone's throw away from each other.
AMERICA-MURA MUSICAL INSTRUMENT STORE GUIDE:a. Ishibashi - the ever famous Musical instrument chain in Japan
GROUND FLOOR - everything and anything a guitarist may need, from entry level to high end electric guitars and basses
, strings, common and boutique pedals, strings, straps, and hard to find guitar parts and accessories. They have Fender, Squier, Gibson
Epiphone, Martin, a few 2nd hand stuff and other popular global brands.
2ND FLOOR - Acoustic/Jazz guitars and this is where you can have your instrument appraised and sold.
b. Music Land Key -
across the street from Ishibashi is a small department store and hidden at the 2nd floor is
this store, here you'll find a handful of boutique brands and local stuff. They also have a wide selection of brands but
I noticed that they have more local stuff compared to Ishibashi which would be great if youre looking to get the not so known stuff. I saw a Two-Rock amp and boutique priced gear. I saw handful of Custom shop Gibsons and Fenders and local high end brands.
c. Ikebe Music - This place reminds me of Perfect Pitch and JB Music with aesthetics but without the ridiculous pricing, wasn't able to really look around this store but from what I can remember, they carry the ff: Fender, PRS and Bacchus and they have A LOT of Gigbags and hardcases. BUT
I was fortunate enough to get a glimpse of a small clinic/seminar of some sort conducted by a known local luthier at the 2nd floor.
I forgot the name of the guy but I took a pic of the activity at the 2ND floor.
d. Miki Gakki - probably the biggest instrument store in America-mura, this place has 4 floors full of awe-inspiring gear.
here you will find the same stuff you'll find in the branch in Shinsaibashi and a whole lot more. here I noticed that
they have a pretty great balance of imported and local products, and also they have the WIDEST range of guitars
from entry level brands all the way to rare vintage and boutique level instruments. I saw Squier, (vintage Fender), FGN,
Bacchus, Moon, Greco, Aria, Anderson, Mayones, Gretsch, Rozeo, Reverend, Warwick, Vanzandt, Rickenbacker, Vintage Epiphone, Vintage National, RS Guitarworks,
and a whole lot more brands I can't remember. they also have a great amount of parts and accessories.
MIKI GAKKI AMERICA-MURA divides their store in sections by floor as listed below:
GROUND FLOOR - USED/ OUTLET ELECTRIC GUITAR/ AMP/ PEDALS/ ACCESSORIES
2ND FLOOR - USED/ VINTAGE & HIGH END BASS
3RD FLOOR - USED/ VINTAGE & RARE ELECTRIC GUITAR
4TH FLOOR - ACOUSTIC FLAT/ ARCH TOP JAZZ GUITAR
One thing I really loved is that at every floor, they all have a certain aesthetic and they have pipe-in music that perfectly represents each floor.
REMEMBER TO PRESENT YOUR PASSPORT TO GET TAX-FREE PRICING.