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Osaka is a paradise for shoppers, with endless districts offering everything from luxury fashion to quirky souvenirs. While Shinsaibashi is often the go-to for most visitors, Umeda offers a more diverse and exciting shopping experience. One of the best places to explore in Umeda is Hep Five, a shopping mall famous for its giant red Ferris wheel, trendy fashion stores, and unique gacha shops. Whether you’re looking for the latest streetwear trends, capsule toys, or anime merchandise, Hep Five is the perfect stop for an afternoon of shopping and entertainment.
When I visited Hep Five, my plan was simple—take a ride on the Ferris wheel, browse some stores, and check out the Stüssy store for potential tax-free deals. However, what caught my attention the most was the massive gacha shop on the upper floors. If you’re a fan of capsule toys, you’ll love this place, as it offers an incredible variety of collectibles, including anime figurines, miniature household goods, and limited-edition items. It was a surprising highlight of my visit and one of the main reasons I spent more time here than expected.
Finding Hep Five is incredibly easy. If you’re in Umeda, simply look up—you’ll spot the bright red Ferris wheel towering above the skyline. The mall is conveniently located near Hankyu Umeda Station and is just a short walk from JR Osaka Station, making it one of the most accessible shopping destinations in the area.
The mall opens at 11:00 AM, and if you’re planning to visit, arriving early is a great idea. I got there right at opening time and was surprised to see a small crowd waiting outside. At first, I thought they were queuing for the Ferris wheel, but it turns out many were heading straight for the stores, especially those selling limited-edition fashion and character goods.
Hep Five consists of nine floors, with shopping areas spread across different levels. The tax-free counter is on B1F, so if you plan on making any large purchases, be sure to stop by before leaving. The 7th floor is where the Ferris wheel is located, while the most popular gacha shops can be found on the 8th floor.
Before diving into shopping, I decided to check out the Hep Five Ferris Wheel, which offers an incredible panoramic view of Osaka. If you have an Osaka Amazing Pass or ePass, you can ride for free, which makes it an even more worthwhile experience. I expected a long wait, but since I arrived early, I was able to board almost immediately.
The ride itself is surprisingly high, reaching 106 meters above the ground, and offers a fantastic view of Umeda’s cityscape. While I don’t have a fear of heights, I can see how this might be intimidating for some, especially as the Ferris wheel moves slowly but steadily upwards. The cabins are spacious and comfortable, making it a great spot for taking pictures or simply enjoying the view.
After enjoying the Ferris wheel, I went on to explore the shopping floors. While I expected to see typical fashion and accessory stores, what really caught my attention was the gacha shop on the 8th floor. This place is a dream for collectors, offering hundreds of capsule toy machines with a wide range of items.
The variety here is impressive—there are anime figurines, keychains, decorative miniatures, and even practical items like tiny cosmetic products. Prices vary, with most gacha costing 300 to 500 yen per turn, but some limited-edition machines go for even higher. One interesting thing I noticed was that certain machines had queues, which shows just how popular specific collectibles are.
There’s also another smaller gacha shop on the 6th floor, but the 8th-floor location is much bigger and has more variety. If you’re serious about gacha collecting, this is the place to go.
Another reason many visitors stop by Hep Five is for its Stüssy store, one of the most sought-after streetwear brands in Japan. Compared to prices in Korea and other countries, Stüssy items in Japan can be slightly cheaper, especially with tax-free shopping. I checked out the store, and here’s a breakdown of the pricing:
Hoodie: 28,600 yen
Sweatshirt: 26,400 yen
T-shirt: 8,800 – 9,300 yen
Beanie: 7,920 yen
Jeans: 31,900 yen
With Japan’s tax-free system, you can get an additional 10% off if you spend over a certain amount. Since prices fluctuate depending on exchange rates, it’s always good to compare with your home country before making a purchase.
One of the most fun stops I made at Hep Five was at the Crayon Shin-chan store on the 4th floor. I wasn’t particularly looking to buy anything, but the quirky merchandise and nostalgic character designs made it an entertaining place to browse. They had everything from socks and pajamas to keychains and collectible figures.
Right next to it was the Disney Store, which, although smaller than the one in Shinjuku, Tokyo, still had a great selection of plush toys, stationery, and home goods. For Disney fans, this is a great place to find unique Japanese-exclusive merchandise.
Absolutely. I initially planned to visit just for the Ferris wheel, but I ended up spending over two hours exploring the stores. The Hep Five Gacha shop was an unexpected highlight, offering a unique shopping experience for collectors. The fashion stores, anime merchandise, and character goods make this a must-visit spot in Umeda.
If you’re planning a shopping day in Osaka, I highly recommend including Hep Five in your itinerary. Whether you’re looking for capsule toys, streetwear, or a breathtaking view of the city, this shopping mall has something for everyone.
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