One way I like to explore a new city is to try to find the area’s quirky, more localized shops — especially vintage and secondhand stores. Oddly enough, while in Osaka, I discovered the vintage shopping is far more fruitful for Western clothing culture rather than authentic Japanese.

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I had a traditional kimono in mind (who doesn’t?), but while hunting for traditional Japanese styles and accessories from a bygone era, I was surrounded by U.S college sweatshirts, Levis and Ralph Lauren Polo t-shirts. I did some quick research, looking for anything within walking distance where I could maybe find fewer American styles and more authentic Japanese when I realized I was in America-mura, a neighborhood literally built on U.S. trade and catering to American trade shops.

Luckily, I was able to find one authentic Japanese vintage shop, Antique Kimono Nanashi-Do, which happened to be closed during my quick visit.

In America-mura, you can find a thrift store, vintage shop or used-clothing boutique on nearly every corner, but for future reference, if you’re like me and seeking more kimonos and less Champion; try the Antique Kimono Nanashi-Do — a bit outside of the main shopping district of the city, but it looks well worth the trip.

— Angelique Platas, associate editor