My Osaka badminton racket hunt spanned two exciting days (18th-19th), though I initially struck out on the 17th when my first target store was closed. Despite visiting three prime locations, lady luck wasn’t on my side – the coveted 100zz and 11Pro remained elusive, with only one store stocking the 88dp.
**First Stop:** CHAMP in Tennoji
This hidden gem opens at noon (10 AM Sundays). Arriving at 11 AM, I beat the crowd that started forming around 11:30. While compact in size, this store packs serious value with unbeatable prices. Word to the wise: popular models vanish quickly, and purchases are limited to one racket per customer.
📍1 Chome-7-13 Daido, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0052
**Second Destination:** Windsor Racket Shop in Umeda
A sports enthusiast’s paradise! This spacious store offers an impressive selection beyond badminton – think tennis gear, performance footwear, and athletic apparel. While better stocked than CHAMP, my white whales (100zz, 11Pro, 88dp) were still MIA, though the 1000z made an appearance.
Pro tip: arrive when doors open at 10:30 AM, and take advantage of their generous three-racket limit (max two identical models).
📍1 Chome−3−1 Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0001
**Grand Finale:** YONEX OSAKA SHOWROOM
The crown jewel of my search! This massive flagship store (opens 11 AM) boasts the most comprehensive inventory, yet my targets remained out of reach – they even displayed a prominent “100zz SOLD OUT” notice. Rumor has it they stocked the legendary racket during their grand opening. Be prepared for premium pricing here, with tax-free shopping being the sole discount.
Despite returning early on day two hoping for restocks, my quest ended in similar disappointment. I ultimately settled for the 88dp at the SHOWROOM, which came with a sleek Osaka-exclusive green bag (personalized embroidery was tempting, but the 5 PM pickup clashed with my 2 PM departure).
Smart Shopper Tip:
Umeda visitors can efficiently hit both Windsor (10:30 AM) and the SHOWROOM (11 AM) – they’re just a brisk 10-minute walk apart.
Important Reminder:
Always double-check opening hours on Google Maps! Japanese stores often observe holidays like the Emperor’s Birthday, so verify before making the trip.
I feel your pain about the elusive rackets! It’s frustrating when stores don’t have what you’re looking for. I’m glad you shared the details about CHAMP though – it sounds like a good spot to check next time. Those limited-time deals could be worth keeping an eye on too.
Thank you for your understanding about the availability of rackets – it’s definitely frustrating! I’m really glad you found the info about CHAMP helpful; I think it’s one of the best places to explore if you’re in Osaka. The limited-time deals there are often fantastic, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for those. Thanks for sharing your thoughts – happy shopping!
I’m planning a badminton gear shopping trip to Osaka next month, so this list is super helpful! I didn’t realize there were so many great stores like CHAMP in Tennoji—definitely going to check it out. Just be prepared for some disappointment if you’re set on specific rackets like the 100zz or 11Pro. Good to know about the Sunday hours too!