With miscellaneous goods, fashion, and hotels all close together, Umeda is western Japan's greatest commercial area and boasts the highest sales second only to Shinjuku in the entire nation. Being located in Osaka's Kita-ku, the area is also commonly referred to as simply Kita. In addition to shopping outlets, office buildings in Umeda Station, multi-tenant buildings in front of Osaka Station, and Grand Front Osaka are some of the various facilities that populate the area. The Hankyu Department Store within the station is also western Japan's greatest collection of cosmetic retailers, complete with a large food marketplace offering everything from Japanese confectionery, to wine, to side dishes. Loads of people, men and women of all ages enjoy shopping here. HEP Five, in front of Hankyu Umeda Station, is filled with younger crowds chasing the latest trends. For New Years, long lines form from the early morning with hopefuls looking to buy their mystery bags in anticipation. The underground area in Umeda is extensive and connects Hankyu Sanbangai, the Hankyu Department Store, the Hanshin Department Store, JR Osaka Station, the Osaka Ekimae Buildings, etc. You'll see lots of people not only using this area to commute, but also just chilling in the cafes and such.