Osaka Nightlife – Let’s Explore It Right Now!

Osaka, the second-largest city in Japan, is famous for its dynamic local culture, incredibly delicious cuisine and beautiful tourist attractions. In terms of nightlife, the city also has many great things to offer. Osaka nightlife is a diverse and interesting selection of clubs, bars and live venues. Now, check this blog out to get a detailed guide on nightlife activities in Osaka!

Nightlife In The South Side Of Osaka – Namba, Minami

Minami is one of the entertainment districts located around Namba Station in Osaka. It not only offers a wide range of dining, shopping and sightseeing experiences but also houses plenty of clubs and bars. Therefore, Minami becomes the top choice of party goers in Osaka.

Hozenji Yokocho

Running behind Hozenji Temple in southern Osaka is Hozenji Yokocho, which is a small alley filled with about 60 bars, izakayas and restaurants. Visiting the alley, you will have chances to enjoy a huge range of food and drink, from sushi to shabu shabu (hot pot) and even the Osaka favorite okonomiyaki. If you are a keen explorer wanting to discover something a little less commonly sought out by tourists but still deeply feel the Osaka nightlife, Hozenji Yokocho is a spot that’s worth checking out! It can be found running parallel to Dotonbori, just a short walk from Namba Station.

Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi And Souemoncho

Dotonbori is one of the greatest places to go in Osaka, especially at night as it offers plenty of food, drink and entertainment venues for both locals and tourists. The area never truly sleeps with some restaurants opening 24 hours. The famous Glico Running Man sign and the moving Kani Doraku crab are also located here.

SEE MORE:

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Developed from the Shinsaibashi Shopping Street that connects to Mido-Suji Avenue, Shinsaibashi is now possibly the largest shopping area in Osaka with plenty of boutiques, craft shops, local eateries and Japanese traditional food shops. Besides, this area has a long and vibrant history that dates back to the Edo era.

Souemoncho is known as the nightlife center of Osaka and is one of the most frequented downtown areas in Japan with 700 shops stretching 500 meters from east to west. It is also famous for its long store hours that allows shopping to continue beyond dinner time. Souemoncho is also home to some acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurants.

Amerikamura (America Mura)

Located in the western part of Shinsaibashi, America Mura or the American village is a hallmark of Osaka’s teen culture movement in the Minami area. It is a great place with lively atmosphere of cafes, fashion stores and thrift shops, giving a younger feel that is suitable with the nightlife in Osaka.

Uranamba

On the eastern side of Namba Station is an area called Uranamba, which are filled with a large number of restaurants and bars. It is quite popular among aged locals who come to relax after a long day with a few beers and local food. Like a maze, Uranamba is famous for most of the best bars being found in alleys that stretch out from the Doguyasuji Shotengai. The Shotengai is pretty quiet with few shops running, but the surrounding streets are alive the smell of grilled food and the sounds of customers. It is also the place for solitary beers after a long day of exploring Osaka.

Nightlife In The North Side Of Osaka – Umeda

Located in the northern part of Osaka, Umeda is another major nightlife area next to Namba/Minami with a large network of hotels, restaurants and shopping complexes.

Ohatsu Tenjin Urasando

Located within only 5-minute walk from either Osaka or Umeda Station, Ohatsu Tenjin Urasando is a perfect place for those who are looking for a more local experience. It is a small alley which is no more than sixty metres in length and home to a small number of different bars, restaurants and izakaya. The alley is quite beautiful at night, and it’s even more picturesque in the rain.

Beer Belly

Beer Belly is a Western-style pub which offers a huge variety of locally brewed craft beers. A number of beers from the world-famous Minoh Beer brewery, a family-owned Osaka-based brewery founded in 1997 is also on tap in this pub. Beer Belly can be an ideal destination to enjoy Osaka nightlife while having top quality Japanese craft beers.

Osaka Night Clubs And Live Music

In the both sides of Osaka, night clubs and party venues are abundant. Therefore, if you go to visit this city and want to have some fun, you are really lucky. Most of the clubs in Minami and Umeda are within walking distance of each other, so you don’t have to pay at lot of money for taxi or walk miles to get to the next place. Prices at clubs and bars are generally quite reasonable, but they can vary for live houses. Be aware that the entry fee may include or exclude one or more drinks. Some clubs also require you to buy at least one drink ticket at the entrance.

Namba Clubs And Live Houses

Namba is an intersection south of Osaka Station that attracts a lot of tourists as well as locals every day. There is a variety of nightlife activities here with live houses, karaoke venues, clubs, and bars. Everyone is sure to find a great place to get fun in Namba.

Below are some places that are recommended to check out.

Club Pure Osaka

Club Pure Osaka is very popular with party goers as it offers an all-you-can-drink option all night. Thus, you can find the place quite crowded. The nomihoudai (all-you-can-drink) plan can be bought at the entrance. Men pay around 3,500 yen and women 2,000 yen for entry and drinks. Regular entry is around 1,000 yen cheaper each.

• Opening hours: varying weekdays (usually from around 10pm)
• Phone: 06-6214-6600
• Prices: ~ 2,000 yen (men), 1,000 yen (women)
• Address: 542-0085 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Chuo, Shinsaibashisuji 2-3-12

Club Camon

The club is the place for those who like reggae, hip hop and R’n’B music. It’s open almost all week and has regular party nights that are held in cooperation with other labels or host special events. You can check their official website for the exact schedule and entry fees for specific events before coming here.

• Opening hours: Tue – Sat (open from around 11pm)
• Phone: 06-6245-4888
• Prices: ~ 2,000 yen
• Address: 542-0083 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Chuo, Higashishinsaibashi 1-12-17

Art Club

Art Club is a live house which focuses on jazz, chansons, bossa nova and classical music performed by local artists. It’s definitely a great way to spend a relaxing evening while enjoying food, music and drinks with friends or a date.

• Opening hours: everyday from 6pm – 12am except Sundays
• Phone: 06-6212-2870
• Prices: ~ 5,000 yen
• Address: 542-0085 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Chuo, Shinjaibashisuji 2-6-14

Giraffe Osaka

With many international artists, Giraffe is a cool venue to check out. Getting to the place is the opportunity for you to mingle and enjoy the groove with all the other partygoers. Check the page for information on their international live acts, as there might be a few really interesting ones going on while you’re in the area.

• Opening hours: every day (open from around 7pm)
• Phone: 06-6211-1516
• Prices: generally free entry
• Address: 542-0084 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Chuo, Souemoncho 7-9

Owl Osaka

The club is quite popular with foreigners, you’ll most probably be able to meet people who speak English here. Visiting Owl, you can enjoy plenty of international acts as well as local ones. Its proximity to Osaka Station and the relatively early opening hours gives this venue a clear advantage for travelers passing through.

• Opening hours: every day (open from around 7pm)
• Phone: 06-6362-0822
• Prices: varying entry fees
• Address: 530-0017 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Kita, Kakudacho 5-1

Club Candy

With new facilities and music every night, Club Candy promises to be a popular nightlife spot for both locals and foreigners. Currently, it tends to be more of a spot for locals, but go have a look and mingle – it’s the best way to enjoy Osaka nightlife.

• Opening hours: every day (usually from around 11pm)
• Phone: 06-6211-3565
• Prices: varying entry fees
• Address: 542-0083 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Chuo, Higashishinsaibashi 2-8-26

Club Circus Osaka

Club Circus is famous for its live acts and great atmosphere. Also, the entry prices here are really reasonable with great music and a good drink selection. Make sure to check the club’s facebook page or LINE account for it updates on what’s happening so that you won’t miss any good acts.

• Opening hours: Fri, Sat, Sun (usually from around 11pm)
• Phone: 06-6241-3822
• Prices: ~ 1,000 yen (+ 1 drink)
• Address: 542-0086 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Chuo, Nishishinsaibashi 1-8-16

Club Drop

Located in America Mura, Drop is a live venue with a variation of different artists and events happening weekly. It is open every day and feature local acts. Surrounded by lots of venues for young people such as bars and pubs, Drop is worth your visit!

• Opening hours: every day (varying opening times)
• Phone: 06-6213-9101
• Prices: varying entry fees
• Address: 542-0086 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Chuo, Nishishinsaibashi 2-18-9

Umeda Clubs And Live Houses

Sam & Dave Umeda

Walking for about 8 minutes from Umeda Station, you’ll reach Sam & Dave Umeda, which is a bar during weekdays and a club on weekends. Its cool, casual interior and great atmosphere will immediately make you fall in love with it once you come here. Surrounded by other venues, restaurants and more, it’s a great place to wind down after an exhausting day with a drink get dancing on the weekends.

• Opening hours: Mon – Thu (7pm – 1am), Fri – Sun (8pm – 5am)
• Phone: 06-7663-6689
• Prices: 2,000 yen (men), 1,000 (ladies), free entry on weekdays
• Address: 530-0047 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Kita, Nishitenma 4-15-9

Umeda Club Quattro

Club Quattro is a high-quality club with plenty of events and concerts going on. You can check all the information related to it by visiting its official website. For cheaper tickets, it is suggested to buy them online in advace. Besides, be aware that the entry fee may be exclusive of the first drink ticket, meaning you will have to buy the first drink at the door extra.

• Opening hours: varying weekdays (usually from around 6pm)
• Phone: 06-6311-8111
• Prices: ~ 3,000 yen
• Address: 530-0051 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Kita, Taiyujicho 8-17

Billboard Live Osaka

Billboard Live Osaka is a perfect venue for live show lovers. Most of the performances held here are by locally or internationally established artists. As sometimes there are private parties in the concert hall, make sure to check their site for special closings. All information about events and tickets are available online, so check it out if you feel like going to a good concert.

• Opening hours: varying weekdays (events usually from around 5.30pm)
• Phone: 06-6342-7722
• Prices: varying entry fees
• Address: 530-0001 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Kita, Umeda 2-22

Check out the video below for more recommendations on top clubs and bars in Osaka!

Conclusion

Hopefully, this blog has provided you with useful and detailed information about Osaka nightlife. If you go to visit Japan one day, you cannot miss checking out Osaka. With the immense variety of food and drink available in both the South and North side of the city, you’ll definitely find something to your liking!