Osaka Nightlife – Top Clubs, Bars & Japanese Izakaya

Firmly established as the epicurean capital of Japan, Osaka naturally extends its nightlife to after-meal hours. Osakans love to stay out late in the many izakaya, bars and nightclubs that permeate the city. The highly-walkable layout of the popular Namba and Shinsaibashi districts, with recently evolved craft beer and coffee scenes, add variety to Osaka nightlife and encourage venue-hopping among locals and tourists alike.

1. CinqueCento

In typical Japanese fashion, CinqueCento is physically small and has a strangely un-Japanese name. Meaning “500” in Italian, CinqueCento is conveniently situated in Shinsaibashi within a cluster of hundreds of other choices, making it a great stop on a night of pub crawling. With a slightly higher ratio of foreigners to locals than average, CinqueCento is a meeting place for travelers seeking new friends or easy conversation. Best of all, every drink served here costs only 500 yen (about 4.50 USD), hence the name CinqueCento.

How to get there

Address: 2-1-10 Higashi Shinsaibashi Chuo-ku, 1F Matsumiya Building

CinqueCento is a 5-minute walk from Nagahoribashi Station.

2. Balabushka

Balabushka draws a diverse crowd of locals who like to mix games with drinking. Located in Shinsaibashi, this pool bar has five dartboards, pinball, a coin-operated foosball table and three pool tables, two of which are free. Quite a bit larger than the average Osaka venue, Balabushka resembles more of a western sports bar than a Japanese dive. With a 180-inch TV, this place is great for live sports events with fellow fans or just large groups that might not fit in the typical 12-seat Osaka bar. Often crowded on weekends, Balabushka is a popular Osaka nightlife spot with local young people as an early stop in the evening before all-night clubbing. Drinks vary and typical bar snacks are available.

How to get there

Address: 2-9-5, Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku

Balabushka is a short walk from either Shinsaibashi Station or Namba Station.

3. Captain Kangaroo

If you absolutely must have a cheeseburger while in Osaka, this American-style bar and burger restaurant in the heart of Umeda at least offers a Japanese level of quality. With 50 beers from around the world, it’s also not a bad place to take a break from sake. Try to get to this dark but cozy bar in the Kita-Shinchi district between 6 and 8 p.m. for happy hour specials. Captain Kangaroo has staff members who speak English and know the neighborhood.

How to get there

Address: 1-5-20 Sonezakishinchi

Captain Kangaroo is a 5-minute walk from both JR Osaka Station and Kitashinchi Station.

4. Cherry Bomb

Small but loud in Shinsaibashi, the hard-rocking and hard-drinking Cherry Bomb keeps its roots in American music. Owned by Americans and with English-speaking staff, Cherry Bomb keeps it simple with a good selection of cold beer, western comfort food, like tacos and buffalo wings, and a warm atmosphere of locals and tourists who share a love for rock and roll and Osaka nightlife.

How to get there

Address: Junon Yawata Bldg 5F, 2-4-8 Higashi Shinsaibashi

Cherry Bomb is a short walk from Nippombashi Station.

5. Bar Nayuta

For a more stylish take on Osaka nightlife, head over to Triangle Park (Mitsu Park) in Amemura (America Village), and find your way to Bar Nayuta. Advertised as a “nocturnal apothecary,” this gothic-themed bar offers custom cocktails concocted by mixologists based on guests’ requests and stated tastes. Dark and speakeasy-like, Bar Nayuta is hidden on the fifth floor of a corner building that adds to its hidden-gem flavor. With seating for only 20 people, Bar Nayuta feels exclusive but charges no cover and features live DJs on most nights. If you’re going to get dressed up for a night out, Bar Nayuta is the perfect place to find other fashionable people who like a little scenery with their drinks.

How to get there

Address: 1-6-17, Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku

Bar Nayuta is a short walk from Yotsubashi Station.