Osaka is Japan's second-largest city after Tokyo. 7% of Japan's population resides in Osaka. Additionally, about 10% of foreigners living in Japan are concentrated in Osaka.
Osaka has long flourished as a commercial city with thriving logistics. As the port developed and high-quality food such as rice, fish, and vegetables gathered abundantly from all over Japan, it came to be called "The Nation's Kitchen" (Tenka no Daidokoro) around 1700.
A unique food culture using flour developed, including inexpensive and delicious "takoyaki," "okonomiyaki," and "kushikatsu," which are collectively called "konamon" (dishes made with flour). With many famous sake-producing areas nearby, such as "Ikeda" in northern Osaka and "Nada" and "Itami" in Hyogo Prefecture, Osaka is known as the "City of Kuidaore" (eat until you drop) where you can enjoy food and drink.
In the center of Osaka, there are high-rise buildings representing Japan, such as "Abeno Harukas" and Umeda Sky Building, famous historical spots like "Osaka Castle" and "Osaka Tenmangu Shrine," and food districts like "Dotonbori" and "Shinsekai" where you can enjoy beautiful neon lights at night. With many famous tourist spots, Osaka attracts many visitors from both Japan and abroad.
This time, we'll provide information on enjoying Osaka's night from various perspectives, perfect for those wondering what to do in Osaka at night.
Osaka Has Plenty of Spots to Enjoy the Night
Osaka has plenty of spots to enjoy the night. The "Minami" area in Osaka City, including "Dotonbori," Shinsaibashi, and "Shinsekai," are representative entertainment districts that become even more lively at night.
These areas, lined with numerous restaurants, are illuminated with colorful lights and neon at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere. The slightly nostalgic retro atmosphere of the streetscape, different from Tokyo, is unique to Osaka. It's also recommended to bar-hop while enjoying the illuminated streets.
Enjoy Osaka's Food! Three Representative Neon Streets Lined with Izakayas and Osaka Gourmet Restaurants
Shinsaibashi
Shinsaibashi is one of Osaka's two major entertainment districts, along with Umeda around Osaka Station. Along Midosuji Avenue, long-established department stores and flagship stores of domestic and international luxury brands line up, forming a high-end brand street comparable to Ginza in Tokyo.
While Midosuji Avenue gives a sense of luxury, my recommendation is the Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Street that spreads next to it. On busy days, more than 120,000 people gather here.
This lively arcade shopping street stretches for 580 meters, with over 180 stores. From popular apparel shops for young people to duty-free stores and drugstores selling cosmetics that have recently opened, it attracts many tourists from Japan and abroad.
With so many people gathering, there are also many restaurants, from cafes popular with young people to street food shops, and izakayas where you can enjoy Osaka gourmet like kushikatsu until late at night. It's an area you can enjoy all day long.
Dotonbori
When you exit the Shinsaibashisuji Shopping Street to the south, the Dotonbori River flows. The area around the south side of "Ebisubashi Bridge" over the river is called "Dotonbori."
The flashy signs on the buildings along the river are illuminated at night. The brightly lit scenery is breathtaking! Especially the "Glico" sign has a long history and has been beloved as a Dotonbori landmark since 1935. It's one of the most popular photo spots in Japan.
My recommendation for Dotonbori sightseeing is to visit shops selling Osaka gourmet like "takoyaki" and "okonomiyaki." Many shops along the river offer "konamon" dishes like "takoyaki" and "okonomiyaki" while enjoying the Dotonbori scenery.
Many shops also serve alcohol and are open until late at night. The piping hot "konamon" with sweet and savory sauce goes well with beer! They're affordable and can be enjoyed quickly, so it's also recommended to visit several shops and compare tastes.
Tombori River Cruise, which allows you to tour Dotonbori by boat, is also recommended
Source: Official website
The "Tombori River Cruise," where you can cruise along the Dotonbori River and view the Dotonbori scenery by boat, is also recommended. The cruise takes about 20 minutes. A guide introduces the highlights of Dotonbori as you pass under nine bridges over Dotonbori, including the famous Ebisubashi Bridge.
The view of Dotonbori from the boat is full of openness and offers a different perspective from the ground. The beauty of the illuminated nighttime scenery is especially exceptional, making it a recommended tour for dates as well.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 7-13 Soemon-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Operating hours: 11:00-21:00, running every 30 minutes
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone number: 050-1807-4118
- Official website
- Fee: 1,500 yen
Shinsekai
Shinsekai, located in Naniwa Ward, is an entertainment district where you can experience the atmosphere of good old Osaka. An old-fashioned, friendly shopping street and a lively restaurant district spread out.
The tower called Tsutenkaku, which towers in the center of Shinsekai, is the symbol of Shinsekai. You can also climb the tower to view the scenery from above. As you walk through Shinsekai, you'll often see golden child-like statues. These statues are called "Billiken-san" and are beloved local deities.
The area around Tsutenkaku is bustling as a tourist spot, with restaurants with flashy signs lining up. All of them are attractive shops that stimulate your appetite.
While there are shops for various gourmet foods like hot pot and okonomiyaki, the representative Osaka gourmet of Shinsekai is kushikatsu. Many people come to Shinsekai just to taste kushikatsu, and there are even popular shops with long queues.
I also love kushikatsu, which can be eaten quickly. Be sure to try Shinsekai's kushikatsu dipped in rich-flavored Worcestershire sauce!
For Those Who Want to Enjoy Izakayas, "Hozenji Yokocho" is Also Recommended
For those who want to enjoy izakayas, "Hozenji Yokocho" is also recommended. About 50 restaurants, mainly individual stores, line the narrow alleys of the Hozenji Temple precincts.
It is said that the stalls that used to cater to visitors coming to worship developed into an alley, becoming the current alley style. Many shops are renovated Japanese houses that have been standing for a long time, and the ground is paved with atmospheric cobblestones, giving a sense of Japanese-ness with a nice atmosphere.
The shops in the alley range from long-established bars to shops dealing with Osaka gourmet like okonomiyaki and kushikatsu, and cafes. Unlike independent restaurants, the alley allows for easy enjoyment of food and drink due to the close proximity of neighboring shops.
Many shops have counter seats, allowing for easy communication with staff and other customers. It's also fun to hop around several shops and explore different places.
Enjoy Osaka's Scenery! 4 Spots to Enjoy Osaka Castle and Cityscapes
Osaka Castle Park
Source:Nihon Yakei Isan
Osaka Castle Park is an oasis for the people of Osaka. A vast, nature-rich park spreads out in the middle of the big city. The plants in the park change color with the seasons, allowing you to enjoy various changes depending on the time of your visit.
Local people taking walks or jogging, families, tourists, and various other people gather in the park, making it a place of relaxation. Also, on weekends, various events such as festivals, music, and sports events are held in the park, attracting crowds.
At night, you can enjoy a different beauty of the park with the castle tower illuminated.
The park itself is open 24 hours. Since you can easily enjoy nature in the center of Osaka, it's also recommended to visit Osaka Castle Park when you're tired from sightseeing.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi
- Operating hours: Open 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone number: 06-6755-4146
- website
- Admission: Free
Cherry blossoms in full bloom from late March to early April
Source:tenki.jp
From late March to early April, Osaka Castle Park is adorned with cherry blossoms planted in the park. About 3,000 cherry trees are planted in the park, and the scenery when in full bloom is exceptionally beautiful. The park is colored in pink and bustling with customers coming to see the cherry blossoms and locals.
It's also highly rated by foreign tourists and is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in the Kansai region.
The beauty of the illuminated castle tower along with the cherry trees is a must-see! The park is bright even at night, so during the cherry blossom season, it's also recommended for dates while taking a stroll.
From early November to early December, Osaka Castle is colored with autumn foliage
Source:WALKER PLUS
From November to December, Osaka Castle is colored with autumn foliage. The scenery of Osaka Castle framed by the 300-year-old ginkgo tree in front of the castle tower, which turns golden, is a popular photogenic spot.
The maple leaves also turn red, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful sight different from the cherry blossom season. The beauty of the approximately 1-kilometer-long ginkgo tree-lined street on the east side of the park is also a must-see.
I also love walking in the park, which has cooled down, while imprinting the autumn foliage in my eyes.
Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory
source:Jalan
The "Umeda Sky Building" stands 175 meters tall. It's characterized by its silhouette of two buildings connected at the rooftop, said to be the world's first connected high-rise building.
Floors 38 to 40 are the observation area, and the view from the rooftop Sky Garden on the 40th floor, where you can see the sky, is exhilarating. The view of Osaka from the open observatory is pleasant to look at. From the 35th floor to the 39th floor reception, there are escalators, and the view from the escalators feels like you're on a spaceship. The nighttime atmosphere becomes even more fantastic, so as a sci-fi fan, I can't help but get excited.
The luxurious restaurant on the 39th floor, where you can enjoy 300 types of cocktails and whiskey, is perfect for adult dates.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 1-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Operating hours: 9:30-22:30
- Closed: None
- Phone number: 06-6440-3855
- website
- Admission: 2000 yen
Abeno Harukas Harukas 300 (Observatory)
source:Official website
Abeno Harukas is the second-tallest building in Japan. It's a whopping 300m tall! Floors 58 to 60 are open as the "Harukas 300" observatory.
From the Sky Walk on the 60th floor, you can view the Osaka scenery 360 degrees from anywhere. The view from this open space with nothing obstructing it is breathtaking.
I also love the view of Osaka from here, and when I gaze at the vista of the Osaka Plain stretching as far as the eye can see, I often lose track of time. The time when the sky glows orange at sunset offers a fantastical mood.
The 58th floor has a sky garden and restaurants, and the 59th floor has a gift shop. The restaurant on the 58th floor is also open at night, so you can enjoy a romantic dinner while surrounded by the beautiful starry night view.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 1-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Operating hours: 9:00-22:00
- Closed: None
- Phone number: 06-6621-0300
- website
- Admission: 2000 yen
Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel
source:Official website
The Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel in the Tempozan Harbor Village, Osaka's bay area. The view of Osaka from a height of 112m, equivalent to a 30-story building, is breathtaking. On clear days, you can see as far as the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Mount Rokko in Hyogo Prefecture.
At night, the Ferris wheel is also illuminated, making the port even more beautiful and glamorous.
While the view of the Ferris wheel from below is beautiful, the night view from the Ferris wheel is spectacular, with the lights of the buildings shining like jewels. The romantic nighttime Ferris wheel is also recommended for dates. The approximately 15-minute ride is sure to be a special time.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Operating hours: 10:00-22:00
- Closed: None
- Phone number: 06-6576-6222
- website
- Fee: 900 yen
As Japan's Second Largest City, Osaka Has Plenty of Bars and Nightclubs
As Japan's second-largest city after Tokyo, Osaka has plenty of bars and nightclubs open until late at night. Various styles of nightclubs are lively all night long.
The excitement of nightclubs where energetic and powerful Osaka people gather is even more than in Tokyo! Here, we'll introduce popular nightclubs representing Osaka. Find your favorite and enjoy a fantastic nightlife with your friends.
Club Circus Osaka
source:Japan nightclub
This popular club also has a branch in Shibuya, Tokyo. They invite famous DJs from overseas every week, allowing you to enjoy authentic DJ performances. Although there are no flashy productions, it's an authentic club favored by advanced clubbers. The DJ level is high, and the sound quality is among the best in Osaka.
People who love techno and house music gather here. The clientele is also relatively calm, so even club beginners like me can enjoy it without worry. It's also popular among shop staff from the apparel shops lining Amerikamura, fashion-conscious young people, and foreign tourists.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 2F Nakanishi Building, 1-8-16 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Operating hours: Friday & Saturday 23:00-5:00
- Closed: Sunday to Thursday
- Phone number: 06-6241-3822
- website
- Admission: Varies depending on the event
CRAZY LAND × CHEVAL
source:Official website
The interior of "CRAZY LAND × CHEVAL" is illuminated with colorful lights, making it very glamorous. The 8-meter-high underground space is full of openness.
One characteristic is that there are many VIP rooms with private spaces compared to other clubs, such as VIP rooms with pools and jacuzzis. There's an age restriction of 20 and above, and the customer age range is higher, from 20s to 30s.
Until 23:00, it's 1000 yen with all-you-can-drink included, which is reasonably priced. Even after 23:00, you can enjoy all-you-can-drink until 5 am for 2000 yen. It's a recommended club for those who want to enjoy music and drinks.
<Basic Information>
- Address: B1F The Atrium, 1-5-30 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Operating hours: Wednesday to Sunday & days before holidays 20:59-5:00
- Closed: Monday & Tuesday
- Phone number: 06-6251-0888
-website
- Admission: 1000 yen to 2000 yen
The Pink
source:Official website
"The Pink" is a stylish club with a pop space unified in pink, as the name suggests. Located in the heart of Shinsaibashi, it attracts many people in their 20s, creating an energetic atmosphere.
As the music played in the club is mostly Western, it's popular among foreign customers, with about half of the clientele being non-Japanese.
It's a club where flashy and upbeat customers gather, so you can also make new friends. It's recommended when you want to drink, dance, and have a flashy good time with friends.
<Basic Information>
- Address: B1F Southern Palace Building, 2-7-20 Higashi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Operating hours: 22:00-7:00
- Closed: None
- Phone number: 06-6214-2399
- website
- Admission: Women from 500 yen, Men from 1000 yen, includes 1 drink
To fully enjoy the Japanese night, karaoke, which originated in Japan, is also essential!
Source:Wikipedia
If you've come to Japan, it's also recommended to enjoy the night with karaoke, which originated in Japan. Karaoke is an abbreviation of "empty orchestra," where you sing along to instrumental versions of songs without vocals.
In Japan, it's a hugely popular entertainment for people of all ages and genders, and there are many karaoke spots in the city. It's often used for after-parties for student and company gatherings, and you can enjoy a fun time singing while eating and drinking, as food and alcoholic beverages like beer are also available.
While it's fun to liven up with friends, I often use karaoke alone too. Some might think, "It would be embarrassing if my singing could be heard in other rooms..." but Japanese karaoke boxes are well soundproofed, so you can sing without worrying about sound leaking to other rooms.
Although it's a Japanese karaoke box, there's also a rich lineup of Western songs, so you're sure to find songs you know. Please try experiencing karaoke in Japan, where you can have a fun time whether with friends or alone!
Jankara Umeda Shibata-cho Branch
<Basic Information>
- Address: 1-4-1 Shibata, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Operating hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone number: 080-6239-6103
- website
Jankara Namba Main Store
<Basic Information>
- Address: 12-28 Namba Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Operating hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone number: 080-6202-7561
- website
Enjoy Osaka to the fullest! 3 tours where you can fully enjoy Osaka's nightlife with locals
Backstreet Nightlife Tour
Source:Taste Osaka
If you want to enjoy Osaka's nightlife right away, you might want to join a tour. There are tours where you can visit popular izakayas, popular spots, bars, and other night spots with a local bilingual guide.
In this tour, after enjoying Osaka gourmet at an izakaya, you'll explore the deep back alleys of Osaka that are not well known to tourists. After that, you'll visit 4 locally popular bars. The tour fee includes the izakaya food and drink costs and the first drink at each bar, making it a very good value tour.
You can also learn about Osaka's behind-the-scenes stories and history from the knowledgeable guide. Join the tour and enjoy the night tour while becoming familiar with Osaka!
Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba
If you're interested in Osaka's izakayas and bars, this tour is recommended. It's a tour where you visit 3 bars around Namba with a local guide. In this tour, after tasting Osaka gourmet like kushikatsu at a shop in Hozenji Yokocho, you'll continue to visit 2 shops in the deep local area called "Ura Namba," which is not well known to tourists.
In this area with many small individual shops, it's easy to interact with other local customers, allowing you to experience the real atmosphere of Osaka people. Such experiences are unique to tours.
As food and drink costs are included in the tour, you can enjoy it without bringing anything. After the tour ends, it's also recommended to enjoy nightclubs or karaoke in the night city.
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
If you want to fully enjoy Osaka gourmet to your heart's content, this tour is recommended.
This tour includes kushikatsu, okonomiyaki, and takoyaki. The cost of 3 drinks that can be enjoyed at each store is also included in the tour fee, so you can enjoy it without bringing anything.
The tour by a local guide not only allows you to enjoy food but also experience and learn about local culture.
In this tour, after worshipping at a shrine in Shinsekai, you'll enjoy kushikatsu in Shinsekai, then head to Dotonbori while strolling through back alleys where you can experience the good old townscape and eat along the way. By the time the tour ends, you're sure to become familiar with Osaka! The tour content can be enjoyed by customers of any age group.
Conclusion
Whether you want to fully enjoy Osaka gourmet in the Osaka-like Minami area, view romantic night views from Ferris wheels and observatories, or liven up until dawn at clubs and karaoke, Osaka is a city where you can experience a nightlife full of charm.
You'll probably be torn about what to do with so many options. If this is your first time in Osaka, it's also recommended to participate in a tour where locals can thoroughly introduce you to Osaka's charms. Osaka has so much charm that you can't taste it all in one day. Also, it's characteristic that it's difficult for tourists alone to fully enjoy its charm.
Especially at night, Osaka has many options such as izakayas and nightclubs. Please fully enjoy the night of Osaka, which boasts Japan's second-largest scale!
This comprehensive guide provides a wealth of information on what to do in Osaka at night, from enjoying local cuisine to experiencing the vibrant nightlife scene. Whether you're interested in sightseeing, dining, or partying, Osaka offers a diverse range of nocturnal activities to suit various preferences.