8 Bars in Osaka That Stay Open Until the First Train (or Later)
Osaka is a non-stop party zone, where raging all-nighters are just a part of the regular routine. Check out our list of the best bars in the city that stay open all night long, if not later.
Public transit in Japan is so reliable, most people take the train to a night out so they can drink without consequence. Yet, even Japan’s railways have to rest. In Osaka, as in other major Japanese metropolises, the trains and subways stop operating between the hours of about midnight and 5am.
The local bars and clubs, however, do not. It’s between these hours that the nightlife shines. Many hop on the midnight train bound for one of the city’s party districts and stay out until the trains start running again. Below are the best bars to drink in until the wee hours.
1. Captain Kangaroo for sports enthusiasts and live music lovers
Bar, Pub, Pub Grub, Japanese
2. Grand Slam for LBGTQ night owls
Bar, Cocktails
Grand Slam is a lively bar located in the vibrant Doyama district, the centre of Osaka’s LGBTQ scene. This gay bar is open seven nights a week and stays open until 5am every night except Sunday. The flamboyant crowd is often a mix of genders and nationalities, though the bar caters mainly to gay men. There’s no cover charge to enter, the drinks are cheap, and there’s karaoke for all to enjoy. Grand Slam also regularly hosts dance parties and DJ events on weekends.
3. CinqueCento (チンクエチェント) for cheap and cheerful 500-yen drinks
Bar, Pub, Japanese
4. Kama Sutra Karaoke Bar for crooning all night long
Bar, Japanese
5. Rock bar Cherry Bomb for craft beer and carefree vibes
Bar, American
6. Kinguu (宮禁), a Victorian, retro, horror-themed bar
Bar, Italian, Japanese
7. Balabushka for late-night pool tournaments
Bar, Japanese
8. Bar Heaven for parties that go til 10am
Bar, Cocktails
Heaven is indeed a place on earth, although this Osaka bar has a reputation that’s anything but holy. Heaven is where Osaka’s bartenders go after they finish work, so things don’t really get cracking until the wee hours of the morning. The patrons are usually good and drunk by the time they show up, so it’s no wonder this bar has one of the craziest raps in town. The music is loud, the drinks are strong and the crowds are wild. Heaven is open every single day until 10am, so this joint is for serious partiers only.
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