Being one of the busiest hubs in Osaka, Umeda has a thriving nightlife. A particularly popular, lively area is the narrow streets of the Kitashinchi District. The streets are packed with restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Check out our list for the ten best bars in Umeda.
Blue Note
Known for its jazz tunes, Blue Note in Osaka has two live sets each night from both national and international artists. Although they mainly host the jazz scene, you will also find a range of musicians from latin to contemporary folk at Blue Note, so be sure to check out their schedule online before heading over. The cocktails are renowned and the staff are known for their amazing service. Be sure to get a reservation as it gets incredibly busy every night.
A charming bar found in the Kitashinchi district, Bar K is well-known for its broad range of Japanese whiskeys. The feel of the bar is very refined with the main focus is on the drinks. The bartenders put a lot of pride into their work as seen in their impeccably executed cocktails. If you really want to appreciate a dram of whiskey, Bar K is the place to go.
The Blarney Stone Umeda
An Irish pub right in the heart of Osaka, The Blarney Stone offers live music on Thursdays to Sundays, and is guaranteed to show you a good time. Hosting events every night, it’s an idea to find out what’s on before you head over. You’ve got an all-night happy hour on Monday nights, a free pool contest on Tuesdays, and cocktails are just 400 yen for the ladies all night on Thursdays. Be sure to check out the Blarney Stone, which attracts a fairly young and energetic crowd. 2-10-15 Sonezaki, Kita-ku, Osaka, Japan, +81 663 642 001
Owl Osaka
Owl Osaka is one of the top entertainment spots in the Umeda area and is well known for its exciting events and performers. The’ve got one of the largest LED screens in the country, making sure that everyone gets to view the spectacular performances. On weekdays you can expect a crowd of around 500 people which doubles at the weekend. Within walking distance from the station, it offers you a great chance to dance away and have a couple of drinks. Be warned though: they do have a strict dress code which can be found on their website.
The Bar Elixir-k
Located in the famous Kitashinchi district, Elixir-K is definitely off the beaten track. This little hideout decorated with antique British-style furniture gives the feel of a homely pub. Specializing in cocktails and Irish coffee, they’ve also got an eclectic choice of wines and spirits. Upstairs, there’s a see-through walk-in cellar home to sundry wines and whiskeys from around the world. Elixir-K also offers Cuban cigars for 800 yen a piece. 1-2-9 Dojima, Kita-ku, Osaka, Japan, +81 663 457 890
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The Alex Bar
Bar, Japanese
Courtesy The Alex Bar
Known as the gaijin bar (foreigner’s bar) of the Umeda area, The Alex Bar is definitely one to check out. If you’re looking for a great place to meet people and have a couple of drinks, head over to The Alex Bar and you’re guaranteed a fun time. They’ve got a wide selection of whiskey and spirits as well as a large cocktail list. If you’re feeling peckish, their snack list will take care of it. They do get incredibly busy so be sure to make your way over early.
Captain Kangaroo Bar
Bar, Pub, Pub Grub, Japanese
This American-style bar and burger restaurant, located right in the heart of Umeda, is a gaijin bar like no other. The food, though simple pub food such as fish and chips and burgers, is incredibly tasty. At Captain Kangaroo, the atmosphere is vibrant and lively, the staff are very helpful and like to socialise with the customers. Boasting a selection of around 50 beers from around the world, be sure to make it over for happy hour between 6pm and 8pm to get discounts on your food and drink.
Herradura
Restaurant, Mexican
Herradura is an exhilarating Mexican-style bar and restaurant located close to Osaka station. They’ve got a great selection of fruity frozen margaritas and a wide range of tequilas for you to try. Herradura is where you head to get the party started. Snack on a couple of quesadillas with your margaritas before heading out to the club. They’ve also got a large selection of beers and other spirits. A great place to head when you’re in the party mood.
Sam and Dave Umed
Nightclub, Japanese
At Sam and Dave’s you’ll find a young, hip and festive crowd dancing the night away. The bar offers a large light-up dance floor with popular music events ranging from hip hop to electronica. They’ve even got salsa lessons on Tuesday nights. The bartenders serve up great well-shaken cocktails and you can enjoy large portions of pub-style food while hanging out in this party zone. To meet a young, vibrant crowd, this gaijin bar is the place to go.
Born and raised in a small town in Japan with an Indian and Spanish background, Prema is now in her final year of an English Literature degree at the University of Edinburgh. With her parents both being ex-magazine writers, Prema developed a passion for reading and writing at an early age. When not in front of a kindle, she'll be jet setting and exploring the world soaking in all the new languages and cultures.
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