The Best Cafs In Nakazakicho Osaka

Nakazakicho is one of the most charming districts in Osaka. Less bustling and commercial than the rest of the city, the neighbourhood owes its old-school ambience to the surviving pre-war architecture and booming art scene. Tucked away among the unique buildings are some of the best cafés in the city.

Tucked away among Nakazakicho’s scenic architecture are some of the best cafés in the city

1. Salon de AManTO for bohemian vibes and like-minded creatives

Cafe, Coffee

Since the early 2000s, Nakazakicho has been a haven for art galleries, shops and hang-outs. Salon de AManTO is where it all started. Created by Jun Amanto as a space for artists to come together and network, it has become a gathering spot for local creatives. Mr Amanto selected an old, dilapidated building for his project and renovated it himself, recycling every single nail and piece of wood. With its bohemian atmosphere, selection of delicious drinks and free Wi-Fi, Salon de AManTO is a great place to relax or even glean inspiration for your next novel.

2. Taiyo no Tou for a hearty lunch followed by some delectable desserts

Cafe, Coffee

Taiyo no Tou is one of the best-known cafés in the neighbourhood and is probably the easiest to spot. The colourful facade draws the eye and compels passers-by to visit. Inside, the decor is just as quirky, with kitschy antiques and retro furniture. Taiyo no Tou sells a yummy selection of sweets, such as cheesecake and a tiramisu tart. It also offers a healthy, hearty lunch set that comes with your choice of three side dishes plus soup and rice. Maps of the neighbourhood are free inside.

4. Cafe Arabiq for books, magazines and a famous tiramisu

Cafe, Coffee

Cafe Arabiq is for book lovers, with floor-to-ceiling stacks of tomes, magazines and other publications. The café is named after a bar from the mystery novel Kyomu-eno-kumotsu (1964), one of Japan’s most famous detective stories. Like a practised sleuth, guests will want to comb through every book on display before leaving. However, photography is prohibited – guests can take only memories. Considering the selection of books, coffee and art on display – not to mention the famous tiramisu – that should be more than enough.

5. Utena Cafe for a classic kissaten menu and soft jazz

Cafe, Coffee

Nestled in one of Nakazakicho’s classic historic buildings, Utena Cafe provides a relaxing space for coffee and contemplation. Jazz music plays softly over the speakers, and the coffee is served in antique cups. Everything from the furniture to the classic kissaten (Japanese café) menu conveys a Shōwa-era (1926-1989) atmosphere. Try the kiwi-topped cheesecake paired with a freshly brewed cup of blended coffee while you sit back and enjoy the pleasant ambience.

6. NOON+CAFE for late-night dance parties, performances and other events

Cafe, Coffee

NOON+CAFE is a fun and funky café located directly below some elevated railroad tracks. It’s spacious, perfect for camping out for hours to chat, read a book as well as wander and check out the quirky art and paraphernalia on display. Taco rice (a Japanese spin on Mexican fare), hotdogs and pizza are all available as well as sweet treats like crêpes and chocolate fondant. At night, it often hosts dance parties, fashion shows, artistic performances and other events. Smoking is allowed inside at all hours.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.