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The Best Clubs in Osaka

Club Joule.
Club Joule. | © MIXTRIBE / Flickr / Derivative from original

When looking to party in Japan, wild and rambunctious Osaka is the place to go. Its people are fun lovers, known for eating, drinking, shopping, and partying to excess. Check out our list of the top five clubs in the city that never seem to sleep.

Club Joule

Bar, Japanese

osaka_club-joule
© MIXTRIBE / Flickr / Derivative from original

Joule has been a local nightlife staple for almost 20 years. Open every night with events every weekend (at least), this party spot is always packed and lively. Osaka is a place that doesn’t take nights off, even during the work week, so any time is a good time to visit Joule. This club has three floors filled with a dancing space, bars, a lounge, lockers, and more. Check out the events calendar on their website, where there is also info about renting the space for an event and how to get into the VIP lounge. Guests have to show an ID to get in and must be over 18, so don’t forget your passport!

GHOST ultra lounge

Bar, Japanese

Ghost is an up-and-coming party space located near Joule and open every night of the week except Mondays. The attractive interior is illuminated with cool-colored LED lighting and the dance floor, though small, is the best place to jam to hip-hop in town. There is also a VIP lounge and female-only areas, including seating and lockers. Every night women get in for only 700 yen with one drink included before midnight (men get the same discount every night except Saturday). Many of the employees speak English and foreigners often get discounts, so it’s very tourist friendly. Only people 20 and over are permitted entry.

Club Circus

Bar, Japanese

club_dj_osaka_japan
© MIXTRIBE / Flickr

Circus is the best place to listen to electronic beats in Osaka. Their busy lineup features both festival-headlining DJs as well as undiscovered underground musicians. Everyone who plays, regardless of how famed, brings something dynamic to the scene. While the space isn’t huge, it makes up for it with its atmosphere, thanks to both the resounding music and the enthusiastic people drinking and dancing. Hours vary, but you can see their upcoming events here. Check out their sister shop Cats Bar, a hip, mellow venue located just upstairs.

Sam and Dave ONE

Bar, American

club_dj_osaka_japan
© Ryuta Ishimoto / Flickr

One of the oldest and most famous clubs in town, Sam and Dave ONE is a self-proclaimed ‘international nightclub’, drawing people from all over the world. Every night, a young, diverse crowd of both locals and travelers gathers to listen to a variety of music, from modern day pop hits to upbeat nostalgic tunes. Food is served at the bar until late for those who get late night cravings (or don’t want to drink on an empty stomach). Though ONE is the most popular of the Sam and Daves’, the company has two other venues, one in Umeda and one in Kobe.

Alzar

Bar, Japanese

club_djs_osaka_japan
© Ryuta Ishimoto / Flickr

Although new in town, ALZAR has already gained immense popularity and clout in the Osaka club scene. Situated just above Rooftop Bar OO, just off the Dotonbori canal in downtown Namba, the location is definitely what draws people, but the atmosphere is what convinces them to stay. Dark and smokey (the venue literally has smoke machines – and they use them!), the spacious dance floor is flanked by a cage, behind which DJs spin tunes of all genres. The club regularly hosts both domestic and international DJs and the crowd is often a mix of locals and travelers as well. Alzar is only open on weekends.

About the author

Brooke lived in Osaka, Japan for six years, honing her expertise on local attractions, culture, food, & the outdoors. She has been travel writing since 2011.

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