The Top 10 Bars and Drinking Spots in Osaka, Japan
Osaka, known as ‘Japan’s kitchen’, is famous for more than just its amazing food – the city also boasts a vibrant nightlife that often remains active until well after sunrise and the first trains start running. Here are the 10 best places to spend an evening out in Osaka.
1. Tenma
Train Station, Shop
This Osaka neighborhood is home to sightseeing spots that are great to visit by day, including an ancient shrine and the longest shopping street in Japan. But by night Tenma becomes one of the best drinking destinations in town. Just outside of JR Tenma Station lies a portal to exciting bar-filled backstreets and alleyways that come alive after dark. Pop into one of the many izakaya (Japanese pubs), renowned craft beer bar Beer Belly, meet locals at one of the small tachinomi (standing bars), or all the above.
2. Doyama-cho
Shopping Mall, Shop
3. Video Game Bar Space Station
Bar, American
5. Misono Building
Building
The Misono Building is more than just a groovy nightlife spot – it’s a fascinating remnant of a forgotten Japanese era. Constructed in 1956 as a combination of hotel, restaurant, and cabaret, this mammoth complex features a giant neon light display out front and a cascading waterfall and large spiral staircase at the entrance. Though slightly dilapidated from years of use, the building is still an impressive sight to behold. It still houses some of the aforementioned establishments, but its second floor is now home to a collection of tiny, unique, and quirky bars. From those that resemble gothic dungeons to video game bars, there is sure to be something to entice anyone.
6. CinqueCento (チンクエチェント)
Bar, Pub, Japanese
7. rock bar Cherry Bomb
Bar, American
8. Bar Nayuta
Bar, Japanese
9. The Blarney Stone Shinsaibashi
Pub, Bar, Restaurant, American, Irish
10. Balabushka
Bar, Japanese
Elizabeth Lee also contributed to this piece.
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