Doyama-cho is a lively nightlife area near Umeda known as Osaka’s LGBT district. In fact, it’s home to the most vibrant gay scene of the entire West Japan region, offering a plethora of places in which to grab an ice-cold beer or a colorful cocktail in a safe, welcoming, and fun environment. Here’s our guide to the best bars for visitors in this exciting and eclectic neighborhood.
WaaGwaan is a friendly lesbian bar as intriguing and unique as its name. Jamaican slang for “What’s up?”, WaaGwaan is part homage to the island, part specialty cocktail bar, and all heart. It manages to evoke a wild urban dive bar and a chill beachside retreat all at once. Any and all people are welcome here, so drop by for tasty drinks and delightful company.
Village is definitely one of the wildest nightclubs in the area, but also one of the most welcoming – though a gay club, the patrons includes all types of people, and that’s the way this bar wants it. Featuring free karaoke nightly and multiple stages where shows happen every weekend – including one behind the bar when the bartenders get up to perform – there is always something exciting happening at Village.
Christina Nhu also contributed to this piece.