Osaka Karaoke Ultimate Guide 2024! Bars and Karaoke Boxes
Osaka, with its flourishing food culture dating back 400 years, is universally acknowledged as the place "to eat delicious food at reasonable prices." As Japan's second-largest metropolis after Tokyo, it hosts numerous foreign residents. Even from my perspective as an Osaka native, I can see how this city was an early adopter of diversity, with many restaurants operated by foreigners.
Where people gather in high spirits, entertainment flourishes. As you walk through Osaka's streets after eating and drinking, feeling slightly tipsy, you might discover new forms of entertainment beyond the bright neon lights.
Among the many captivating entertainment options, we'll focus on "karaoke," a globally popular aspect of Japanese culture. We'll bring you carefully curated information, from karaoke basics to Osaka's unique karaoke establishments.
Osaka Offers Numerous Spots to Enjoy Karaoke
Osaka is one of Japan's premier entertainment districts, packed with delicious restaurants and bars. After thoroughly enjoying the fantastic cuisine, there are various entertainment facilities to deepen your night-time adventures.
While nightclubs and game centers are popular, "karaoke" is the most frequently chosen entertainment option. Osaka offers a rich variety of karaoke facilities, from small individual bars to large specialized establishments. We'll introduce you to the ways to enjoy karaoke in Osaka.
What is Karaoke?
"Karaoke," now a globally recognized term, is a major form of entertainment that originated in Japan. The word "karaoke" is said to derive from "kara" (empty) and "orchestra." It initially referred to professional singers performing with pre-recorded accompaniment on records or cassette tapes, without live music. The term "karaoke" was used because it meant "without orchestra."
Karaoke became widespread in Japan during the late 1960s. Initially, the mainstream style was amateur singing in open spaces like bars. Today, "karaoke boxes" with private rooms equipped with specialized equipment have become popular, establishing a style where people enjoy singing with close friends and family.
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There Are Three Types of Places to Enjoy Karaoke
Karaoke Boxes
These are facilities with multiple private rooms dedicated to karaoke, with famous chain stores like Jankara and Karaoke-kan. They offer rooms of various sizes to accommodate both small and large groups, and some people even practice singing alone.
Modern karaoke boxes feature extensive drink bars and food menus that rival restaurants and izakayas in quality. The availability of Wi-Fi is particularly appealing to tourists. With their focus on video and sound equipment, these venues can be considered multi-purpose entertainment facilities where you can enjoy not only karaoke but also video viewing and online gaming.
I'll translate the article while incorporating the keywords "Osaka Karaoke" and ensuring it's tourist-friendly.
Karaoke Bar
As the name suggests, this is a bar where you can enjoy karaoke. These establishments feature karaoke equipment, and the real joy comes from sharing the experience with other customers and staff members. Everyone in the venue comes together to create an energetic atmosphere, quickly breaking down barriers between strangers. By the time you leave, you might feel like old friends - a unique characteristic of karaoke bars. Even if you're hesitant to sing in public, you can still enjoy yourself as part of the audience, making it an inclusive entertainment spot for everyone.
Snack Bar
Japan has "snack bars" which are similar to regular bars. These establishments are typically run by a female owner called "Mama." Visitors can enjoy drinks, light meals, conversation with the Mama and staff, and karaoke. Traditionally, snack bars were evening social spaces where middle-aged businesspeople would unwind after work. Interestingly, these establishments have recently gained popularity among young Japanese people and foreign tourists. Some snack bars have been operating for 50-60 years, and it's easy to understand why people are drawn to these places where Mamas from their mothers' or grandmothers' generation create such a welcoming atmosphere.
5 Recommended Karaoke Bars in Osaka
The Drunken Clam
Source: Flickr
The Drunken Clam offers such an international atmosphere that you might forget you're in Japan. With many foreign staff members, this casual venue is particularly popular among backpackers. The homey atmosphere makes it easy for first-timers to feel comfortable. When you order a drink, you can enjoy free karaoke services available in Japanese, English, and other languages. Beyond karaoke, it's well-known as a place for international exchange. Many locals from around Osaka visit to experience foreign cultures and practice English. It's also a smart way to meet locals who can share insider tips about exploring Osaka.
Address: 3F, 6-26 Soemoncho, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 20:00-2:00, Friday-Saturday 20:00-4:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 080-5306-5114
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drunkenclamjp/
Kama Sutra
Source: Official Instagram
"Kama Sutra" is located in a somewhat niche area facing Sakai-suji boulevard, just east of Shinsaibashi-suji, Minami's main shopping street.
While it might be intimidating to enter this multi-tenant building for the first time, once you muster the courage to open the door, you'll be greeted enthusiastically by the Canadian owner speaking in Kansai dialect!
One attractive point is the reasonable drink prices starting from 500 yen. But what's truly remarkable is the cheerful personality of the owner and staff. The fact that many foreign residents and tourists make this a must-visit spot in Osaka is largely due to their charm.
Visiting Kama Sutra reminds you that "the most important aspect of choosing a karaoke bar is the atmosphere created by the owner and customers."
- Address: Jumbo Bldg 5F, 2-1-13 Higashi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Hours: Sunday-Thursday 22:00-5:00, Friday-Saturday 21:00-5:00
- Closed: Never
- website: https://www.instagram.com/kama_sutra_karaoke_bar/
Domus
Source: Hotpepper Gourmet
"Domus" is a stylish café-bar frequented by local youth. The first floor features a massive monitor, professional sound equipment, and a DJ booth, making it perfect for parties and events. The second floor offers sofa seating where you can enjoy karaoke in a relaxed atmosphere.
Domus's greatest appeal lies in its Instagram-worthy pop aesthetic and extensive food and drink menu. My personal recommendations are their tower-like parfaits and the richly-topped Domu shake. Their visual impact will captivate you instantly!
You can enjoy café services until 2 AM, making it a valuable spot even without using karaoke.
- Address: 1-7-18 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Hours: Monday-Sunday, Holidays, Day before Holidays: 12:00-3:00 (L.O. 2:00)
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 06-6261-1500
- website: https://domus-osaka.owst.jp/
Moonshine Karaoke Bar
Source: Tripadvisor
"Moonshine Karaoke Bar" stands out among the numerous bars in Amerika-mura. Run by an American owner, the clientele is well-balanced between foreigners and Japanese, always featuring a diverse crowd.
My lasting impression of Moonshine Karaoke Bar is the owner's amazing double-time rap skills - he was originally a musician. Consider yourself lucky if you get to witness it!
The owner is also knowledgeable about Kansai's nightlife and music scene, so it's worth getting to know him. Don't forget to try his homemade apple pie drink! This is the perfect spot for nights when you want to get fired up with music and connect with people.
- Address: Sasaki Building, 2-12-8 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Hours: 19:00-3:00
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 090-5154-5142
- website: https://www.instagram.com/moonshineosaka
Disco Style Bar Funk - A Unique Osaka Karaoke Experience
Source: Tabelog
Disco culture experienced a massive boom in Japan from the late 1970s through the 1990s. "Disco Style Bar Funk" lets you enjoy that nostalgic era's atmosphere in its authentic form. The interior sparkles with mirror balls and neon lights, creating an enchanting ambiance that perfectly recreates the disco experience of yesteryear.
The venue specializes in black music from various decades, particularly FUNK, SOUL, HIPHOP, and R&B. Beyond being just an Osaka karaoke spot, it sometimes features impromptu DJ performances (recently, they had a spontaneous performance from a Mexican visitor!), making it a venue for diverse musical experiences.
Don't miss their carefully curated food and beverage menu. Foreign visitors particularly enjoy their unique cocktails based on nihon-shu (Japanese sake) and the chef's daily special featuring freshly caught fish.
Location Details:
- Address: 2F Shin Nippon Dotonbori Building, 1-1-5 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Hours: 19:00-3:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 06-6484-3677
- Website: https://dfunk.jp/
For Traditional Karaoke Box Experience, Check Out Popular Osaka Karaoke Chain Stores!
Let me translate this article about Osaka karaoke establishments, which would be particularly useful for tourists.
JANKARA
Source: Official website
When it comes to karaoke chain stores in the Kansai region, "JANKARA" dominates the market share. With its wallet-friendly pricing, it's especially popular among students.
The establishment offers thoughtful services that cater to every need, including free rental of mobile phone chargers and HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cables.
While they have an extensive food and beverage menu, customers are also allowed to bring their own items. This is particularly convenient for those with dietary restrictions or allergies.
Furthermore, in November 2023, "JANKARA Yokocho" opened at the Dotonbori location. The yokocho (alley) features food stalls serving Japanese sake exclusive to the location, along with traditional Japanese dishes like tempura, sushi, and okonomiyaki. Beyond just karaoke, it offers a concentrated experience of Japanese culture. Visit JANKARA to experience how it continues to evolve beyond the traditional concept of a karaoke establishment!
JANKARA Dotonbori Branch
- Address: B1-5F, 1-7-23 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 080-6202-7587
- website: https://jankara.ne.jp/shop/109/
Jankara Umeda Shibata-cho Branch
<Basic Information>
- Address: 1-4-1 Shibata, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Operating hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone number: 080-6239-6103
- website: https://jankara.ne.jp/shop/199/
Jankara Namba Main Store
<Basic Information>
- Address: 12-28 Namba Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Operating hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone number: 080-6202-7561
- website: https://jankara.ne.jp/shop/096/
KARAOKE-KAN
Source: Official website
Like JANKARA, the nationwide chain "Karaoke-kan" offers various private room options. These include the "Panorama Room" featuring a 100-inch projector for impressive visuals and sound, the "First Class Room" offering a spacious, high-quality environment for relaxation, and "Kids Rooms" perfect for families with children.
It's excellent not just for karaoke but also as a break during your travels. Some savvy users even connect their smartphones to the room's large screen for watching videos or playing games.
Their extensive food and beverage menu is popular, ranging from light snacks to alcohol accompaniments and party platters.
Karaoke-kan Kitashinchi Branch
- Address: 1-3-21 Sonezaki Shinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka
- Hours: 11:30 - 6:00 (next day)
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 06-6344-2790
- website: https://karaokekan.jp/shop/detail/181
Karaoke-kan Namba Ebisubashi honten ebisubashi honten
- Address: 1-5-16 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Business hours: Sunday - Thursday and national holidays 9:00 - 6:00 the next day, Friday, -Saturday and days before holidays 9:00 - 7:00 the next day
- Closed: Open every day
- Phone: 06-4708-1061
- website: https://karaokekan.jp/shop/detail/182
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