Osaka's Hidden Drinking Districts & Bar Guide 2024: Ultimate Nightlife Spots for Bar Hopping!

Osaka, Japan's second-largest metropolitan area after Tokyo, is home to about 7% of Japan's population and 10% of its foreign residents. It's truly an internationally renowned city.

Osaka is synonymous with rich food culture. Known as "The Nation's Kitchen" (Tenkanodaidokoro) and "The City Where People Spend Until They Drop on Food" (Kuidaorenomachi), it's the birthplace of many iconic Japanese dishes like Okonomiyaki, Takoyaki, and Kushikatsu. The proximity to numerous sake-producing regions has also fostered a vibrant drinking culture.

With its abundance of delicious food and drink, Osaka boasts countless captivating izakayas (Japanese pubs).

This guide will thoroughly introduce both locally beloved drinking districts and areas featuring nationally famous establishments.

Osaka Nightlife: A Paradise of Foreign-Friendly Izakayas

Osaka boasts numerous vibrant drinking districts that come alive at night. From glamorous entertainment districts to low-cost, working-class izakaya areas frequented by day laborers, each area offers a unique atmosphere.

These drinking districts offer more than just alcohol - they're filled with establishments serving exquisite Osaka cuisine. This guide will introduce the differences and characteristics of each area, along with local-recommended izakayas. "The Nation's Kitchen" Osaka is packed with must-visit spots.

7 Must-Visit Osaka Drinking Districts for Foreign Tourists

Here are 7 areas lined with quintessentially Japanese izakayas. Each area has its own characteristics, but they all share one thing in common - you'll find the best Osaka cuisine everywhere you go.

Higashi-Shinsaibashi

Osaka has a 4.4km main street called Midosuji running north-south through its center. Known for its beautiful ginkgo trees and buildings, it's an iconic Osaka landscape.

In the southern part of Midosuji lies Shinsaibashi, Osaka's most glamorous entertainment district, lined with luxury boutiques. It's about a 10-minute walk north from Dotonbori and has many department stores and shopping facilities.

East of Midosuji in the Shinsaibashi area is Higashi-Shinsaibashi, an area filled with izakayas, bars, and high-end clubs. Often described as "the city that never sleeps," it remains bustling deep into the night. It's the perfect area to experience glamorous Osaka.

Tenma

Source: Osaka Metro NiNE

One stop east of Umeda Station is the Tenma area, the center of northern Osaka.

It's famous for Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, Japan's longest shopping arcade at 2.6km. The arcade, lined with restaurants and shops, is the heart of local life. It's always crowded, whether on weekdays or holidays.

The shopping street has many side streets, with numerous small izakayas crammed into the complex alleyways. These establishments pride themselves on being "cheap and delicious," making it an ideal place for bar hopping. True to its shopping street nature, both shop owners and customers are friendly, making it a fun area to explore.

Ura-Namba

Located east of Namba Station, Ura-Namba has been gaining attention since around 2010 as a popular area for bar hopping. It's also a place where you can feel Osaka's characteristic vibrancy, about a 10-minute walk west from Dotonbori.

Originally popular with middle-aged men, it's now seeing an increase in stylish establishments. With many young owners, it's become a destination for young people and women. Unlike tourist areas, it's bustling with locals.

The area features a diverse range of restaurants, from yakiton (grilled pork skewer) specialists to Korean restaurants and sake-focused izakayas.

A notable characteristic is the approachable atmosphere of the establishments. The warmth of the area is evident in how staff and customers often become friends by the end of the night.

Hozenji & Ukiyo Alley

The "Hozenji" area offers a calm atmosphere where you can enjoy gourmet food. Many restaurants, including some listed in the Michelin Guide, line the streets. Centered around the Hozenji Temple, it's located near Dotonbori but feels completely different from the bustling tourist spots, with its charming stone-paved streets. Along the approximately 80-meter alley called "Hozenji Yokocho," which stretches east to west, there are about 50 restaurants. It's known as a gathering spot for food enthusiasts.

Near Hozenji Yokocho is "Ukiyo Alley" (Ukiyokoji), which you might miss if you're not paying attention. It’s a narrow, dimly lit alley about 20 meters long, marked by red lanterns. Along both sides of the alley, you’ll find maps illustrating old Dotonbori and exhibits about Osaka’s entertainment history. A few restaurants are nestled in this tranquil space.

If you're looking to escape the urban hustle and enjoy a quiet drink, this is the place to visit.

If you are interested in Hozenji Yokocho Alley, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.

Ohatsu Tenjin Ura Sando

Source: Official Website

"Ohatsu Tenjin Ura Sando" is a street at the center of the "Ohatsu Tenjin Street Shopping District" (Ohatsutenjindori Shotengai), located about a 10-minute walk from Umeda.

Several restaurants line the narrow alley on both sides, with many renovated old houses and buildings. This stylish area is especially popular among young people who are keen on trends. It’s not only fashionable but also full of delicious food, which is typical of Osaka. Here, you'll find a variety of unique eateries, including wine bars, Italian restaurants, sushi spots, shrimp specialists, and oyster bars. Every restaurant is committed to offering top-quality meals. There are also many terrace seats, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a perfect area for bar hopping.

Nishinari

Source: Rakuten Gnavi

Nishinari is known as another side of Osaka, located in the southwestern part of the city. It has good access to Umeda from Shin-Imamiya Station in this area.

Historically, Nishinari was an industrial district full of day laborers, and it retains its unique atmosphere with many inns and izakayas (Japanese pubs) catering to them. Both accommodations and bars here are known for their affordability. Nowadays, it’s a popular spot for drinking and exploring at low cost, and it’s gaining popularity among backpackers from abroad.

In the Nishinari area, "hormonyaki" (grilled offal) is a popular dish. It involves grilling beef or pork intestines seasoned with miso or soy sauce. The rich flavor pairs perfectly with alcohol.

Juso

The "Juso" area is located just four minutes by Hankyu train from Umeda Station, across the Yodogawa River from Umeda.

This area is known for its bustling pub district. Unlike areas geared toward tourists, Juso has a more local feel. It’s home to a wide range of eateries, from nationally known establishments to hidden gems known only to locals. The area is filled with affordable, delicious food.

A specialty of Juso is "negiyaki," which is similar to okonomiyaki but uses green onions instead of cabbage. Compared to okonomiyaki, negiyaki has a lighter flavor.

If you visit Juso, be sure to try not only okonomiyaki but also negiyaki.

Must-Visit Hidden Izakayas in Osaka by Area

Here, I'll introduce must-visit izakayas in Osaka. These establishments offer various types of cuisine. Experience Osaka's food culture firsthand.

Nihonshu BAR Shiki

Source: Tabelog

This is a bar that primarily focuses on enjoying sake (Japanese rice wine). They stock rare brands that even sake enthusiasts might not know about. With such a wide variety of sake, I find myself struggling to choose what to drink every time I visit. First-timers need not worry, as the friendly master will recommend sake that suits your taste. Both the master and his wife are approachable and kind.

The food prepared to complement the sake is also delicious, with fish dishes being particularly renowned. When I visited during winter, I could enjoy fresh oysters. The combination of the smooth texture of the oysters and the crisp dryness of the sake was exquisite.

Both the sake and food are reasonably priced, allowing you to easily try various menu items.

Address: 2F Ox Suehirocho Building, 2-5-30 Higashi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Hours: 18:00-24:00
Closed: Sundays and holidays
Phone: 06-6213-4511
Official Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/shinsaibashi.shiki/
Official X: https://x.com/nihonshu_shiki?s=21
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiki_higemegane/

BEER BELLY Tenma

Source: Official website

At "BEER BELLY Tenma," you can enjoy Minoh Beer, a craft beer made in Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture. They use local specialties like yuzu and fruits harvested from nearby regions to make their beer. They offer a wide variety from standard beers to seasonal limited editions.

You can enjoy various types such as pilsner, stout, and pale ale. They also have food that perfectly complements their delicious craft beer, including German sausages, prosciutto, cheese, and french fries.

When I visited around September, I enjoyed their seasonal "Peach Weizen," which had an unforgettable taste. It was characterized by the rich sweet aroma of peaches and a clean finish. Try it with the shop's specialty, duck tataki.

Address: 1F, 7-4 Ikeda-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka
Hours: Weekdays 17:00-0:00 / Weekends and holidays 15:00-0:00
Closed: None
Phone: 06-6353-5005
Official Website: https://beerbelly.jp/tenma/

Sake no Okuda

Source: Tabelog

"Sake no Okuda" is a standing bar-style izakaya that has long been loved by locals and is full of Japanese authenticity. They offer standard izakaya menu items at reasonable prices. The walls are covered with paper strips listing menu items, all priced between 100-400 yen.

At Sake no Okuda, be sure to enjoy traditional izakaya fare. Particularly recommended during the cold season is "oden."

Oden is a dish where various ingredients are simmered in a soup made from dashi and soy sauce. Common ingredients include daikon radish, konnyaku, eggs, and processed fish products. Warming your body with alcohol and hot oden is perfect for cold weather. Oden ingredients often reflect regional characteristics. In Osaka, they include "umeyaki," a processed fish product. You'll become addicted to its soft texture that's full of dashi broth.

Address: 4-12-22 Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka
Hours: 10:00-13:00 / 15:00-21:00
Closed: Sundays and holidays
Phone: 06-6351-9514

Izakaya Kitsune Uranamba Branch

Source: Tabelog

If you want to eat delicious oysters that are popular in Japan, "Izakaya Kitsune Uranamba Branch" is recommended. You can enjoy various oyster dishes. They source their oysters from Ako, a famous oyster-producing area near Osaka.

The most recommended menu item at Izakaya Kitsune is "Kakigimo" (oyster liver). It's a dish that combines raw oysters with raw chicken liver, salt, and sesame oil. This is an original dish that you can't taste at other restaurants. When I first visited the shop, I was surprised by the unusual combination, but I ordered it after hearing it was their specialty. The smooth texture of the oysters and liver combined with the aroma of sesame oil was delicious.

It's very popular and sometimes sells out, so if you want to try "Kakigimo," it's recommended to visit early.

Address: 3F Kawanishi Daiichi Building, 14-17 Namba Sennichimae, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 16:30-22:30 / Weekends and holidays 11:30-22:30
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 06-6567-8523
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitsune_uranamba/

Hozenji Yokocho Yakizen

Source: Official website

At "Hozenji Yokocho Yakizen," located in the relaxed atmosphere of Hozenji Yokocho, you can enjoy delicious okonomiyaki. It's characterized by a chewy texture and rich-flavored batter. Their secret sauce also has a unique depth of flavor different from other shops.

The "Signature Modern-yaki," which contains pork, squid, and noodles, is a popular menu item for both first-timers and regulars. It's satisfyingly substantial. When I first saw it, I imagined it would have a heavy taste from its appearance. However, when I actually ate it, the batter had a light texture, and I finished it in no time. The combination of plenty of cabbage and well-cooked pork was fantastic.

Okonomiyaki is a popular Japanese food overseas as well. Please enjoy authentic Osaka okonomiyaki at Yakizen.

Address: 1-1-18 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 11:30-14:45 / 17:00-22:00
       Sundays and holidays 11:30-15:45 / 17:00-22:00
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone: 06-6211-7289
Official Website: https://yakizen.jp
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yakizenn/?hl=ja

If you are interested in Izakayas in Osaka, check the article below! I summarized Izakayas in Osaka I recommend and how I felt each Izakaya.

Unique Izakayas & Bars Recommended for Foreigners by Category

Here are three establishments where foreign tourists can feel comfortable. You can enjoy interacting with others regardless of whether they're tourists or Osaka residents.

Bar Nayuta

Source: Official website

Bar Nayuta in the Shinsaibashi area is always bustling with people. This casual bar on the fifth floor of a multi-tenant building has a unique atmosphere unlike anywhere else. A distinctive feature is the beautiful sparkling Baccarat glasses arranged on shelves in the dark, stylish interior.

There's no menu; the bartenders create cocktails based on guests' preferences. The cocktails here are characterized by their use of herbs. They combine liquors gathered from around the world with premium herbs, creating flavors you can't find elsewhere.

After enjoying dinner in Osaka, end your night with unique, delicious cocktails at this lively bar.

I always order nuts along with my cocktail. They have a unique seasoning that goes well with drinks.

Address: 5F Mario Building, 1-6-17 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Hours: 17:00-3:00
Closed: None
Phone: 06-6210-3615
Official Website: https://bar-nayuta.com/bar-nayuta/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barnayuta/

The Drunken Clam

Source: Flickr

If you want to enjoy karaoke while drinking, "The Drunken Clam" is perfect. It's popular with both tourists and locals. It's always packed with people enjoying drinks and having a great time together.

When karaoke starts, everyone in the bar joins in the fun. Don't worry if you're not good at singing. The atmosphere here is that singing well isn't necessary - what's most important is having fun with everyone in the bar.

The drinks are not only delicious but also reasonably priced. With many English-speaking customers, it's a comfortable place for foreign tourists. Many people visit this bar multiple times during their trip to Japan.

It's such a comfortable place. By interacting with other foreign tourists during your stay, you might get tips to make your trip more enjoyable. I always share recommendations for tourist spots with visitors when I come here.

Address: 3F Kiku Building, 6-26 Soemoncho, Chuo-ku, Osaka 542-0084
Hours: 20:00-2:00 / Friday and Saturday 20:00-4:00
Closed: None
Phone: 080-5306-5114
Official Website: https://www.theclamjp.com
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drunkenclamjp/

Cinquecento

Source: Tabelog

When you want to enjoy a night out in Osaka more affordably, the recommended bar is "Cinquecento." At this establishment, remarkably, all menu items are offered for 500 yen. Its low prices and homey atmosphere make it popular. It's always busy with people enjoying drinks on Friday nights.

There aren't many bars where you can enjoy beer, a wide variety of cocktails, and even sake all for 500 yen. Not just drinks, but snacks like pizza and fish and chips are also uniformly priced at 500 yen.

Having a sweet tooth, I often order Apple Martinis at Cinquecento. Thanks to the sweet and delicious cocktails and snacks, I was able to have the best time.
If you like sweet drinks, definitely give it a try.

Address: 1F Matsumiya Building, 2-1-10 Higashi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Hours: Monday-Saturday 19:30-5:00 / Sundays and holidays 20:00-3:00
Closed: None
Phone: 06-6213-6788
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/osakacinquecento/

Bar Hopping Tours Recommended for Enjoying Deep Osaka with Locals

Here are tours for those who want to enjoy a deeper side of Osaka. They're full of unmissable spots chosen by local guides who know better than guidebooks.

Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba

If you want to visit places loved by locals rather than tourist spots, this tour is perfect. It's a bar hopping tour where you can visit hidden popular shops that Osaka residents actually frequent. The best delicious experiences await you in the Namba area.

You'll visit three establishments with a local guide. All food and drink costs are included in the tour price, so you can participate without bringing anything.

First, enjoy a meal at a shop bustling with locals. Indulge in Osaka specialties such as kushikatsu (deep-fried skewered pork), okonomiyaki, and takoyaki.

After that, the bar hopping begins. Blend in with the locals and enjoy a night out in vibrant, fun-filled Osaka.

Meeting point: Subway Namba Station Exit 15B
Tour area: Namba
Start time: 18:00 or 19:00
Price: About 15,000 yen
Duration: 3 hours

Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours

Source: Viator

This is a recommended walking tour for those who want to learn more deeply about Japanese culture and Osaka. You can experience Osaka's history and unique local customs. Let's visit backstreets that typical tourist tours don't go to.

Knowledgeable guides will introduce you to Osaka's deeper history that you can't learn just by reading tourist guidebooks. After enjoying delicious Osaka food, you can also see entertainment districts and gambling facilities. It's an interesting and unique walking tour.

Being a small-group tour, the content can be adjusted according to your interests. Experience the real aspects of Osaka and Japanese culture.

Meeting point: In front of Family Mart at Subway Daikokucho Station Exit 1
Start time: 17:30
Price: 21,000 yen with dinner / 16,000 yen without dinner
Duration: 3 hours

Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

This is a tour to eat your way through Osaka, called "Tenka no Daidokoro" meaning the nation's kitchen. Fill your stomach with delicious Osaka cuisine.

You can fully enjoy standard Osaka gourmet foods like kushikatsu, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki. These are all Osaka-originated foods that are very popular nationwide. Many foreigners list them among their favorite Japanese foods. Please experience authentic Osaka specialties in their birthplace. They'll surely be unforgettable tastes.

This is a food-focused tour. You'll enjoy 8 different types of food. There probably aren't any other tours that include such abundant meals. It's sure to be an excellent experience. Make sure to come hungry.

Meeting point: In front of Imamiya Ebisu Station exit
Tour area: Dotonbori, Shinsekai
Start times: 11:30, 16:30, 17:30
Price: About 15,000 yen
Duration: 3 hours

If you are interested in Night Tours in Osaka, check the article below! I summarized Night Tours I recommend and how I felt each Night Tours.