An opinionated guide to one of Osaka’s liveliest nightlife districts.

Getting ready

First, if you had any plans for tomorrow, cancel them.

Getting there

Don’t go to Namba station. Too big. Go to any of the other stations around Namba.

Places to go

General Japan nightlife tip: Watch out for ripoff bars. There are some places unfortunately that will try to financially take advantage of a naive newcomer. Ask about prices up front if money’s an object. Just because it’s expensive doesn’t mean it’s good. I’ve had more fun at the inexpensive, cover-free establishments than their pricier counterparts.

• Bar Coco Loco
  • If you’re looking for an slightly more intentional social environment
  • Masato, the bar’s manager, hosts meetups on Fridays and Saturdays. Yeah, it’s a way for him to promote this new bar, but then it might make it easier for you to meet people and make friends. So win-win. Masato himself is a very gracious, friendly host.
  • There’s karaoke, darts and apparently Mario Kart (according to google)
• Farplane
  • “Hentai” more or less means kink
  • It’s not an orgy. At least not when I was there. It is a fun crowd in a trippy kinky ambiance.
  • Don’t go to the one in Parco. It’s not the original location, and you’ll be charged a steep cover.
  • Reasonable prices
• Space Station
  • If you must. For what it is, it’s well done, but not the most authentic Osaka bar
• Kama Sutra karaoke bar
  • An old standby for karaoke lovers
  • Friendly clientele and staff
  • Reasonable prices
• Moonshine
  • Everything I said about Kama Sutra karaoke bar
  • It’s at street level so it’s easy to access
• Bar Mustang
  • I only popped in here for a minute because the bartender I met at Moonshine happened to be here as I passed by on my way home. He’s cool and he recommends this bar, so that’s enough for me.
  • Great decor.

Places on my radar

I have not ventured into the clubs. I’ve heard from locals that Pure is vastly overrated, FWIW.

I heard the Drunken Clam, a family guy-themed bar, is fun.

This horror themed bar. Somewhere above Bar Coco Loco.

Food

You’re going to want something to help soak up the alcohol. I would recommend somewhere like Sukiya Nagahoribashi Station South. It’s not fine dining, but after a big night out, a big hot bowl of curry over rice can be like a religious experience. And you’ll probably spend under 1000 yen.