Osaka's Vibrant Izakaya Culture: 13 Pubs and Bar Districts

A Guide to Osaka's Izakaya Bars

Izakaya means Japanese tavern or Japanese-style bar where people gather in order to enjoy mainly alcoholic beverages along with simple dishes. Izakaya pubs are an essential element of Japan's nighttime culture.

Izakaya Pubs and Districts in Osaka

Popular Izakaya Chains in Osaka
24-hour Izakayas
Osaka's Izakaya Districts

Popular Izakaya Chains in Osaka

Chain izakayas with affordable and high-quality menus have always been a popular choice. Read on to learn about the best ones in Osaka.

1. Torikizoku

Originating in Osaka, Torikizoku has expanded to many other regions in Japan, including Tokyo.

It is known for its affordable and delicious menu with a uniform pricing strategy. All items, whether food or drinks, are priced the same, making it easy for non-Japanese speakers to choose. This has made Torikizoku a popular choice among visitors to Japan.

Official website: https://torikizoku.co.jp/ (Japanese)

2. Noriwo

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Noriwo, a restaurant chain only found in Osaka, aims to be the most comfortable izakaya in Japan with delicious food, a cozy atmosphere, and attentive service, allowing customers to socialize freely.

Their signature dish is motsunabe (offal hot pot) and features a carefully prepared Japanese broth adjusted to complement offal dishes; it has remained a popular choice since its inception. Additionally, their fried chicken wings, seasoned with a secret sauce made with various aromatic spices, provide an exciting and crispy option for pairing with drinks, making them a must-try dish at the restaurant.

Official website: https://kbgroup.jp/izakaya-noriwo/ (Japanese)

3. Banchou

Banchou is a grilled chicken (yakitori) izakaya with locations around Osaka. They are known for their strict selection of Miyazaki local chicken, which is grilled over high-quality charcoal, resulting in incredibly fresh and delicious skewers that pair excellently with drinks!

The restaurant offers private compartments of various sizes, making it a perfect place for enjoying drinks and conversation with friends.

Official Website: http://www.banchou.co.jp/index.html

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4. Kushikatsu Daruma

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Daruma, one of Osaka's most famous kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) restaurants, has its origins in the Shinsekai district.

It has multiple branches in the Osaka city area, and the statue of the owner at the entrance has become a popular spot for tourists to take photos. Remember the rule: don't double-dip your kushikatsu in the sauce!

Kushikatsu Daruma
Address: Osaka, Naniwa, Ebisuhigashi 2-3-9
Official Website: https://www.kushikatu-daruma.com/ (Japanese)

24-Hour Izakaya Bars

Serving the hearty eaters and drinkers of Osaka, there are several 24-hour izakayas within the city. Here, we introduce two 24-hour izakayas that are perfect for visitors arriving in Osaka late at night.

5. Isomaru Suisan

Picture courtesy of PR Times
Izakayas aren't just about grilled chicken skewers; seafood lovers should head to Isomaru Suisan. In addition to serving fresh sashimi and rice bowls topped with seafood, each table comes with a small grill for cooking the fresh seafood right at your table.

Moreover, many Isomaru Suisan branches are open 24 hours, making it convenient to go even late at night. Their affordable lunch sets are also quite popular.

ISOMARU SUISAN in Osaka - Popular Seafood Izakaya

Official Website: https://isomaru.jp/ (Japanese)

6. Yokozuna Kushikatsu

The restaurant Yokozuna Kushikatsu has its origins in Osaka's Shinsekai district and features sumo-themed decor.

In addition to over 40 varieties of non-greasy kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), they offer large portions of sumo-themed dishes like fried chicken, takoyaki, tamago-yaki, french fries, and more, making it suitable for group gatherings.

As for the name "Yokozuna," it's a reference to sumo wrestlers. Currently, among their six branches, the locations near Tsutenkaku Tower and the Umeda stations are open 24 hours.

Yokozuna Tsutenkaku Branch
Address: Osaka, Naniwa, Ebisuhigashi 3-6-1

Yokozuna Higashidori Branch
Address: Osaka, Kita, Komatsubara 1-16, Shinyu Kaho Building
Official website: https://www.4527.jp/index.html (Japanese)

7. Yakizen

Yakizen, located near Umeda Station, offers over 80 types of small dishes, ranging from typical Japanese fried chicken and oden to mouthwatering Chinese dishes. Of course, it also features Osaka's famous deep-fried skewers, making it a well-known and cost-effective izakaya in the local area.

Yakizen
Address: Osaka, Kita, Komatsubara-cho 5-14
Booking Website: https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ003366657/ (Japanese)

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Osaka's Izakaya Districts

Known as the "Kitchen of Japan," Osaka boasts more than ten famous izakaya districts. This time, we've selected six places that are frequently visited by travelers.

8. Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, and the Back Alleys of Namba

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Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi are must-visit places in Osaka. In addition to restaurants with extravagant signs, there are also many izakayas hidden in the alleys between Shinsaibashi Station and Namba Station.

In recent years, the area southeast of Namba Station, known as "Ura-Namba," has seen the addition of many stylish establishments, including izakayas and bars, which are quite popular among female customers.

Location: Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, and the vicinity of Namba Station.

9. Tennoji

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JR Tennoji Station, which serves multiple railway lines, including the JR Osaka Loop Line, JR Hanwa Line, Kintetsu Nara Line, and the Hankai Tram, is always bustling with people, and naturally, izakayas are abundant in the vicinity of Tennoji Station.

The main characteristic of izakayas here is their affordability, with many renowned establishments offering grilled offal and Osaka-style okonomiyaki.

Location: Tennoji Station

10. Shinsekai

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Located at the foot of Tsutenkaku Tower in Osaka, Shinsekai offers a retro Showa-era atmosphere. Many people come here to experience the essence of Osaka through its izakayas.

Shinsekai is also the birthplace of Osaka's iconic kushiage (deep-fried skewers). In addition to kushiage, you can find various yakitori (grilled chicken) and grilled offal dishes perfect for enjoying with drinks.

There are even budget sushi restaurants in the area. Besides restaurants and izakayas, you'll find retro video game arcades and shooting game parlors for a touch of nostalgia.

Location: Near Tennoji Zoo, Tsutenkaku Tower, and Ebisucho Station (Osaka Metro)

11. Kyobashi

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Kyobashi is a major transit hub in Osaka, with numerous railway lines converging here. The area around Kyobashi Station is home to many izakayas, especially along the row of standing bars (tachinomi) near the station.

In the past, these bars had fewer female customers, but in recent years, the affordable prices of izakaya dishes in this area have attracted more ladies. Foreign tourists often come here to experience everyday Japanese life.

One of the most famous local bars is Izakaya Toyo, where the owner skillfully flips grilled meat skewers over an open flame, captivating visitors with his cooking style.

Location: JR Kyobashi Station

12. Osaka Station and the Umeda District

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The area around Osaka Station, Umeda Station, and Osaka Umeda Station is one of the most crowded areas in downtown Osaka, so naturally, there are plenty of izakayas here.

The pubs are hidden in the buildings located between Osaka Station and Kita-Shinchi. In the basements (first and second floors) of these buildings, you can find many standing-style izakayas with a sense of history. They are great places for office workers who have been working all day to quickly recharge.

Additionally, there's also the New Umeda Food Street located under the railway viaduct next to the Hankyu Umeda Main Store. Since its opening in 1950, it has expanded from a small 18-store complex to around 100 shops. The shops here offer various Japanese snacks like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, as well as the famous Matsuba Kushikatsu.

The New Umeda Food Street is less than a 2-minute walk from the station, so you can catch the last train even after enjoying some drinks.

New Umeda Food Street

Address: Osaka, Kita, Tsunoda-cho 9-26
Official Website: https://shinume.com/ (Japanese)

13. Tenma Market

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Just one stop away from Osaka Station, JR Tenma Station is home to the longest shopping street in Japan, the Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, a popular spot among visitors to Japan.

What's lesser known is that it also transforms into a famous izakaya street at night. Tenma is unique in that it doesn't have many nationwide izakaya chains; instead, it's filled with small standing bars where you can enjoy affordable sushi, yakiniku (grilled meat dishes), and a diverse range of other dishes.

Some izakayas are open from noon until late at night, while others stay open from the evening until the early morning, making it a 24-hour izakaya street in the hearts of Osaka locals.

Location: JR Tenma Station

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Enjoy the Nightlife in Osaka

In Japan, there is the saying "Osaka no kuidaore," which reflects how much Osaka residents love to eat.

In this city known for its hearty appetite, the izakaya culture is vibrant. With over ten izakaya districts and many 24-hour izakayas, Osaka offers a diverse range of dining experiences. To truly understand the local izakaya culture, it's best for visitors to come and experience it in Osaka themselves.