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Osaka Nightlife Guide: Best Bars, Live Performances and More
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Osaka is known for its energy and personality--and the fun doesn't stop in this Kansai city after dark. From visiting Osaka Castle at night to weaving through tiny pubs in Dotonbori, learn about where to go and what to do to for an unforgettable evening only possible in Osaka.
Written by
Tokyo
This is the official account of MATCHA's English editorial team. We are bringing you the latest travel information on Japan.
Our beautiful cover photo features the fall foliage at Lake Kinrin in Yufuin (photo by Pixta). We hope you'll have a wonderful time exploring Japan.
Explore Nightlife in Osaka: Suggested Places and Activities
Osaka, the largest city in western Japan's Kansai region, is famous among travelers for its daytime fun with spots like Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Universal Studios Japan. This metropolis is also known for its lively and unique night scene. From family-friendly options like night aquariums to cozy back-alley bars, Osaka at night is filled with just as much activity as it is during the day.
This article covers things to do and where to go for enjoying this Kansai city after the sun goes down, with activities suitable for families, friends, and couples.
Read also
Recommended Osaka Nightlife Activities
Click on the activities categorized below to learn more.
1. Universal Studios Japan - Enjoy a Nighttime Parade
2. Osaka Castle Nightwalk - Explore a Historic Landmark with Projections
3. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan - Say Hello to Marine Creatures at Night
4. Umeda Sky Building - Get Gorgeous Views Near Osaka Station
5. Tennoji Zoo's Night Zoo
6. HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel - Have a Thrilling Ride in the Sky
7. Abeno Harukas - Climb Osaka's Iconic Skyscraper
8. Tempozan Ferris Wheel - Spend an Evening Above the Osaka Bay
9. teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka
10. A Free Umeda View from the Grand Front Building
11. Umeda Arts Theater - Take in A Show
12. Billboard Live - Enjoy International Artists Perform
13. AZUL - Have a Sophisticated Night of Jazz
14. Dotonbori - Eat Until You Drop
15. Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku - Adventure in Southern Osaka
16. Dotonbori River Cruise
17. Hozenji Yokocho - Try Bar Hopping along a Traditional Alley
Safety Tips for Osaka at Night
Make the Most of the Night in Osaka
Universal Studios Japan - Enjoy a Nighttime Parade
Many people tend to spend a day at Universal Studios Japan, but the fun can last into the evening with nighttime parades and activities.
The 55-minute long Universal Spectacle Night Parade is a night show featuring a procession of characters and constructed scenes from "Harry Potter," "Jurassic Park," and other famous Universal works. Projections and colorful lights illuminate the floats, creating a fantastical experience that will delight all visitors. This is an ideal activity for families and the young at heart.
Please note a special ticket (sold separately from an admission ticket) is needed to see the parade from the special viewing area. Refer to the official website for more details.
Osaka Castle Nightwalk - Explore a Historic Landmark with Projections
Osaka Castle is one of the most famous places for travelers in Osaka. At night, the majestic castle to life with a different beauty and energy than during the day. Sakuya Lumina illuminates pathways and parts of the castle to create a mystical, unique experience.
Visitors can experience the castle at night from sundown to around 22:00 (last admission at 21:00). Tickets cost 3,200 yen for adults age 18 and up, 2,200 yen for teenagers (13-17) and seniors (65 and up), and 1,200 for children age 4-12. They can be bought on the evening-of or in advance. For more information, see the website below.
Official Website: https://sakuyalumina.jp/en/
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan - Say Hello to Marine Creatures at Night
Picture from Experience The Pacific Rim At The Osaka Aquarium KAIYUKAN
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan turns into a facility offering multi-sensory experiences to its visitors starting at 17:00 every day. The music and lights change, creating an ethereal atmosphere that makes the fishes and aquatic creatures look even more mystical.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is open until 20:00 on most days, making it a great place to spend time before a late dinner or drinks in another part of the city. Aquariums are a popular spot for dates in Japan, so you will likely see couples here in the evening.
Umeda Sky Building - Get Gorgeous Views Near Osaka Station
View from Umeda Sky Building at night. Photo by Pixta
Umeda Sky Building towers at a height of 173 meters and has 40 floors. The observatory offers a gorgeous view of Osaka and the surrounding area, sparkling with the city lights at night. You will be stunned by the beauty of the Osaka cityscape at night.
Admission to the observatory is 1,500 yen for adults and 700 yen for children (age 4 through elementary school age). Around a 10-minute walk from Osaka Station, this is a convenient and great destination for those staying nearby. The Umeda Sky Building is open until 22:30 (last admission at 22:00).
A bar and cafe is on the 40th floor from which visitors can take in the stunning view while enjoying food and drink. Alternatively, numerous restaurants and cafes are located on the plaza below the building, which are also great for visiting after seeing the Sky Building.
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Tennoji Zoo's Night Zoo
Photo by Pixta
At Tennoji Zoo, they hold a "Night Zoo," held on certain days in August and September every year. During these periods, there are days when normal business hours are extended so you can observe animals at night. At the night zoo, you can enjoy seeing how different animals behave after the sun goes down. The zoo gets lit up from around 17:00, and you can enjoy the mysterious atmosphere the night zoo has to offer.
Tennoji Zoo
Address: Osaka-shi, Tennoji-ku, Chausuyamacho, 1-108
Access: Approx. 1 minute from Doubutsuen-mae Station on Midosuji line or Sakai Suji line
Website: https://www.tennojizoo.jp/en/
HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel - Have a Thrilling Ride in the Sky
Photo by Pixta
HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel is an iconic Osaka Ferris wheel located on top of the HEP FIVE shopping complex near Osaka Station. A ride in the bright red Ferris wheel brings visitors up 106 meters high, with a fantastic view of the city's sparkling lights at night. One rotation lasts around 15 minutes, giving you time to gaze out at the evening scenery with friends or a special someone.
Visitors can ride the HEP FIVE Ferris wheel until 22:45, and tickets are 600 yen per person. The HEP FIVE building itself is filled with apparel shops popular with young people, as well as fun restaurants and cafe. This is a great spot to visit at night after shopping or dinner nearby.
Abeno Harukas - Climb Osaka's Iconic Skyscraper
Photo by Pixta
Abeno Harukas is one of Japan's tallest buildings, towering at over 300 meters. The building contains restaurants, a hotel, and the top levels hold an observatory that gives a commanding view of the Osaka area, with Kyoto and Kobe also viewable in the distance. The sunset and nighttime views are especially gorgeous.
The observatory is open until 22:00 (last entry at 21:30); tickets can be bought the day-of your visit for 1,500 yen (adults), 1,200 yen (age 12 to 17), 700 yen (age 6-11), and 500 yen (age 4 and 5). Located 15 minutes from Osaka's Umeda area and 6 minutes from Namba via train, this building in southern Osaka is a great way to experience an area filled with local flavor.
Tempozan Ferris Wheel - Spend an Evening Above the Osaka Bay
Photo by Pixta
Tempozan Ferris Wheel is another landmark Ferris wheel in Osaka, perched on the waterside at Osaka Bay. The wheel reaches 112.5 meters in the sky at the top, giving a view of the surroundings that will take your breath away with its beauty. There are also see-through gondolas you can choose to ride in for an extra thrill. The wheel is illuminated with colorful lights and intricate designs in the evening, making it great for photographing as well.
Located next to Kaiyukan Aquarium, this is a convenient stop to make after viewing the fish. Tempozan Ferris Wheel operates until 22:00 (last admission at 21:30). Admission is 800 yen person.
teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka
Picture from teamLab: 10 Permanent Art Exhibitions in Japan
teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka is a beautiful botanical garden you can enjoy during the day, but at night it becomes a vibrant exhibit, blending the gorgeous scenery with an assortment of artistic lights.
The exhibition transforms interactively, changing under the influence of the weather such as wind and rain, and also changes with the people around it, making the environment and visitors part of the exhibit. The art space changes with the four seasons of the botanical garden, so whether you visit in spring, summer, fall, or winter, you'll find something new waiting for you!
teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka
Address: Osaka-shi, Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Nagai Koen, 1-23
Access: 7 minutes walk from Exit 3 of Nagai Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line
Website: https://www.teamlab.art/e/botanicalgarden/
A Free Umeda View from the Grand Front Building
For those looking to enjoy a spectacular night view for free, head to the Grand Front Building Osaka. Housing restaurants, shops, and offices, there is a terrace garden on the ninth floor in the south ward. The terrace is open to the general public and offers a great evening view of Osaka Station and the surrounding area.
You can also see the Umeda Sky Building (above) from the terrace. This terrace and view spot is also relatively lesser-known, so you can enjoy a quiet moment with someone special and take photos.
Umeda Arts Theater - Take in A Show
Photo by Pixta
For those seeking to experience performing arts in Japan, Umeda Arts Theater is a great choice. With Japanese dramas, Western dramas, musicals, and even performances by the all-female Takarazuka performance group, visitors can delight in a variety of live entertainment at this theater.
Please note that the majority of the shows here will be in Japanese, so if you don't know the language, it is recommended to bring a friend who does; however, if you love theater, this is a destination you should consider for evening entertainment regardless.
Located around a 5-minute walk from Osaka Station in a sophisticated neighborhood, this is the ideal location to take in a show while being in close proximity to restaurants and bars.
Billboard Live - Enjoy International Artists Perform
Billboard Live is a venue for artists and performers international and Japanese. It provides an intimate space from which you can enjoy food, drinks, and world-class music in the heart of Osaka. The seating area is divided into different seating sections with a range of prices to suit various budgets.
Performance times vary for each day, but there is usually one in the early evening and one at a later time. For more information, be sure to see the official website.
AZUL - Have a Sophisticated Night of Jazz
For a laidback but sophisticated evening, try taking in a jazz show at AZUL. Performances start around 19:00 and last until around 22:00 or later. The venue closes officially at 23:30. Many Japanese jazz and blues musicians from all over country and local to Osaka play their music here, making for an experience unlike any other.
The audience can enjoy dinner and drinks while enjoying the show as well. There are table seats, terrace seats, and standing areas to choose from. Ticket prices vary by the performing group, and food and beverages are charged separately. AZUL is located around 5 minutes from Osaka Station and is located near many restaurants and bars that are open late.
Dotonbori - Eat Until You Drop
Dotonbori is a favorite neighborhood of many travelers and locals alike in Osaka. Known for the myriad of colorful, larger-than-life restaurant signs lining the canal and a seemingly endless supply of local eats, this neighborhood is just as lively at night as it is during the day.
Have an evening feast with takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushi katsu (deep-fried skewered vegetables and meat), and other regional foods when you visit. After eating, head to an izakaya for Japanese beer, sake, or your favorite drink.
For a nice view, try the shops along the canal, but you can also head into the Shinsaibashi Shopping Street for more options. Be sure to bring a camera to capture pictures of the energetic neighborhood.
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Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku - Adventure in Southern Osaka
Shinsekai, the area surrounding Tsutenkaku, a 103-meter high observation tower, is a neighborhood in southern Osaka brimming with food and unique personality. Visitors are greeted with neon lights and a lively atmosphere in the evening as this area fills with visitors. If you are sightseeing around Tsutenkaku, be sure to stop by at one of the many local food establishments to have your fill of the unique food here for a reasonable price.
This is also the location of Janjan Yokocho, a traditional shopping arcade lined with eateries.
The old-fashioned restaurants, izakaya, and friendly vibe here will make for a memorable night.
Read also
Dotonbori River Cruise
Photo by Pixta
If you're feeling fancy, how does taking a tour of Dotonbori at night by cruise ship sound? The Dotonbori River Cruise is a 20-minute mini-cruise where you can enjoy an exciting ride through the waters. Osaka City's collection of Naniwa symbols are reflected on the water, and the countless neon lights shine beautifully upon the surface of the river. Looking up at Dotonbori from the river below is quite impressive.
The boarding location for this cruise is from Tazaemonbashi Pier. The cost per ride (tax included) is 1,500 yen for adults, 1,000 yen for students, and 500 yen for children (elementary school students), and the boat departs between 11:00 to 21:00, every 30 minutes.
Tazaemonbashi Pier
Address: Osaka-shi,Chuo ku, Souemoncho
Access: 4 minutes walk from Exit 14 of Subway Namba Station or JR Osaka Namba Station
Website: https://www.ipponmatsu.co.jp/cruise/tombori.html
Hozenji Yokocho - Try Bar Hopping along a Traditional Alley
Hozenji Yokocho, located close to Dotonbori, is a small alleyway packed with cozy bars and izakaya of all types. Due to the compact size, most of the establishments here have counter seats only, making this an area best for visiting with a small group of friends.
The narrow paths and lanterns in front of the shops add a nearly-magical feeling to this alley at night. This is a must-experience for those looking for delicious drinks and to possibly mingle with locals.
Safety Tips for Osaka at Night
Japan, including Osaka, historically boasts the lowest rates of crime in the world. However, it is always important to pay attention to safety and your surroundings, especially during nighttime. In particular, for Osaka, it is important to know when the last train is, stay away from love hotel districts when walking alone, and to avoid small alleys and unlit areas.
In Osaka, the last train of the day tends to be slightly earlier than Tokyo. This applies to the JR Osaka Loop Line, Osaka Metro lines, and other private railways; trains usually stop running just past midnight. If you miss the last train back to your lodging, taking a taxi is a reliable and reasonably-priced option that will get you home safely.
Another tip is to avoid love hotel districts, especially if you are alone at night. Love hotels are places where couples can spend a few hours or a night together--these lodgings themselves are safe, but it is not recommended to frequent these areas. Tennoji, Kita (Umeda), and certain parts of Namba have districts with many hotels.
As a general precaution, stay in well-lit areas when walking at night, and take a taxi if you cannot avoid walking down dark streets. If you can't take a taxi and feel unsafe, go to the nearest convenience store or police box (koban) and ask for assistance.
Make the Most of the Night in Osaka
Nighttime in Osaka is a fun, lively experience. Whether you are traveling with kids, friends, or by yourself, there is plenty to experience at evening through entertainment, food, and drinks. Enjoy the night and make your stay in this friendly Kansai city all the more special.
Written by
Tokyo
This is the official account of MATCHA's English editorial team. We are bringing you the latest travel information on Japan.
Our beautiful cover photo features the fall foliage at Lake Kinrin in Yufuin (photo by Pixta). We hope you'll have a wonderful time exploring Japan.
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