Osaka Entertainment

  1. Canopy

    Café-style bar that pulls in a crowd of local expats for after-work snacks and drinks. The happy hour special here is a good and popular deal.

    Read more about Canopy

  2. Cellar

    Live music is often the draw here at this popular basement bar on the west side of Nishishinsaibashi. Look for the entrance to the stairs a few metres north of the corner.

    Read more about Cellar

  3. Karma

    Karma is a long-standing club popular with Japanese and foreigners alike. On weekends techno is generally the order of the day (or night, as the case may be). Although Minami is Osaka's real nightlife district, there are still plenty of bars, clubs and izakaya (pub/restaurants) in the neighbourhoods to the south and east of Osaka station.

    Read more about Karma

  4. Murphy's

    Murphy's is one of the oldest Irish-style pubs in Japan. This is a good place to rub shoulders with local expats and Japanese alike, while sipping on a pint of Guiness or a measure of Bushmills. It's on the 6th floor of the Reed Plaza Shinsaibashi building (look for the 'retro futuristic' building).

    Read more about Murphy's

  5. Pig & Whistle

    Like its sister branch in Kyoto, this is a good place to go for a pint and a plate of fish and chips. It's clearly marked from the street.

    Read more about Pig & Whistle

  7. SoulFuckTry

    This interestingly named bar-club describes itself as a soul disco, and that pretty much nails it. Like most clubs, it's hit or miss. Turn down the narrow street opposite Eneos gas station.

    Read more about SoulFuckTry

  8. Tavola 36

    This is where we go when we want something a little swanky. It's an Italian restaurant-bar on the 36th floor of the Swiss Hotel Nankai Osaka. The view is fantastic and the prices are too: there's a ¥1260-per-person table charge after and drinks start at ¥1300.

    Read more about Tavola 36

  9. Tin's Hall

    Tin's Hall is possibly the best bar in the Tennō-ji area. It's a casual spot trading in the classic combo of good burgers and great beer, with an innovative twist on the happy hour concept - here it goes for three hours.

    Read more about Tin's Hall

  10. Windows on the World

    Windows on the World is an unbeatable spot for drinks with a view. Great views come at a cost, however, and there is a hefty charge per person per table and drinks aren't easy on the wallet either. The civilised cocktail 'hour' runs all night.

    Read more about Windows on the World

  11. Advertisement