10 Best Bars, Live Music, and Nightclubs in Osaka

Club Circus is an intimate nightclub in Osaka’s Nakanishi Building. It has an excellent sound system that plays a wide range of music, from techno to hip hop. The city’s young crowd often come here on weekends for late-night dancing.

Club Circus is easy to get to from anywhere downtown, as it’s located between the Yotsubashi and Shinsaibashi metro stations. The cover charge varies depending on the DJ of the night. It’s a good idea to check its schedule online before you head to the club.

Craft Beer Gulp is a modern bar with an impressive selection of craft beers from all over the world. It's only a few minutes' walk from Dotonbori, occupying a small venue with a cosy atmosphere. Its rather hidden location makes it popular with locals looking to enjoy pub food and beer after work. 

Craft Beer Gulp has one of the most extensive beer lists in Osaka. You can choose from a wide range of local Japanese craft beers or imported IPAs, stouts, and pale ales.

Irish Pub Shamrock Osaka is a little slice of Ireland transported right into the middle of Osaka. Drinks are imported from far and wide to get that authentic taste, whether you're sampling a glass of Blue Moon cider or knocking back a pint of Guinness.

Irish Pub Shamrock Osaka has an outstanding whiskey selection, with several great Irish labels like Tullamore Dew and Bushmills Irish Honey served alongside Japanese whiskeys. Food-wise, must-tries include the shepherd's pie and pork stew made with apple cider. Classic rock, pop and indie music play on the sound system. You can also catch live sports on several screens, reinforcing the typical sports bar atmosphere.

Giraffe Osaka is a huge nightclub in the middle of Osaka’s Shinsaibashi district. It’s on Soemoncho Street, between Croesus Shinsaibashi and Don Quijote Dotonbori. There’s always a long queue to enter this nightclub, so try heading there early in the evening.

Giraffe Osaka occupies 4 floors of the Soemoncho Building, each of which has a distinctive theme. Reception is on the 1st floor, while the club’s main dance area is on the 2nd floor. The 3rd floor is reserved for VIPs, and the highest level features a small dancefloor.

Pure Osaka is a posh nightclub in the Shinsaibashi district, across the street from Croesus Shinsaibashi and Don Quijote Dotonbori. The venue’s sophisticated décor is inspired by New York’s trendy clubs, while its busy calendar features some of the world’s most famous international DJs.  

Thanks to its downtown location, Pure Osaka attracts plenty of locals and tourists looking to party until late. The nightclub is also very popular with Japanese celebrities, which means it really gets crowded after midnight. It’s a good idea to get there early to secure a spot on the dancefloor.

Namba Hatch is a modern concert hall right on the banks of the Dotonbori River in Osaka. This venue hosts a wide range of music performances, including jazz, soul, funk, rock, and hip hop. Its main hall can accommodate around 1,500 people, making it one of the biggest nightlife venues in Osaka.

Many local and international musicians have performed on stage, including Crossfaith, Slash, Miyavi, and Carly Rae Jepsen. Namba Hatch has an outdoor stage for different events throughout the year, such as beer festivals, flea markets, and fashion shows.