Best nightlife in Osaka — 10 best nightclubs & best bars in Osaka for foreigners

October 6, 2022

Osaka, known as the “kitchen of Japan,” is not only famous for its excellent food but also the vibrant urban nightlife that often carries on until sunrise when the first train departs from the station. So, do you finding best places to go at night in Osaka, best nightlife in Osaka and where to go at night in Osaka? Let’s check out our top rated 10 best bars in Osaka for foreigners and best night clubs in Osaka (best nightclubs in Osaka) for a best experience nightlife in the bustling culinary capital of Japan!

top 10 nightclubs osaka — Club Joule, one of the best nightclubs in Osaka | best bars in osaka for foreigners

Here are the 10 best places to spend an evening out in Osaka.

Club Joule (#best bars in osaka for foreigners)

Joule is a local nightlife venue that has been operating for almost 20 years. Open every night with multiple events on the weekend, this cool location for parties is always crowded and lively. Osaka is a restless getaway, even during the weekdays, so any time of the week is a good time to visit Joule.

This club has three floors with plenty of dance space, bars, lounges, lockers, and so on. Check event schedules and private rooms, as well as register for VIP membership on their website so that you don’t have to wait at the lounge. Guests must present IDs to enter and must be over 18 years old, so don’t forget your passport!

Address: 2-11-7, Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku Osaka, 542-0086, Japan
Hours: 10 PM – 5 AM

GHOST ultra lounge

Ghost is a newly opened party venue located near Joule and operates every day except Monday. The spectacular interior is illuminated by cool colored LED lighting, coupled with a small dance floor – the best place for hip-hop battles in town. In addition, there are VIP lounges and female-only areas with seats and lockers.

Women only have to pay 700 yen for entrance, including a drink before midnight (men get the same discount every night except Saturday). There are a lot of English-speaking staff, and foreigners often get discounts, so this place is really friendly for tourists. Only people 20 years of age or older are allowed to enter.

Address: 2-17-3, Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku Osaka, 542-0086, Japan
Hours: 10 PM – 5 AM/Monday: Closed

Club Circus (#best nightclubs in osaka)

Club Circus is the best place to listen to EDM music in Osaka. Their thriving line-up features prominent festival DJs as well as non-famous underground musicians. All artists, no matter how famous, bring something exhilarating to the room.

While the space isn’t large, its atmosphere compensates for such a disadvantage thanks to the resounding music and enthusiastic drinkers and dancers. Opening hours aren’t fixed, but you can check their upcoming events on the website. Also, check out their sibling bar – the Cat Bar, a warm and delightful place located right upstairs.

Address: 16 8, 1-chōme, Nishishinsaibashi, Chūō-ku saka-shi, saka-fu, 542-0086, Japan
Hours: 7 PM – 12 AM/Friday & Saturday: 11 PM – 5 AM

Sam and Dave ONE (#best bars in osaka)

One of the oldest and most famous clubs in town, Sam and Dave ONE is a self-proclaimed “global nightclub” that attracts people from all over the world. Every night, a young, diverse crowd of both locals and tourists gather to listen to a variety of music, from modern pops to nostalgic tunes.

Food is served at the bar until late night for those who crave midnight snacks (or don’t want to drink when the stomach is empty). Although ONE is Sam and Dave’s most famous place, the company has two different facilities, one in Umeda and one in Kobe.

Address: 2-7-20, Higashishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku Osaka, 542-0083, Japan
Hours: 11 PM – 5 AM/Friday & Saturday: 10 PM – 6 AM

Alzar (#best night clubs in osaka)

Despite being a new member in town, ALZAR has become famous and influential among the nightclubs in Osaka. Situated just above Rooftop Bar OO, near the Dotonbori Canal in Namba city center, the club’s location is definitely what attracts people, but the atmosphere is what convinces them to stay.

Dark and smokey (the place literally allows smoking), the spacious dance floor is placed next to a cage, behind which the DJs play all genres of music. The club regularly invites local and world DJs since the guests are often a mix of locals and tourists. Alzar is only open on the weekend.

Address: 2-3-28, Dotonbori, Chuo-ku Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Hours: Friday & Saturday 10 PM – 5 AM

Misono Building (#best bars in osaka for foreigners)

Misono building is not just a fascinating nightlife venue – it’s an enchanting remnant of the forgotten Japanese period. Built in 1956 as a complex of hotels, restaurants and pubs, this gigantic place features a huge neon light brightening the front and the waterfall, and a large spiral staircase at the entrance.

Although a bit old after years of use, the building is still a remarkable site. It still houses some mentioned establishments, but its second floor is now home to a collection of small, unique and quirky bars. From Gothic dungeons to video game bars, there’s bound to be something to entice anyone.

Address: 2-3-9, Sennichimae, Chuo-ku Osaka, 542-0074, Japan
Hours: 4 – 10 PM/Saturday & Sunday: 12 – 10 PM

Rock bar Cherry Bomb (#best nightlife in osaka)

A cozy bar in Shinsaibashi, Cherry Bomb rock bar stands out for its relaxed atmosphere and rock music. American owners Chris and Jesse initially started the place to fill the shortage of rock music amid local bars playing mostly EDM.

And, since then it has grown into a gathering place for locals, expats, and tourists where you can find lots of English speakers. Despite they don’t have anything fancy for drinks, with a respectable selection of cold craft beers on tap, Cherry Bomb offers what’s at the core of the best bars – a fun atmosphere and most importantly, great music.

Address: 4-8 2, 2-chōme, Higashishinsaibashi, Chūō-ku saka-shi, saka-fu, 542-0083, Japan
Hours: 9 PM – 3 AM/Friday & Saturday: 8 PM – 5 AM/Sunday: 8 PM – 3 AM

CinqueCento (#best nightclubs in osaka)

A small but famous bar, CinqueCento is located in Shinsaibashi, which is famous for its vibrant nightlife in addition to shopping. CinqueCento is close to many local and global bars, making it a great stop to experience Osaka at night.

This place is run by a friendly Australian owner who is also warm and loud enough to spend a night meeting new people from all over the world. Each drink served here costs 500 yen, hence the name CinqueCento, making it an affordable place to spend a great night.

Address: 2-1-10, Higashishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku Osaka, 542-0083, Japan
Hours: 8 PM – 5 AM/Sunday: 8 PM – 3 AM

Doyama-cho

Doyama-cho has been known as the gay district of Osaka and western Japan over the years. While there are plenty of great LGBTQ+ friendly bars and clubs that characterize the area such as WaaGwaan, Exploding, and Frenz Frenzy, many of these bars already include and accept customers of any gender.

Doyama is also home to pubs, izakaya, karaoke bars, ethnic restaurants and much more, making it one of the liveliest and best areas to spend an evening in northern Osaka.

Address: Doyamacho, Kita-ku Osaka, 530-0027, Japan

MOON TOWER

Located just off a street next to the Dōtonbori Canal, Moon Tower is the perfect place if you’re looking for a vibrant night in the heart of the city. The refreshing drinks at the bar cost reasonably, especially their signature drink, Moon Tower.

It usually hosts live events with DJs and other performers to entertain the crowd almost every night of the week. With bilingual staff, good food and shisha, Moon Tower always attracts large and diverse groups of customers, and often operates until morning.

Address: 2-16-8, Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku Osaka, 542-0086, Japan
Hours: 7 PM – 5 AM

After shopping and dining all day long, why not spend the evening exploring the bustle of the city by having fun at these amazing bars? Osaka is the right place to experience the wild and turbulent feasts of Japan.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Osaka you can refer to

Are you looking for more Osaka travel guide and top things to do in Osaka: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Osaka travel blog — The fullest Osaka city guide for a wonderful trip to Osaka for the first-timers.