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. It’s popular among the city’s young clubbers for late-night dancing and it’s often packed on weekends.

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 'N' Roll Star is a little slice of Ireland transported right into the middle of Osaka. Beverages 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.

Shamrock 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.

With a reputation as "Mecha Omoshiroi" ("really funny" in Japanese), Giraffe Japan offers a lively and energetic atmosphere perfect for a night of dancing and socialising. This massive venue is considered the number one nightclub in Osaka, known for its electric atmosphere and diverse music selection.

Giraffe Japan boasts multiple dance floors featuring different genres of music every night. International DJs spin tunes, so you can expect anything from top hits to EDM. The club attracts a large crowd, with hundreds visiting on weekdays and over a thousand on weekends. It's a popular nightspot in the Kansai region and conveniently situated near Umeda Station.

Pure Osaka is an upscale 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 visitors 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.

True to its name, which translates to "five hundred" in Italian, Cinquecento offers most drinks for just 500 yen. This makes it a great option for a night out without breaking the bank. The quirky bar is particularly famous for its extensive martini menu, making it a paradise for martini lovers. With a relaxed and rustic décor, Cinquecento offers a casual vibe where you can unwind and enjoy a drink or 2.

Established by an Australian expat, the bar is a popular hangout spot for both locals and visitors, especially expats in Osaka. The bilingual staff and the friendly atmosphere make it easy to strike up conversations and meet new people.

If you're looking for an intimate and sophisticated setting to enjoy live music by established artists, Billboard Live Osaka is a great choice for your night out. Billboard Live features a comfortable and intimate setting with tables positioned around a central stage. It showcases a variety of renowned artists, with a focus on jazz, blues, pop and R&B acts.

This chic venue combines high-quality live music with a restaurant experience so you can enjoy a delicious meal while you take in the show. Reservations are recommended, especially for popular shows. Billboard Live Osaka is situated in the Dotombori nightlife and entertainment district with easy access from various train stations.

Live Bar Fandango is a live music venue focused on rock, punk, heavy metal, hardcore and alternative tunes. Fandango hosts acts from artists from around the country and around the world, and the club attracts rock enthusiasts who will rock out to the music energetically. Why not join them in the mosh pit and have some headbanging fun?

Do note that there's a one-drink minimum upon entry. This cool and popular venue is situated in Sakai-ku, in the south of central Osaka, near the Sakai station.

Join a festive young crowd at Sam and Dave One, a modern nightclub that buzzes with hot lasers, fluorescent lights and a huge dance floor. Flair bartenders put Tom Cruise to shame with their flamboyant cocktail mixing skills adding to the spectacle of this club.

Regular music events range from the hottest hip hop groups to trance parties. Sam and Dave One is popular among expats and visitors and has a vibe similar to western clubs. It's located on Higashi Shinsaibashi, walking distance from Ōsaka Namba Station.