Jūsō: Features, Popular Tourist Attractions, Gourmet

Jūsō in Yodogawa Ward, Osaka City, is a vibrant entertainment district centered around JR Jūsō Station. Despite being just a 5-minute train ride from Osaka-Umeda, it’s known as a popular area that retains its traditional, down-to-earth Osaka atmosphere.

The area around Jūsō Station is home to numerous restaurants, particularly along the shopping arcade extending from the station. Here, you’ll find a row of establishments offering authentic Osaka culinary experiences, including izakayas serving fresh seafood, specialty kushikatsu restaurants, and retro Showa-era standing bars.

Jūsō is also renowned as a hub for Kansai’s theatrical culture. Theater Seven, a small theater venue, regularly hosts performances by emerging theater companies and experimental plays, earning high praise among theater enthusiasts.

Historically, the area flourished as a crucial point for Yodogawa River transportation since the Edo period and later housed a pleasure quarter during the Meiji era, making it a district rich in Osaka’s history. Today, it remains a popular spot among tourists and photographers who can explore the architectural remnants and backstreets that preserve the atmosphere of those times.

Access to Jūsō is convenient via the JR Tokaido Main Line (JR Kobe Line) and Hankyu Kyoto/Kobe Lines, making it a transportation hub with direct access to major tourist destinations like Umeda, Kyoto, and Kobe.