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Shinsaibashi, the heart of Osaka tourism. During the day, you can enjoy gourmet food and shopping in Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street or America Mura, and walk through streets lined with luxury brands to soak in the sophisticated scenery of Shinsaibashi.
But at night, Shinsaibashi shows its other side—it becomes Osaka’s largest entertainment district.
In this article, we’ll focus on Shinsaibashi’s nightlife, introducing it as a bustling entertainment district after dark.
For daytime sightseeing spots and gourmet information in Shinsaibashi, check the following:
Read more about Daytime Sightseeing in Shinsaibashi
First, let’s clarify the geographical area that “Shinsaibashi” refers to and its size.
Shinsaibashi is located in the northern part of Osaka Minami and refers to an area that includes Shinsaibashi-suji, Higashi Shinsaibashi, Nishi Shinsaibashi, and Sōemonchō. It spans about 640 meters from Dotonbori River to Shinsaibashi Station.
Shinsaibashi covers approximately 0.52 km², which is about a 720m square if you think of it as a perfect square.
For comparison, Tokyo’s Kabukicho nightlife district spans around 0.14 km², or about a 370m square. So Shinsaibashi is roughly twice the size of Kabukicho, which means it’s quite large.
* The area size was measured using Google Maps, assuming the area is a perfect square for calculation purposes.Therefore, walking through the entire Shinsaibashi area to explore nightlife isn’t highly recommended. It’s better to narrow down your focus after understanding the area’s characteristics.
Higashi Shinsaibashi is the area with the most bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues in Shinsaibashi.
From izakayas and bars to nightclubs, concept bars, and girls’ bars, this area has everything a night owl could want. The southern part is also home to host and hostess clubs.
If you’re eager to experience Shinsaibashi’s nightlife and this is your first time, start in Higashi Shinsaibashi. The area is a sprawling neon-lit district, and you might even get approached by friendly promoters, giving you that authentic Osaka nightlife vibe just by walking around.
Shinsaibashi-suji is centered around the famous Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street. While the shopping street itself doesn’t have many izakayas or bars, the alleys extending from streets like Mitsutera-suji, Yawata-suji, Suomachi-dori, Shimizu-machi-suji, Daiboji-dori, and Unagidani-suji host numerous eateries and bars. There’s also a relatively large number of ramen shops, such as Ichiran.
Nishi Shinsaibashi is home to America Mura, an area that shines more during the day, but there are still izakayas, bars, and even nightclubs that operate at night.
The area around America Mura is not as crowded with stores, making it ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. The neon lights are stylish, and though it’s a youth hotspot, there’s a certain elegance to it, making it perfect for a night stroll.
Sōemonchō is home to a concentration of hostess and host clubs, and there are also nightclubs. Being right next to Dotonbori, there are plenty of restaurants as well.
Some parts of the area are packed with bars and snacks (small pubs), so there are quieter places to enjoy a drink as well. If you’re looking to meet new people or want to spice up your night out with friends, Sōemonchō is the place to be.
No matter where you go in Shinsaibashi, there are plenty of izakayas, dining bars, and restaurants where you can enjoy a drink or meal. There’s no need to worry about which part of Shinsaibashi you’re in, but since there are so many options, it helps to decide on a place ahead of time. The variety of dining establishments is evenly distributed, and you’ll find everything from Osaka specialties like okonomiyaki to ramen, sushi, and kaiseki (traditional Japanese multi-course meals), as well as international cuisines like Korean and Italian.
Shinsaibashi is Osaka’s top spot for nightclubs. Although clubs are spread out across the area, Higashi Shinsaibashi has the highest concentration.
Each club has its own vibe and music preferences, so it’s best to decide which one to visit beforehand. Typically, the entrance fee for men on weekend nights is around ¥3,000.
| Name | Location | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| THE PINK | Osaka, Chuo Ward, Higashi Shinsaibashi 1 - 18 - 27 Park10 Building 4F | 400 people |
| BAMBI | Osaka, Chuo Ward, Higashi Shinsaibashi 1 - 18 - 27 Park10 Building B1F | 350 people |
| THE PINK | Osaka, Chuo Ward, Higashi Shinsaibashi 2 - 7-20 Southern Palace Building B1F | 300 people |
| seven HOUSE | Osaka, Chuo Ward, Higashi Shinsaibashi 1 - 16 - 20 Shinsaibashi Stagea 1F | 400 people |
| club BUNNY | Osaka, Chuo Ward, Higashi Shinsaibashi 2 - 8-26 | 500 people |
| Name | Location | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Ammona | Osaka, Chuo Ward, Sōemonchō 2 - 3-22 Tama Hachi Building 1F | 300 people |
| GALA RESORT | Osaka, Chuo Ward, Sōemonchō 7 - 9 Tokyo Toshi Kaihatsu Sōemonchō Building | - |
| CLUB UNDER | Osaka, Chuo Ward, Sōemonchō 7 - 9 B1F | - |
| Name | Location | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| CRAZY LAND × CHEVAL | Osaka, Chuo Ward, Shinsaibashi - suji 1 - 5-30 THE ATRiUM B1F | 500 people |
| PURE osaka | Osaka, Chuo Ward, Shinsaibashi - suji 2 - 3-12 Diamond Building B1F | 400 people |
| Name | Location | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| GHOST OSAKA | Osaka, Chuo Ward, Nishi Shinsaibashi 2 - 17 - 3 B1F | 400 people |
| club JOULE | Osaka, Chuo Ward, Nishi Shinsaibashi 2 - 11 - 7 Minamitanya Building 2F | 500 people |
| CLUB CIRCUS | Osaka, Chuo Ward, Nishi Shinsaibashi 1 - 8-16 Nakanishi Building | 200 people |
If you’re not sure which nightclub to go to, we recommend “THE PINK” in Higashi Shinsaibashi.
I’ve been to countless clubs, but this one is unique with its all-pink decor. Not only does the music lift your spirits, but the entire space creates a high-energy vibe. It’s a new experience.
Read more about The Pink
You’ll find the most concept bars and girls’ bars in Higashi Shinsaibashi. While Sōemonchō also has some, the larger area in Higashi Shinsaibashi means it has more venues overall. Both areas tend to concentrate these types of bars.
One unique example from Higashi Shinsaibashi was a bar where the concept revolved around takoyaki. While it’s mostly a typical girls’ bar, there was a takoyaki grill set up at the counter, and it made me feel like, “This is Osaka!” The takoyaki cooked by the staff was top-notch, and the atmosphere was lively and easy to chat with the staff.
If you’re looking for a casual and fun night out, give it a try. It’s near the nightclub THE PINK.
Takoyaki - themed Concept Bar: cafe&bar Panache
Hostess and host clubs are concentrated in the southern areas of Higashi Shinsaibashi and Sōemonchō. If it’s your first time, it’s a good idea to explore these areas. You’ll also find consultation centers where you can gather information on the spot.
Shinsaibashi’s nightlife offers a variety of ways to have fun. While the area is fairly large, it’s still walkable.
Here are the key points for choosing the right area for your night out:
We hope you enjoy your nightlife experience in Shinsaibashi!
