Temma, Osaka: Local's Guide to Budget-Friendly Izakaya Paradise - Ultra-Affordable Drinks & Traditional Taverns

Publication dateJanuary 2, 2025

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Temma: The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Izakaya Hub!

Looking for delicious drinks at unbeatable prices in Osaka? Temma is your go-to destination for affordable izakaya!

Located in the northern part of Osaka City, east of Umeda, Temma boasts Japan’s longest shopping arcade, the “Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street,” and is home to historic markets like Purara Temma (Temma Market). This area preserves the atmosphere of traditional Osaka, offering a perfect blend of past and present.

Day drinking? No problem! Temma’s charm resembles Tokyo’s Akabane, making it a nostalgic yet lively destination.

With its retro streets, a plethora of affordable izakayas, and vibrant nighttime scenes, Temma truly captures the spirit of Osaka. In this article, we’ll guide you through the lively nightlife of Temma.

Temma Is Huge! Get Familiar with the Area First

Temma generally refers to the area surrounding Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, stretching from Osaka Tenmangu Shrine in the south to the vicinity of Osaka Metro’s Tenjinbashisuji 6-chome Station in the north. This shopping street spans approximately 2.6 km, making it the longest in Japan.

As you can see on the map, Temma is quite expansive. Without proper planning, you might get lost or miss out on the best affordable izakayas.

Start Your Journey Around JR Temma Station!

For an affordable and delicious izakaya experience, begin near JR Temma Station. Many izakayas offer highballs and sours for under 100 yen and draft beers for under 200 yen.

This area is home to “Ura-Temma,” a hidden gem of izakayas that make Temma’s nightlife unforgettable.

Ura-Temma: A Retro Izakaya Haven

Located north of JR Temma Station, Ura-Temma is a retro izakaya district just one street east of Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street. This area is renowned for its incredibly cheap izakayas, making it the main hub for nightlife in Temma.

Centered around the Temma Market, Ura-Temma is a hidden gem with a retro vibe. Its compact streets, lined with tightly packed izakayas, create a deep, nostalgic atmosphere.

While the word “deep” might evoke an image of dark and dingy alleys, rest assured Ura-Temma is clean and modern. Many trendy izakayas have also opened in recent years.

Temma is famous for its budget-friendly izakayas. With highballs and sours often priced below 100 yen, it’s easily one of the cheapest places in Osaka for a night out.

Recommended Budget Izakayas in Temma

Worried about quality at these prices? Don’t be. The affordability and delicious food and drinks are what make Temma’s izakayas so popular. Here are some top recommendations:

Gifuya

Located under the JR Temma Station viaduct, Gifuya offers highballs for just 38 yen, sake for 140 yen, and draft beer for 170 yen. Open from noon, it’s a great spot to enjoy drinks and Osaka cuisine anytime. It’s a well-known gem in the area.

Chutoro to Tonsoku

Situated just north of JR Temma Station, Chutoro to Tonsoku features unbelievably affordable sake at just 1 yen per serving. Beers, highballs, and sours are all under 200 yen. With a diverse menu of delicious dishes, this is my top pick for drinking in Temma.

Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street: A Must-Visit Even at Night

Beyond JR Temma Station, explore Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, Japan’s longest shopping arcade, spanning approximately 2.6 km.

This vibrant street hosts a variety of eateries, from Osaka specialties like kushikatsu, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki to casual Italian bistros and traditional izakayas.

The well-lit and bustling shopping street ensures a safe and enjoyable night out. Even if you’re not drinking, you’ll find plenty of Osaka’s iconic dishes.

Read more about Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street

Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street: Japan's longest shopping street. Feel the traditional Japanese culture and life.As you walk through Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, you can feel the excitement of festivals that you felt as a child.

Don’t Miss the South Side of Temma Station!

While Ura-Temma to the north is popular, the south side also offers charming spots, including retro izakayas and innovative eateries. This area, near the 3-chome arcade, is perfect for leisurely exploration.

Bejin: Spice Up Your Drinks with Curry!

Bejin, a unique bar in southern Temma, combines curry with alcohol for an unforgettable dining experience.

Offering spiced curries paired with sours or wine, this place is a one-of-a-kind gem. The drinks often feature spices as well, creating a flavor combination that’s truly unparalleled.

Experience Temma: Osaka’s Ultimate Affordable Nightlife Destination

With its vibrant shopping arcades, bustling izakaya streets, and retro charm, Temma offers a unique mix of traditional and modern Osaka.

In Ura-Temma, you’ll find a balance of nostalgic shops and trendy new establishments, showcasing the best of old and new.

38-yen highballs and 1-yen sake might sound unbelievable, but the quality and experience are worth much more. Visit Temma, and you’ll understand why locals come here night after night.