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Around Osaka Station, there are countless dining options, but one spot currently drawing a lot of attention is “Umeyoko,” the newly opened food alley inside KITTE Osaka. With a casual atmosphere, plenty of variety, and accessibility for any occasion, it’s become a bustling hotspot attracting visitors daily.
This article summarizes the features, charm, and tips for visiting Umeyoko. If you’ve been wondering, “What’s it like?” or “What can I enjoy there?”, read on for a detailed look.
Umeyoko is a gourmet zone located on the B1 floor of KITTE Osaka. Featuring long-established restaurants, famous eateries, and trendy spots, it’s known for its relaxed daytime drinking and open-style layout that defies the expectations of a basement floor.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | JP Tower Osaka B1, 3 - 2-2 Umeda, Kita - ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture |
| Business Hours | 11:00 am–11:00 pm (varies by store) |
| Closed Days | According to facility schedule |
| Official Website | https://osaka.jp-kitte.jp/ |
“Yokocho” refers to narrow backstreets or underpasses lined with small eateries and bars. The famous ones, like Tokyo’s Yurakucho under the railway, carry the nostalgic atmosphere of the Showa era. Umeyoko recreates this spirit on the B1 floor of KITTE Osaka, blending retro charm with a modern twist.
At first glance, it might look like just another food court, but it’s completely different. Every restaurant here is open-style—no walls or doors separating the passageway from the counters. That’s what makes this space the “modern yokocho.”
The openness allows you to see the interiors and hear the cheerful buzz. Despite being underground, the atmosphere feels surprisingly airy. On Friday nights, the lively energy spills into the aisles, evoking the bustling nightlife of Yurakucho’s famous underpass.
Umeyoko features 17 restaurants of various genres and concepts, allowing visitors to enjoy a diverse dining experience all in one area. From Japanese and Western to Chinese cuisine, from full meals to casual drinks, the variety fits any occasion. Let’s explore what kind of restaurants are waiting here.
| Restaurant | Type | Concept & Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Ikinoshima | Seafood | Seafood izakaya offering fresh fish directly from Iki Island |
| Sushi Sakaba Sashisu | Seafood | Casual sushi bar using carefully selected ingredients by skilled chefs |
| Luv.Fish? Osaka | Seafood | Elegant seafood dishes paired with premium sake |
| Niku to Sakana ga Umai Sakaba New Tsurumatsu | Japanese | Casual tavern serving both fresh fish and hormone grill dishes |
| Oodanna | Japanese | Creative dishes and bottled beer chilled in ice tubs |
| Kakuuchi Ono no Hanare | Japanese | Kyushu - inspired cuisine and charcoal - grilled dishes in standing bar style |
| Kawakita Shoten | Yakitori | Modern yakitori inspired by Mie’s local chicken traditions |
| Agoya | Kushi - katsu | Seasonal deep - fried skewers and fermented side dishes |
| Nikai no Oasis | Tempura | Tempura and small plates served with fragrant dashi broth |
| Mizutaki Oden Yamani | Oden | Hot pot - style oden simmered in rich chicken broth |
| Sendai Gyutan Kushi Kigushi | Beef Tongue | Authentic grilled beef tongue skewers by a brand with 49 years of tradition |
| Sharun | Ramen | Rich tsukemen noodles in thick broth with custom - made noodles |
| Aizuya | Takoyaki | The originator of takoyaki—no sauce needed, just umami - rich broth flavor |
| Restaurant | Type | Concept & Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese Bar Sawada | Chinese Bar | Michelin - quality Chinese cuisine in a casual bar setting |
| Restaurant | Type | Concept & Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Colosseo Bar | Italian Bar | Authentic Italian dishes from a long - established restaurant served casually |
| petit comptoir | French Bar | Casual French dining offering deli - style plates and skewers |
| BLARNEY IRISH PUB & CAFÉ | Irish Pub / Café | Irish - style pub serving Guinness and authentic Irish cuisine |
Legacy restaurants that continue to be loved over decades have a clear reason for their lasting appeal. Their refined skills and signature dishes stand out even among Umeyoko’s diverse lineup.
Aizuya is a legendary shop founded in 1933, known as the birthplace of takoyaki. Served without sauce, the classic style highlights the umami of the broth—proof of the original. The delicate aroma of dashi and light texture are the culmination of techniques passed down for generations.
Kigushi is a new concept by the long-established beef tongue brand Kisuke, founded in 1975. While inheriting tradition, it introduces a fresh way to enjoy beef tongue on skewers. Meticulous preparation that draws out the unique flavors of each cut and precise grilling showcase expertise honed over many years—offering depth of taste in a casual format.
Restaurants with a strong track record carry persuasive power in every dish. From carefully selected ingredients to sharpened techniques and the stories that back their reputation—you can experience it all here at Umeyoko.
Colosseo Bar is backed by its main restaurant established in 1982, which was officially certified as “Ristorante Italiano” by the Italian government in 1998. Respecting regional Italian traditions, it serves authentic flavors in a relaxed bar style. Pairing with wine elevates the experience with refined depth.
Chinese Bar Sawada is a casual bar by the Michelin one-star restaurant Chinese Cuisine S. SAWADA. It delivers high-level techniques and sensibilities with the lively ease of a bar. Enjoy quality Chinese cuisine without formality—that accessibility is part of the appeal.
Another highlight is how many renowned brands from across the region have gathered at Umeyoko. Beyond buzz, these crowd-pleasers bring proven flavors to a supremely convenient, station-connected location. Below are seven notable “new deployments.”
| Restaurant | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Kakuuchi Ono no Hanare | A new standing - bar concept by the popular Ono Group from Fukuoka |
| Oodanna | A retro - style tavern beloved in Tenma, now appearing at KITTE Osaka as a standing bar |
| New Tsurumatsu | A popular Osaka tavern by the NFI Group refined for a prime station - front location |
| Agoya | A stylish kushi - katsu brand from Osaka and Tokyo opening in a special yokocho format |
| Sushi Sakaba Sashisu | A hit Osaka sushi tavern expanding its use cases at KITTE Osaka |
| Ikinoshima (IKINOSHIMA) | A popular spot in Yodoyabashi serving fish shipped directly from Iki Island, now with a new base at KITTE Osaka |
| Luv.Fish? Osaka | A sophisticated seafood dining concept by a famed Fukushima kappo, now in Umeda. Its Marunouchi sister, “Luv.Fish? Tokyo,” is also very popular. |
| Sharun | A tsukemen specialty brand from Rokurinsha—often called the most famous tsukemen in Japan—now a rare new opening in Osaka |
Sampling and comparing these popular spots is one of the unique joys of Umeyoko.
Umeyoko gathers diverse food cultures, offering not only Japanese cuisine but also dishes that feel genuinely international. Here are two spots that let you “travel the world” without leaving the yokocho.
BLARNEY IRISH PUB & CAFÉ brings the pub culture of Ireland to your everyday routine. Enjoy classic drinks like Guinness alongside favorites such as fish and chips, from morning to night. The balance of tradition and casual comfort makes it feel like a trip to a local pub overseas.
petit comptoir is a popular French bar in Umeda. Deli-style plates that distill the essence of French cuisine and wine-friendly dishes deliver a refined taste in a relaxed setting—ideal for both meals and a quick drink. Weekday-only lunch sets are also recommended.
Some restaurants here go beyond established genres to reimagine the dining experience itself. Below are three particularly concept-forward spots within Umeyoko.
Yamani blends two beloved Japanese dishes—mizutaki and oden—into a new style. Oden simmered in chicken-based broth offers a gentle yet layered flavor that soothes the soul. It is the perfect place to drop by when you want comforting warmth.
Nikai no Oasis brings the finesse of kappo cuisine to tempura in a relaxed Japanese dining setting. Enjoy freshly fried tempura at your own pace in a space designed for unwinding. Despite a concept that might sound upscale—“tempura” and “kappo”—prices remain approachable.
Agoya pairs kushi-katsu with the wisdom of fermented obanzai. The combination of body-friendly fermented dishes and freshly fried skewers is a compelling new proposal. It also pairs beautifully with wine and sake for a deeply satisfying experience.
One of Umeyoko’s strengths is how easy it is to drop by at any time of day. Unusually for a yokocho, some restaurants open in the morning—and, as you’d expect, daytime drinks are absolutely an option.
“Sharun,” which serves morning ramen, operates from 7:30 am to 11:00 pm, while all other restaurants open from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.
With most places sharing the same hours, you rarely face the frustration of a desired spot being closed. Planning is easy, and you can enjoy the yokocho without being constrained by time—another major advantage of Umeyoko.
JP TOWER OSAKA, which houses KITTE Osaka, is located on the south side of Osaka Station. It is directly connected to JR Osaka Station—exit the West Gate and turn left; KITTE Osaka will be right ahead.
You can also reach it via underground passages from major Umeda-area stations, including Osaka Metro and Hankyu/Hanshin lines.
| Nearest Station / Exit | Estimated Time (on foot) |
|---|---|
| JR “Osaka Station” West Gate | About 1 min |
| Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line “Nishi - Umeda Station” North Gate | About 1 min |
| Hanshin “Osaka - Umeda Station” West Gate | About 2 min |
| Osaka Metro Midosuji Line “Umeda Station” South Gate | About 5 min |
| Hankyu “Osaka - Umeda Station” 3rd - Floor Gate | About 15 min |
In the Showa era, yokocho were informal social hubs where people gathered to talk over food and drinks. Umeyoko updates that culture for modern Umeda.
It is easy to pop in, a wide range of genres is gathered in one place, and you can effortlessly hop between multiple spots. While preserving yokocho’s charm, Umeyoko adds refined usability and comfort—making it a place that suits any companion.
With the convenience of direct access from Osaka Station, it works for sightseeing, after-work drinks, or between shopping stops. Whether for a quick drink, a solid meal, or a small group gathering, there are many ways to enjoy it.
The moment you think “Maybe I’ll drop by,” that’s the best time to experience Umeyoko. Head out to savor the enduring joy of yokocho—refreshed for the Reiwa era.
