19 Unmissable Things to Do in Osaka at Night in 2024

If you are wondering what you can do in Osaka at night, make sure to stay on this article because you have come to the right site. 

Osaka is a stunning Japanese metropolitan with so many things to offer to travellers, ranging from lively entertainment districts, heavenly local cuisines, stunning building architecture, exciting nightlife, and so much more. 

In essence, there is nothing short of enjoyable things to do in Osaka even after the sun goes down.

So to help you to better plan your Osaka night activities, I have compiled a comprehensive list of 19 best things to do in Osaka at night, how to get there, and useful travel tips. 

Let’s get into it!

• Save

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links and I may get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. Thank you.

What Is There To Do In Osaka At Night

1. Explore Dotonbori 
2. Explore Shinsekai
3. Shop-till-you-drop at Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Arcade 
4. Have a stroll along Hozenji Yokocho
5. Sign up for guided Osaka night walking tours
6. Admire the night view of Osaka castle
7. Enjoy Osaka city’s skyline at Umeda Sky Building
8. Visit Osaka’s tallest observation deck at Abeno Harukas
9. Have a night fun out at Osaka Bay Area
10. Attend Japanese cooking class
11. Craft beer bar-hopping  
12. Have a thrilling night at Osaka nightclubs
13. Experience local izakaya culture
14. Watch live comedy show at ROR Comedy Club
15. Pour your soul out singing karaoke
16. Create your ceramic mug at pottery workshop
17. Enjoy a relaxing session at Spa World 
18. Indulge in late-night ramen
19. Watch spectacular winter illuminations

Osaka Travel: USEFUL PRE-TRAVEL TIPS AND LINKS

Osaka Night: How To Spend Your Time In Osaka At Night 

1. Explore Dotonbori

Osaka Dotonbori is best explored at night when all the Instafamous giant neon billboards light up brightly against the dark sky. 

And that includes the iconic Glico Running Man—an unmissable highlight when you are in Osaka. 

• Save

Apart from admiring the eye-catching neon signboards, Dotonbori is also the perfect place for delicious local food-hunting activity at night in Osaka.

You can find a variety of restaurants and street food stalls at every corner of Dotonbori so you will not run short of food options to get your hands on while you are in Osaka!

If the endless list of restaurants in Dotonbori overwhelms you, don’t be. Here is the list of  popular eateries that you can visit for your Osaka night out: 

• Kani Douraku (Crab feast) 
• Chibo Dotonbori (Okonomiyaki)
• Kukuru (Takoyaki)
• Kushikatsu Daruma (Kushikatsu)

Though Dotonbori is a famous tourist destination, this entertainment district is also packed with locals where they hang out with family members or friends. 

This offers a chance for travellers to have a glimpse into the locals’ way of living and culture.

Address: 1 Chome Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan

Nearest JR station: JR Namba (Yamatoji Line)

2. Explore Shinsekai

Another interesting thing to do in Osaka at night is exploring Shinsekai. 

Once a bustling entertainment hub in the early 1900s, Shinsekai’s development later came to a halt and was left largely undeveloped after the war. 

Nevertheless, you can still see the colourful neon signboards of the traditional shophouses and restaurants light up at night—making this nostalgic-evoking district truly come alive where  streams of visitors show up for dinner or a drink or two. 

Over here you also get to see Tsutenkaku Tower—an iconic landmark in Shinsekai. This 91-metre tall tower makes a great backdrop when you are taking pictures of the streets in this retro district. 

• Save

Shinsekai is also known for being the birthplace of kushikatsu—deep-fried skewered vegetables or meat that are best eaten with its kushikatsu sauce. 

You can easily find any old-school restaurant selling kushikatsu along the streets in Shinsekai. 

Some restaurants are innovative enough to offer unconventional options, including banana and ice cream to attract a larger, curious-minded customer crowd. 

Travel tip: If you can’t get enough of this native Osakan dish, you will be glad to know some kushikatsu stalls open 24/7 so this district makes a great supper location!

Address: 2 Chome Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan

Nearest JR station: Shin-Imamiya Station (JR Loop Line)

3. Shop-till-you-drop At Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Arcade 

If there is one thing that you need to know about Osaka, this major tourist destination is a shopping paradise.

And the most popular shopping site that you need to include in your Osaka night activities list is Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Arcade. 

• Save

This covered arcade is also the oldest shopping arcade in this beautiful city, where it has been a lively retail centre since the 18th century. 

With a length of 600 metres, you can find many shops consisting of both luxury and independent retailers under one roof—so you can practise the mantra “shop-till-you-drop” at Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Arcade conveniently! 

Apart from shopping, this bustling shopping arcade makes a great place for a stroll—especially when you are too full after indulging in the delicious Osakan cuisine in a nearby restaurant—while enjoying the chaotic antics created by the energetic stream of visitors. 

Travel tip: If you are looking for some last-minute budget souvenirs, Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Arcade is definitely the best place to be.

Address: 2 Chome-2-22 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0085, Japan

Nearest JR station: JR Namba (Yamatoji Line)

Visiting Hours: Varies depending on the stores. Most stores close between 8 pm to 9 pm. 

4. Have A Stroll Along Hozenji Yokocho

Another fun Osaka night activity that you should not miss is having a stroll along Hozenji Yokocho. 

Once you are in this quaint alley, it is as though you are transported back in time. 

You can see traditional Japanese lanterns lit up the whole alley at night, creating a lovely atmosphere for sightseeing.

Hozenji Yokocho is also lined with traditional restaurants and bars, serving local authentic food such as okonomiyaki, pork cutlets, and teppanyaki. 

• Save

While you are here, make sure to visit Hozenji Temple too—an iconic landmark in Namba district. 

You can find a moss-covered Fudo Myoo statue in this historic temple. The moss growth is due to the frequent water pouring action onto the statue by visitors when praying for good luck. 

Address: 1 Chome Nanba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0076, Japan

Nearest Station: Namba Station (Kintetsu Line)

Visiting Hours: Varies depending on the stores

5. Sign Up Guided Osaka Night Walking Tours

If you prefer to visit the less touristy highlights or to learn more about the local culture with an in-depth explanation from an experienced local guide, signing up for Osaka night walking tours will be a good fit for you. 

Depending on your preference, there are many walking tours in Osaka at night you can choose from.

If you are a foodie, make sure to sign up for the jam-packed Osaka Food Tour where you get to taste a variety of local street food while learning about the food culture in this lovely city. 

• Save

If you are more of the sightseeing type, you can opt for the Osaka Backstreet Tour where you can dive deep into the other lesser-known side of Osaka—such as the red light districts, gambling dens, and other local social issues where tourists are mostly not familiar with.

6. Admire The Night View Of Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is one of the must-visit highlights in Osaka. 

This historical castle was first built by Hideyoshi Toyotomi in 1583. 

Over the centuries, Osaka castle was rebuilt several times due to extensive damage caused by natural disasters and wars. Finally, the castle was successfully rebuilt again in 1931 by Osakans.

Though most people visit this fascinating building during the day, the glimpse of illuminated Osaka Castle at night is equally stunning.  

• Save

As the castle is only open to the public from 9 am to 5 pm, you will not be able to enter the castle grounds past the hours.

Nevertheless, you can still have a stroll along the outer moat and admire the castle night scenery accompanied by the shiny white lights.

If you can’t get enough of the Osaka Castle night view, make sure to head over to its park located next to the castle. You can see the clear reflection of the illuminated castle on the pond while surrounded by the pretty cherry trees at night.

You can also find the Hideyoshi Toyotomi statue within the castle vicinity. The statue is located in Houkoku Temple which is south of Osaka Castle.

Travel tip: This rather low-key night attraction of Osaka offers a great escape from the bustling entertainment districts and their respective enthusiastic group of foreign visitors. 

Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan

Nearest JR station: Osakajokoen Station (JR Loop Line)

7. Enjoy Osaka City’s Skyline At Umeda Sky Building

Located in the Kita district, Umeda Sky Building is well known for its interesting architecture and impressive Floating Garden Observatory.

This 173-metre tall skyscraper consists of two towers that are bridged by the Floating Garden Observatory (also known as Kuchu Teien Observatory).  

Over here, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Osaka city. The view is even more breathtaking during sunset and at night.

• Save

If you need a breather after exploring the city during the day, you can walk to its open-air deck to enjoy the cool breeze at night. 

Address: 1 Chome-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-6023, Japan

Nearest JR station: Osaka Station 

Visiting Hours: 9.30 am-10.30 pm

Want to have a bigger discount on the entrance ticket? Make sure to buy the Kuchu Teien Observatory ticket online before even reaching Japan!  

8. Visit Osaka’s Tallest Observation Deck At Abeno Harukas

Visiting Abeno Harukas is also among the top things to do in Osaka at night. 

Being the tallest building in Osaka, you can find a hotel, a departmental store, an intriguing art museum, and not to mention a 300-metre tall observation deck (Harukas 300) within Abeno Harukas. 

Most visitors make their way to Harukas 300 to admire the unobstructed mesmerising city skyline. 

The night view is exceptionally stunning as the lights of the buildings that stretch out as far as the eyes can see are clearly visible against the dark sky. 

Travel tip: Some might say that visiting the observatory’s washroom is a highlight itself. There are windows from ceiling to the floor so you can continue immersing in the spectacular views while minding your business. 

Address: 1 Chome-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno Ward, Osaka, 545-6016, Japan

Nearest JR station: Tennoji Station 

Visiting Hours: 10 am-8 pm

Want to skip the queue? You can get Harukas 300 tickets online convenietly!

9. Have A Night Fun Out At Osaka Bay Area

The Osaka Bay Area consists of several man-made islands created to accommodate the ever-growing and continuous development of Osaka. 

Over the years, this district has become a popular tourist and family-outing destination. 

One of the best things to do in the Osaka Bay Area at night is to ride on the gigantic Tempozan Ferris Wheel. 

• Save

The 17-minute ride offers a chance for visitors to enjoy the captivating view across the bay, city and Kobe. 

Located next to Tempozan Ferris Wheel is Tempozan Marketplace—a huge shopping and eatery complex that sells a variety of affordable souvenirs and local cuisine. 

If you prefer to indulge in native Osaka street food, then make your way to Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho in this shopping mall. 

You can get okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, and takoyaki in this retro-styled dining establishment that will instantly bring you back in time to Osaka’s 1970s era. 

Address: 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022, Japan

Nearest Station: Osakako Station (Osaka Metro Chuo Line)

Tempozan Ferris Wheel Entrance Fee: US$7 (800 yen)

Operating Hours: 10 am-10 pm (Depending on the weather)

Tempozan Marketplace Entrance Fee: Free

Operating Hours: 11 am-8 pm

10. Attend Japanese Cooking Class

If you wish to learn some Japanese cooking skills after getting awed by the delicious local cuisine, then you can sign up and attend a Japanese cooking class in Osaka at night. 

This fun activity is conducted by an experienced local instructor where you can learn the basic skills and the necessary ingredients to make the perfect Japanese dish. 

Some of the dishes you can learn to make in the class are gyoza, soba, okonomiyaki, and so much more. 

And after making the dish from scratch in the studio, you can enjoy the labour of your work and savour the meal with other participants before calling it a day. 

11. Craft Beer Bar-Hopping

One of the top things to do in Osaka at night is craft beer bar-hopping. 

Home to several renowned craft beer makers, you can find plenty of bars with great ambience offering their locally brewed and international craft beers to their customers in Osaka. 

• Save

If you are a big fan of craft beer, make sure to head over to these lively bars in Osaka:

• Kamikaze
• Craft Beer Spot Hathor 
• Beer Belly 

You can still find some Japanese side and main dishes on the menu in the bars, though most of them serve non-Japanese food, such as tapas, burger, and potato salad. 

Nevertheless, there are a few things that you need to know before visiting any of Osaka craft beer bars (especially if you are a budget traveller). 

Craft beer in Japan is slightly pricier, ranging from US$5-US$14 (600-1500 yen) as compared to typical beer that costs about US$3.50-US$5 (400-600 yen). 

The price also depends on the beer cup size where typically you will be given 3 options to choose from. 

Some bars in Osaka will also have a “cover charge” that ranges from US$2-US$3 (200-300 yen) per person. 

So your wallet will not hurt as much if you are planning to visit a craft beer bar in Osaka at night. 

But if you plan to bar hop, make sure to take note of these pointers so that you won’t burst out a nervous laugh after looking at the bill while fumbling for all the Japanese yen banknotes that you have got for payment! #beentheredonethat

12. Have A Thrilling Night At Osaka Nightclubs

If booze and loud music is your kind of thing, then make sure to head over to nightclubs in Osaka!

Most of the nightclubs are concentrated in 3 different areas in Osaka: Namba, Umeda, and Amerikamura. 

Umeda nightclubs are largely frequented by working-class local adults whereas those in Namba are more popular among foreign travellers. 

Some of the top nightclubs in Osaka include: 

• Giraffe
• Club Piccadilly
• Club Pure

Among all, Giraffe is famous among both the local and international visitors due to its strategic location in Dotonbori. 

Most of the staff are well conversed in several languages too, including English.  

If you want to have some fun partying in the nightclub without spending too much money, then Club Pure is the place to go! 

Foreign travellers can enter Club Pure for free with a purchase of a drink ticket, at a cost of US$7 (700 yen). 

Note: Other nightclubs charge an entrance fee of about US$9-US$14 (1000-1500 yen).

13. Experience Local Izakaya Culture

If you love to experience authentic culture in every new place you travel to, then make sure to spend the night in Osaka by hanging out in izakaya. 

Izakaya is a Japanese casual drinking place. It is typically packed with working-class urbanites after working hours for a drinking session with their colleagues to wind down.

• Save

Most izakayas serve a variety of local Japanese side dishes, including sashimi, yakitori, pickles, and so much more. 

You can also mingle with the Japanese in izakaya while learning a thing or two about their unique culture and way of living in a bustling metropolitan.

Izakaya is a great place to try sake too—a type of Japanese fermented rice wine—that pairs very well with the side dishes. 

Izakayas can be found all over Osaka, typically near train stations and within the entertainment districts (Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi). 

But if you need recommendations, here are some of the popular Osaka izakayas to visit: 

• Torikizoku
• Watami
• Kichiri

Note: Some izakayas allow their customers to smoke within the establishment. If this is uncomfortable for you, you might want to skip this Osaka night activity.

14. Watch Live Comedy Show At ROR Comedy Club

The next Osaka night activity on this list is going to crack you up! 

Osaka has always been known as the funniest city in Japan. 

Fun fact: Most of the famed Japanese comedians are actually from this Kansai city.

ROR Comedy Club has been operating for the past 11 years and brought lots of laughter to the audience. 

This club is frequented by foreign visitors as it offers English stand-up comedian shows so you can definitely understand the joke perfectly without worrying about the language barrier. 

The comedy shows also allow you to understand more of the Japanese culture in a stress-free way while having fun laughing all night. 

Address: Japan, 〒542-0086 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Nishishinsaibashi, 2 Chome−16−13

Showtimes: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 8:45 pm-11 pm

Note: ROR Comedy Club is currently closed until further notice.

15. Pour Your Soul Out Singing Karaoke

Of course you should not miss singing karaoke in Osaka!

As karaoke was invented in Japan, it is only right to have a night karaoke session at least once while you are in any of the Japanese cities. 

In Osaka, you can rent a private room and have it all by yourself in the karaoke centre. 

Some centres offer complimentary snacks and drinks to their customers so that they can take a break to recharge their throat and voice throughout the session.

Each karaoke session typically lasts for two hours. Nevertheless, you can always extend the session to several hours more if you feel you need more of this soul-pouring singing session to release all your stress and clear the negative vibes! #selflove

Here are some of the popular and budget-friendly karaoke centres you can get to in Osaka:

• Karaoke-Kan
• Karaoke Pasera Dotonbori
• Big Echo 

16. Create Your Ceramic Mug At Pottery Workshop

Creating your own ceramic mug at a local pottery workshop sounds like a great activity to include in your night Osaka itinerary too!

During the workshop, you will be guided by an experienced instructor to learn about the basic steps of designing, creating, and helpful hand techniques to make your own pottery work—even if you have zero experience in this.  

• Save

Apart from the mug, you can also opt for making other ceramic items such as teacups, small plates, or small bowls.

Once the workshop concludes, you can bring back your own ceramic works as a memorable keepsake or pass them to your loved ones as a souvenir. 

Travel tip: Apron will be given to participants so you do not have to worry about staining your clothes. 

17. Enjoy A Relaxing Session At Spa World

If you prefer to end your Osaka night with a relaxing activity, then make your way to Spa World. 

Located in Shinsekai, Spa World is a seven-storey bath complex that comes with several different themed pools.

Note: Male and female customers are segregated as they have to be fully naked while soaking in the natural spring bath. This is part of Japanese onsen culture that is unnegotiable.

Apart from dipping in the onsen, you can also go for a relaxing massage session in Spa World. 

It also houses an indoor gym so if you are looking for a way to burn off extra calories contributed by the delicious Osakan cuisine, this is a great place to be. 

18. Indulge In Late-Night Ramen Meal

Another unmissable thing to do in Osaka at night is indulging in a late-night ramen meal. 

This bowl of piping hot supper will definitely complete your fun and exhilarating Osaka night out, especially after having a few rounds of drinks in the bar or nightclub.

• Save

You can find lots of 24/7 operating ramen stalls along the streets of this city so you do not need to go far to look for one! 

Be sure to slurp loudly while you are enjoying your bowl of ramen to show that you really like the food. Weird? Well, welcome to Japan. 

Here are some of the recommended ramen establishments to visit while you are in Osaka:

• Zundo-Ya
• Hanamaruken

19. Watch Spectacular Winter Illuminations

Osaka goes big with its winter illuminations. So if you are in Osaka during winter, make sure to check out the stunning winter illuminations at night! 

Most of the city centre is lit up with dazzling winter decorations along the streets during this festive season. 

There are also some places where winter illuminations are held annually attracting large crowd of both local and international visitors. 

Some of the places/festivals you can visit to enjoy the vibrant winter illuminations in Osaka at night are: 

• Festival of Lights In Osaka
• Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
• Osaka German Christmas Market

Note: Some illumination events in Osaka might get cancelled last minute due to certain circumstances. So make sure to do your research before heading over to the site. 

What Is Osaka Famous For

Osaka is famous for its mouthwatering food, historical buildings, entertainment districts, traditional art performances, and so much more.

Here are the 10 famous landmarks that you should not miss when in Osaka:

• Dotonbori
• Osaka Castle
• Abeno Harukas
• Kuromon Market
• Hozenji Temple
• ShitennoJi Temple
• Amerikamura
• Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street
• Osaka Aquarium
• Universal Studios Japan

Want to know how to spend 1 day exploring this beautiful metropolitan? Check out my detailed 1 Day Itinerary Osaka to learn more!

Where Is The Night View In Osaka

There are many spots in Osaka that you can visit to enjoy the city’s impressive night view and skyline.

Here are the top 5 places to get to for Osaka night view: 

• Abeno Harukas
• Umeda Sky Building
• Tsutenkaku Tower
• Sakishima Cosmo Tower
• Tempozan Ferris Wheel

• Save

Things To Do In Osaka At Night: Conclusion

Here you go—19 things to do in Osaka at night so you can truly maximise your travel experience in this lovely Kansai metropolis!

Do you have other fun activities to do in Osaka by night that are not listed in this article? Share it with me; I would really love to hear from you!

And if you find this article useful, make sure to save and share it with your friends or family members!