One of the reasons why we love Osaka, Japan, is that it is a mecca for food and drink lovers. There is so much to eat and drink, almost 24/7. That means it’s a great place to spend an evening exploring. From eating and drinking to trying to get the best view of the sprawling and bright city, here are our recommendations for the top 10 things to do in Osaka at night.
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What To Do In Osaka At Night
There are loads of fun attractions to explore in Osaka. The city, though, really comes alive at night. Like many large Japanese cities, the buildings are lit up like Christmas trees all year long. And, the alleyways are filled with nooks and crannies and unique activities to experience. Here are just a few of our favorite ways to spend time in Osaka after sunset.
How To Book Hotels In Osaka
In the 10+ years of traveling to Japan, we’ve learned a thing or two about booking a hotel in Osaka. We’ve stayed at some great hotels like the Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka and St. Regis Osaka. And we’ve stayed at some not-so-great hotels.
When planning a trip to Osaka, we use Booking.com for our accommodations. In addition to booking hotels, we’ve used them for booking apartments for longer stays. We’ve even used them to book villas and ryokans in Osaka when we want something special. We’ve even found some charming and less expensive guest houses in Osaka on Booking.com.
Osaka Castle At Night
Osaka Castle is one of the top sites not only in Osaka but throughout Japan. The castle grounds are spread across about 15 acres in the center of Osaka.
Altogether, there are over a dozen structures that make up the castle complex. The castle is open to the public and you can buy tickets ahead of time here.
It’s possible to catch a glimpse of Osaka Castle lit up at night from outside the gates. Or, for a unique experience, book the Sakuya Lumina night walk of the castle grounds. Starting at ¥1000 a person, it’s a great way to experience Osaka by night. Book tickets here.
Learn more about Osaka Castle on TripAdvisor. Also, note if visiting during the holidays that Osaka Castle is closed from December 28-January 1.
Osaka Castle is one of the top places to visit in Osaka. It also looks gorgeous and lit up at night. In particular, check out the pond where you can capture some amazing reflections of the castle.
Book an Osaka Night Tour
One of the best ways to explore Osaka is by eating. Osaka is one of our favorite places in Japan to visit for food. If you are short on time or want a unique way to explore the city through your stomach, perhaps book an Osaka food tour to explore the city at night.
There’s a great tour of Osaka’s Backstreets that shows you a little of the seedy underbelly of the city. The tour includes dinner and a few stops at street food stalls. But, more than that, it shares the history of Osaka as told through the legends of the yakuza, gambling dens, and historic red light districts – definitely an education.
Book this Osaka At Night Tour here. Or check out our guide to the Best Osaka Food Tours And Cooking Classes.
Read Our Osaka Food Guide – What To Eat In Osaka
Dotonbori Food Street At Night
Eating On Dotonbori Food Street – Osaka’s Night Market
At the center of all of the great food and drink in Osaka is Dotonbori Food Street.
Dotonbori is a must visit destination in Osaka. It’s filled with colorful buildings, sky-high light displays, and loads of shopping and eating.
When it comes to the food in Dotonbori, it’s served at loads of sit-down restaurants as well as some street food stalls lining various alleys. All of this occurs in the Namba district on the street that runs parallel to the canal.
Although you can eat in Dotonbori all day, it is at its best at night, when the district comes alive. Many restaurants and bars are open until late every night of the week. This makes it one of the top things to see in Osaka at night.
Read our Guide To Dotonbori Food Street – What To Eat In Dotonbori
Cruising Dotonbori At Night
Book a Dotonbori Boat Cruise
Dotonbori is one of the best neighborhoods to visit in Osaka regardless of the time of day. For a different perspective, hop on one of the many boat cruises on the canal to take in Osaka by night.
Just be sure to look for a tour in English if you want to learn a little on board. Check out this private Dotonbori river tour to make the most of the experience.
Karaoke At Night In Osaka
Sing Your Heart Out At Karaoke
I am not a big karaoke fan. There’s something about standing in front of a large crowd and admitting that I have no idea how to sing.
The great thing about karaoke in Osaka is that you can sing your heart out in a small room in front of your friends, rather than in a big room.
Just look for “box karaoke.” Rates start pretty cheap but just be prepared that if you sing all night, prices can get a little high. Of course, if you want a more public experience, look for a more typical karaoke bar.
Osaka Craft Beer Bars At Night
Visit One Of Osaka’s Craft Beer Bars
When it comes to Osaka nightlife, we are not big clubbing people. But, we truly enjoyed exploring all of Osaka’s amazing craft beer bars. There are so many options for craft beer lovers that weren’t there during our last few trips. This is also a great way to meet and mingle with locals too.
Read our Guide To Craft Beer In Osaka
Shopping in Namba
Osaka Shopping At Night In Namba
Walking through Namba is one of the best free things to do in Osaka at night, so long as you don’t get sucked into street food or shopping.
The area around Dotonbori explodes in colorful lights at night. It’s an area filled with friends and family window shopping and snacking on Japanese food.
Heading away from Dotonbori, check out the Shinsaibashi shopping arcade. It’s almost two kilometers long and includes everything from dollar shops (or 100 yen shops) and luxury brands.
And, the best part is that strolling and people-watching is entirely free.
Get A Birdseye View Of Osaka
There are a few places to take in the views over the city at night. First, try the Umeda Sky Building and the Kuchi Teien Observatory. This is one of the most popular Osaka attractions at night.
Or, check out Tsutenkaku Tower. Sometimes referred to as Osaka’s Eiffel Tower, Tsutenkaku is 103 meters high, with an observation deck that looks out over the city.
Searching For The Best Ramen in Dotonbori
Enjoy Some Late Night Ramen
There’s no shortage of late-night ramen joints to hit after a night of craft beer or sake in Osaka. It’s also a great way to be surrounded by locals. Osaka at night often means food and ramen is the best way to end an evening exploring this great city.
Slot machines and Pachinko
Stroll Through Shinsekai District
Shinsekai District is one of the quintessential Osaka neighborhoods, filled with color, neon signs, and the Tsutenkaku Tower.
I love walking through the neighborhood and hearing the sound of the pachinko machines, pinball-style gambling machines that sit row upon row in small casino-style buildings.
Although plenty of restaurants and bars are open throughout the day, the district comes alive at night. This is when there is plenty of atmosphere when the sky gets dark and the neon lights turn bright.
FAQs – WHAT TO SEE IN OSAKA JAPAN
When it comes to what to do in Osaka, look to what Osaka is famous for, and that’s food. Known as Japan’s kitchen, there are loads of things to eat in Osaka. And that’s an activity that can be done any time of day.
Like most of Japan, Osaka is a very safe city. Even at night. But, like any other big city, be aware of your surroundings. There is a much lower crime rate in Osaka than other cities of its size, but it’s important for travelers to keep their wits about them, particularly when out drinking at night.
One of the best experiences for travelers to Osaka is to explore Dotonbori food street and all of the great Osakan dishes. Just remember that there is so much to do and see in Osaka. Spend an hour or so on Dotonbori and then just go exploring!
Traveling to Osaka from Tokyo you have a few options. Flying will take approximately one and a half hours. Driving over six hours. Or you can take the most exciting, the famous Bullet Train. Japan’s Shinkansen Line whisks travelers between Tokyo and Osaka in two and half hours.