osaka ghost tour

Fright Points

What is a drive in haunted house, business hours/ticket, product information.

6 pieces, 1,080 yen (tax included)

The heart of the deceased, a superb warabi mochi, is available only at YOLO BASE from Japan's only arare master, who is based in Nishijin, Kyoto and makes confections that are sold in 5-star hotels. It features a sweet strawberry sauce that looks and gushes out like blood.

Legend has it that ghosts have been known to attack people in this area...

An old garage where a horrific incident is said to have taken place long ago. There are rumors of various bizarre phenomena. You visit the place out of curiosity. And then...

Unpredictable stories

We won't just scare you. And it's not just that you will be attacked by the dead, but our production follows a fascinating and unexpected story. No one can imagine how the story ends.

Spine-tingling audio

We use radios to play frightening audio directly into the car you're in

Unparalleled quality

All of the characters that appear, as well as the dead, are elite actors who have performed in numerous events and on stage. Be amazed by the performance and the quality.

The most terrifying experience from within a car

A new horror experience born from precautionary measures against COVID-19! Avoid the three Cs! The world's first ” Drive in haunted house ” to be enjoyed from inside a car.

YOLO BASE Address： 556-0003 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City, Naniwa-ku, Ebisunishi 3-chome, 13-24 Closest station： Closest station About a 5-minute walk from Shin-Imamiya Station on the Nankai and JR Lines About a 7-minute walk from the Osaka Metro Dobutsuen-mae Station

When you come to experience our attractions, feel free to make use of the restaurants and parking available on site.

COVID-19 precautionary measures

About ticket purchase

To purchase your ticket, please select the desired date from the following. In addition, you may purchase same-day tickets at the entrance.

Precautions

• Please be sure to wear a mask.
• In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we ask for your cooperation with temperature checks and hand sanitizing before entry. We ask the following people to refrain from participating.
• Those whose body temperature is 37.5 degrees Celsius or above. (Please note that for safety reasons, you will not be able to participate if your temperature reading is 37.5 degrees Celsius or higher.)
• Those who are under the influence of alcohol.
• Those who are pregnant or who may be pregnant.
• Those prone to hyperventilation or panic attacks.
• Those who are extremely uncomfortable in the dark.
• Those who are not in good physical condition.
• Those who cannot follow staff instructions.
• During the performance, if you make remarks that ruin the atmosphere, try to ask other audience members for personal information, or make abusive or obscene remarks to the cast or other audience members, you will be forced to leave.
• Giving spoilers, making recordings, or similar actions during the performance are prohibited.
• After the performance, it is prohibited to disclose any information including spoilers on social media.
• The performance does feature some grotesque depictions. Please refrain from participating if you are uncomfortable with such things.
• This performance is entirely fictional and is in no way related to any actual persons or organizations.

The cars used are standard light vehicles. Each car can fit up to 4 people assuming each person is of average body size. (You will not be seated with anyone outside your own group.)

How is it different from other haunted houses?

I don't have a driver's license., is it a frightening event, can i participate by myself, if i lose my ticket, can it be reissued, is it possible to cancel and get a refund, can i take pictures, is there an age restriction, can the number of participants be changed on the day of the event, do you sell same-day tickets, can i change the date or time, can i make reservations by phone, i made a mistake in the number of reservations. can i make changes.

YOLO JAPAN CORPORATION.

Planning / Production

株式会社怖がらせ隊 / 株式会社YOLO JAPAN

株式会社カーフィックス

大阪観光局 Osaka City

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HOME Search Articles Drive-in Haunted House in YOLO BASE – The Most Terrifying Experience in Osaka

Drive-in Haunted House in YOLO BASE – The Most Terrifying Experience in Osaka

Written by: いっくん （Lee）

• A Haunted House in Osaka’s Shinsekai
• “Heart of the Dead” for Appetizer
• You Can’t Escape from the Dead

● A Haunted House in Osaka’s Shinsekai

As it gets warmer outside, I just want to get out and do something. I’ve been staying home for months because of Covid. Luckily, just the other day, I came across something interesting online—a car covered in blood in total darkness… So spooky, I just had to see this haunted house! I just wanted to experience something unreal. I was sure it’d be fun.

Conveniently, while it’s a “drive-in,” you don’t need a driver’s license or your own car. And the admission to the haunted house is per vehicle—not per person—so going alone didn’t make sense. I called my friend, Yun, who’s also from my country.

Lee “Let’s go to a haunted house, Yun! You like cars, don’t you?” Yun “Hey, Lee! Yeah, I like cars. But I don’t like ghosts.” Lee “That’s okay. It’s all socially distanced and it’s at a nice hotel.”

I talked Yun into it and made a reservation online. They are open Friday through Sunday every week, but many slots were taken already. It must be popular. I booked us for a 9pm slot on a Friday—in honor of the movie “Friday the 13th.” Let’s go to the haunted house!!!!

* There is a part where the mask is temporarily removed for shooting.

● Horror at an Art Hotel

The Drive-in Haunted House is at YOLO BASE in Shin-Imamiya. I’d heard of YOLO BASE. It’s an employment training facility for foreign residents. They provide Japanese language training, cross-cultural experience including an English camp for Japanese students who want to but can’t study abroad right now, and various support programs for employment and overall life in Japan. I met Yun at Osaka Metro’s Dobutsuen-mae Station at 7pm. Yun had his usual gentle smile on his face despite we were on our way to see spooky ghosts. After about a 7-minute walk, we easily spotted YOLO BASE’s orange neon. They have a large parking lot, too.

The poster at the entrance gave a glimpse of what we were about to experience.

Yun “The haunted house is at a hotel?? This poster is pretty creepy!” Lee “Don’t worry about it. It’s just a picture…”

We were early but went ahead and checked in at the front desk. We even snapped a photo with the staff at the front desk. The ticket was spooky, too! I was excited.

● “Heart of the Dead” for Appetizer

We sat down while we waited—it’s good to relax a little before a frightening experience, you know. It was a nice, comfortable space—very artistic and roomy, equipped with Wi-Fi. I give it extra points because it was great for Instagram!

If you get here a little earlier in the evening—before 8pm—you can even dine in at their stylish restaurant. We found “Heart of the Dead” on the menu. It looked gross but we had to try it! Heart of the Dead is actually warabimochi—wagashi traditional Japanese dessert made with warabi bracken starch—an authentic one from Kyo-nishijin Kasho Souzen, a famous wagashi shop in Kyoto. I recommend you eat it before the horror—you know, give yourself extra strength with warabimochi!

● The Terror Begins…

At nine o’clock, staff with a bloody mask waived at us. After a second look, I realized it wasn’t just the mask but her whole outfit was covered in blood! Lee “Here we go, Yun! Let’s do it!”

The woman covered in blood led us and two other groups out of the hotel to the drive-in haunted house. She explained this was our last chance to change our minds and get out of this commitment. Then it began… Watching the prologue, I couldn’t help but hold my breath and started to regret I was there. Yun didn’t look too excited anymore, either…

● You Can’t Escape from the Dead

Each group gets their own car. We got a blue one. It was very dark, and we really couldn’t see well. It was getting tense.

The radio in the car made eerie sounds… It was, simply put, a terrifying 20 minutes. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you the details; it wouldn’t be fun. You’d just have to go on your own. But I can tell you this: It was, truly, a horror. It was too real—the ghosts, the zombies… We knew we were safe in the car, yet we were recoiled in fear the entire time. And, we screamed. Our scream was guttural—you know how you can’t really scream when you’re truly scared? It was that.

We couldn’t relax until the very end. Yun looked pale blue when we came out. I was emotionally drained.

The quality of this drive-in haunted house was exceptional, with experienced actors who have performed in theatres and at theme parks. It was so real I might see those zombies in my dream later. It was frightening, but it was thrilling and exciting at the same time. I liked it.

The drive-in haunted house in YOLO BASE is a new type of haunted house that makes it easy to enjoy the entertainment in current environment. We never stepped out of the car and were attacked by zombies from outside. You can avoid 3Cs (Closed, Crowded, Close contact,) guaranteed. And the cars are disinfected and sanitized after each use.

The haunted house is so popular. It’s been booked fully every day after its opening, forcing them to consider an extension of its schedule. In fact, they just decided to extend it through the end of May! Literally, “there’s no escaping” from the horror at the drive-in haunted house. Do you think you can take it?

Drive-in Haunted House in YOLO BASE

• [Access] About 7 mins walk from Exit 3 at Dobutsuen-mae Station. About 8 mins walk from Exit 4 at Ebisucho Station.
• [Date] March 12, 2021 (Friday) – April 18, 2021 (Sunday) ※Currently extended to the end of May
• [Hours] Fridays 6pm – 10pm, Saturdays 3pm – 10pm, Sundays 3pm – 9pm
• [Fee] 6,600 yen per car (4 participants maximum per vehicle)

Spots Introduced

[Access] About 7 mins walk from Exit 3 at Dobutsuen-mae Station. About 8 mins walk from Exit 4 at Ebisucho Station.

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・from 17:00 to 19:30

・¥3,500 per person

・bilingual guide

・2.5 hour walking tour

・welcome drink

・mid-tour snacks

coming soon

What's on the tour?

A cheeky beverage to accompany you on the first leg of the walking tour.  Alcoholic or non-alcoholic.

What's Japan's first ghost story?  What's the difference between Shinto & Buddhism?  Would you move in to a haunted house?  What's with all those Japanese scary-hair-lady ghosts?

Explore twisting backstreets off the beaten track.  See old-school Japan, with narrow row-houses, abandoned buildings, a traditional bath house, and more.  How does an aging neighborhood and old traditions face the future in modern Japan?

Osaka is home to uniquely lively characters, with tales of murder, mutilation, revenge and ridiculousness. Between the site of Japan's longest siege, its biggest slum, a historic prostitution district, and a tasty craft beer brewery, there's plenty of stories to be told.

Grab some snacks along the way to enjoy a taste of Osaka, and support some great local businesses at the same time.

・simple snacks provided

Honor versus criminality, the Japanese mafia (Yakuza) are an anomaly in law-abiding Japan.  Where did these famous outlaw clans come from?  How do they function in modern society?  Where do the missing fingers go?

An entertainment district for over a hundred years, enjoy famous Osaka tower, plus the lights, sights and fun-filled nights that Shinsekai has to offer.

  Your guide will give you some post-tour advice, and you've got lots of options. Old-school arcades, fantastic food, tiny bars, karaoke with the locals, or head North to the nightlife in Namba.

Pub-Passport!

You'll get our "Pub Passport". It introduces you to our favorite lively venues around Namba & Shinsaibashi, with free shots, discount drinks and nightclub entry when you buy your first drink in each place.

・you get our Pub Passport guide.

・over ￥ 3,000 worth of gifts. *

* when you buy your first drink in these venues

What's the tour about?

Take a backstreet walking tour through the dark underbelly of Osaka, with tales of the macabre, sprinkled with humor and cultural insights.  Prepare for winding backstreets, ghost stories, Shinto myths, tragic suicides, lonely deaths, abandoned properties, yakuza crimes, slum riots, and more.   A side of the city you won’t find in a tourist brochure, a fun window into deep, dark Osaka.

・ from 17:00 to 19:30

・ ¥ 3,500 per person.

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

• Osaka-namba • 6 min walk
• Shinsaibashi • 6 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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GHOST: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• Thu - Sun 22:00 - 05:00
• (0.01 mi) Shinsaibashi Arty Inn
• (0.02 mi) The Wall Hotel
• (0.03 mi) Capsule Hotel Asahi Plaza Shinsaibashi
• (0.03 mi) STAY in the City AMEMURA
• (0.09 mi) karaksa hotel Osaka Namba
• (0.00 mi) Dawn
• (0.02 mi) Crampagne
• (0.02 mi) Nouveau Chatoran
• (0.02 mi) M
• (0.02 mi) Lampoon

LEGENDARY HIPHOP NIGHT CLUB

I t was regretted by every Nighthawks in Osaka that club AZURE decided to shut down in February of 2014, after providing with the newest trends of not only the Music but the whole HipHop culture for almost 11years as one of the Best Night Clubs in history of Japan.

One single month was all it took for the Grand Opening of GHOST ultra lounge after a huge renovation of missed club AZURE from exterior to small details of interior. Spending an ungodly sum of money let the venue to drop LED concealed lightning in every wall inside the club and expanding VIP area with more numbers of tables to create a luxury atmosphere with real marble stone floorings. It seemed nothing was wrong with the decision of becoming a Night Club that lets people enjoy wide range of music other than HipHop back then, until loosing almost every single HipHop fans who loved club AZURE. Even after realizing numbers of mistakes that’s made, GHOST ultra lounge itself was never a mistake since they knew what to do and they were the best at it. It took courage and was never easy but GHOST ultra lounge did whatever it takes and didn’t take so long to receive Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence 4years in a row from 2016 to 2019 after they decided to come back to their source and stick to main stream HipHop to re-brand their venue in 2015. In December 2019, GHOST ultra lounge, again, did a major renovation. Fancy LED lights were not the only things they got rid of, but they took “ultra lounge” off of its name and became “GHOST”. They toned down the key concept of interior and shifted to so-called, “Authentic Style”.

In April 2020, due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection, GHOST announced that it would be the first nightclub in Japan to close due to the state of emergency as well as the request to refrain from holding events. Ghost was repaired and refurbished during that holiday period, and the entrance was re-opened as a separate store.  While updating the interior, we also focused on improving our English education and service training for staff.

Corona was an unprecedented crisis for the nightclub industry, but even under these circumstances, we believe it is important to take our role as an entertainment venue seriously and continue to move forward.

As of 2022, GHOST offers a unique nightclub experience under the theme "Fusion of Street Culture and Luxury," a style that can never be imitated by anyone other than GHOST.

2011年1月株式会社AZURE設立。 

2014年2月、株式会社AZURE設立以前から運営していたclub AZUREが惜しむ声の大きい中、開店から10年10ヶ月で幕を閉じる。 club AZUREは日本でも屈指のHIPHOPクラブとして歴史にその名を刻む。 

2014年3月、外観・内装の全面改装を行い、店内全面の壁にLED照明、フロアには全面天然石を仕込み、豪華なVIP席を拡充。ラグジュアリーな空間となったGHOST ultra loungeを開店。 GHOST ultra loungeはそれまでのclub AZUREとは異なり、HIPHOPに限らず幅広い音楽ジャンルのクラブとしてスタートする。  大きな総工費をかけたGHOST ultra loungeであったが、クラブシーンのトレンドを掴む一方で音楽スタイルの変化によって前club AZUREに絶大の信頼を置いていたHIPHOPファンからは、批判の声もあがるなど賛否両論であった。

2015年、自分たちの原点に立ち返ることを決意。HIPHOPメインストリームにこだわったHIPHOPクラブとして再スタート。 

2016年~2019年、Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellenceを4年連続受賞。 

2019年12月GHOST ultra loungeの店名をGHOSTに。 内装もそれまでの派手なLED照明中心の内装から重厚感のあるオーセンティックスタイルに大幅に改装。この月は再オープンから17日間のみの営業であったが、月間過去最高の集客、売上を記録する。 

2020年4月 新型コロナウイルス感染症拡大に係り、日本国内では緊急事態宣言とともにイベント開催の自粛が要請され、GHOSTは国内ナイトクラブの中でもいち早く休業を発表した。 休業の期間を利用し店舗の修繕および改装を行い、エントランス部分を別店舗として開業する他、来店いただいたお客様にとってGHOSTでの体験が感動に値する店にするため、細部にまでこだわり内装をアップデートさせた。さらにハード面をアップデートさせる一方で、スタッフの英語教育やサービストレーニングなどソフト面改善にも力を入れた。

コロナ禍は、ナイトクラブ業界にとって紛れもなく未曾有の危機であったが、このような状況下においても、エンターテイメントベニューとしての我々の役割と真摯に向き合うことが重要であると信じて前進を止めなかった。

2022年現在、GHOSTの他には決して真似することの出来ないスタイル「Fusion of Street Culture and Luxury」をテーマに掲げ、GHOST独自のナイトクラブ体験を提供している。

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

• Osaka-namba • 6 min walk
• Shinsaibashi • 6 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

Ghost - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Thu - Sun 10:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m.
• (0.01 km) Shinsaibashi Arty Inn
• (0.04 km) The Wall Hotel
• (0.04 km) Capsule Hotel Asahi Plaza Shinsaibashi
• (0.05 km) STAY in the City AMEMURA
• (0.14 km) karaksa hotel Osaka Namba
• (0.00 km) Dawn
• (0.03 km) Crampagne
• (0.03 km) Nouveau Chatoran
• (0.03 km) M
• (0.03 km) Lampoon

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

• Osaka-namba • 6 min walk
• Shinsaibashi • 6 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

Ghost - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

• Thu - Sun 10:00 PM - 5:00 AM
• (0.01 km) Shinsaibashi Arty Inn
• (0.04 km) The Wall Hotel
• (0.04 km) Capsule Hotel Asahi Plaza Shinsaibashi
• (0.05 km) STAY in the City AMEMURA
• (0.14 km) karaksa hotel Osaka Namba
• (0.00 km) Dawn
• (0.03 km) Crampagne
• (0.03 km) Nouveau Chatoran
• (0.03 km) M
• (0.03 km) Lampoon

16 BEST things to do in Osaka at night

By: Author Sylvia

Posted on Last updated: April 21, 2024

In this article, we share the best things to do and where to go in Osaka at night.

Osaka stole our hearts during our Japan adventure! Every moment in this vibrant city felt like magic.

From the lively days filled with excitement to the endless possibilities that unfold in Osaka’s night, it was an absolute delight.

There’s just something special about Osaka that made our time there truly unforgettable.

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

What to do in Osaka at night

Here we share a list of the best things to do in Osaka at night.

Go night shopping

In the main shopping streets of Osaka, the stores stay open until late.

So, If you love shopping or you are looking to buy some Japanese souvenirs to take home, you will have plenty of opportunities to do so.

But you don’t need to be on a shopping spree to visit these Osaka night markets.  The shopping districts are just as much fun to wander around without a shopping list.  They’re lighted with colorful neon advertisements and it’s great to experience the lively atmosphere.

Here we share the 2 best spots to shop in Osaka at night.

The Namba district

By day, Dotonbori, the bustling main street, caters to every taste, but it truly comes alive at night, earning its place as one of Japan’s iconic landmarks.

As dusk falls, neon lights and billboards transform the streets into a mesmerizing spectacle, teeming with shoppers, families, and friends. Don’t miss capturing snapshots of the famed illuminated signs, such as the Giant Moving Crab and the Glico Running Man.

Explore an array of restaurants, shops, bars, and entertainment options.

We leisurely strolled the street, savoring the atmosphere and indulging in delectable street food, including the renowned melon pan bread, which we couldn’t get enough of.

Namba is the perfect spot to feel the vibrant atmosphere that we loved so much about Osaka.

Namba encapsulates Osaka’s lively essence, making it an ideal base. For those seeking accommodations amid the bustling energy of restaurants, bars, and nightlife, look no further than the Holiday Inn Osaka Namba. It’s the perfect hub for an unforgettable Osaka experience.

How to get there :

The nearest  subway station  is  Namba Station.  You can take the Midosuji line, Sen-Nichimae line, or Yotsubashi line to get here.

The closest  JR station  is  JR Namba station, it is the terminal of the Yamatoji line.  

Go night shopping in Shinsaibashi 

Shinsaibashi is right next to Namba. 

This is another perfect street to do some night shopping and you can explore both in one evening as you can walk from Dotonbori to the Shinsaibashi shopping arcade.

The arcade starts at the famous Ebisu Bridge, one of the landmarks of Dotonbori, and runs the full length of the Shinsaibashi district.

Shinsaibashi-suji Street , the covered pedestrian street, is almost 2 kilometers in length. You will find high-end stores like Chanel and Cartier next to 100 yen shops where you can shop for souvenirs.

Most shops open around 10-11 am and close again around 7-9 pm. This gives you plenty of time to hunt for souvenirs.

Tired of shopping?  The arcade also houses lots of restaurants and bars to satisfy your hunger and thirst.

How to get there:

The main street starts right at the Dotonbori bridge and runs up to  the Shinsaibashi subway station . The Midsosuji and the Nagahoritsurumiryokuchi trains stop at this station.

The nearest  subway station  to the Dotonbori Bridge is Namba Station .  You can choose from the Midosuji line, Sen-Nichimae line, or Yotsubashi line to get here.

The closest  JR station  to the Dotonbori bridge is  JR Namba station,  it is the terminal of the Yamatoji line.

Wander around Hozenji Yokocho

Hozenji Yokocho is a well-preserved historic Edo area located in Minami, just next to Dotonbori.

The district is squeezed in between neon-lit Dotonbori and the modern mega-malls of Namba, but as soon as you enter the district it feels like you have been beamed back in time to the old Osaka.

The small and quaint Hozenji Temple is well worth a visit, certainly after dark when the lanterns are lit and create a magical and peaceful ambiance. It’s in this temple that you find the famous moss statue of Fudo Myo-o, a Buddhist spirit.

The statue became popular because it was the only statue to survive a heavy bombing raid during the Second World War.

Normally Fudo-Myo-O is represented as a scary appearance but this statue no longer looks scary now that it is completely covered with moss.

According to a famous story, an elderly woman threw water over the statue and made a wish.

Her wish came true and since then other people have been doing the same.

That led to the completely mossy statue.

At night the lanterns are lit which create a very magical atmosphere.

Things to do in Kyoto at night.

The popular Hozenji Yokocho alley runs North alongside the temple. 

Walking through the stone-paved narrow alley should give you a good impression of how it must have been to live in Osaka a hundred years ago. 

The alley is at its best after dark when the bars and restaurants have all lit their old-fashioned lanterns.

This is also one of the best places to eat in Osaka. Here you will find more than 60 restaurants and bars that serve local Japanese specialties such as Teppanyaki, Okonomiyaki and much more.

How to get here:

The nearest  subway station to Hozenji Yokocho is  Namba station. You can choose from the Midosuji line, Sen-Nichimae line, or Yotsubashi line to get here. From the station, it’s a 5-minute walk. 

Stroll around the Shinsekai district 

The Shinsekai  area was developed before the war and remained largely untouched afterward. If you want to experience a truly retro Osaka ambiance, this is the place to go. 

Things to do in Gion at night. 

One thing immediately stands out in Shinsekai,  the large colorful, and grotesque signs of the many restaurants and bars.

Most restaurants and bars are open for lunch but it is better to postpone your visit a few hours as the district really comes into its own at night when the large neon lights and decorated figurines lit up the sky.

When you’re in Shinsekai you should try the traditional Kushi-katsu . 

Originally the dish consisted of fried vegetables or meat on a stick. Over the years several new variants have appeared.

Some restaurants now have fish, eggplant, fruit, and many more gourmet Kushi-Katsu versions on their menu. Kushi-Katsu originated in Shinsekai and almost all restaurants and food shops proudly do their best to keep the tradition alive. 

Some specialized Kushi-katsu eateries are even open 24 hours/day.

In Shinsekai you will also find   Spa World, a huge bath complex with a large number of onsen from around the world which are to be enjoyed naked and gender-separated. More about Spa World later in this Oska blog post.

The Shinsekai area is considered one of the more dangerous neighborhoods in Osaka. Don’t let this scare you, we never felt unsafe in Japan.  Shinsekai might be one of the less safe regions in Osaka but is still pretty safe compared to world standards.  That Shinsekai is considered unsafe says more about the general level of safety in Japan.

How to get there: 

The nearest subway stations are Dobutsuen-Mae station in the South and Ebisucho station in the North.  The first is served by the Midosuji line and Sakaisuji line, the latter by the Sakaisuji line.

The closest  JR station  is  Shin-Imamiya  on the Osaka loop line and Yamatoji line.

Tip: Be sure to become a member of our Japan Travel Planning and Tips Facebook group.  The purpose of this group is to help you plan an amazing vacation to Japan.  You can ask questions and exchange tips with fellow travelers.

Make an organized night walk in Osaka

One of the most fun Osaka night activities you can do is to take an organized Osaka night walk.

An organized night tour is highly recommended to explore the authentic nightlife in Osaka as there are a number of hidden areas, old backstreets, and markets that are not in the guidebooks.

We partnered up with Viator for these activities.  Viator is a reliable platform where you can book thousands of tours anywhere in the world.  We also like that it is very flexible and that for most of the activities they offer free cancellation.

Here we share the best Osaka night walks.

Osaka food tour

This small-group tour ( maximum of 8 people) takes you to the backstreets of Shinsekai.

Here you have a chance to visit 5 eateries and try 10 local dishes such as kitsune udon, gyoza, takoyaki, etc. There are also 2 drinks (one alcoholic and one nonalcoholic) included in the tour.

This food tour takes you off the beaten path. Guests also love the fantastic guides.

This is the perfect tour if you want to visit Osaka’s most famous areas at night and learn more about Osaka history and culture.

Read reviews and book: Soul of Kansai Tour

For an overview of more Osaka Food Tours, click here.

Deep Backstreet Osaka Tour

On our recent visit, we personally experienced this award-winning tour  offered by Viator.

We visited places and walked through streets we would never have come across otherwise.

Our guide, with its profound knowledge and entertaining flair, made the tour truly memorable.

If you’re eager to explore the enchanting backstreets of Osaka, this tour comes highly recommended.

We opted not to include the dinner option, so we cannot provide any feedback on it.

Please note that this tour isn’t suitable for children.

Read reviews and book: Deep backstreet Osaka tour

Enjoy the night view of Osaka castle

Osaka Castle is a reconstruction of the original castle that was built in 1583.

The original castle was destroyed in a fierce battle in 1615.  Several years later, in 1665, it was destroyed again when it was struck by lightning and burned down completely.

This time it took until 1931 before the castle was rebuilt.

The current castle is a ferroconcrete reconstruction of the original one that used to be here several years ago.

• Best hidden gems in Osaka

It houses  an informative museum  about the castle’s history and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the Samurai who lived in this castle and was one of the most powerful men in Japan in his era.  

Although it is closed after 5 pm it is beautifully illuminated after dark and the park that surrounds the castle is worth a visit if you are in the neighborhood.  It is perfect to take beautiful night pictures.

The castle can be visited until 9 pm during the sakura season.

The nearest subway station is  Tanimachi Yonchome Station.   You can get there with both the Tanimachi Subway Line and the Chuo Subway Line.

If you come  by train  you need to head to  the Osakajokoen station  which is conveniently located on the Osaka loop line served by JR.

Explore the Art of Japanese Cooking in a Live Class

If you want to learn more about Japanese food and how to prepare it yourself, you could also take a cooking class.

We did it ourselves and learned to make gyozas and ramen.

The food was delicious, it was one of the best ramen we had in Japan if I say so myself. 🙂  It was a fun experience. 

It would have been better if we could recreate these excellent dishes at home but unfortunately, many of the ingredients cannot be found in our home country.

What we liked so much about the experience was that we learned a lot about healthy Japanese cuisine and its common ingredients. Even though we often asked more info about the things we ordered at the restaurants we never got such a good explanation as during this cooking class.

You can read our full story about our cooking class here. 

Admire Osaka from above

Osaka has several observatories from where you can enjoy the beautiful night scenery of this bright city.

Get to the top of the Umeda Sky building

One of the best ways to see Osaka from above at night is from the Umeda Sky Building.

The 173-meter tall construction consists of two towers that are connected by the “Floating Garden Observatory” on the 39th floor.  A futuristic construction that will certainly draw your attention.

The observatory has 2 platforms, both offer amazing 360-degree views of the city.  The upper platform is an open-air deck while the lower platform has windows all around.

Tip: Dinner time would be an excellent time to visit the observatory.  The 39th floor houses a Chinese restaurant and a cocktail bar called Stardust.  On the 1st basement floor, you will find Takimi Koji, a food alley with over 20 restaurants, that replicates a nostalgic townscape of the Showa period.

Osaka station , the main JR hub in central Osaka, is the closest JR station.  7 JR lines stop at this station including the Osaka loop line, the Hida line, and the Hamakaze line.  The Umeda Sky Building is a 10-minute walk from Osaka station.  

The closest subway station is  Umeda Station  on the Midosuji line.

Watch the sunset from Osaka station

Osaka Station offers an ideal vantage point for observing the sunset.

It is much more than just a station, it also houses shops, a sports club, and a movie theatre, and travelers can choose from a wide range of restaurants to satisfy their hunger before they hop on their train.

The station consists of  2 buildings  that are on either side of the tracks.  Both buildings have a rooftop terrace, in the Northern building the terrace is on the 10th and 11th floor and it is called the Healing Garden.

Enjoy beautiful sunset views of the Umeda Sky Building from the Healing Garden .

The Southern building on the opposite side of the station also has an observatory.

This one is called the Sun Plaza and it is on the 15th, 16th and 17th floor. 

It has many small eateries and bars. Ideal to take a break while you enjoy the view of the Umeda skyline with a drink or snack.

Osaka station  is the main JR hub in central Osaka.  7 JR lines connect this station to the rest of Japan including the Osaka loop line, the Hida line, and the Hamakaze line.  

The closest  subway station  is  Umeda Station  on  the Midosuji line.   To reach Osaka Station from the Osaka Bay Area you first take the Chuo line until Hommachi station where you change for the Midosuji line.

Enjoy 360° views from the Abeno Harukas Observatory

The Harukas 300 building is one of the last new additions to the Osaka Skyline and it currently is the tallest building in the city.

The 16th floor of the building houses the art museum and a small garden terrace.

The terrace is freely accessible to everyone who wants to get a free glimpse of the Osaka Skyline but these views pale in comparison to those from the Abeno Harukas rooftop observatory.

The Abeno Harukas Observatory occupies the 3 top floors, 58 to 60, of the building.  The observatory offers 360-degree views of the city and the 58th floor has an open-air plaza and eating area.

Make sure to visit the toilets during your visit to the observatory.  Some people call these the coolest toilets they have ever been to.  The toilets have windows from the floor to the ceiling so you can keep enjoying those great views at the loo.

The lower floors of the building, from the floor up to the 14th floor, house a large department store and several restaurants.

Tip: Those who can’t get enough of these magnificent views can book a room at the Marriott Miyako hotel which is located on the top floors of this building.

The Abeno Harukas Observatory is just a 2-minute walk from the Tennoji Station.

Make a ride on the Tempozan Ferris Wheel

The Tempozan Ferris Wheel measures 112.5 m in height and that makes it the highest Ferris wheel in the city and the fourth largest in Japan.

The wheel is open until 10 pm and it is beautifully illuminated at night.

It’s a great place to enjoy the night view on Osaka Bay and Osaka’s skyscrapers.

The Tempozan Ferris Wheel is located at Osakako Station on the Chuo subway line.  (take exit 1 or 2)

Enjoy an evening out

Go watch a ror comedy show.

Osaka is known as Japan’s comedy capital and since 2011 foreigners can enjoy a stand-up comedy show in English. The shows are being held every Friday and Saturday night.

This is a great way to learn more about Japanese culture during a great evening full of laughs.

Take the subway to Namba station. You can choose from the Midosuji line, Sen-Nichimae line, or Yotsubashi line to get here. Take exit 25. From here it’s a 4-minute walk.

You could also take the subway to Yotsubashi station on the Yotsubashi line. Take exit 2. From here it’s a 4-minute walk. 

Another option is to take the subway to Shinsaibashi station on the Midosuji or Nagahori Tsurumiryokuchi line. Take exit 2. From here it’s a 6-minute walk. 

Show your singing talent during a Karaoke night

Karaoke originated in Japan and is still very popular in the country.

Osaka counts various karaoke places. Roughly you have 2 types,  one is box karaoke where you rent a private room.

The other is karaoke bars, similar to what we know in Europe, where you can show your talent to the whole audience.

Bars often have one or more boxes you can rent for private parties.

If you like to sing or you want to have a great night out, you must definitely visit a Karaoke place while you are in Japan.

On Tripadvisor, you can find a selection of the best Karaoke places in Osaka.

Get a drink in a bar or go dancing in a nightclub 

Osaka has a lot to offer in terms of nightlife and has plenty of bars and nightclubs where locals and visitors can unwind after a busy day.

Dotonbori’s promenade along the Dotonbori River is lined with bars and another popular go-to place for drinks is Hozenju Yokocho Alley.

You could also head to Uranamba, literally meaning the back streets of Namba, which is located on the eastern side of Namba station. 

The area has a bohemian atmosphere as for years it has been home to many theaters. Youngsters have rediscovered the area and their arrival has led to an explosion of new trendy bars and eateries. 

 The most popular bars are found in the alleys that stretch out from the Doguyasuji Shotengai.

If you are looking for a more local experience you should definitely visit Ohatsu Tenjin Urasando, the narrow alleys house many restaurants, bars, and izakayas. It’s a 5-minute walk from Osaka or Umeda station.

Osaka’s nightclubs are mostly located in Namba and Kita.

On Tripadvisor, you will find a selection of the best nightlife in Osaka. 

Relax at Spa World

Nothing is more fun than to pamper yourself from time to time.

Japanese knew this already a very long time ago, the country’s oldest onsen are supposed to be more than 3000 years old.

An onsen means hot spring.

Nowadays the term is protected, an onsen must be supplied from a spring with a water temperature of at least 25 degrees that also contains a minimum amount of certain minerals. 

 It is generally accepted that the country counts more than 27000 of such onsen and they’re spread out all over the country.

Baths that are supplied by heated tap water are called sento although sometimes the terms are incorrectly mixed up.

Onsen take a central place in the daily rituals of many Japanese. 

The minerals in the water are supposed to offer healing benefits but that is not the main reason for their visit.

It is primarily a social affair where friends and family go to an Onsen instead of a bar.

Of course, they also offer relaxation after a stressful business day or a tiring day of sightseeing.

If you want to learn more about Onsen etiquette, take a look here. 

Spa World is the perfect place to discover the Japanese onsen. It’s a huge bath complex with a large number of onsen from around the world which are to be enjoyed the Japanese way, naked and gender-separated.

During uneven months the men get to enjoy the Asian styled rooms and the women the European styled rooms.  During even months the roles are reversed.

Osaka’s nightlife is thrilling.  We were surprised by the continuous stream of people that flooded the major shopping streets after dark. 

They do have something to offer for everyone. 

You will find everything from bars and Izakayas over food trucks and small eateries that offer snacks for those who just want a quick bite to fancy restaurants with multi-course menus.

Osaka is a great city to discover the best of Japan’s bar and nightlife scene but even if you’re not hungry or thirsty the streets are fun to just do some people watching.

With this post, we hope to have inspired you to visit Osaka after dark.

Although Osaka is a wonderful city to explore during the day it comes truly alive at night when the neon lights are illuminated and the restaurants and bars are packed with people.

It would be a pity to not explore Osaka by night.

It’s easy and fun to do this on your own. If you book an organized night walk it the experience will even be educational and enriching at the same time.

Enjoy Osaka!

More Japan travel tips

Here we share the best Japan travel tips.

If you are looking for a Japan itinerary, take a look at our 14 day Japan itinerary . If you have 3 weeks to spend in Japan you can find some inspiration in our 3-week itinerary here .

When you’re traveling by train it’s also a good idea to forward your baggage.  You can read these tips and much more in our separate article about traveling to Japan for the first time .

We traveled around Japan by train and could save a few bucks by buying a Japan Rail Pass in advance.

Get more information on the Japan Railpass here: Japan Railpass

Or  read this article in which we describe how you can find out whether you would also benefit from a Japan Rail Pass .

Wondering what to wear in Japan? Take a look at our complete Japan packing list. 

Last but not least… As you might expect health care in Japan is excellent but it comes at a high cost.  Make sure you have some sort of insurance before you leave for Japan .  We never had anything serious happen on any of our journeys around the world but you know what they say, better safe than sorry…

If you still need travel insurance, check out  HeyMondo  and  SafetyWing.  Both companies offer good insurance for a competitive price.

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Osaka Self-Guided Audio Tour

• Private access link to the audio guide in one playlist for 10 attractions
• Private access link to a tour itinerary map of 10 attractions with audio guide individually
• Private access links validity up to 6 days
• Entry fees (wherever required)
• Transportations (pick-up and drop-off)
• Entry/Admission - Umeda Sky Building
• Entry/Admission - Hep Five Ferris Wheel
• Entry/Admission - Osaka Castle Park
• Entry/Admission - Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street
• Entry/Admission - Shitennoji
• Entry/Admission - Universal Studios Japan
• Entry/Admission - Tempozan Ferris Wheel
• Osaka, Japan Since this tour is a self-guided audio tour, you can decide your starting point and ending point as per your convenience.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• How to use it? Audio guide access links will be sent to you in an email on your selected date of travel before your starting time. Once received Link (1) Simply click on our Sound Cloud secured web link to listen to your preferred attraction audio guide (or) listen to the entire attraction audio guide to plan your visit accordingly. Link (2) Simply click on our Google My Map secured web link to reach your preferred attractions and listen to the audio guide (or) find nearby attractions to you to visit and listen to the audio guide.
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
• Universal Studios Japan
• Hep Five Ferris Wheel
• Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street
• Mint Museum

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Osaka Osaka, Japan Since this tour is a self-guided audio tour, you can decide your starting point and ending point as per your convenience. See address & details
• 1 Osaka Station City Stop: 6 minutes See details
• 2 Umeda Sky Building Stop: 6 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 3 Hep Five Ferris Wheel Stop: 6 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 4 Mint Museum Stop: 6 minutes See details
• 5 Osaka Castle Park Stop: 6 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 6 Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street Stop: 6 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 7 Shitennoji Stop: 6 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 8 Shinsekai Stop: 6 minutes See details
• 9 Universal Studios Japan Stop: 6 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 10 Tempozan Ferris Wheel Stop: 6 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• You'll end at Osaka Osaka, Japan Since this tour is a self-guided audio tour, you can decide your starting point and ending point as per your convenience. See address & details

• random_shid 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Nice option to save 100$s on city tours I didn't even listen to the Audio Guide. But it is reliable and well organized. After a couple of days (reasonable amount), the access to the audio files is cut. Read more Written June 24, 2023
• lynnmU6707QW 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Couldn’t recommend Trailfinders highly enough. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fabulous in every way. Self guided, travelled as couple visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Hakone. Long awaited as booked for March 2020… Covid!!!! ..,,, Did it live up to expectation 3 years later - you bet it did - surpassed all expectations which were high. Trailfinders are just great in getting everything organised, flexible and with such good assurances. No surcharges. Initially refunding all our monies paid for cancelled trip promptly. We felt therefore we had to just go back to the team to rebook. Our consultant Michael in Kensington was friendly efficient and so understandingly patient. Full marks Trailfinders we hope to be back for return trip to Japan. Read more Written May 12, 2023
• rbodnicki 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Underwhelmed. Pretty exhaustive list of Tokyo sightseeing locations are covered. However the depth of the audio summaries leaves a lot to desire. I ended up reading more online and at the location versus using this guide. I would not recommend unless you’re seeking a very high-level summary of many different sightseeing spots in Tokyo. Read more Written May 4, 2023
• FORTUNE999 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent place to visit One one best place to be visited in Coimbatore. Great collections of cars . One can develop his science knowledge in the science exhibition. But the entrance fee is too high. Read more Written May 25, 2019
• murali_jaish 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Must visit place for everyone Wonderful collection of vintage cars, well kept and maintained, it's a must visit spot in Coimbatore, kids will enjoy it. Read more Written April 14, 2019
• Bonny M 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Unexpected and interesting A very informative, unexpected and interesting private collection of cars and motorcycles through the different eras Read more Written March 30, 2019

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Osaka Self-Guided Audio Tour provided by Japan Self-Guided Tours