Rock Bar Cherry Bomb
Photo: Kunihiro Fukumori | Rock Bar Cherry Bomb
Photo: Kunihiro Fukumori

6 best bars in Amerikamura

From karaoke dive bars to bespoke cocktail dens, this lively district is packed with nightlife venues for every taste

Emma Steen
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Welcome to Amerikamura, or Amemura as it’s known by locals, one of Osaka’s most bustling retail and entertainment districts. With a strong American influence, Amemura is filled with an eclectic mix of Western-inspired fashion and trendy bars. The district’s name, which translates to ‘America Town’, is a testament to the area’s culture and history – it’s been a centre of youth culture since the early 1970s.

Just a ten-minute walk from Dotonbori, Amemura is a popular destination for young trendsetters who come to shop, socialise and enjoy the vibrant nightlife. The district boasts some exceptional bars, which serve up everything from classic cocktails to craft beers and Japanese-inspired tipples. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back atmosphere or a more upscale experience, you’re sure to find a bar that suits your taste in Amemura.

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If you’re in the mood for some good vibes and great music, head to this laidback bar dedicated to all things reggae, where you can relax to the sounds of classic and modern tracks. It’s also the place to hear occasional live music from local and international reggae musicians; perfect for connecting with other music lovers. Don’t miss out on the drinks, either: the jovial bartender stocks an excellent variety of whiskeys and rums, making Good Times a worthy spot both for connoisseurs and those looking to expand their boozy horizons.

You can belt out songs in English, Japanese and many other languages at Moonshine, which makes it one of the most popular international karaoke venues in Osaka. The bar is always packed with an energetic and diverse crowd, creating a lively and exciting atmosphere. If you get hungry after singing your heart out, you can refuel with a classic American hot dog with all the toppings. You’ll find some interesting drinks, too, including local craft beer and homemade cocktails, plus the bar’s signature Moonshine drink.

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  • Cocktail bars

Tucked away in a nondescript building in Amerikamura near Triangle Park, Bar Nayuta takes a bit of effort to locate – but it’s worth it. Look for an intricate geometrical symbol on the signboards outside the building, then make your way up to the fifth floor and walk through a very low door. You’ll come to a dimly lit, rustic bar where countless bottles spill out from the wooden shelves onto the floor around them. 

The bar looks like a mad alchemist’s messy home, and that’s not too wild an assumption as Nayuta is known for creating its own infusions, bitters and liqueurs. There’s no menu, so just tell the knowledgeable bartender your preferred taste and poison and wait for your bespoke cocktail. Therein lies the fun and appeal of Nayuta, and before you know it, you’ll be throwing new flavour combinations and alcohol choices at the mixologist on duty and looking forward to being surprised.

Sitting pretty near one of the busiest street corners in Amerikamura, Mustang is a pleasant place to while away an evening; the interior is warm and inviting, with a vintage feel and rock ‘n’ roll décor – including a colourful assortment of bras donated and signed by patrons over the years. It’s also a great venue for trying some new drinks, from classic cocktails to crazy shots set on fire. Whether you’re there for a relaxed evening with friends or a solo nightcap, Mustang always delivers.

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Rock music fans in Osaka should add RBCB to their must-visit list. Hidden away on the fifth floor of an inconspicuous building, the bar has been serving local and visiting rockers for over a decade and boasts an interior reflecting rock’s rebellious spirit, with dark walls, velour seats and vintage paraphernalia from posters and album covers to plastic skeletons and American licence plates. Tacos are served on Tuesdays and homemade pizza on other nights, while the drinks are fittingly heavy-hitting, too – from creative cocktails such as the ’Cherry Bomb’ to original craft beers made in collaboration with Tokyo Aleworks.

  • Nightlife
  • Clubs

Ghost is the go-to place in Osaka for those who love hip-hop and R&B. As soon as you step inside, you’ll be captivated by the design, which features a futuristic, almost space-age aesthetic. The talented bartenders are always happy to mix up something special tailored to your tastes, but the real highlight of Ghost is the dance floor. With state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, this is the perfect place to let loose and dance the night away to the latest beats spun by talented local and international DJs.

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