Are you planning a trip to Osaka? Did you just move to the area and are looking to become a part of the local gay scene? In either case, I hope this article can be really helpful to you. Here is a list of our ten favorite gay bars in Osaka’s well-known gay district, Doyamacho.
Although it only scratches the surface of the many gay bars on offer in the city, we tried to include a mix of both popular and lesser-known bars, as well as louder and quieter bars, to give you a choice about what kind of vibe you want.
Best Gay Bars in Doyamacho, Osaka
1. Explosion
The gay bar Osaka is best known for has to be Explosion. A flashy bar with a disco ball and a light up dance floor, Explosion is popular among Osaka-ites and tourists alike. It has regular shows on Saturdays and any day before a national holiday, so Explosion is usually a pretty lively place to be.
On weekdays it becomes a “shot bar”, meaning that there’s no cover charge and you just pay by drink. Even though it is a gay bar, anyone of any gender or sexuality can enter and have a good time. Its shows range from queer DJs to gogo boys to drag queens, so if you’re into any type of LGBTQ+ entertainment, there’s probably something for you at Explosion.
Area
Doyamacho, Osaka
Things to Note
Even though it’s usually a mix bar (all-gender bar), there are certain shows where only men or only women are allowed, so check their Facebook page to make sure the night you plan to go will be okay for you.
How to Get There
Explosion is a five-minute walk from Nakazakicho Station (for the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line), a ten-minute walk from Osaka Station (for the JR Lines), and a ten-minute walk from Umeda Station (for the Hankyu Line).
Website: https://explosion.osaka/en/
Phone number: +81-06-6312-5003
2. EAGLE OSAKA
EAGLE OSAKA is the brother bar to EAGLE TOKYO, and focuses on gay male clientele. This popular bar hosts muscular gogo boys, as well as DJ shows and dance parties on the weekends. The bar’s decor has a Japanese theme, with multicolor lanterns hanging from the ceiling, while still keeping a modern feel. There’s also a well-known mural of a (mostly naked) buff guy on the wall, made by popular artist Jiraiya.
The bar does a good job of combining Japanese aesthetics with gay culture, and has become one of the most popular gay bars in Osaka for locals and tourists.
Area
Doyamacho, Osaka
Things to Note
One thing to remember about EAGLE OSAKA is that, unlike most of Japan, it doesn’t accept cash. So make sure to bring a credit card or payment app when you go.
How to Get There
EAGLE OSAKA is a four-minute walk from Nakazakicho Station (for the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line), and a 12 minute walk from Osaka Station (for the JR Lines) and Umeda Station (for the Hankyu Line).
Website: https://www.eagleosaka.com/
Phone number: +81-050-5538-6703
3. DEER OSAKA
DEER OSAKA is one of the newer gay bars in Doyamacho. While it’s not as well-known as some of the others, it consistently gets good reviews for its friendly staff, wide selection of drinks, and accessibility to foreigners and tourists.
While it’s not as lively as some other bars with DJs and performances, it’s a great place to cool down after a long night of partying. The bar is also pretty English-friendly, and one reviewer on Google remarked, “the staff gave us great recommendations for our Osaka trip”. The bar also has karaoke and a good selection of bar snacks!
Area
Doyamacho, Osaka
Things to Note
DEER OSAKA is usually closed on Tuesdays, but its days of operation occasionally change, so check out their Instagram for more details.
How to Get There
DEER OSAKA is a four-minute walk from Nakazakicho Station (for the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line), and an 11 minute walk from Osaka Station (for the JR Lines) and Umeda Station (for the Hankyu Line).
Website: https://x.com/bar_deer_osaka?lang=en
Phone number: +81-06-4400-3355
4. Bull
Bull is a bar that attracts a crowd of men in their 30’s and up who generally recognize themselves as “bears”, but is open to anyone who can legally drink. In this small bar, you get a more personal experience than at larger clubs, as well as staff who try their best to accommodate English-speaking customers.
Bull also has karaoke and a limited food menu. But, the most interesting thing about it is that once a month they have a “fundoshi night”. A fundoshi is a Japanese loincloth often worn by men carrying shrines at Japanese summer festivals. On this night, you’ll need to wear one of these to get in, so prepare your underwear accordingly!
Area
Doyamacho, Osaka
Things to Note
Because the bar is so small, this isn’t the place to go to if you want to go dancing. But, you can dance at a place mentioned earlier like Explosion, and then come here after!
How to Get There
Bull is a five-minute walk from Nakazakicho Station (for the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line), and a ten-minute walk from Osaka Station (for the JR Lines) and Umeda Station (for the Hankyu Line).
Website: N/A
Phone number: +81-06-6362-0117
5. Yuntaku
Yuntaku is another bar that caters to men mostly in their 30’s and 40’s, but is open to men of any age (as long as they can legally drink). They have a cozy atmosphere, and also have English-speaking staff. They have karaoke, and, according to reviews on Google, very good bar snacks.
Many other reviewers talked about how they felt very comfortable and welcome at Yuntaku, so you don’t need to feel nervous when visiting for the first time.
Area
Doyamacho, Osaka
Things to Note
Since it’s a gay bar, Yuntaku doesn’t allow women to enter, so keep this in mind when planning your trip.
How to Get There
Yuntaku is a four-minute walk from Nakazakicho Station (for the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line), and a ten-minute walk from Osaka Station (for the JR Lines) and Umeda Station (for the Hankyu Line).
Website: https://yuntaku-dekapooh3.jimdofree.com/
Phone number: +81-06-6364-1122
6. Grand Slam
Grand Slam is a fun mix bar (all-gender bar) with a disco ball and dance floor, including a pole. With karaoke and various gogo boys regularly performing, Grand Slam is a great place to dance, sing, and have a good time.
The bar is super friendly to tourists, with English and Spanish-speaking staff, and an entire English version of their website. According to customer reviews, the owner of the bar is very kind, and tries to see customers out personally when they leave.
Area
Doyamacho, Osaka
Things to Note
Although it’s a mix bar, there are some nights when it’s men only.
How to Get There
Grand Slam is a five-minute walk from Nakazakicho Station (for the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line), and a nine-minute walk from Osaka Station (for the JR Lines) and Umeda Station (for the Hankyu Line).
Website: http://www.grandslam-osaka.com/eng.php
Phone number: +81-06-6362-8077
7. Dungaree
Dungaree is a cozy bar in Doyamacho that not only serves great cocktails, but serves delicious food including curry rice. They’re kind of like a mix between a restaurant and a bar, so they can accommodate you if you’re going there to eat, to drink, or do both.
There’s no karaoke at this bar, but the owner likes it this way so you can focus on talking to other customers and the bartender. Dungaree is more interested in fostering a chill cafe-like atmosphere than a party scene.
Area
Doyamacho, Osaka
Things to Note
There is a table charge which includes your first drink and a snack, so you’ll need to pay a little under ¥2,000 to get in.
How to Get There
Dungaree is a four-minute walk from Nakazakicho Station (for the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line), and a ten-minute walk from Osaka Station (for the JR Lines) and Umeda Station (for the Hankyu Line).
Website: https://dungareeosaka.jimdofree.com/home/english/
Phone number: +81-070-8386-1944
8. K’s Hills
K’s Hills is another gay bar that’s half restaurant, half bar. So if you’re looking to grab a bite while also going out to drink, this is a great place to do it! K’s Hills has a signature French toast that they can write messages in butter on, which is a very personal and whimsical take on usual bar food.
The bar’s staff generally only speak Japanese, which may make it difficult, but it does mean that it’s a great place to practice your Japanese. K’s Hills also has karaoke, so feel free to sing your heart out while you’re there!
Area
Doyamacho, Osaka
Things to Note
K’s Hills is generally men only, but, on weekdays, women are allowed in if they’re accompanied by a male guest.
How to Get There
K’s Hills is a four-minute walk from Nakazakicho Station (for the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line), and a ten-minute walk from Osaka Station (for the JR Lines) and Umeda Station (for the Hankyu Line).
Website: https://x.com/ks_hills
Phone number: +81-06-6362-6615
9. ゲイバー Club Vogue (Gay Bar Club Vogue)
ゲイバー Club Vogue is a gay mix bar in Doyamacho that stays open until 5 am, so you can go here after partying all night and not have to worry about the time. In addition to allowing women to enter, they also say on their website that they’re beginner friendly. So, if you’re unsure about your sexuality you can come here with no shame. The bar also has karaoke, so singing along to your favorite artists is always an option.
Area
Doyamacho, Osaka
Things to Note
Although ゲイバー Club Vogue allows anyone to enter, the price of their table charge varies depending on if you’re gay or straight. However, I don’t exactly know how they’d figure this out.
How to Get There
ゲイバー Club Vogue is a four-minute walk from Nakazakicho Station (for the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line), an 11 minute walk from Osaka Station (for the JR Lines), and a ten-minute walk from Umeda Station (for the Hankyu Line).
Website: https://clubvogue.net/
Phone number: +81-06-6948-6240
10. Cirque du HAT Shot BAR
Cirque du HAT Shot Bar describes itself as a “rockabilly bar”, with eclectic decor including electric guitars hanging on the walls and a colorful neon sign displaying the name of the bar. Not only do they serve interesting cocktails, they also serve delicious bar food like shrimp and mushroom ajillo.
According to reviews, the staff at Cirque du HAT are friendly and speak English well, so there’s no need to worry if you’re not too comfortable in Japanese. Also, because this is a “shot bar”, there’s no cover charge, so you just need to pay per drink!
Area
Doyamacho, Osaka
Things to Note
Cirque du HAT is a mix bar, so there’s no need to worry about who can and can’t enter.
How to Get There
Cirque du HAT Shot Bar is a four-minute walk from Nakazakicho Station (for the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line), a ten-minute walk from Osaka Station (for the JR Lines), and a nine-minute walk from Umeda Station (for the Hankyu Line).
Website: https://www.instagram.com/cirque_du_hat/
Phone number: +81-06-7161-9480
Conclusion
There certainly are a lot of gay bars to explore in Osaka Doyamacho, and they range from bustling clubs with gogo boys to hole-in-the-wall joints staffed with only one bartender.
Hopefully, this article gave you an overview of the different types of gay bars Osaka Japan has to offer. From here, get ready to hit the streets and explore all of them!