Osaka Beer Map

It’s unfortunate that every time I’ve been to Osaka it has coincided with either a public holiday or a Sunday, when, astonishingly, most of the craft beer bars are closed! This guide, then, is based on the places I’ve been to, the supermarkets that saved my sanity when the good bars were closed, and the recommendations of people I know whose judgement I trust.

Beware that a lot of online guides to Osaka’s bars are out of date. Kirin Plaza Osaka – which, despite being part of Kirin served pretty good beers brewed on premises – is now gone, and Beer and Bear has been renamed Bakusyu Syokudo and no longer has any craft beers!

In Tokyo/Yokohama? See the Tokyo/Yokohama listings.
Outside Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka? See Japan wide listings.

Take-away

Hankyu and Seijo Ishii, Umeda

• Hankyu Department Store: In the main building, near Umeda and Osaka stations, there’s a small but reasonable range of Japanese craft beers on sale in the alcohol section of the food hall. If it’s Japanese craft beer you want, Hankyu is better than Seijo Ishii and Yamaya. Full map in English is here.
• Seijo Ishii: Two locations – one in Hankyu Umeda, the other in Whity East Mall – both of them near Osaka/Umeda stations. A small international range with the likes of Pilsner Urquel, Duvel, and Zillertal with the odd Japanese craft beer.
• Yamaya: There are five Yamaya’s in Osaka including one on the third floor of the Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) building, signposted from JR Namba station, and one near Nagahoribashi (exit 2). Like Seijo Ishi, it has a range of international beers with the odd Japanese craft beer. For the fill list of Yamaya’s in Japanese, visit here and look for 大阪 – English pages seem broken.

Brewed on premises

Microbrewed beer at Tachibana

• Tachibana: Just around the corner from the famous Ezaki Glico neon sign in Namba, is a rare thing indeed in Japan – an Izakaya that makes its own beer on premises! In fact it’s the only Izakaya I know of in Japan that makes its own beer – and while they only make two beers, Alt and Kolsch, they are both pretty good and served ice cold. The food isn’t bad either, being standard Izakaya fare. The only problem with this place is that it lacks atmosphere. Still, if you’re in Osaka and want real beer made on premises – especially on a Sunday or national holiday when most places are closed – I’d recommend a visit. Gnavi link with map and coupon here. Google maps link here. From the small bridge with the Ezaki Glico neon sign, walk south to the crossing with Tsutaya and AM/PM. Tachibana is in the basement of the building next to AM/PM. 06-6212-6074. Open Sundays and national holidays!

Craft beer bars

• Beer Belly and Beer Belly Edobori: Two bars owned and operated by the local Minoh Brewery. As well as Minoh’s beers, they also serve craft beers from other Japanese microbreweries. Both bars are west of Higobashi station – click here for a map. Beer Belly details on the Minoh Beer website here. Beer Belly, 06-6441-0717, is closed Sundays and National Holidays. Beer Belly Edobori, 06-6445-6366, is closed Mondays and although it should be open National Holidays, I’d check. Both bars sometimes all close to staff events that Minoh Brewery attends so confirm in advance if you’re thinking of making a special trip.
• Masamichi: An Izakaya with six or so Japanese craft beers on tap. Google maps link here. From exit 2 of Tamatsukuri station. 06-6977-4466. Closed Sundays, and probably National Holidays.
• Qbrick: 16 taps with a mix of Japanese and American beers. Qbrick website is here. Google maps link here. South east of Higobashi station. 06-6203-0690. Closed Sundays and National Holidays.
• Nola: Shot bar near Namba with bottled beers from Stone, Southern Tier, Ballast Point, etc. Google maps link here. On the 2nd floor. 06-4396-6867. Closed Sundays but may be open some National Holidays.
• The Beer Works Osaka: 17 taps featuring imports from likes of Stone, Rogue, Speakeasy, and Green Flash. Unfortunately it’s about 30 minutes south from Namba by subway. Two websites: here and here. 072-277-6023. Closed Sundays.
• Eni-Bru: Same group as The Beer Works. 21 taps featuring Japanese and import craft beers, though it seems to have less focus on international beers than The Beer Works. Located in Nakamozu, about 20 minutes south of Namba by subway. Website here. Coupons here. 072-255-8317. Closed Sundays.

Belgians

• Doll Dress: Lolita goth mixed with Belgian beer under the railway tracks? I’ve yet to get to Doll Dress myself but it’s highly rated by those I know who have been there for its unique atmosphere and large selection of Belgians. The website is here. Google maps link here. Walk from exit 3 of Nakazakicho station east towards Tenma with the tracks to the left of you. It’s about 3 blocks from Nakazakicho station. 06-4802-0155. They appear to have be open Sundays but sometimes have events booked – check in advance.
• Belgian Beer Cafe Barrel: Small chain with three bars in Tokyo and one in Osaka. 06-6233-0455. Eas of Higobashi Station. Google maps link here. Website here. Closed Sundays and National Holidays.

If none of those bars take your fancy, there are some other options – mostly the odd Belgian bar. Vedett has a list of outlets for its beer here.

If you know of any other bars in Osaka selling craft beers, please get in touch. I have the names of some bars which I have been unable to verify still exist.

Namba is written on some maps as Nanba.

The page is not meant to list every bar in Osaka. Rowdy gaijin bars, meat markets, bars with rude staff, bars which have nothing more than Kirin + Guinness, etc are not included here. No bars have paid or offered any incentives to be included on this list.