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The apex of Osaka's frenetic nightlife, where neon coruscates off the Dotombori canal, is Ebisu-bashi , a dazzling area to wander around, if only to check out the wild youth fashion. If you've seen the movie Black Rain , you'll recognize the jet-black glass-and-steel Kirin Plaza beside the bridge, but there are much better bars around the area. Don't miss out on strolling through Amerika-mura , immediately west, a street crowded with trendy shops and bars. In contrast, the Hozen-ji Yokocho area, around the paper-lantern-festooned temple Hozen-ji, is old-time Osaka, a narrow alley of tiny watering holes. Check the listings magazine Kansai Time Out for the latest info on clubs, bars and one-off dance events. |
Balabushka , 4F Nippo Mittera Kaikan, 2-9-5 Nishi-Shinsaibashi. Unusually spacious bar, in Amerika-mura, with DJs on Saturday nights. Daily 6pm-late, Fri & Sat until 5am. Shinsaibashi Station.
Osaka is where Bunraku puppetry flourished during the seventeenth century and performances are still held at the National Bunraku Theatre (tel 06/6212-2531), Namba, in January, April, June, July, August and November at 11am and 4pm. Tickets (price depends on performance) sell out quickly, but you can try at the theatre box office, a three-minute walk from exit 7 of Nipponbashi Station.