HOME Kansai Osaka Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi Enjoy the Enchanting World of Osaka Station City: Solo-Friendly Bar-Hopping!
Enjoy the Enchanting World of Osaka Station City: Solo-Friendly Bar-Hopping!

Enjoy the Enchanting World of Osaka Station City: Solo-Friendly Bar-Hopping!

Date published: 12 March 2024

One day walking home alone, I thought, "I want a nice, cold draft beer," and ended up bar-hopping solo. I was a little nervous to go alone at first, but once you've tried it there's a lot of fun to be had! Today, I'll introduce some of the best bars in my favorite place: Osaka Station in the Umeda area!

*This article includes advertising content.

Table of Contents
  1. Tokudasaketen: Unbelievable value for money & fresh sashimi to die for!
  2. HIRUSAKABA KOMICHI: Grab a quick drink with lunch!
  3. YAMANAKA SAKE-NO-MISE: Find your favorite Japanese sake!
  4. [Permanently closed] Stand Chuhai 35: Offers a wide variety of chu-hi cocktails!
  5. Tonarino Jack & Matilda: Step inside the noren curtain!

Tokudasaketen: Unbelievable value for money & fresh sashimi to die for!

Tokudasaketen: Unbelievable value for money & fresh sashimi to die for!

Our first stop is Tokudasaketen, from the Kyobashi area of Osaka, a veritable bar-hopper’s paradise. With six locations in Umeda alone, this drinking spot is well-known to local alcohol aficionados.

I recommend the sashimi raw fish platter. The fish is fresh, and the portions are large, and it all comes at a fantastic price! The manager, Asami, even said, “It’s actually a problem when too many people order it.” They’re willing to sacrifice profits just to serve this popular menu item!

Tokuda platter (fish), 1,980 yen (w/ tax). Underneath the small plate of shrimp is a dish of tenderized bonito. Be careful not to overlook it!
Tokuda platter (fish), 1,980 yen (w/ tax). Underneath the small plate of shrimp is a dish of tenderized bonito. Be careful not to overlook it!
The Japanese carpaccio salad, 540 yen (w/ tax), also comes highly recommended. The sesame dressing complements the raw fish wonderfully.
The Japanese carpaccio salad, 540 yen (w/ tax), also comes highly recommended. The sesame dressing complements the raw fish wonderfully.

Along with raw fish, another specialty of the bar is the Kyobashi tamagoyaki rolled omelet. Apparently, half of their customers order this classic Japanese dish. It’s one of my favorites too.

A fluffy omelet filled with red ginger, green onion, and crumbled bits of fried tempura (called tenkasu), sitting on a bed of shredded cabbage. The red ginger adds a strong kick to this undeniably delicious dish. It also pairs perfectly with a drink. So yummy!

Kyobashi tamagoyaki rolled omelet, 490 (w/ tax). There’s tons of cabbage, so it’s surprisingly healthy.
Kyobashi tamagoyaki rolled omelet, 490 (w/ tax). There’s tons of cabbage, so it’s surprisingly healthy.
The food is all made from scratch in the restaurant. Their daily specials are always changing to keep you coming back day after day!
The food is all made from scratch in the restaurant. Their daily specials are always changing to keep you coming back day after day!

Tokudasaketen has a large selection of sake, but today I ordered a highball made with beer, called a “beer ball,” which is a recent fad. The manager recommended it.
Now that I’ve tried it, I can say there’s a good reason this is all the rage! Even if you don’t like beer, this has a light, refreshing taste, and it gives you a nice buzz. I could gulp a ton of it down without a second thought.

Beer ball with soda, 430 yen (w/tax). It can also be made with ginger ale or cola.
Beer ball with soda, 430 yen (w/tax). It can also be made with ginger ale or cola.
We had an interview while I shot my video. Asami said, “Every location has a different menu, so you could have a good time bar-hopping around just the Tokudasaketen shops.”
We had an interview while I shot my video. Asami said, “Every location has a different menu, so you could have a good time bar-hopping around just the Tokudasaketen shops.”
  • Tokudasaketen
    徳田酒店
    • Address Lucua, B2, BARCHICA
    • Phone Number 06-6454-3222
    • Hours: 11 AM – 11 PM
      Closed on the same days as the building

HIRUSAKABA KOMICHI: Grab a quick drink with lunch!

HIRUSAKABA KOMICHI: Grab a quick drink with lunch!

We’re not done yet! On to the next spot: HIRUSAKABA KOMICHI. If you want to drink a ton by yourself for a great deal, this is the place to be.
Two drinks and a side dish are only 1,200 yen with the amazingly generous “Getting Tipsy” set. You can choose different drinks and entrees every time, so you’ll never get bored!

“Getting Tipsy" set, 1,200 yen (w/tax). Comes with two drink orders.
“Getting Tipsy" set, 1,200 yen (w/tax). Comes with two drink orders.

Today, I ordered the fried katsu skewers. The three skewers I got were chicken, fish, and Japanese quail.
Besides the sets, there are tons of different skewers you can order individually from the menu! Pork, ham, and cheese are the most popular. There are even wild options like takoyaki!

Dip your skewers in ponzu citrus sauce, brown sauce, or salt.
Dip your skewers in ponzu citrus sauce, brown sauce, or salt.

Hinata, a staff member, says the udon gyoza dumplings and the Komichi meatballs (both 390 yen w/tax) are the most popular menu items. Udon gyoza dumplings originate in Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture, and are a delicacy there. Unlike other dumplings, the filling is not wrapped with dough, but instead thick udon noodles are mixed in with the filling. It's a very simple dish to make at home. The Komichi meatballs are made of chicken flavored with garlic. Top them with spicy mustard for an extra punch. I definitely want to try both next time I come!

Hinata said, "A lot of people enjoy a glass of alcohol with one of the lunch sets."
Hinata said, "A lot of people enjoy a glass of alcohol with one of the lunch sets."

Apparently, they used to get mainly male customers, but lately, the number of women coming to the shop has increased. The staff here are all really kind, so women can relax even if they come alone.

The bar is outside of EKI MARCHE OSAKA, facing the road and the hotel shuttle bus stop.
The bar is outside of EKI MARCHE OSAKA, facing the road and the hotel shuttle bus stop.
  • HIRUSAKABA KOMICHI
    昼酒場こみち
    • Address EKI MARCHE OSAKA
    • Phone Number 06-6341-0394
    • Hours: 11 AM - 11 PM
      Closed on the same days as the building

YAMANAKA SAKE-NO-MISE: Find your favorite Japanese sake!

YAMANAKA SAKE-NO-MISE: Find your favorite Japanese sake!

All right then, now that things are starting to get fun, don't you want to indulge with some sake? I sure do.
YAMANAKA SAKE-NO-MISE is an iconic sake bar. The concept is "discovering the most delicious sake for you." They have a truly impressive array of sake on offer, and you can compare three types of sake at once with the sampler set. This set is only available at the EKI MARCHE OSAKA location!

Iwaki Kotobuki sampler, 1,000 yen (w/tax). You can compare three types: Shinshu Shiboritate Honjozo, Standard Junmai, and Yamahai Junmai Daiginjo.
Iwaki Kotobuki sampler, 1,000 yen (w/tax). You can compare three types: Shinshu Shiboritate Honjozo, Standard Junmai, and Yamahai Junmai Daiginjo.
The manager, Hirase, poured me a glass. How exciting!
The manager, Hirase, poured me a glass. How exciting!

There were tons of food options, too, so it was hard to decide. The manager, Hirase, recommended the raw whale sashimi, so I got it. It was brilliant! It goes perfectly with sake. You really won't want to miss this dish.
They get fresh seafood every day, so what's available changes all the time. Not only will you find the perfect sake for you, but maybe the perfect side dish, too.

Raw Bryde's whale with ginger and soy sauce, 580 yen (w/tax).
Raw Bryde's whale with ginger and soy sauce, 580 yen (w/tax).

The sake dispensers are a must-try at YAMANAKA SAKE-NO-MISE. The large black dispensers lined up at the front of the store allow you to choose from dozens of different types of sake. If you like it, you can always buy some more. It's tons of fun to find the sake you like.

Purchase coins at the cash register and exchange them for the sake varieties of your choice. One coin gets you one glass (30 ml per glass) and costs 250 yen (w/tax), but five coins cost only 1,000 yen (w/tax)!
Purchase coins at the cash register and exchange them for the sake varieties of your choice. One coin gets you one glass (30 ml per glass) and costs 250 yen (w/tax), but five coins cost only 1,000 yen (w/tax)!
  • YAMANAKA SAKE-NO-MISE
    山中酒の店
    • Address EKI MARCHE OSAKA
    • Phone Number 06-6348-3955
    • Hours: 11 AM - 11 PM
      Closed on the same days as the building

[Permanently closed] Stand Chuhai 35: Offers a wide variety of chu-hi cocktails!

[Permanently closed] Stand Chuhai 35: Offers a wide variety of chu-hi cocktails!

I had a lot to drink at the first three restaurants, but out of the blue, I found another place that caught my attention! This is Stand Chu-hi 35, a casual, standing-style bar that feels inviting, even alone.

The Takara Jun 35 Shochu creates a smooth base for their chu-hi cocktails. An array of mini-figures in the foreground creates a playful atmosphere.
The Takara Jun 35 Shochu creates a smooth base for their chu-hi cocktails. An array of mini-figures in the foreground creates a playful atmosphere.

They specialize in chu-hi cocktails, which combine Japanese shochu liquor with flavored syrup and soda. This bar exclusively uses Takara Jun 35 Shochu. Seeing chu-hai served in glasses with that logo makes me feel nostalgic.
This time, I ordered the Okinawan salt and lemon. This drink is made with lemons soaked in salt produced on Hamahiga Island in Okinawa using traditional salt manufacturing methods. It goes down smoothly but has an extra punch. I never want to stop drinking it!

Okinawan salt and lemon, 490 yen (w/tax) and offal stew, 390 yen (w/tax).
Okinawan salt and lemon, 490 yen (w/tax) and offal stew, 390 yen (w/tax).
A staff member, Ryuto, explained, “The secret ingredient in the Okinawan salt and lemon is honey. We have six varieties of lemon chu-hi cocktails alone.”
A staff member, Ryuto, explained, “The secret ingredient in the Okinawan salt and lemon is honey. We have six varieties of lemon chu-hi cocktails alone.”

Their twist on a classic Japanese bar food, offal stew, is spiced with cumin. The gentle spice pairs perfectly with the alcohol, a delicious match made in heaven.
The head chef, Tsuyoshi, used to work as an Italian cuisine chef. It may seem unexpected for the casual atmosphere of a standing bar, but they’re very particular about their food. To really enjoy your drink, your side dish has to be great, too! No wonder there are so many repeat customers.

Tsuyoshi, the head chef. He says the classic fried potatoes and chicken skin chips are also popular.
Tsuyoshi, the head chef. He says the classic fried potatoes and chicken skin chips are also popular.

Tonarino Jack & Matilda: Step inside the noren curtain!

Tonarino Jack & Matilda: Step inside the noren curtain!

Our last stop is Tonarino Jack & Matilda, which has affiliated restaurants in the Tenma and Fukushima areas of Osaka, as well as other popular drinking destinations. Its colorful noren curtain and stylish menu, not to mention the standing bar, are popular with women.

Rare wagyu beef shabu-shabu, 750 yen (w/tax). The sweet and spicy sauce and egg yolk combine with the umami of the meat to create an irresistible dish!
Rare wagyu beef shabu-shabu, 750 yen (w/tax). The sweet and spicy sauce and egg yolk combine with the umami of the meat to create an irresistible dish!
Flavorful shrimp and mayo, 690 yen (w/tax). The sauce is a mix of shrimp miso and crushed dried shrimp, creating a rich flavor, just as the name suggests.
Flavorful shrimp and mayo, 690 yen (w/tax). The sauce is a mix of shrimp miso and crushed dried shrimp, creating a rich flavor, just as the name suggests.

Every time I come here, I always order the rare wagyu beef shabu-shabu and the flavorful shrimp and mayo. The quality of the ingredients, as well as the ingenious seasoning, are sure to delight anyone! Grab a drink and enjoy the delectable bites on offer! Satisfaction guaranteed!

Whole squeezed lemon chu-hai cocktail, 490 yen (w/tax). This original lemon flavor is made by squeezing the whole lemon into a juice, including the peel and seeds, using a slow juicer!
Whole squeezed lemon chu-hai cocktail, 490 yen (w/tax). This original lemon flavor is made by squeezing the whole lemon into a juice, including the peel and seeds, using a slow juicer!

Waki, the manager, explained, "We don't have the same menu items as most other bars. We thought of everything from the ground up. The shrimp and mayo was especially carefully thought out. We even roast the cashew nuts used as a topping in-store." These really are special dishes you can only get here.

Waki says, "We warmly welcome parties of one!"
Waki says, "We warmly welcome parties of one!"

After a night of drinking, don't forget dessert!
The refreshing, gentle sweetness of sake-flavored ice cream is the perfect late-night treat. Apparently, they "tried numerous types of sake to find the perfect fit for the ice cream." Their effort certainly paid off. This is super yummy!

Cute, retro sake ice cream decorated with red cherries, 450 yen (w/tax).
Cute, retro sake ice cream decorated with red cherries, 450 yen (w/tax).
  • Tonarino Jack & Matilda
    となりのジャックとマチルダ
    • Address Lucua B2F, BARCHICA
    • Phone Number 06-6151-1537
    • Hours: 11 AM - 11 PM
      Closed on the same days as the building

Final thoughts

There are tons of bars you can enjoy even alone at BARCHICA in Lucua Osaka and EKI MARCHE OSAKA! You'll find popular restaurants from all over the region all gathered in one place, making this the ideal spot to bar-hop. I went home flushed and excited to come back someday after work. If you've never tried drinking alone, please give it a shot.

Editor: Kotsu Shimbunsha
Writer: Hachiyo

\Find out more about some of these bars on YouTube! /

Make sure to check it out!

*Information was current as of February 15, 2023. As some details may have changed, please check current information before visiting these locations.

Guide profile
  • Hachiyo
    Works as an eyelash artist in Osaka while running her YouTube channel. Born and raised in Osaka. Her hobbies are watching manzai comedy routines and having a drink 365 days a year. She enjoys relaxing with a drink after work or on the weekend and sharing it all on her YouTube channel, Hachiyo.

*Information was current as of February 15, 2023. As some details may have changed, please check current information before visiting these locations.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

Share this article.

 
Search