Explore this lively city.
Speaking of the image of Osaka in Japan, the atmosphere that is full of humanity and vibrancy, full of laughter at the Kansai dialect. There are many funny people who acts comedy focusing on the interactions between a “funny man” and a “straight man” naturally with big laugh. Also, they are city of a merchant who loves "flour" such as okonomiyaki and takoyaki, and is symbolized by the conversation "Making profit margin" "Bank dan". Anyway, it is quite different from Tokyo.
One of the Osaka-like tourist attractions is “Shin Sekai” area. Symbolic Tower of Tsutenkaku, Japanese pub with a huge puffer papier mache hanging in the air, and shopping districts where eating dishes at small shops such as kushikatsu (Deep fried skewers) are showing bustling.
In a sense, this area creates a jumble, Asian-style atmosphere.
(Actually, there are a lot of deep GAY VENUE in this area)
Also, USJ(Universal Studio Japan) and Osaka Castle (the building is new as it is a reconstructed castle), big shopping/entertainment area “Dotonbori” are standard sightseeing spots.
Apart from Osaka that everyone imagines, there are places like gay people who are filled with hidden places, aesthetic sense and education.
For example, if you go to Nakanoshima, you can experience the historical and cultural atmosphere of the National Museum of Art, the central public hall and other retro buildings, rose gardens and more. There are world class level museum such as Toyo Ceramics Art Museum and Nakanoshima Kaetsuki Art Museum. I bet you will not get tired of having a day in there.
Further more, there is Osaka municipal art museum in Tennoji area, Ukiyoe pavilion in Dotonbori area.
We also recommend the Asuka Museum, which is the core cultural facility of nearby “Chikatsu Asuka”, a treasure trove of ancient tombs, which is also called the ruins museum entire area. "Towers of the Hades" is designed by Ando Tadao – world famous Japanese architect.
If you go to the Expo Park in Suita area, there is the "Tower of the Sun" famous for Japan's proud artist Taro Okamoto and it is now possible to view the interior.
Osaka originally flourished from the Edo era by the upper culture. Ukiyo-e painting called upper drawing was also produced, and upper Kabuki and Bunraku (Traditional puppet theater) were popular as well. The upper literature such as "Sonezaki Shinju(The love suicides at Sonezaki)" of Chikamatsu Monzaemon and Irihara Saikakura "Koshoku Ichidaiotoko (Life of an Amorous Man)" are also famous.
Lastly, as said in the word "Kyoto people ate extravagant in dress, Osaka people in food", Osaka is a city of food. There are "Umaimon (Tasty) shop" from side to side all the way, starting from a fine-dining traditional Japanese restaurant, to Okonomiyaki shop behind alleys and standing eating udon noodles. Please eat lots of delicious foods in Osaka!
Enjoy Osaka’s active nightlife.
Osaka has 2nd largest gay scene in Japan.
There are more than 100 gay bars in Osaka, which are distributed in three areas: Kita (Doyama), Minami (Namba), Shin Sekai. Doyama area (Like Shinjuku 2chome in Tokyo) has many gay bars concentrate, gay club, there are adult shop, host bar, sauna, center for HIV prevention enlightenment, etc. Gay night on every weekend at the gay club with various themes are held, and a lot of drag queen, GOGO BOY, DJ are active. Minami and the Shin Sekai's gay bar are scattered in a noticeable manner in the city, many middle-aged and elderly customers.
When you honor the history of Osaka's gay scenes, its innovation will come to light.
Firstly, in the 1950s, "Takeonoya Ryokan" opened in Nishinari of Osaka, which became the origin of Japanese "Cruising Spot".
In 1989, Japan's first (also Japan's oldest and longest-lived )drag queen party "DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER" started at the club in Osaka (It moved to Kyoto and still continuing now.). This is starting from where Mr. Teiji Furuhashi, performance group "dump type" knew Drag Queen at NY's gay club and brought back the culture back to Japan (note that Mr. Furuhashi Teiji is passed away in AIDS in 1995, during legendary performance "S / N " that went around 15 countries abroad)
In 1999, a large party "DIVA JAPAN" was held for the first time in Osaka (We guess it was conscious of Wigstock in NY), where the drag queen gathered from all over Japan and will showcase one after another
At the same time, a center "dista" for HIV preventive awareness for gay and bisexual men was established in Douyama, an event combining club parties and art exhibitions with HIV examinations was held for the first time in Japan.
We do not know if the tradition of upper culture and the vibrancy of the city of Osaka are related to such advanced nature, the enthusiasm for the advancement, but the gay community of Osaka (mainly in Kansai) will definitely create a good culture same as Tokyo.
If you come to Osaka, please enjoy the bustlingness of the gay bar and the warm atmosphere. Also, if it is a weekend, we recommend an event held at a gay club such as "EXPLOSION" (Gay night will be held in a bigger number several times a year.) Please check EVENT page.
There are about 10 lesbian bars in Osaka, and several women's only parties are also held. There is also a showpub where the MtF transgender is open for straight, a bar where the FtM guests serve, and a bar of the LGBT MIX.
Regardless of gender or sexuality, it can be said to the whole of Japan, but there are not many shops that can respond in foreign languages. This site introduces an English available bar (Please check BAR page)
