Table of Contents
Introduction
Welcome to the latest edition of Undiscovered Osaka, where we bring you the best picks for March! First up, we’re taking you to Sakai Higashi, just 15 minutes by train from Namba Station, to discover three amazing eateries. Next, we head to Umeda for a retro coffee shop, a unique shrine, and a brand-new sake bar. There’s no shortage of live music this month, but we narrowed it down to four must-see shows. Finally, we wrap up with news of a major film festival happening right here in the city. There’s no place like Osaka!
Burger and Cafe Bank$y (Sakai)
Address: 18-8 Ichijo-dori, Sakai-ku, Sakai-shi, Osaka 590-0048. Tel: 072-707-2210. Open: Tue-Sun: 9:00-16:30. Closed: Mon. Instagram
A tip surfaced about a cafe in Sakai dedicated to the world-renowned street artist Banksy, serving artistic burgers with multi-colored buns. Intrigued, I decided to check it out. After watching Exit Through the Gift Shop, I wouldn’t be surprised if Banksy himself owned the place—his true identity has remained a mystery for decades. For all I know, this cafe could be part of another elaborate art project.
When we arrived at the cafe and met the owners, I quickly realized my suspicions were unfounded. Kazuki Matsumoto, a Banksy fan since elementary school, runs the cafe with his wife. They opened it nearly two years ago and, from our brief chat, it was clear they knew a lot about Bansky and Burgers! After the long 45 minute drive to Sakai, we were starving and couldn’t wait to dig in.
How to Order a Burger
- Choose the color of the bun: I was eager top try the beautiful blue bun burger, but was told that the color of the “limited edition buns” changes from day to day, so I opted for a pink one. According to the menu, the white buns have a chewy texture and the black ones are sweet and contain bamboo charcoal. My wife opted for the latter choice, but offered to give me a bite for journalistic integrity.
2. Choose the patty: I was surprised to learn that the burgers are made from wagyu beef. According to the menu the Fukkura Tokusei Patty (Special Plump Patty) is “overflowing with juice” while the Wagyu Patty is cooked so you can really taste the flavor of the beef. The burgers come with an order of French fries, but we just missed the lunch special which includes a free soft drink or tea.
3. Choose Extra toppings : Add cheese, egg, avocado, or bacon for ¥150–¥250, or go all out with a second patty for just ¥500. I ordered the bacon egg cheese burger, which has a set price, so I didn’t need any additional toppings but my wife chose to add an avocado to her plump patty cheeseburger.
The Verdict: Both burgers were outstanding with a nice slice of tomato and fresh lettuce. My wife and I were both impressed with the high quality of the French fries, which seemed to be double fried like Belgium fries to make them extra crispy and hot. Overall, I’d say the Fukkura Tokusei Special Plump Patty is the one to order on your first visit.
I have to admit curiosity about Banksy brought me here, but the burgers won me over. We’re already planning to return with our daughter, who will love their colorful acai bowls.
Menza Gin Ramen (Sakai)
Address: 2-3-23 Kitagawaramachi, Sakai-ku, Sakai-shi, Osaka 590-0076. Tel: 072-232-0044. Open: 11:00-14:00; 17:00-22:30. Instagram
I recently had the displeasure of standing in the queue for over 45 minutes at an overrated ramen chain on the Dotombori that serves skimpy noodles and weak-ass broth. In the time I waited I could have hopped on a train to Sakai Higashi (19 minutes from Namba) and eaten at one of the very best ramen restaurant: Menza Gin, a 20-year old shop that is known to noodle-slurpers all over Kansai.
Menza Gin is located just off the Ginza Shopping Street in front of Sakai Higashi Station. There were about 7-8 customers lined up when we got there but we were able to enter the shop within 10 minutes. There is a vending machine on the left side of the entrance where you can purchase a meal ticket with toppings and drink options. The staff will guide your seat at the counter after you hand over your ticket.
Special Ramen
I opted for one of the most popular bowls: The Special Ramen (1,100 yen) includes chashu pork, boiled egg, kikurage mushrooms, bamboo shoots, seaweed, spinach and green onions. The broth is rich and thick and the noodles have a pleasantly firm texture and just the right amount of firmness. The five cuts chashu pork were moist, tender and full-flavored (as you can see clearly in the photo below).
Gin Special Oil Soba
My wife ordered another one of their best-selling menu items: “Gin Special Oil Soba”. Aburasoba or “oil soba,” is a soupless ramen made with a soy sauce base and ramen lard containing thick udon-like noodles, generous chunks chashu pork, kaiware sprouts, and menma (fermented bamboo shoots). I have to admit the photo below fails to capture the density and volume of this delicious bowl of noodles.
You can add raw egg, lemon, or spicy miso paste to enhance the flavor. Mix everything well to break down the chunks of chashu. For a fuller, bolder taste, feel free to include options like spicy miso paste, raw garlic, or a squeeze of lemon. Once you’ve eaten about half the bowl, you can add more to the mix by requesting free soup and/or a half-serving of rice for ¥130. Trust me, you’ll be so stuffed you can barely walk afterward! Menza Gin is also known for their tsukemen dipping noodles, though I haven’t tried them yet. If you do, let me know in the comments!
Mizohata Saketen (Sakai)
Address: 2-1-2 Kitagawaramachi, Sakai-ku, Sakai-shi, Osaka 590-0076. Tel: 072-232-0196. Open: 17:00-23:00. Closed: Sun.
Mizohata Saketen is a classic kakuuchi-style standing bar that has been serving drinks since 1948. Nestled in Nakagawaramachi Shopping Street—affectionately known as “Sakai Ginza”—this historic spot stands out in an area famous for barhopping. With its vintage sign and stacks of beer cases out front, Mizohata Saketen is impossible to miss among the many drinking establishments in this part of Sakai.
Step inside, and the charm of its 76-year history hits you instantly. The atmosphere practically shouts “dive bar,” from the worn concrete floors to the battered L-shaped counters, thoughtfully cushioned to prevent customers from banging their knees. Behind the left counter, the warm and welcoming Mrs. Mizohata serves up drinks and food, while her husband, a devoted music fan, occasionally mans the right side—sometimes breaking into Rolling Stones classics. A large rectangular metal pot filled with kantodaki, another term for oden, sits ready to warm up customers on colder days.
Rock Bottom Drink Prices
One of the biggest draws of Mizohata Saketen—aside from the friendly Osaka-dialect banter—is the shockingly low prices, a rarity in an age of soaring inflation. While prices could rise at any time, for now, they feel like a throwback to a 1980s Bowery dive bar in NYC. Whiskey, served from upside-down bottles hanging behind the counter, starts at just ¥160 for Black Nikka, with Dewar’s and Suntory Kaku at ¥230, Johnny Walker Red at ¥250, Johnny Walker Gold Label at ¥350, and Old Parr at ¥420.
Home Cooked Bar Food
If beer is your drink of choice, you’re in luck—large bottles of Asahi, Kirin, and Sapporo are only ¥480, a steal compared to the ¥700 (or more) that tourist-oriented spots now charge for a medium bottle. And if you’re feeling hungry, don’t leave without trying the sukiyaki (¥400), handmade gyoza (six pieces for ¥340), doteyaki beef (¥360), deep-fried shumai (¥360), or the oden, starting at just ¥120.
After recalling all the great times I had here over the years I am officially going to state for the record that Mizohata Saketen is one of the greatest drinking establishments in all of Osaka. And many people from all over Kansai would agree with that statement.
Sake House (Umeda)
Address: B1, 1-2-8 Sonezaki Osaka City 530-0057. 17:00-23:00. Closed: Sun. Instagram.
Australian sake expert Julian Houseman has spent the last 15 years dedicated to educating people about the wonders of sake. Through articles, translations, guided tours, and hands-on work with breweries across Japan, he has helped countless people deepen their appreciation for Nihonshu. Now, he has taken his passion to the next level by opening his own sake bar in Umeda—SAKE HOUSE.
Full disclosure: Julian is also a writer for Osaka.com. But that’s only because we hire the best—the very best! I can personally vouch for his ability to talk about sake in a way that’s engaging, down-to-earth, and accessible, even for beginners like myself. Before attending one of his sake tastings in Kita Horie last year, my experience with Nihonshu was limited to the occasional sip at work drinking parties. But that day changed everything—since then, I’ve come to truly appreciate the depth and beauty of sake.
Julian states: “I’m hoping SAKE HOUSE will be a casual place that can entice a novice and impress a connoisseur; a place where anyone can enjoy sake without pretensions or intimidations. I’m doing some small western style dishes that are basically the kind of food I personally like to eat with sake, so I hope this resonates with vistitors, too.”
“Great sake, tasty snacks, quality music and good vibes” sounds like a recipe for a successful bar.
Ha Jinja Shrine for Healthy Teeth (Umeda)
Address: 2-8 Kakuda-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka, Osaka 530-0017. Tel: 06-6371-1586. Open 24 Hours
If you’ve got a toothache from indulging in too much Valentine’s Day chocolate, consider paying a visit to Ha Shrine—the only shrine in Osaka dedicated to teeth. Just a short 3–4 minute walk east from JR Osaka Station, this unique spot has a fascinating history.
The shrine’s origins date back to the mid-Edo period (1603–1868), when the Yodogawa River flooded, threatening local farmers. Legend has it that a massive tooth-shaped stone, revered as a deity, miraculously halted the floodwaters and protected the land. While it may sound like folklore, the actual stone still exists. It was enshrined beneath the main shrine, which mysteriously burned down in 1989. During renovation work, the stone was excavated—and, remarkably, it was indeed shaped like a tooth!
Tradition holds that stroking the nadeishi (なで石)—a smaller stone chipped from the sacred tooth-shaped rock—two or three times and then touching the affected area with your hand will cure a toothache. However, since this custom dates back centuries, it’s wise to take modern precautions—apply hand sanitizer afterward. You can never be too careful, even in the presence of the gods.
Until recently, a Uniqlo store stood just behind the shrine, creating a striking contrast between old and modern Japan—similar to the famous Lawson convenience store with Mount Fuji in the background, which became a viral tourist attraction. However, the Uniqlo has since been replaced by a music academy, which, while less of an international landmark, may actually be a blessing given how congested Umeda has become.
Tea Room Jamaica (Umeda)
Address: 1-2-2 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka, Osaka 530-0001. Open: 15:00-21:00. Tel: 06-6345-2847.
My wife, M., and I stumbled across this nostalgic coffee shop in the basement of Osaka Ekimae Building #2 after a long day of walking around Umeda. Our feet ached, and we just wanted to sit down for half an hour or so and enjoy a cup of coffee made the old-fashioned way. Once again, it felt like a timeslip back to 1970s Osaka—antique tables and chairs, quaint china with floral patterns, and a charming pink telephone that still takes coins.
Coffee here is only ¥300. I ordered the blend coffee, while M. chose Blue Mountain, a high-end brand from Jamaica that cost just a couple of hundred yen more. Our server, a woman in her late 70s, seemed concerned about the price and asked M. at least three times if she was sure she wanted to order the “expensive” coffee—though we’ve seen it at fancier shops for as much as ¥1,200.
I couldn’t help but notice that about 80% of the customers were in their early 20s. At the next table, a young woman was carefully photographing her drink. A quick online search revealed that the shop went viral on Instagram a couple of years ago for its “kuriso” (クリソ)—a Japanese abbreviation for cream soda (クリームソーダ).
In the United States, cream soda is often vanilla-flavored, but in Japan, the term refers to an ice cream float made with green melon soda. For many Japanese, it brings back happy childhood memories. I also noticed that the cream soda here was generously topped with a giant scoop of ice cream.
Tea Room Jamaica also serves light meals, including curry rice, egg salad sandwiches, and omuraisu, all priced between ¥350–¥400.
The 5.6.7.8s and King Brothers at King Cobra (March 1)
Address: Hotel Lions Rock Building 1F, 2-18-10 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 542-0086. Tel: 06-4708-4344. Website Instagram
5.6.7.8’s
The 5.6.7.8’s are a Japanese rock band known for their energetic blend of garage rock, rockabilly, and surf punk, infused with a retro aesthetic inspired by 1950s and 1960s American rock culture. Formed in Tokyo in the late 1980s by sisters Yoshiko “Ronnie” Fujiyama (vocals, guitar) and Sachiko Fujiyama (drums), the band gained international recognition for their raw, lo-fi sound and stylish, vintage-inspired stage presence. One of their albums caught the attention of filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, leading to their cameo performance in Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003), where they played their song Woo Hoo, which later became a cult hit.
King Brothers
King Brothers is a garage rock band from Nishinomiya, Japan, known for their raw, chaotic sound and blistering live performances. Formed in 1997, the bass-less trio blends blues-rock and punk often drawing comparisons to The Stooges and Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. I saw them at an early show opening up for Guitar Wolf and The Oblivians when the members were still fresh faced teenagers in high school. Their live show was so physically intense that I made an off-handed comment: “See them before they all die of heart attacks” and that quote has followed the band around the world as they tour the US, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Original guitarists Keizo and Maya now have gray hair and ragged, torn suits but the show is still as physically demanding and death defying as ever, and its a good thing Japan has national health insurance so they can continue rocking on without worrying about going bankrupt. Start with their 6×3 EP produced by Jon Spencer, which contains one of the trio’s best songs, 1979, a real scorcher! Seeing the band tear it up at King Cobra with their “dai-sempai” the 5.6.7.8’s is a real treat for fans of rock and roll music. Do not miss this incredible show!
Totally Retro Dance Hall Classic Night at Kakure Awabi (March 8)
Address: 1-19-18 Higashi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka City 542-0083.
Kakure Awabi is a bar located in Higashi Shinsaibashi that often features live music. I found out about this upcoming show when I visited Corner Shop Jerkman, a Jamaican restaurant near Kuromon Ichiba run by a friendly Japanese fellow named IQ. He’s a record shop owner who’s visited Jamaica many times and speaks Jamaican patois fluently. The shop attracts reggae fans from around the world, many of whom leave fliers and posters for upcoming events.
If you’re into classic ska, rocksteady, roots, and dancehall from the ’60s to the ’90s, this show is for you. It’s a great chance to dive into the reggae scene in Osaka and meet fellow travelers who enjoy the same music. Doors open at 18:00 and admission is ¥2,000 plus ¥700 for one drink.
Babylon Breakers + SECONDLADY and more @ Hokage (March 12)
Address: B1F/B2F, 2-9-36 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 542-0086. Tel: 06-6211-2855. Website Instagram
Hokage is one of the most intimate venues to see live music in Osaka. At first glance the stage at the tiny performance space in the basement resembles something set up for a house party, but once the sound kicks in you will feel the rock and roll energy at full blast. If you want to take a break between sets or simply enjoy a cold beer then go downstairs to the incredible bar one level below, which also serves as the de facto backstage area for many of the bands performing. A DJ can usually be found spinning tunes in the corner.
Babylon Breakers, might be confused for a reggae band if one were to judge them on their name alone, but anyone who has seen them live knows that these veteran of the Osaka punk scene put on an explosive live show. SECONDLADY is a “grungy punk poprock melocore” band led by longterm Osaka resident Alyse Sugahara originally from Maryland, USA who was just featured in a terrific article in The Washington Post. Rounding out the lineup is Pajamarama and The Tsuiteruzu. Should be a great show if you can make it out on a Wednesday.
Sing Along Forever: Otoboke Beaver, Laughin’ Nose, The Ryders + 18 more (March 22)
Address: 4-1-55 Kitakagaya, Suminoe-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 559-0011. Tel: 06-4702-7085 Website. Instagram.
An incredible lineup of 21 bands will perform at the Creative Center, a former shipbuilding site that is now used as a creative art complex and event space that is located in Suminoe Ward at the base of the Kizu River. The new venue is a 10 minute walk from exit 4 of Kitagaya Station on the Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line.
Tickets are ¥6,900/¥7,900 plus one drink (¥600). There is no space to talk about all of the bands so I’ll just highlight three of the main attractions, in my humble opinion.
Laughin’ Nose
Laughin’ Nose is a pioneering Japanese punk band formed in Osaka that is still going strong with original members Charmy (vocals.) and Pon (bass). Toru, aka Drum Wolf, a founding member of Guitar Wolf, recently joined the band as their new drummer, and it’s good to see him back in action pounding the skins. Pick up their album Greatest Hits 1985-1987, which contains Punk it Up a catchy anthem that you will be humming on the way to work if you see it performed lived at this show.
Otoboke Beaver
Otoboke Beaver is a punk rock band from Kyoto known for their fast, chaotic sound, explosive energy, and mind blowing live performances. I have to admit I didn’t “get” this band for several years because my brain could not process everything at once, but when I finally took the time to sit down and listen to their album Itekoma Hits the nuances of their complex sound became clearer. My favorite song on the album is Sil Vous plait.
The Ryders
The Ryders are a Japanese punk band led formed in the mid-1980s influenced by The Ramones and classic UK punk and Oi! bands like The Clash and Cockney Rejects. Vocalist J.Ohno and bassist Koji are the core members. I recommend starting with Animal Street 1987-1988, a 24 track limited release that combines their first two albums, including their very first single, “So Passion”. Trivia: The Ryders and Laughin’ Nose swapped guitarists in 1998.
Seeing these bands alone would make the ticket price worthwhile, but the lineup boasts nearly two dozen acts, including garage rock veterans Gasoline, The Neatbeats, and The China Wife Motors. I’ve heard many good things about The Broken Hearts Club‘s live show, too. Even if you’re unfamiliar with all of the bands, this is a perfect chance to discover some new favorites and meet other music fans in Osaka.
Osaka Asian Film Festival (March 14-23)
The 20th Osaka Asian Film Festival will be held from March 14-23. Among the highlights are the Japan premieres of Soldier of Love from Kazakhstan by director Farkhat Sharipov and the world premiere of I am Kirishima, directed by Banmei Takahashi. In total 50 films will be screened at selected venues in and around Umeda. Check the official website for a complete list of films in English.
