Juso is the crossroads of Osaka. Passed by millions of people each day from Osaka to Itami Airport, or from Kyoto to Kobe on the Hankyu railway line, they rarely get a glimpse of the underbelly of Osaka. From the dated kitchenware shops to the Sakaemachi red light district, this town has grunge and mystique in equal quantities. Stroll the streets for fantastic okonomiyaki at Yamamoto’s without the glitz of Dotonbori or Namba. Lose yourself in the back lanes where Black Rain was filmed, starring Andy García, Ken Takakura, Michael Douglas and the Osaka Yakuza. Its edginess also attracted Steven Stegall into opening his dojo. Nearby is Fandango, a graffiti covered abandoned warehouse blasting out the raw energy of local hard rock bands.
- 1 min read
The Red Lanterns of Juso Osaka
Ode to the crossroads of the Kansai working man

By Bonson Lam
Community writer

Juso the crossroads between Umeda, Itami Airport, Kyoto and Kobe

Sake Wine and Song all part of the nightlife in Juso the crossroads between Umeda Itami Kyoto and Kobe

Ganko Japanese Chain Restaurant in Juso the crossroads between Umeda Itami Kyoto and Kobe

Great Sushi at Juso the crossroads between Umeda Itami Kyoto and Kobe

The streets are lit up with Neon signs at Juso the crossroads between Umeda, Osaka Itami Airport, Kyoto and Kobe

Small Family and Chain Food outlets dot the laneways of Juso the crossroads between Umeda Itami Kyoto and Kobe
Explore nearby
Leave a comment
0 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road
Chiba -
2
LUUP: The New Age of Bike Rentals in Japan?
Transportation -
3
Aichi Awaits: Seven Authentic Experiences Beyond Nagoya
Aichi - Sponsored -
4
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
5
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
6
Kurume’s Shrines By the River
Fukuoka -
7
The History of Japan: Era by Era
Culture -
8
7 Must Visit Places in Fukui
Activities -
9
An Enriching Getaway in Ome City
Tokyo - Sponsored -
10
Osaka Noh Festa
Osaka - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
4
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto -
5
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
6
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
Tokyo Pride
Tokyo -
9
Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition
Tokyo -
10
Black Eggs of Owakudani, Hakone
Kanagawa