Akashic Records

Good to know before you go

Getting there: Shinsaibashi Station · 3 min walk (Osaka Metro Midosuji Line, Osaka Metro Nagahoritsurumiryokuchi Line)
Hours: Sun–Thu 18:00–03:00 (L.O. 02:30), Fri–Sat & days before holidays 18:00–05:00 (L.O. 04:30); closed New Year's Day
Admission: ¥1,000 table charge
Time needed: 1–2 hours
Best time to go: Friday or Saturday evening for the live flair bartending shows

Hours can change on holidays — check the official site before travelling.

Location

Japan, 〒542-0085 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Shinsaibashisuji, 2-chōme−1−３２ Is・・・, 3F

Shinsaibashisuji, Osaka

About

Akashic Records is a cozy, music-focused cocktail bar tucked away on the third floor in Shinsaibashi. Famous for its vinyl records, exceptionally crafted cocktails, and intimate atmosphere, it offers a relaxing escape from Osaka's neon bustle. Expect a warm welcome from the passionate bartender, a curated soundtrack of jazz and soul, and drinks tailored specifically to your taste preferences.

What Japanese guides note

Osaka Cocktail Library Akashic Records is frequently misunderstood by foreign visitors as a vinyl record listening lounge, but it is an antique library-themed mixology laboratory. Located on the third floor of the IS Building just steps off the Shinsaibashisuji arcade, Japanese patrons primarily visit as a late-night second venue. Evenings on Friday and Saturday are distinctly livelier due to scheduled flair bartending shows, whereas weekday visits are quieter.

Details from local sources

The establishment is styled after an 18th-century European gothic library and mixology laboratory rather than a vinyl music listening venue. [source]
Bartenders stage live flair bottle-throwing shows during weekend evening service on Fridays and Saturdays. [source]
The signature mixology drink Little Planet required one full year of research to recreate the optical illusion of an illuminated miniature galaxy inside a glass. [source]
Beyond the 37-seat main hall, the premises include an exclusive VIP lounge and a seven-person karaoke room hidden behind a bookshelf partition. [source]

Insider Tip

Since space is limited to about 10 seats, arrive right at opening or prepare to wait; tell the bartender your favorite flavors for a custom drink.

Frequently asked

What is the cover charge and drink price range?

The venue levies a ¥1,000 table cover charge per guest. Standard cocktails start from ¥800 and soft drinks from ¥600, while specialized theatrical mixology cocktails—such as Gastric Cassis Orange and Little Planet—range between ¥1,500 and ¥1,700.

When do the flair bartending shows take place?

Flair bartending demonstrations take place on Friday and Saturday nights. Bartenders with international competition backgrounds perform bottle-spinning routines, pyrotechnics, and liquid nitrogen preparation during these weekend sessions, transforming the room into a performance space.

Can regular walk-in customers enter the private rooms?

No, the private rooms and dedicated karaoke suite are strictly restricted to registered annual VIP members. The membership requires an upfront enrollment fee and annual dues, so standard patrons and walk-in visitors are seated across the main room counter and open tables.