It’s Owl happening in Umeda

Despite the plethora of bars and clubs being forced out of business up and down the country recently (you know, the problems with those draconian licensing laws about no dancing?), the brand spanking new venue, OWL Osaka, spread its wings in Umeda this summer.

OWL makes its nest in the basement of a prime location, just a few doors down from the HEP FIVE building. With its permission to dance officially granted, plush decor and parties every night of the week, it has soon become Umeda’s premier draw for those looking to party hard and rub shoulders with the young and beautiful.

With an enormous flat panel LED screen behind the DJ booth displaying VJ effects, and separate panels lining the walls of the first floor dance floor, it’s easy to see why they boast about having the best LED lighting in Japan. Throw in a state-of-the-art sound system, several hundred revellers, glow sticks, mirrorballs, laser lights and a handful of scantily-clad performers and you have the ingredients for some serious partying.

The music is an all-encompassing mix of hip-hop, R&B and Top 40 with a bit of techno, house and even reggae thrown in for good measure, depending on the night and the DJs behind the decks. OWL also plays host to both domestic and touring DJs but it is most likely the atmosphere that will draw you here, rather than some big name.

If the dancing gets too much, try lounging in one of the VIP areas. Seating up to 10 people, these semi-enclosed areas can be reserved for the night. Perfect for birthday parties. From just ¥20,000 on weeknights, including champagne or other drink specials of your choice, club together with mates and enjoy waiter service from the comfort of a leather sofa.

Owl attracts a wide spectrum of partyseekers, from office workers and English teachers to 20-something teenyboppers and USJ staff unwinding from the park. With various parties every night of the week, there is something for everyone.

For ladies in skimpy tops there is a free entry and all-you-can-drink offer at the monthly Bikini Night, and similar offers for women wearing heels on Fridays, or mini-skirts on Saturdays etc. Indeed, OWL does its best to draw female customers in every way it can, even making the entire second floor women-only, and offering a free dessert buffet on weeknights from 8 to 9pm.

For guys hoping to follow the lines of ladies through the door, be advised to be well dressed, since sandals and shorts etc. are frowned upon. Donning a jacket will earn both men and women free entry and glass of bubbly on Tuesday nights though, so it pays to brush up. Oh, and if you happen to be a model (or can blag it), there’s free entry and three drinks in it for you. If all else fails, simply turn up any night of the week and mention KS for special discounted admission. With so much to party for, you can just forget being an early bird this winter – be a night Owl instead.

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OWL Osaka

• Address: Umeda Rakutenchi Bldg B1 5-1 Kakutacho, Kita-ku, Osaka
• Tel: 06-6362-0822
• Open: 7pm–1am
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/clubOWL
• Website: owl-osaka.net

OWL is offering KS readers admission for just ¥500 with one drink, or completely free for women, including one drink ticket. Just mention KS on the door to qualify.
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