Looking to make the most of your nights in Dotonbori, Osaka? Then don’t miss GIRAFFE Japan, a groundbreaking entertainment complex inside the Nakaza Kuidaore Building, where language barriers are no obstacle to fun. Perfectly located in the heart of Dotonbori with unbeatable access, this all-day destination offers something for everyone. By day, immerse yourself in Japanese history and culture through cutting-edge XR technology. By night, get swept away by an electrifying live show featuring world-class performers. With vegan-friendly Osaka eats and a peaceful terrace café that feels worlds away from the city’s hustle and bustle, GIRAFFE Japan is your one-stop spot for a truly unforgettable day in Dotonbori.
What Is “GIRAFFE Japan”? A State-of-the-Art Entertainment Complex in the Heart of Dotonbori
Located inside the Nakaza Kuidaore Building, GIRAFFE Japan is quickly gaining attention as Dotonbori’s newest indoor entertainment hotspot. The spacious venue includes both a performance area and a café & bar, offering something for visitors from day to night. During the day, you can immerse yourself in Japanese traditional culture and pop culture through dynamic virtual content, or try your hand at cutting-edge XR games. In the café & bar area, it’s easy to unwind and take a breather from the city streets. As evening falls, the atmosphere changes completely – vibrant lights and pulsing rhythms set the scene for the OSAKA VARIETY ACT SHOW, where world-class performers take to the stage. After 10 PM, the space shifts into nightclub mode, keeping the energy high well into the night.
Until now, full-scale night shows in Dotonbori were hard to come by. GIRAFFE Japan was created to change that – giving travelers easy access to quality entertainment right in the heart of the city. On the first floor, you’re greeted by the beloved Kuidaore Taro figure. Take the elevator up to the fifth floor, and the moment the doors open, you’re in an entirely different world.
The activity space features sleek black tones, accented with colorful neon and moody lighting that create a dreamlike, urban atmosphere. Here, tradition and innovation, technology and art all come together – offering a unique, all-day entertainment experience you won’t find anywhere else.
OSAKA VARIETY ACT SHOW – A High-Energy Performance with No Language Barriers
An Unforgettable Entertainment Experience Produced by World-Renowned Performer EBIKEN
The OSAKA VARIETY ACT SHOW is the brainchild of EBIKEN (Kenichi Ebina), the Japanese sensation who took the world by storm as a winner of America’s Got Talent. Famous for his mind-bending fusion of movement, light, and visual storytelling, he brings the energy of world-stage performances straight to the heart of Osaka. The result is a high-impact show where music, dance, magic, and humor collide in one seamless, unforgettable spectacle. No Japanese? No problem. The show’s biggest strength is its universal appeal. With expressive movement and pulsing beats doing all the talking, audiences from every corner of the globe can laugh, cheer, and feel part of the action. It’s this borderless, high-energy experience that makes GIRAFFE Japan a must-see for international travelers.
Something New Every Night – From Streetball Showdowns to Jaw-Dropping Magic
At the OSAKA VARIETY ACT SHOW, no two nights are the same. With a rotating lineup of performers, every visit promises something new and exciting. The program features everything from street basketball tricksters and wildly expressive violinists to elegant vocalists and magicians with jaw-dropping skills. With upbeat hosting and live music from a resident DJ, the show moves at a lively pace, packed with surprises and energy. Performers often interact directly with the audience, creating an electric, up-close atmosphere that pulls everyone into the action.
Each night is split into two showtimes, each with its own unique vibe. The first, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, is a family-friendly spectacle that kids aged six and up can enjoy alongside adults. The second, from 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM, turns up the heat with a sleek, adult-focused lineup for ages 18 and over. No matter which you choose, expect a high-octane blend of lights, music, and show-stopping performances – with the crowd clapping, cheering, and moving to the beat from start to finish.
OSAKA VARIETY ACT SHOW Official Website (English)
https://osaka-variety-actshow.com/
*Information is current as of December 2025. For the latest updates, please check the official website.
Osaka Flavors with a Twist – Vegan-Friendly Dishes to Enjoy While You Watch the Show
This isn’t just a show you watch – it’s one you taste. As the OSAKA VARIETY ACT SHOW lights up the stage, you can sip on your favorite drink from the bar, with a drink ticket included in your entry and a full menu of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options to choose from. The food menu adds to the fun, serving up classic Osaka street eats with a vegan twist. Katsu curry, yakisoba, and takoyaki made from soy, tofu, and other plant-based ingredients – so you can enjoy the bold flavors of Osaka, guilt-free. Everything is crafted by Pivot BASE, the in-house food and drink brand inside the Nakaza Kuidaore Building, known for its focus on quality and thoughtful ingredients. Great food, good drinks, and a live show – it all comes together for an experience like no other.
PivotBASE Official Website (English / Korean / Traditional Chinese)
https://dotonbori-night.com/pivot/
JapaDive OSAKA – Experience Traditional Japanese Performing Arts in XR, from Samurai to VTubers
Step Into the Future – An Immersive Experience Powered by Cutting-Edge Tech
GIRAFFE Japan isn’t just a nighttime destination – the fun starts long before sunset. By day, you can dive into JapaDive OSAKA, a one-of-a-kind immersive experience powered by XR (Extended Reality), which blends augmented and virtual reality to blur the lines between real and digital. With spatial sound, vivid visuals, and wearable tech, the experience pulls you right into the heart of the action. Whether you’re exploring traditional performing arts or pop culture, this is Japan like you’ve never seen it before.
Transform Into a Sengoku Samurai – Challenge Sanada Yukimura and Feel the Thrill of Wielding a Blade
One of the most popular experiences is the “VS Sanada Yukimura” VR game. Strap on a head-mounted display, grab the controller shaped like a sword, and you’ll find yourself transported straight to a Sengoku-era battlefield. Enemies charge from every direction, arrows fly through the air, and it’s up to you to dodge, block, and strike back. The final challenge? A one-on-one showdown with the legendary warlord, Sanada Yukimura. With smooth visuals and impressively realistic motion tracking, the sensation of swinging and defending with a sword feels incredibly lifelike. It’s a full-body experience that draws in both kids and adults alike. (Recommended for ages 10 and up.)
Noh Theater and VTubers – Experience Japanese Culture All in One Place
The XR content at JapaDive OSAKA goes far beyond swordplay. A wide range of Japanese cultural themes are brought to life, from traditional performing arts like Noh, Kyogen, and Gagaku to modern icons such as VTubers, anime, and pop music. Each experience is recreated with immersive lighting and shadow effects in a virtual space, delivering the feeling that it’s all happening right in front of you. With each program lasting just 15 to 20 minutes, it’s easy to drop in and explore at your own pace. If you’re looking to fill the gap before the night show or escape a rainy afternoon, it’s the perfect stop – and your ticket even comes with a free drink to enjoy along the way.
JapaDive OSAKA Official Website (English / Korean / Traditional Chinese)
*Information is current as of December 2025. For the latest updates, please check the official website.
Dotonbori Traveler’s Lounge – A Relaxing Terrace Café & Bar That Lets You Escape the City Rush
Soak Up the Afternoon Sun on the Terrace and Enjoy a Slower Side of Dotonbori
Inside GIRAFFE Japan, you’ll find the Dotonbori Traveler’s Lounge – perfect for taking a breather. This relaxing space features both an indoor lounge area and an open-air rooftop terrace complete with resort-style sofas, parasols, and even a pool. Despite being right in the heart of the city, it feels like a hidden island getaway, offering a peaceful escape from the urban buzz. In the soft afternoon light, you can sip a cold drink, feel the breeze on your skin, and slow down for a moment – the perfect pause between shopping and the night show.
Try Three Carefully Selected Sake from Around Japan in One Tasting
For those who love sake – or are curious to try it – the Japanese Sake Tasting Set is a must. Choose any three from a selection of four handpicked brews, featuring standout names from across Japan such as Dassai, Sakuramasamune, Shirakawago, and Kagayaki. Each offers a distinct aroma and flavor profile, giving you the chance to compare and find your personal favorite. Sake enthusiasts and curious first-timers alike can have fun exploring new tastes and finding a favorite.
Dotonbori Traveler’s Lounge Official Website (English / Korean / Traditional Chinese)
https://j-lppf2.jp/welcome-osaka/travelerslounge/
*Information is current as of December 2025. For the latest updates, please check the official website.
Top 3 Spots to Explore Around Dotonbori – Perfect Before or After Your Visit to GIRAFFE Japan
Don Quijote Dotonbori Store – Ebisu Tower (Dotonbori Giant Ferris Wheel)
Just across the Dotonbori River from GIRAFFE Japan, Don Quijote Dotonbori Store is a go-to spot for shopping – and home to one of the area’s most iconic sights. Mounted on the building’s riverside façade is the golden Ebisu Tower, a striking Ferris wheel that has become a symbol of Dotonbori. Known as the world’s first elliptical Ferris wheel, it features 32 bright red gondolas that slowly rotate above the city, offering panoramic views of Osaka from above. As you ascend, you’ll spot flashy signs lining the shopping arcades, sightseeing boats cruising the river, and the varied skyline of Osaka unfolding in every direction. Day or night, the scenery unfolds beautifully. If you’re shopping in the area, hopping on this unique Ferris wheel is a great way to take in the city from a whole new angle.
Don Quijote Dotonbori Ebisu Tower Store (Dotonbori Giant Ferris Wheel) Official Website (English / Korean / Traditional Chinese)
https://www.donki.com/kanransha/index_en.php
Save More with a Tax-Free Coupon
https://www.fun-japan.jp/en/articles/14235
Kuromon Market – The Kitchen of Osaka
For a taste of authentic Osaka, head to Kuromon Market, just a 10-minute walk from the Dotonbori area. Known as “Osaka’s kitchen,” this lively market is home to a huge variety of shops, including fresh seafood and sushi, wagyu beef, dried goods, sweets, supermarkets, and even drugstores. The air is filled with the mouthwatering scent of grilled skewers and sizzling seafood, making it hard to walk through without stopping for a bite.
To really experience Osaka’s everyday food culture, don’t miss Wanaka, a long-standing favorite for takoyaki. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with tender chunks of octopus, these piping-hot bites are well worth the wait – even if there’s a line out front. If you’re craving something sweet, stop by Kuromon Mitoya, a popular fruit daifuku shop known for wrapping seasonal gems like strawberries and Shine Muscat grapes in smooth, delicate mochi. Each bite is juicy, lightly sweet, and incredibly satisfying without being overpowering. Kuromon Market is a food lover’s paradise, where every corner tempts you with another irresistible bite. It’s a must-visit for anyone who wants to eat their way through the city.
Kuromon Market Official Website (English)
Takoyaki Wanaka Official Website (English)
http://takoyaki-wanaka.com/en/
Fruit Daifuku Kuromon Mitoya Official Website (English)
https://kuromon.com/en/mitoya/
Hozenji Yokocho
Amid the energy and crowds of Dotonbori, Hozenji Yokocho feels like a step back in time. This narrow, stone-paved alley is lined with wooden storefronts and glowing lanterns, creating a peaceful atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the city’s buzz. During the day, the alley is quiet and reflective. At night, it takes on a warm, almost otherworldly glow, as if the noise of the outside world fades away at its entrance. At the far end sits Hozenji Temple, where a moss-covered statue of Fudo Myo-o awaits. Visitors gently pour water over the figure while making a wish – a ritual said to wash away earthly desires and bring good luck.
Learn More About Hozenji Yokocho
https://www.fun-japan.jp/en/articles/14152
In Dotonbori, sleek Ferris wheels and timeless temples share the same streets, blending Osaka’s modern energy with deep-rooted tradition. It’s a city bursting with flavor, warmth, and personality – all waiting to be experienced in one unforgettable trip. So when you’re planning your next Osaka adventure, don’t stop at street food and shopping. Head to GIRAFFE Japan for bold, one-of-a-kind entertainment – only in Osaka.♪
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