Okayama Nightlife

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For those who enjoy evening strolls or just want to be out but don't want to go to a bar, the Nishikawa Canal is a nice option. The canal is actually pretty long, so you can take your time walking along it, sit on the benches, and look at the various works of art, monuments, and scenery along the canal. Each section has its own unique and different features. There are dim lights along most of the canal. Many couples like to come and walk here at night, because it does have a romantic feel.

Sometimes events are held here or musicians will come and perform which makes it even more enjoyable. The canal is also popular in the daytime though and you can enjoy the flowers much better at that time, but to me it's definitely a nice place to be at night.

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Sega Joypolis is a large entertainment complex. Inside the actual Sega Joypolis building is a large two-floor arcade and entertainment center. There is a large statue of Sonic the Hedgehog, because as those familiar with the game system, Sega is the company that created the original Sonic games.

Aside from the arcade, the complex also has a bowling alley and karaoke. It's not only a night spot; you can come here in the daytime, but for those looking to have a fun night out who do not want to go to a bar, Sega Joypolis is a great option!

It's hard not to fall in love with the Jazz Piano Bar. Tucked away on a back street, this place is cozy, relaxing, and looks straight out of a movie. It is the most perfect little jazz spot ever. The proprietor is friendly and can speak English. Between occasional live events, staff entertains on the piano and bass. A full bar and light snacks are available. Cover charge is ￥300. Hours 20:00-25:00.

On weekdays (nights) there is nothing to do but there are some bars around the main street.
Aussie bar is one of them which is a "gaijin bar" literally foreigners bar. It's a friendly Australian bar but not so crowded on weekdays (even weekends recently).
How to go to Aussie bar: from the station, walk straight ahead to the nishikawa river and turn left, then walk for 2 mins , it's on the left side of the river.
Weekends you can go to club Matador which is a Latino dance club with english speaking staff. Friday nights they have salsa parties which are not crowded but on saturday nights every bored foreigner and japanese ladies who are looking for foreign guys are gathering there. The musics are south american based boring stuff but after few drinks you may like it. The place is hard to find and not so close to the station. Its somewhere in Tamachi area (adults area)
There are also some dance clubs but mostly japanese customers and expensive fees.
One is Club Mars (nearly end of the Momotaro main street) , ive forgot the other f.cked up places names...

Dress Code: no dress code

There are a lot of bars, restaurants, pachinkos (gambling machine), and karaokes along nishigawa street and around Momotaro dori (infront of Okayama station).

Do you know that 'karaoke' is originality of Okayama? Karaoke means 'without orchestra'