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This chain of unmanned 24-hour cafés in Osaka is perfect for remote work

Self-Cafe runs a series of affordable self-service cafés in Osaka, with high-speed wi-fi, power outlets and no time limit

Lim Chee Wah
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Lim Chee Wah
Contributor
Self-Cafe – Kyobashi Kita outlet
Photo: Self-Cafe | Self-Cafe – Kyobashi Kita outlet
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With remote work and digital nomadism growing in popularity, the world is your workstation. But finding a quiet spot to work isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Co-working spaces can be expensive, and often require a membership. Cafés may be noisy, and staff might shoot you a judging look if you linger too long over the cheapest item on the menu.

Self-Cafe – Shinsaibashi Tokyu Building outlet
Photo: Self-CafeSelf-Cafe – Shinsaibashi Tokyu Building outlet

Osaka has a solution for you. Enter Self-Cafe: unmanned cafés with multiple locations across the city, offering high-speed wi-fi, ample power outlets and the freedom to stay as long as you like – all for the price of just one drink, starting from as low as ¥420. Most locations are even open 24 hours, while the few that aren’t stay open till as late as 2am.

Self-Cafe – Tanimachi 9-chome outlet
Photo: Self-CafeSelf-Cafe – Tanimachi 9-chome outlet

With no staff and most patrons there to focus, Self-Cafe is a quiet, low-distraction environment that makes it easy to concentrate. Furthermore, its no-time-limit policy makes it convenient not just for getting work done, but also for taking a break to charge your phone before heading back out to explore Osaka.

Self-Cafe – Minami-Morimachi outlet
Photo: Self-CafeSelf-Cafe – Minami-Morimachi outlet

There’s no need for a membership or reservation – just buy a drink from the vending machine, which offers more than just coffee. Options include jasmine tea, matcha latte, hot chocolate and hot water. Payment is easy, as the machines accept cash, transport IC cards, credit cards, QR codes and other contactless methods.

Self-Cafe – Shinsaibashi Tokyu Building outlet
Photo: Self-CafeSelf-Cafe – Shinsaibashi Tokyu Building outlet

With these attractive features, the newest outlet in the Shinsaibashi Tokyu Building has quickly gained popularity within just a month of opening. Operating daily from 5am to midnight, this self-service, urban-style café even offers a power outlet at every seat.

Self-Cafe – Tenjinbashi 1-chome outlet
Photo: Self-CafeSelf-Cafe – Tenjinbashi 1-chome outlet

Aside from Shinsaibashi, Self-Cafe also has several other centrally located outlets across Osaka, including Tenma (5am-2am), Minami-Morimachi, Tanimachi 9-chome, Tenjinbashi 1-chome and Kyobashi Kita. The last four locations are open 24 hours, giving you ultimate flexibility to fire off some emails – no matter the hour. 

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