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Eat, Drink & Cook in Japan

15 Best Osaka Food Tours [2024 Update]

Osaka is a city obsessed with food, and there’s no better place to experience Japanese food and local specialities. Enjoying an Osaka food tour is the best way to savour the fantastic food and soulful vibes of this gourmet city fondly known as ‘Japan’s Kitchen’.

I’ve hand-picked the best Osaka food and drink experiences by comparing each tour and highlighting what’s important. Why should you trust me?

Living in Osaka for nine years, I’ve taken many tours and discovered the most delicious dishes and best culinary neighbourhoods. After reading this, you’ll find an experience right for you.

Here are the 15 best Osaka food tours.

If you’re in a hurry, jump down to my at a glance comparison guide .

Osaka Food Tours: Quick Links

  • Osaka Food Tour at Shinsekai with 10 Dishes
  • Ura Namba Food Tour: Eat Like a True Osakan
  • Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Dotonbori and Namba
  • Osaka Night Bites Foodie Walking Tour
  • Osaka Street Food Tour

Compare Osaka Food Tours: Quick Comparison Guide

  • Kuromon Market Food Tours – eat your way through Osaka’s gourmet market

Osaka Night Food Tours

Osaka Food Tour: Best of the Best Experiences

Chris King from Food Tours Japan

‘  Explore Osaka’s vibrant food scene and nightlife culture on fascinating tour 1 . Enjoy local and Japanese dishes at standing bars in off-the-beaten-track hipster hangout Temma.

Eat authentic Osaka food until you drop in Shinsekai’s secret spots on highly-acclaimed tour 2 . Ten dishes, two drinks and fun and friendly guides make it excellent value.

Savour deliciously addictive Osakan soul food around the famous Dotonbori and Namba area on tour 3 . Wash it down with sake and craft beer in backstreet bars on an Osaka street food tour.

Experience magical neon lights and hidden alleys bar hopping on this Namba and Dotonbori food tour. Get a taste of Osaka’s food and drink culture and meet the locals on tour 4 .

Discover trendy Ura Namba, one of Osaka’s best-kept culinary secrets, on tour 5 —an eclectic mix of restaurants and bars in a maze of narrow streets away from the tourist crowds. ’

Price per person based on two people attending a tour: $ = up to $89; $$ = between $90 & $129; $$$ = over $129. Some experiences offer discounted rates for groups of more people.

1. Osaka Night Bites Foodie Walking Tour

Osaka Night Foodie Tour

Enjoy a fun and memorable night on this highly-rated small-group Osaka night food tour.

  • Savour local delicacies like tonpeiyaki (pork omelette) and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), and dote nikomi (slow-cooked beef in miso)
  • Hang out with and chat with the locals over drinks at three tachinomiya (standing bars)
  • Get off the beaten track and discover two distinct neighbourhoods
  • Learn about food culture on one of the best food tours in Osaka
  • Optional upgrade: 100g (around 3.5 ounces) of premium Kobe wagyu beef
  • Includes: A whole dinner’s worth of food tastings from 3 restaurants, 3 drinks, a cultural walking tour and a train ticket
  • Location: Kyobashi and Tenma
  • Duration and start time: 3 hours, 6pm

Book Osaka Night Bites Tour >>

2. Osaka Food Tour at Shinsekai with 10 Dishes

Osaka Shinsekai Food Tour

Enjoy an unforgettable gastronomic journey with passionate and fun-loving locals.

  • Savour 10 delicious Osaka specialities like kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) and takoyaki (octopus balls), plus karaage (fried spiced chicken), gyoza, dessert and more
  • Experience retro Shinksekai’s neon-lit streets and hidden alleyways.
  • Visit five local places to eat: Izakaya (Japanese-style pub), tachinomiya (standing bar), restaurant, market and backstreet stall
  • Choose from Japanese drinks like sake, beer, chuhai (shochu and lemon) and highball (whisky and soda)
  • Includes: 10 dishes from 5 places, 2 drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and a guided walking tour
  • Location: Shinsekai and Nishinari
  • Duration and start time: 3 hours, 5.30pm

3. Osaka Street Food Tour

Osaka Street Food Tours

Discover the city’s best cuisine on this unforgettable private and personalised Osaka street food tour.

  • Savour Osaka’s delicious soul and street foods, like kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes)
  • Explore the lantern-lit narrow streets and alleys of Namba in the heart of Osaka’s food scene
  • Eat and drink like a local and learn about Osaka cuisine
  • Sample different places to eat, like izakaya (Japanese-style pubs), street stalls and liquor stores
  • Includes: A private and personalised tour, 6-8 dishes of Japanese and Osakan food, 2 drinks (alcoholic or soft), a walking experience and hotel meet-up (on request)
  • Location: Dotonbori and Namba
  • Duration and start time: 3 hours, flexible start time

Book Osaka Street Food Tour >>

4. Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba

Osaka Namba Dotonbori Food Tour

Discover izakaya (Japanese-style pub) food and drink culture with a local guide.

  • Enjoy tasty food and drinks among Dotonbori’s bright neon lights and less-visited Ura Namba
  • Try local specialities like kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) and takoyaki (octopus balls), and classic Japanese drinking snacks
  • Visit three different izakayas with a knowledgeable local guide
  • Meet fellow travellers on this fun food and bar crawl
  • Includes: 8 deep-fried skewers, 1-2 dishes, 3-4 alcoholic or soft drinks, 3 izakayas and a walking tour
  • Location: Dotonbori and Shinsekai
  • Duration and start time: 3 hours, 6pm and 7pm

Book Osaka Bar Hopping Tour >>

5. Ura Namba Food Tour: Eat Like a True Osakan

Osaka Ura Namba Food Tour

Don’t miss this opportunity to uncover Osaka’s delicious food culture on a private and personalised tour.

  • Discover local specialities like okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) and Osakan udon noodles, and fusion cuisine in this lively neighbourhood
  • Explore this super-cool and buzzing area of Osaka to see how the locals entertain themselves
  • Visit izakayas (Japanese-style pubs), tachinomiya (standing bars) and quirky bars
  • Choose places to eat or leave it to your guide’s recommendations
  • Includes: Private and personalised experience, 6-8 dishes of local food, 2 drinks (alcoholic or soft), walking tour and hotel meet-up (on request)
  • Location: Ura Namba (area between Osaka-Namba and Nippombashi stations)

Book Ura Namba Food Tour >>

Now you’ve seen my top recommendations, let’s continue the best Osaka food tours, including Kuromon Market.

Osaka Day Food Tours

To help you decide the right tour for you, here’s a quick comparison of what’s included, where you’ll go and the price.

All Osaka food and drink experiences include walking tours with English-speaking guides.

6. Osaka Deep Backstreets Tour with Dinner

Osaka Deep Backstreets Tour Dinner

Discover Osaka, off-limits to tourists, learn about local history and enjoy a post-tour meal.

  • Explore parts unseen, including a red-light district, gambling dens, yakuza strongholds, a fishing restaurant, dimly lit gritty Osaka backstreets and more
  • Devour delicious Osaka soul food like nikudofu (slow-cooked beef) and tonpeiyaki (pork omelette), plus karaage (deep-fried chicken) and yakitori (chicken skewers) — with dinner option
  • Taste local snacks, takoyaki (octopus balls), and gyoza from street food stalls
  • Select the ‘Tour with Dinner’ option for an authentic meal
  • Includes: A full dinner of 5-6 dishes, 2 snacks and a deep Osaka walking tour with a professional guide
  • Duration and start time: 3-3.5 hours, 5.30pm
  • Location: Shinseakai and nearby South Osaka neighbourhoods

Book Osaka Backstreets Tour >>

7. Osaka Night Food Tour

Osaka Night Food Tours

Enjoy a perfect adventure for food lovers to see Osaka at night.

  • Savour Osaka’s tasty kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) and takoyaki (octopus balls) from a Michelin-rated street food stall
  • See Dotonbori’s dazzling neon lights and the Glico running man sign
  • Visit an izakaya (Japanese-style pub) for regional and Japanese cuisine
  • Meet the friendly locals for a beer or nihonshu (sake)
  • Includes: Multiple dishes from four food stops, one drink and a guided walking tour
  • Duration and start time: 3 hours, 5pm

Book Osaka Night Food Tour >>

8. Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

Osaka Dotonbori Shinsekai Food Tour

Savour Osaka’s soul foods on this great-value culinary journey.

  • Eat delicious kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) in their birthplace – Shinsekai
  • See the shimmering neon lights and narrow streets on the Dotonbori food tour leg
  • Tuck into takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (Osaka-style savoury pancake)
  • Visit a Buddhist temple and Shinto shrine and get insights into Japanese culture
  • Includes: 6 skewers and two dishes (vegan menu available), 1 drink and a guided tour
  • Duration and start time: 3 hours, 4.30pm and 5.30pm

Book Osaka Local Foodie Tour >>

9. Eat, Drink, Cycle: Osaka Food and Bike Tour

Osaka Food Bike Tour

Enjoy the thrill of cycling and a food trip on the road less travelled.

  • Savour melt-in-your-mouth grilled wagyu beef in Osaka’s ‘Korean Town’
  • Sample delectable dishes like sushi, skewers, udon and chijimi (spicy pancakes)
  • Learn about Osaka’s knife-making history and treat yourself to a chef’s knife souvenir
  • Enjoy the serenity at one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples
  • Includes: Lunch (multiple food stops), 1 bottled water, cycle hire and a guided bike tour
  • Location: Shinsekai, Tennoji and Tsurushashi
  • Duration and start time: 3-4 hours (approx.), 9.30am

Book Osaka Food & Bike Tour >>

10. Osaka Backstreet Night Tour

Osaka Backstreet Night Tour

Enjoy a fun-packed evening and the raucous atmosphere of Osaka nightlife.

  • Eat dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese-style pub) and get to know your group
  • Savour Japanese food like fresh sushi, grilled yakitori (chicken skewers) and takoyaki (octopus balls)
  • See Dotonbori’s neon lights before heading off to some backstreet bars
  • Meet friendly locals and have more drinks (not included) until late
  • Includes: Dinner, 1 drink, introductions to more bars and a guided tour
  • Location: Namba and Dotonbori
  • Duration and start time: 3 hours (approx.), 6pm

Book Osaka Backstreet Night Tour >>

11. Ultimate Kansai Region Food Experience

Osaka Kansai Region Food Experience

Experience Kansai’s food and drink specialities from the regional gourmet hub of Osaka.

  • Try Osaka cuisine like fugu (pufferfish) prepared by professionally trained chefs
  • Sample Kyoto culinary delights such as wagashi (confectionery), sake, and green tea
  • Savour the mouth-watering taste of marbled Kobe wagyu beef
  • Discover the origins and cultures of the dishes you eat and the local drinks
  • Includes: Private and personalised experience, 6-8 dishes, 2 beverages, walking tour and hotel meet-up (on request)
  • Duration and start time:   3 hours, flexible start time

Book Ultimate Kansai Food Experience >>

Kuromon Market Tours Osaka

Kuromon Market Food Tours

‘  Known as ‘Osaka’s kitchen’, Kuromon Market is a lively place full of delicious food stalls and restaurants. You’ll find all manner of seafood, meat and vegetables along its 580 metres length.

Experience Kuromon Market and eat local and Japanese dishes until you drop on great-value tour 12 . Discover Osaka’s extraordinary food culture and see six different food markets on unique tour 13 .

On tour 14 , you’ll explore the market and sample tasty food before visiting a shopping street for kitchenware. Enjoy Kuromon Market and its delicious dishes on budget-friendly guided tour 15 .  ’

12. Kuromon Market Food Tour

Osaka Kuromon Market Food Tour

Sample 10-12 Kuromon Ichiba (Market) foods on an excellent-value experience.

  • Savour Osaka delicacy fugu (pufferfish) and soul food classics okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) and takoyaki (octopus balls)
  • Try Japanese food favourites like sashimi, sushi, scallops, wasabi cheese and sakura mochi (rice and red bean confectionary)
  • Learn about the market’s history and culture on this Osaka food market tour
  • Experience a working Japanese food market and see foods you didn’t know existed
  • Includes: 10-12 food tastings (lunch), coffee or tea, unique traditional chopsticks and a guided walking tour
  • Location: Kuromon Market (meet at Nippombashi Station)
  • Duration and start time: 1.5 hours (approx), 2pm

Book Kuromon Market Food Tour >>

13. Osaka Food Markets from Local to Luxurious

Osaka Food Markets Tour

Osakans say ‘ kuidaore ’, which means ‘to ruin oneself by extravagance in food’, and you’ll see why during this fascinating experience.

  • Explore six diverse food markets where people shop and eat
  • Visit the famous Kuromon Market and the locals alternative Tenjinbashi-suji
  • Savour wagyu beef yakiniku (grilled meat) at ‘Korean Town’
  • Sample dishes and whatever takes your fancy on this unique Osaka food tour
  • Included: 6 Osaka food markets guided English-speaking tour and food recommendations
  • Location: Namba, Temma, Tenjinbashi-suji, Tsuruhashi, Kuromon Market and Doguyasuji
  • Duration and start time: 4 hours (approx.), 9am or 2pm

Book Osaka Food Markets Tour >>

14. Osaka Kuromon Market Food Tour with Tastings

Osaka Kuromon Market Food Tastings Tour

Experience Kuromon Market like a local on this engaging tour.

  • Enjoy various dishes from five market food stops
  • Sample fresh sushi, wagyu beef skewers and local treats
  • Learn about Osaka’s food culture and way of life from a local guide
  • Visit Osaka’s ‘Kitchen Town’, Sennichimae Doguyasuji, an ideal place to pick up a Japanese knife
  • Includes: Various dishes from 5 food stops, 1 drink and an English-speaking guided tour
  • Location: Kuromon Market and Doguyasuji
  • Duration and start time: 3 hours, 9am

Book Osaka Kuromon Market Tour >>

15. Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour in Osaka

Osaka Kuromon Market Street Food Tour

Explore Osaka’s culinary culture and discover unusual dishes you’ve never seen before.

  • Sample tasty treats like fresh seafood, hotpot and street food
  • Try Osaka’s most renowned soul food, takoyaki (octopus balls)
  • Learn about the history, culture and cuisine of Kuromon Ichiba (Market)
  • Uncover Japanese kitchenware and tableware for a souvenir to bring home at Doguyasuji
  • Includes: 4-5 food samplings and a walking tour
  • Duration and start time: 2 hours, 11 am

Book Kuromon Market Street Food Tour >>

Well, that’s a wrap! Please, don’t miss out on an opportunity to take an Osaka food tour. Its rich gourmet heritage makes it the perfect place to experience local, seasonal, and Japanese cuisine.

Images: kimishowota ,  Alexander Smagin

Wapiti Travel

10 Best Osaka Food Tours For 2024

By: Author Lora

Posted on Last updated: January 23, 2024

Looking for the best Osaka food tours? You came to the right place.

The vibrant city of Osaka is commonly referred to as the “Kitchen of Japan” and so is the ideal city to embark upon a food tour, sampling the delicious offerings of Japanese cuisine in the city. 

The best Osaka food tours can be found here for you to enjoy some of the best Japanese food available.  

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Table of Contents

okonomiyaki in local restaurant osaka japan

In a Hurry? Here We Share an Overview of The Best Osaka Food Tours

Best Food Tours in Osaka

Best Osaka Food Tours

Going on a food tour is perhaps one of the best ways to truly enjoy Osaka. 

Osaka food tours are popular with tourists, both first-timers and seasoned travelers to Japan. 

Here are some of the best Osaka food tours you can take on to get the full authentic experience. 

Osaka, Japan Street Food Takoyaki

Osaka Food Tour (10 Delicious Dishes at 5 hidden Eateries)

One of the hardest parts of looking for places to eat while traveling is finding the local favorites, the true hidden gems of an area. 

This Osaka food tour helps eliminate that difficulty by taking visitors to five “diamond in the rough” eateries in the Shinsekai area of Osaka. 

Shinsekai is well-known for its retro atmosphere and preservation of buildings and cultural icons of the 20 th Century. 

It is also the birthplace of a number of popular Osaka food delights. 

This tour moves among the marketplace and city streets of Shinsekai, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy a variety of food in a number of different settings, ranging from traditional street food to lively izakayas and more. 

10 different dishes are covered involving a number of food, such as gyoza (Japanese dumplings), oden (a traditional winter hotpot dish), and Takoyaki (one of Osaka’s claims to fame). For a list of more healthy Japanese food, click here.

Two drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are also included.

  • 10 dishes at 5 different eating places 
  • 2 drinks 
  • Participants will be met at a nearby train station by the guide 

Pros & Cons

best food tour in osaka

  • All food and drink included in the price so you don’t need to worry about additional charges
  • It can accommodate a maximum of 8 people, perfect for a friendly atmosphere
  • Accessibility has been considered and the tour is wheelchair accessible

best food tour in osaka

  • Only two drinks are included despite visiting 5 places, so if you want anything to drink elsewhere it will have to be purchased separately.
  • This tour covers ‘off-the-beaten-track’ local restaurants so it may not work for visitors looking for a more a more luxurious, high-end experience

Conclusion  

This tour is great for visitors looking to experience a range of local and authentic eating places. 

From street stalls to izakayas to the marketplace, this tour will provide a variety of experiences in a fairly short time without the uncertainty of navigating Japanese-only menus or unfamiliar food names. 

Check prices and availability: Viator

Crowd Surrounded by Buildings during Night Time

Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours

This tour is predominantly a walking tour with some stops at street food stalls along the way. 

There is also a post-tour dinner option that introduces visitors to Osaka’s “soul food,” meaning food that is filling, tasty, and served fast. 

The Deep Backstreet Osaka tour covers a range of different areas with a strong focus on the backstreets of Osaka. 

This includes red-light districts, abandoned districts, and areas that are not in any common guidebooks or tour itineraries. 

Here you can find all our Osaka itineraries:

  • Best 2 day Osaka itinerary
  • Amazing 1 day Osaka itinerary

The guides provide interesting information about these areas and the history behind them as well as their place in current Japanese culture. The tour is quite informal with a casual atmosphere. 

This is exemplified through the end of tour planning. 

The dinner plans are quite flexible and it is completely optional as to whether you join or move on to other activities you may have planned. 

  • Very friendly and informative guides able to provide interesting information about backstreet areas 
  • Maximum 12 people per group
  • Stops at street food stalls and optional soul food dinner after the walking portion of the tour 
  • Unique insight into interesting parts of Japanese culture and history
  • Able to explore areas that some visitors may not feel comfortable visiting alone
  • Try street food and soul food
  • Doesn’t cater to all ages
  • Less focus on food so may not work for those looking to experience a wider range of cuisine
  • Not a standard tourist experience, which could be a pro or con for different travelers

As this tour is more focused on drinking and nightlife, it may be best suited for those who are looking for a night out after an izakaya dinner. 

It is also not suitable for children. 

The flexibility of this tour makes it good for those who are open to whatever the night brings.

People Walking on Street during Night Time in Japan

Osaka Backstreet Night Tour

This evening tour is centered on the popular downtown areas of Namba, Shinsaibashi, and Amemura. 

These areas are home to some of Osaka’s top bars, restaurants, and more, making it ideal for exploring the nightlife of this city. 

Highlights  

This Osaka Backstreet Night Tour starts at an izakaya, a traditional Japanese pub-style restaurant, to sample some popular food. 

These include yakitori (chicken skewers), takoyaki (fried octopus dough balls), and sushi. 

From here, the guide introduces visitors to a backstreet, ‘off-the-beaten-path’ bar where meeting locals and friendly conversation happen easily. 

Best things to do in Osaka at night.

The tour also passes by the famous ‘Glico running man’ sign which is a popular photo spot. 

These are the main pre-decided points of the tour. After this, the itinerary becomes more flexible and is up to the group to decide. 

Common follow-ups include various bars or small, local karaoke bars. 

One alcoholic drink is included. Any other drinks beyond that must be purchased separately. 

  • Izakaya dinner 
  • One drink 
  • Small group – maximum of 8 people 
  • Introductions to a number of interesting and unique bars 

Pros & Cons 

  • Introductions to local bars and Japanese bar culture
  • Dinner at a traditional izakaya – a staple of Japanese restaurant culture
  • Friendly and welcoming guides
  • Only one drink is included despite visiting multiple drinking venues
  • Mostly drinking-focused, only one food venue

The flexibility of this tour makes it good for those who are open to whatever the night brings.  

Check prices and availability:

GetYourGuide

Shinsekai District (New World) of Naniwa Ward, Osaka City, Japan

Eat, Drink, Cycle: Osaka Food and Bike Tour

This is a unique tour concept as it combines two of the most popular types of tour – cycling tours and food tours. 

The tour starts with bike rentals and moves through the retro area of Shinsekai. 

It makes a stop at Japan’s oldest temple, Shi-Tennoji then through Osaka’s Koreatown in Tsuruhashi. 

It finishes at one of Osaka’s most famous knife-making workshops.

The Eat, Drink Cycle Osaka tour is done relaxed in Shinsekai, with casual exploring and the first food of the day before really starting the cycling. 

There is then a stop at Shi-Tennoji, one of the first official Buddhist temples in Japan. 

This temple was established in 593 and has a number of beautiful views, ranging from the temple itself to the unique 5-storied pagoda, up to the accompanying gardens. 

After this, the tour will move on to Tsuruhashi, the Koreatown of Osaka. This area is well-known for its food culture, including Japanese food, Korean food, and fusion food. 

The tour will also explore the fish market in this area. 

Some of the food include locally made sushi, wagyu beef, yakitori, and more. 

The tour also includes a consultation at Tower Knives, one of the largest bilingual knife factory shops in Japan.  

  • Bike rental 
  • Lunch 
  • Bottled water 
  • Small group – maximum of 7 people 
  • Visits different areas and food venues
  • Incorporates some tourist spots as well
  • Combines food tours and cycling tours, allowing visitors to do one tour instead of booking one of each
  • Participants need to be fairly fit to keep up with cycling for a length of time – not suitable for young children, elderly people, pregnant people, people with medical conditions that may affect their ability to do the bike tours
  • Some visitors may not like alternating a lot of exercise with a lot of food.

This tour would be ideal for visitors looking to experience Osaka in a different way. 

By combining a cycling tour and a food tour, visitors are able to enjoy a range of places, food, and scenery. 

It is recommended that participants have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.  

Osaka Namba Dotonbori at night. This is a great tour for joining a street food tour in Osaka.

Osaka Local Foodie Walking Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

This tour explores the popular downtown areas of Dotonbori and Namba, as well as the retro area of Shinsekai.

It combines a walking tour and a food tour to provide the best of both worlds.

The Osaka Local Foodie Walking Tour moves through Shinsekai and the famous tower of Shinsekai, Tsutenkaku Tower. 

This tower was once the tallest in Asia and was considered a symbol of the “new era” of Japan. 

It then moves into the Dotonbori district and along the Dotonbori canal, one of the busiest areas of Osaka. 

It also walks through Shinsaibashi-suji, one of the largest shopping streets in Osaka. 

It also includes a stop at the Glico running man sign, another of the symbols of Osaka. 

This journey gives participants a chance to try local Osaka food including takoyaki, okonomiyaki (a type of savory pancake), and kushikatsu (breaded and fried skewers). 

Participants are able to sample these foods as well as take some away for later. 

The tour also stops at a secluded temple along the way. 

  • Takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu 
  • 1 drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic available) 
  • Friendly and informative guide 
  • Good combination of walking and food-based venues
  • Variety of tourist destinations
  • Food to sample as well as take away
  • Only 1 drink included
  • Only three types of food

This tour would be great for visitors looking to explore some of the most popular areas of Osaka with a knowledgeable and informative guide. 

The food included in the tour is very well-known as Osaka specialties, making this tour a true Osaka experience. 

Lots of Osaka Food Tours pass by Dotonbori.

Eat like a Local Street Food Tour

This tour provides a unique and personalized experience for each booking. 

Rather than joining a pre-decided itinerary, each participant is matched with a local guide based on personality and interests. 

The guide will then put together a variety of places to visit while keeping these interests in mind. 

The itinerary will include a selection of both local specialties, hidden gem food places, and venues that match well with the participant’s interests. 

This itinerary is flexible and open to changes even on the actual day of the tour. 

This Eat Like a Local Street Food Tour is a private and unique experience. You don’t have to work around anyone else or worry about food or venues you aren’t necessarily interested in. 

Six food tastings are included in the 3-hour tour. 

The tour takes place predominantly in the bustling Dotonbori district.

  • 6 food tastings 
  • 2 drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) 
  • Personalized itinerary 
  • Private local guide 
  • Personalized experience
  • Private tour
  • Catered to your individual interests
  • For those who like the social atmosphere of tours and meeting other travelers, this tour may not work
  • More communication needed ahead of the tour in order to provide information on personality and interests

This tour is perfect for those who feel their interests are often not catered to in standard tours or who are looking for a truly personalized experience. 

A private tour allows you to specify any definite inclusions or exclusions you want without worrying about affecting the experience of others. 

Check prices and availability: GetYourGuide

People Sitting at an Izakaya in Japan.

Nightlife Osaka Food Tour

This tour provides a good mix of nightlife venues and food venues. 

Finding the right balance between bars and restaurants can be difficult but this tour manages to combine the two well.

The Nightlife Osaka tour centers around the busy area of Dotonbori but focuses on the small side streets of the area rather than the loud and flashy main thoroughfares. 

A variety of dishes are included in this tour with four different food venues. 

This tour gives participants the chance to try kushikatsu, takoyaki, yakitori, and tempura.  

This is a good combination of local Osaka specialties and general Japanese cuisine. 

One drink is included (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and the guide can direct you to local drink specialties to try as well. 

The food venues also vary in type, from street food stalls to izakaya.  

When it comes to bars, the tour visits one of the many buildings which houses many small and unique bars. 

The bars in these buildings can seem endless with many bars on each floor of a multi-floor building. 

Visiting some of these bars is a unique and interesting experience, and a great way to experience Japanese nightlife.

  • 4 food venues 
  • 1 drink 
  • Dessert 
  • Visits to a number of bars 
  • Well-balanced tour
  • Variety of food and food venues included
  • Unique bars
  • Stays in one area

This tour would be a great choice for visitors who want to experience both the food culture and nightlife culture of Osaka. 

The tour is well-balanced and well-designed and should be suitable for most adults.  

Grilled scallops at Kuromon Ichiba Market in Osaka, Japan.

Osaka 2-hour Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour  

This walking tour focuses on Kuromon Market, the true centerpiece to Osaka’s title “Kitchen of Japan.” 

The market has been in place since the Edo Period (1693 – 1867) and consists of around 150 various shops and stalls. 

Many of these businesses have been in place for multiple decades and have been passed down through families. 

Kuromon Market was once the main place for Osaka’s restaurants to buy their produce, meat, fish, and more. 

Nowadays, it still serves a number of restaurants but is also popular among consumers. 

There are many street food sellers in the area and shops selling various types of kitchenware. 

This tour consists of a casual stroll through the market while learning about the historical and contemporary context of Kuromon Market. 

It also includes 4-5 food samplings with the guide assisting participants in deciding which food stalls they would like to stop at. 

The guide will provide information and recommendations on which foods are interesting, unique, or special.  

  • 4-5 food samplings 
  • Tour photos 
  • Advice on food and souvenirs from a local guide 
  • Participants can choose which food they would like to sample
  • Casual atmosphere
  • Location has historical and cultural significance
  • Shorter than most other tours
  • Some participants may prefer more structure

This tour is best suited for visitors who are interested in the food culture in Osaka in a range of contexts. 

It is also best for those more interested in street food and food stalls rather than sit-down restaurants.

Lantern and izakaya in japan. You will often visit an Izakaya during an Osaka food tour.

Osaka Bar Hopping Food Tour  

This tour takes participants around the areas of Dotonbori and Namba while introducing them to the quieter, more relaxed backstreets of these areas. 

A number of these side streets are full of izakayas, restaurants, and bars commonly frequented by locals. 

This allows participants to get a more authentic experience of food and nightlife culture in Japan.

The Osaka Bar Hopping Tour visits a number of izakayas before moving on to some bars toward the end of the day. 

The foods included are mostly standard izakaya food as well as some local Osaka specialties. 

This includes kushikatsu, yakitori, sushi, takoyaki, and more. 

Food is included in the price; however, it is recommended that you bring cash so you can purchase more if you want to. 

This is also applicable to buying drinks. 

  • 8 skewers, 1 dish, 4 drinks OR 8 skewers, 2 dishes, 3 drinks 
  • Authentic izakaya experiences
  • Visits small izakayas enjoyed by locals
  • Range of food and bars
  • Multiple drinks included
  • This tour is largely focused on izakayas, so visitors hoping to experience street food and other types of food may be disappointed
  • Not much of the food is included in the price

This tour would be a good choice for visitors who are mostly interested in the izakayas of Japan.  

If you’re looking to experience the izakayas and bars that locals regularly choose, this tour is for you.  

People drinking at a Standing Bar or Tachinomi in Japan.

Osaka All-inclusive Night Foodie Cultural Extravaganza  

This tour covers two areas that are commonly skipped in most tourist recommendations – Tenma and Kyobashi. 

These areas are largely commercial areas with Tenma also being home to one of Osaka’s largest shrines, Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. 

The Osaka All-Inclusive Tour will visit 3 different ‘tachinomi’ bars. These are standing dining bars. 

Both food and drink are served but the customers stay standing. 

This type of bar-restaurant is rarely visited by tourists, making this a unique and authentic experience. 

The tachinomis serve a variety of food, including local specialties and common Japanese favorites. 

Some of the food included in this tour are sashimi, traditional vegetable dishes, kushikatsu, and dote nikomi (slow-cooked beef). 

There’s also an option to add Kobe beef to your orders. 

Three drinks are also included. 

The guide is able to provide interesting information about the area and culture along the way. 

Participants are able to meet and socialize with locals. 

  • 3 restaurant visits 
  • 3 drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), 1 at each stop 
  • Train fare between the two areas 
  • Informative local guide 
  • Unique authentic experience
  • Two different areas, three different restaurants
  • Three drinks included
  • Some visitors might prefer the sit-down aspect of standard restaurants or izakayas
  • As the tour covers two areas, there is a short train journey as well

This tour provides a unique experience as tachinomis are often skipped in food tours and the areas of Kyobashi and Tenma aren’t considered tourist hotspots. 

The stalls visited are small, local businesses with great care put into the food. 

This is a great tour for experiencing a range of food in an authentic setting.

Here you can find all our Osaka accommodations posts:

  • Where to stay in Osaka
  • Best ryokans in Osaka
  • How to find the best Airbnb in Osaka

Conclusion 

With thousands of restaurants offering a huge variety of different food, it can be hard to narrow down which places to visit to have the best Japanese food experiences. 

Trying to locate authentic eating places while making the most of both local specialties and general Japanese cuisine can be overwhelming for even a seasoned traveler. 

Taking one of Osaka’s best food tours is a perfect way to get a range of experiences and try various Japanese food in an interesting setting. 

Here you can find all our Japan posts.

  

15 Best Osaka Food Tours and Experiences for 2024

best food tour in osaka

What is Osaka best known for? Its food of course!

Osaka is popularly known as the culinary capital of Japan, and for good reason. Spend even a few hours walking its streets, and you’ll get a sense of the strong foodie culture and culinary pride here.

With so many bars, restaurants, izakaya, and food stalls offering Osakan staple dishes such as okonomiyaki, takoyaki, kushikatsu, and yakiniku, it’s difficult to know where to begin searching for good local restaurants and trying as many dishes as possible!

The easiest and best way to get a feel for the city’s food culture and maximize your time here while eating and drinking as much as possible is to take a food tour off the beaten track. They’re convenient, and fun, and you’ll get to learn fascinating insights and tips from your tour guide that only locals know about.

If you’re looking for something more hands-on then why not try a Japanese cooking course? Cooking Japanese cuisine isn’t as hard as it looks, and you’ll get to enjoy the fruits of your own hard work.

First time in Osaka? Check out my Ultimate 1-day Osaka itinerary for first-time visitors . Or, if you’re looking for somewhere special to stay, try these 15 Osaka ryokan with private onsen in 2024 .

best food tour in osaka

Daytime Tours

  • Night tours

Hands-on Food Experiences

  • Eat Like the Locals

Cooking Experiences

Top 3 picks: best osaka food tours, #1 top pick.

best food tour in osaka

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Nightlife Osaka Food Tour ✔️ Benefit from local knowledge ✔️ Taste real Osaka street food ✔️ Discover eateries off-the-beaten-track

best food tour in osaka

Locals’ Osaka All-in Food & Culture Deep Dive ✔️ Smaller group ✔️ Avoid the busy tourist traps ✔️ Enjoy local specialty dishes

best food tour in osaka

Instagrammable Osaka-style Food Tour ✔️ Enjoy colorful sweet and savory dishes ✔️ English speaking guide ✔️ Includes up to 8 different dishes

This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you .

1. Osaka Shinsekai Street Food Tour (Daytime)

best food tour in osaka

Duration: 3hrs | Location: Shinsekai District | View on Arigato Japan

Check prices and availability for the Osaka Shinsekai Street Food Tour

This old neighborhood close to downtown Osaka was developed in 1912 and modeled after parts of New York and Paris. Since its boom in Japan’s post-war Showa era, the area has become known for its local feel thanks to the many inexpensive food options available.

In this 3-hour tour of the district, you will make 5 stops at various eateries where you’ll get to try different drinks and local cuisine. As you move through the neighborhood, your guide will point out various shopping and entertainment hotspots as well.

The tour departure time is 10:30AM and runs until 1:30PM and is also available in Spanish .

“ I loved the local vibe on this tour. So MUCH delicious food and stuff we would have never found on our own .”

– ARCHIE

2. Osaka Dotonbori Daytime Food Tour

best food tour in osaka

Duration: 3hrs | Location: Dotonbori Neighbourhood | View on Arigato Japan

Check prices and availability for the Osaka Dotonbori Daytime Food Tour

Dotonbori is one of Osaka’s hotspots for tourists, known for its neon signs, Gilco Man sign, and huge choice of street food. When the sun goes down and the bright signs light up the main streets, crowds flock to the restaurants and bars to enjoy the atmosphere. The daytime is an excellent opportunity to make the most of the taste of Dotonbori without battling the crowds.

This three-hour tour will take you through the Dotonbori and Namba neighbourhoods where you’ll try takoyaki (fried octopus balls), kushikatsu (deep fried meat and vegetable skewers) in tucked away places you would definitely miss without a guide.

“Highlight of Our Trip? This Tour in Osaka! We had so much fun trying local flavors with our guide!”

– GABE

3. Osaka Market Tour (Daytime)

best food tour in osaka

Duration: 3hrs | Location: Nipponbashi Chuo Ward | View on Arigato Japan

Check prices and availability for the Osaka Market Tour (Daytime)

Kuromon Market is a popular food market street that reaches more than 600 meters through the Minami area of Osaka. Known mostly for its seafood, you’ll also find stalls selling meat, produce, sweets and even restaurants. Many of the stalls sell street food but be careful not to block the aisles as the market can become busy.

In this daytime tour of the market, you’ll have the opportunity to try many of Osaka’s most famous street food dishes including okonomiyaki. From the market, you visit Osaka’s ‘Kitchen town’. You’ll see where restaurants go to buy their plastic food samples and may even be able to pick up a souvenir.

“Toshi as a guide is beyond 5 stars and these two tours were the highlights of our trip.”

– DAVE

Night Tours

4. osaka shinsekai street food tour (evening).

best food tour in osaka

Check prices and availability for the Osaka Shinsekai Street Food Tour (evening)

As you stroll through the Shinsekai district you might get a sense of its retro reputation due to its Showa-era style buildings and storefronts which come alive at night with bars, restaurants and izakayas brimming with locals and tourists looking for something to eat and drink.

In this night tour you will follow a local guide through the glowing streets into hidden gems where you will discover the colorful history of Shinsekai street as it comes alive through local dishes.

The three-hour tour includes stops at five different sites where you can try the different local food and drinks, each with a connection to the area’s long history.

“Sae was an amazing tour guide! She knew so much history and fun facts about the city! She was also just so fun to spend a night exploring Osaka with! Would 100% recommend.”

– JESS

5. Nightlife Osaka Food Tour

Duration: 3hrs | location: dotonbori, chuo ward | view on arigato japan.

Check prices and availability for the Nightlife Osaka Food Tour

Japan’s third largest city has as much to offer at night as in the day, as you will discover on this nightlife tour through the busy streets of Minami.

Starting in the well-known Dotonbori area, you’ll learn about your surroundings as you are guided past the bright neon signs and commercial restaurants trying to tempt you inside, and taken to smaller establishments you might otherwise miss.

You’ll taste some of the foods Osaka is best known for such as yakitori (grilled chicken and vegetables on skewers), takoyaki (deep fried octopus balls), and okonomiyaki (a savoury pancake dish). Then top-off your night in an izakaya with a beer or sake (rice wine).

“ The Osaka Food Tour was such a memorable evening that we decided to backtrack to Kyoto (which we had already visited) solely to do another food tour with Toshi. “

– C FORNEY

6. Evening Food Tour of Osaka

best food tour in osaka

Duration: 3hrs | Location: Dotonbori, Chuo Ward | View on Viator

Check prices and availability for the Evening Food Tour of Osaka

This evening food tour of Osaka also begins in the Dotonbori area but places a little more of an emphasis on its nightlife. In a group of 10, you’ll see this electric district at night like you’ve never seen it before.

Sample Japanese staples such as sushi or sake, or try your hand at making your own takoyaki with help from a local chef. Eat and drink with the locals at an izakaya and enjoy a drink with some kushikatsu, one of Osaka’s most famous dishes.

The tour is designed to help you explore the Kansai region through its soul food and drink in Osaka’s unique night-time environment.

“ Sae was an amazing tour guide! She knew so much history and fun facts about the city! She was also just so fun to spend a night exploring Osaka with! Would 100% recommend .”

– TRIP ADVISOR REVIEWER

7. Evening Street Food Hopping Tour in Downtown Osaka

best food tour in osaka

Duration: 3hrs | Location: Kita Ward | View on Viator

Check availability of the Evening Street Food Hopping Tour in Downtown Osaka

A must-see for Japanese food lovers. You won’t want to visit Japan’s culinary capital without exploring the downtown area at night. In this three-hour tour you will be guided from bars to food stalls where you will get a taste of local life along the way, including grilled seafood, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, gyoza, and a unique style of pizza.

As you move from food stall to bar, take in the local atmosphere with a glass of sake, rice wine or beer before moving on to the next stall for another local specialty. This tour has a 6PM departure time and includes pickup from your hotel if you need it.

“ Was a fun evening and tried a great deal of the street food. Some of it was a new taste experience but most of it was wonderful. The guide was very knowledgeable and had a lot of energy .”

– JANET

8. Eat, Drink, Cycle: Osaka Food and Bike Tour

best food tour in osaka

Duration: 3-4hrs | Location: Kita Ward | View on Viator

Check availability for Eat, Drink, Cycle: Osaka Food and Bike Tour

Ever wanted to explore Osaka by bicycle as you discover its culinary delights? Well, this might be the tour for you.

A short walk from Temmabashi station, you’ll meet your guide at 10:30AM and be taken around the city, stopping at some of its best-known attractions. Stops include Japan’s oldest temple, sushi at a small locally run shop, tasting real wagyu beef at a busy market, and trying some Osaka specialties including okonomiyaki, chijimi pancakes, and udon.

The tour will include lunch, a knowledgeable guide, and soft drinks. When you’re finished, you’ll be taken back to the starting point to hand back your bike.

“ I enjoyed learning about the different types of authentic Osaka food, and getting to see Osaka Castle was a bonus! On a scale of 1 to 10, our guide Matt was an eleven! ”

– MARJORIE

9. Instagrammable Osaka-style Food Tour

Duration: 3hrs | location: osaka city | view on klook.

Check prices and availability for Instagrammable Osaka-style Food Tour

A modern and creative tour with the added benefit of making the most of the weird and wonderful colors and styles of food you are bound to encounter on your travels.

Indulge your sweet tooth with multi-colored cotton candy or a bright green milkshake, or taste some of Osaka’s best known and beautiful dishes such as okonomiyaki or takoyaki.

This three-hour private tour can accommodate groups as large as 8 and includes tastings of up to eight different Instagram-worthy dishes. You’ll also receive a glass of sake, wine, highball, or soft drink as your English-speaking guide navigates you through Osaka’s busy streets.

10. Osaka Food Tour: 13 Delicious Dishes at 5 Hidden Eateries

best food tour in osaka

Duration: 3hrs | Location: Nishinari Ward | View on Viator

Check prices and availability for Osaka Food Tour

Enjoy ten different dishes from around Osaka including gyoza, udon, takoyaki, and more, at five eateries you won’t find on the busy streets.

You’ll begin your tour at Dobutsuen-mae station, close to downtown Osaka, at 5:30PM. From there, your guide will take you to some of the best food stalls, restaurants and izakaya, carefully chosen for serving traditionally ‘Osakan’ food and rarely visited by tourists.

Then, take in the local culture and bustling atmosphere while you enjoy a cup of sake or a beer at a local bar or izakaya to finish the night off.

“ This tour was awesome! Had a great group of fun people from Australia and the guide, Andie, was entertaining. Food was terrific. Ate lots of new dishes that I wouldn’t have ordered or found on my own. ”

– ANNA

Eat Like The Locals

11. locals’ osaka all-in food & culture deep dive (small group), duration: 3hrs (approx.) | location: kita ward | view on viator.

Check prices and availability for Locals’ Osaka all-in Food & Culture Deep Dive

This three-hour walking tour of Osaka will take you away from the tourist traps and chain restaurants and into the foodie districts and smaller independently run places to eat.

You’ll see your guide at 6:00PM at the meeting point just outside Temma station before your group of six will head to the Tenma and Kyobashi districts for some local specialty dishes to sample. This includes Dote Nikomi, a slow-cooked beef in miso sauce, kushikatsu, tonpeiyaki, a combo dish of port, egg, and dried fish flakes, to name a few.

Finish the night with a few local drinks a standing bar in Kyobashi before heading back to the station.

“ Dominic really knew his stuff and took us on a great tour. We visited pubs and eateries that we wouldn’t have found by ourselves. The food was fabulous and ‘outside the box’ of what you would normally expect in Japanese food. ”

– SALLYANN

12. Kuromon Market Food Tour

best food tour in osaka

Duration: 1hr 30mins (approx.) | Location: Chuo Ward | View on Viator

Check prices and availability for Kuromon Market Food Tour

Kuromon Ichiba Market has been a hub of food and culture near the heart of Osaka for more than 200 years. With countless shops, bars and gourmet restaurants, this covered market cannot be missed if you’re visiting Japan’s ‘food capital’.

Your tour begins in the early afternoon outside Nipponbashi station in downtown Osaka. From there your guide will show you handmade local food and fresh seafood, as you walk and eat your way through more than ten different dishes and desserts, including dried okura, sushi, giant scallops, okonomiyaki, Sakura-flavoured mochi, and many more.

This is a walking and eating tour so be prepared to eat on the go!

“ Great tour with a great guide, Andy was amazing. It was fun! Learned a lot about the local food and also about the food culture. ”

– HAMID

13. Osaka Cooking Class

best food tour in osaka

Duration: 2hrs 30mins (approx.) | Location: Higashinari Ward | View on Viator

Check prices and availability for Osaka Cooking Class

A great experience for anyone who finds their fun getting stuck-in. In this cooking class, you’ll learn about Osaka’s culinary history while trying your hand at some traditional Japanese cooking techniques.

Discover the careful process of preparing green tea, the simplicity of making takoyaki (fried flour and octopus balls), and the fun of attempting your own okonomiyaki savoury pancake. When you’re done, enjoy the fruits of your hard work over a glass of sake or beer.

For dessert, learn how taiyaki is made (a popular fish-shaped sweet cake, as your English-speaking instructor tells you about the history of some of Japan’s most popular dishes.

“ Great class Yayo wonderful Very organized food fantastic loved it a chance to see a Japanese home highly recommend this experience. ”

– SUSAN

14. Three Types of Ramen Cooking Class

best food tour in osaka

Duration: 2hrs 30mins (approx.) | Location: Nishi Ward | View on Viator

Check prices and availability for Three Types of Ramen Cooking Class

You haven’t tried ramen unless you have made it yourself, in Japan. This simple yet incredibly popular dish can be found on the menus of almost any restaurant in Japan, yet with so many variants to choose from it can be a bit confusing knowing what to choose.

In this 2.5-hour cooking class, learn about the different types of ramen, from salted with pork and seaweed, to soy sauce-based ramen with cabbage and vegetables, and miso ramen with chicken and eggs.

Learn about the traditional techniques that go into creating these dishes and try for yourself by making not one, or two, but three different types in a single class.

“ Fumi-san is very welcoming and pleasant to everyone in class. She provided tips on how to make good ramen which was useful. Recommended if one is looking for something different from sightseeing. ”

– STEPHEN

Check prices and ava i lability for Three Types of Ramen Cooking Class

15. In-Home Cooking Lesson with Local Japanese Mother

best food tour in osaka

Duration: 3hrs (approx.) | Location: Kawanishiikeda Station | View on V iator

Check prices and availability for In-Home Cooking Lesson with Local Japanese Mother

A truly unique and rewarding experience. There’s nothing quite like a home-cooked meal, and with this private in-home cooking lesson with a Japanese mother you’ll enjoy a meal that you will remember for years to come.

Visit the home of an Osaka local and enjoy first-hand the culture and cuisine of Osaka. Choose from either lunch or dinner and learn to prepare up to five different dishes such as teriyaki chicken, a bento box, okonomiyaki, and gyoza in Yoshiko’s kitchen.

The cooking and preparation portion of the experience lasts about an hour before you sit down to eat. Afterward, Yoshiko will print all her recipes for you to take home.

“ A very good experience with a local mother. Well served and enjoy it very much. You must have a try. ”

– SUKI

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Home » Asia » Japan » 13 BEST Food Tours in Osaka, Japan

13 BEST Food Tours in Osaka, Japan

By Author Chelsey Knott

Posted on Last updated: February 14, 2024

This post contains product affiliate links. These are mainly on items/hotels/tours that I personally endorse & love. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, but at no extra cost to you.

Get ready to have your stomach rumbling: from back alley street food tours to dining with Yakuza, these are the best food tours in Osaka!

food tours in osaka

Endless streets of neon lights, vibrant culture, incredible nightlife, and probably the best street food in the world: Osaka is an incredible city! The food game here is so strong that Osaka is actually known as the nation’s kitchen.

If you’ve visited my site before, you’re probably aware that I’m a big fan of trying the local cuisine. I just love getting to know a country through my taste-buds! It’s honestly the best way of getting to know a city. That’s why I have created this epic list of the best food tours in Osaka for you.

osaka tours

There are so many excellent Osaka food tours to choose from. Start by savouring all of the delicious flavours of Osaka cuisine on the Nostalgic Shinsekai Osaka Street Food Tour.

Then discover where to buy the best and freshest ingredients on the Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour. Cook up a storm as you create your favourite Osaka dishes in one of the incredible cooking classes. Or even spend a night bar dining with the Yakuza (if you dare)!

Honestly you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to foodie experiences in Osaka. So here’s a list of the best ones the city has to offer. No matter which ones you pick, come hungry!

Do you want to eat your way through Japan ? Then check out my food guides to Tokyo and Kyoto ! These are great for planning your trip to Japan. Also, you can check out the best hotels in Osaka here – this is perfect for planning your trip.

Food tours in Osaka

Nostalgic shinsekai osaka street food tour.

osaka food tours

The vibrant neighbourhood of Shinsekai is an incredible place to visit. Here you’ll find some of the best street food in the whole city.

How better to experience this awesome area, than by taking a guided tour that hits the best vendors? Over three hours you’ll stop by five different locations, tasting delicious snacks including kushikatsu (deep fried skewers).

Over the course of the tour, you’ll hear about the history of Osaka cuisine. You’ll also stop at an epic knife shop and see the art of knife making. This is honestly one of my favourite food tours in Osaka.

Eat Like a Local Street Food Tour

street food tour osaka

Take a personalised food tour that has been tailored to your taste an interests. If you book this experience, you will be contacted by the agency before your tour date. They will enquire about your personality, as well as any dietary requirements. They will then use this to match you to your guide, who will then hand craft an itinerary just for you!

This is an amazing food tour for people with specific dietary needs. It is also a fantastic way to try very specific foods, or to know the best cuisine in a certain area.

If you eat seafood, I’d really recommend trying takoyaki . These are deep-fried dough balls stuffed with octopus. It’s one of the dishes Osaka is famous for, and I think they’re delicious!

Dine with a Former Yakuza

backstreet osaka tours

Ever wanted to brag to your friends you dined with the Yakuza while in Japan? This is one of the best Osaka food tours for you!

First, take a tour of the underbelly of Osaka, walking through the Yakuza area and learning their code. Don’t worry though, you’ll be completely safe!

Following this, settle down for a seafood dinner with a reformed Yakuza. You will be treated to some incredible stories, and even get a chance to ask questions. If you’re as fascinated by the secret life and dealings of the Yakuza as I am, you have to check this tour out.

Backstreets of Osaka Night Food Tour

bar crawl osaka

Discover the buzzing backstreets of Minami on a night time food tour. Popular for its nightlife and entertainment, the food on offer in this neighbourhood is also on point.

Weaving through back alleys, on this tour you will be taken from succulent meats to mouth watering treats. Try the local favourite takoyaki – the stall you’re guided to is so good it is actually Michelin Starred. Unbelievable!

Following this, you make your way to one of the local bars, to enjoy beer and bar snacks. Finally, your sweet tooth will be satisfied when you end the evening munching down on dessert.

Osaka Bar Hopping Food Tour

foods in osaka

If you’d like to combine all the joy of a pub crawl with sampling mouthwatering food, this is your tour. Honestly, it is so much fun, and the food is incredible!

Based in the lively Namba district, you’ll spend a few wonderful hours wandering between Izakayas (Japanese gastro-bars) and food alleys. At each stop your local guide will help select unique Japanese dishes for you to try, including yakitori and okonomiyaki.

Your guide will also give you the low down on the local sake, shochu and beer, and how to drink them. Next time you go out, you’ll look like a pro. Kanpai!

Learn to Cook Osaka Style Street Food

food tours osaka japan

Once you’ve discovered the wonder that is Japanese street food, it’s time to try making it yourself! To do this, head to Eat Osaka in the Naniwa-ku district.

The class starts with a welcome drink to make sure you’re relaxed and cooking at your best. Then it’s time for the cooking. In the class you will learn to create local favourites including yakitori, okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), and udon noodles from scratch. Finally, it’s time to reap the rewards of your hard work and dine on your creations. Delicious!

Vegetarian? No worries, the recipes can be tailored to be meat free.

Half Pint Craft Beer Tour in Osaka

craft beer osaka

If, like me, you’re a fan of tasting local libations while you travel. This craft beer tour of Osaka could be just the ticket!

Spend a fun filled evening hopping from bar to bar tasting Osaka’s best selection of craft beers. The tours are guided by a local craft beer aficionados, who will help you pick beers to suit your tastes. They’ll also fill you in about the craft breweries in the area.

Located in the vibrant northern district of Umeda. If you’ve not visited before, this tour is also just a great way to get to know the neighbourhood.

All-Inclusive Night Foodie Cultural Extravaganza

osaka street food tour

Spend an evening exploring the Japanese culture and food scene from the inside out on this All-Inclusive Night Foodie Cultural Extravaganza. Hopping between historic and contemporary restaurants, you’ll be treated to mouthwatering food options with drinks to match.

Food on this tour changes slightly each evening, but you can expect to be delighted with incredible options including sashimi and dote nikomi (slow cooked beef). If you’re itching to try kobe beef, you can add this on to the tour!

This tour is based in the Temma and Kyobashi districts. Far from the regular tourist hot spots, you’ll get to experience a whole new side of Osaka!

Food Origins Exploration Game

best food tour in osaka

What happens if you cross a food tour with a treasure hunt? You get the Food Origins Exploration Game!

Unlike the other tours, on this experience you do not have a guide, but rather an app on your phone. Following the clues you will be lead to historically and culturally significant areas around Dotonbori, as well as some incredible foodie locations.

At each stop you’ll be given information about the area, and interesting dishes will be suggested to you. This is one of the best food tours in Osaka if you’re looking for a more independent experience.

Learn to Cook Ramen

ramen

Hands up if you, like me, are a ramen lover. Honestly I can’t get enough of the stuff, and nothing is like eating it in a back alley Osaka restaurant. However, the next best thing is being able to create it for yourself at home.

Learn to cook ramen in the home of a local instructor in the Nishinomiya district. In this 2.5 hour class, you learn to make three types of ramen, and you get to make udon noodles from scratch. Best of all, you get to eat it at the end!

Sushi Making Class

sushi

If sushi is more your style, there is also a fantastic sushi making class in Osaka. From an experienced professional you will learn how the intricate slices of sashimi are made.

Next up, it is time to try your hand at creating your very own sushi rolls. It can take a little while to get used to, but you’ll be rolling sushi like a pro in no time.

This is such a great class, and it gives you a skill to take home and wow your friends. You’ll be surprised how quickly you pick it up!

Osaka: Guided Pub Crawl

japanese sign

If you’re looking for something a little different, then how about an old-school pub crawl through Osaka?

Surprisingly, the Japanese really love to drink, especially whiskey! I’ve had a few nights drinking with the locals in Japan, and it always turns into a crazy night.

If you want to be shown to the best bars in Osaka, then this pub crawl is a great way of doing. You also get to meet travellers from all over the world on this one.

Expect lots of shots, get-to-know-you games, and an amazing evening to remember (or forget?) If you can make it, you usually end up in a local club on this tour!

Japanese Sake Tasting Class

sake tasting

Spending the weekend in Osaka? It’s time to get stuck in to some traditional Japanese sake!

One of the best ways to learn about sake is through the Japanese Sake Tasting Class. Held on Saturday afternoons in a central location that looks out over Osaka Castle , this is a great way to kick start your weekend.

Over the class you will learn the about the history and culture of sake and its creation. After the class you’ll be able to appreciate the subtle differences between the various types of sake and how to correctly serve it.

So that’s my list of the best food experiences in Osaka. Do you love Osaka food tours as much as I do? Let me know in the comments below!

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13 BEST Food Tours in Osaka, Japan

About the Author

Chelsey Knott

Chelsey has lived, worked and studied across 9 countries, and has travelled in 40+. When she is not laying on a beach in Thailand or eating her way across India, she can be found discovering hidden corners of London.

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Osaka food tours – 7 best tours for food and drink travelers.

Osaka is one of our favorite food cities in Japan. There are so many great dishes to eat and so many places to eat. It can be overwhelming though. Booking a food tour in Osaka can help people who travel for food to eat better and learn more while visiting this food-focused city.

In this post, I share our recommendations on how to book one of the best Osaka food tours. And, I share our tips on how to make the most of your experience.  

*This post contains compensated links. Find more info in my  DISCLAIMER . As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Why Book A Japan Culinary Tour

There are a lot of great reasons why booking a Japanese food tour could make your Osaka trip that much more special. First, there is a language barrier in Japan. Of course, there are picture menus to help you with ordering but we end up with more questions than answers when we are on our own eating in Japan. A food tour will help you learn more about the cuisine. 

This also helps with the second issue, Japanese cuisine is complex and layered. It’s so different from American or European cuisine. By taking a food tour, your Osaka local guide will help you learn more about the culture through the cuisine. 

Last, we love taking food tours at the start of our stay in a new city. It really makes the rest of our trip better. Your guide will give you inside tips on where and  what to eat in Osaka . Over the years, we’ve received great restaurant recommendations from some of our food tour guides.

If you need help planning your trip to Japan, check out our sample itineraries: 

Japan 7 Day Itinerary – How To Spend One Week Eating In Japan

Food Focused Two Week Japan Itinerary – 14 Days Of Eating Well

How To Book Hotels In Osaka

In the 10+ years of traveling to Japan, we’ve learned a thing or two about booking a hotel in Osaka. We’ve stayed at some great hotels like the  Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka  and  St. Regis Osaka . And we’ve stayed at some not-so-great hotels.

When planning a trip to Osaka, we use  Booking.com  for our accommodations. In addition to booking hotels, we’ve used them for  booking apartments  for longer stays. We’ve even used them to book villas and  ryokans in Osaka  when we want something special. We’ve even found some charming and less expensive  guest houses in Osaka  on Booking.com.

Japan 7 Day Itinerary – How To Spend One Week Eating In Japan

See the Top-Rated Osaka Food Tours On Viator 

Osaka Food Tours – 7 Best Tours For Food And Drink Travelers

How About A 12 Day Food Tour In Japan?

If you are looking for something more than just an Osaka one day tour, Intrepid Travel offers a  12 day Real Food Adventure In Japan . It hits some of our favorite food cities in the Kansai region of Japan. That includes Osaka, Kyoto, and  Koyosan  in Wakayama, which is just south of Osaka.

Along the way, travelers learn to make  sushi , eat street food, and stay the night in a Buddhist monastery. These are all food experiences we’ve had in Japan and would totally recommend. 

Check out Intrepid Travel’s 12 Day Real Food Adventure In Japan 

How To See The Best Of Osaka Japan On A Food Tour

A great  food tour  means that you can start to understand Japanese food culture while exploring a new city. It is more than just the food that is served.

It means you have the chance to meet new people, ask loads of questions, and learn about the history and culture of a new city. It’s one of our favorite ways to see a city! In this post, we share our recommended food tours in Osaka.

All pricing is provided in Japanese yen. This helps you plan your budget based on the current currency rates. With some tours, pricing will adjust based on how many people have already booked, how many people are in your party, and the time of year. 

We recommend using  Viator  for booking food tours and experiences. We like Viator for a few reasons. One, we’ve used them for tours around the world without any problems. Second, you will receive immediate confirmation of your booking.

Last, Viator is a reputable company that is actually owned by TripAdvisor, so if there are any issues with your booking, there is a big company standing behind the booking.

planning a trip to japan

Eating sushi at a market in Osaka

Osaka Food Market Tour And Lunch

This  small group tour of Osaka  begins with a walk through Tsuruhashi Wholesale Fish Market. This is where many of Osaka’s restaurants buy freshly caught seafood. Enjoy mouthwatering sashimi surrounded by seafood vendors selling their daily catch.

The tour continues around the market where other local Japanese snacks and seasonal fruits are sampled. From the market, it’s time to ride the Osaka metro to a restaurant in the Shinsekai neighborhood for lunch. 

The tour price starts at around ¥12000 per person depending on group size. It’s a half-day tour, which starts at 10 am. Because this tour covers a lot of ground, you will be using the Osaka metro.

The cost of the metro is not included. (Book an Osaka 1-Day or 2-Day Metro Pass  here ).

Book this Osaka tour  here . 

Why we like this tour:

With a maximum group size of six, the small size allows the guide to customize the experience and improvise along the way. The tour features a number of Osaka specialties including Okonomiyaki and Kushikatu.

Two must eat dishes in Osaka . This is also a great tour for repeat travelers to Osaka to learn more about what and where to eat because it can be customized ahead of time.

We took an Osaka private tour with this same company. Our experience was a little different because they customized it for us. Because we’ve been to Osaka numerous times they gave us a more food professional.

Our guide was knowledgeable and detailed and taught us a lot about food in a city we know well.  

Check Rates For This Osaka Market Tour And Lunch 

osaka local tour

Exploring Kuromon Market In Osaka

Kuromon Market And Dotonbori Food Tour

For first-time visitors to Osaka, this food tour provides a great introduction to one of Japan’s best culinary cities. The tour focuses on the famous Osaka market, Kuromon, and  Dotonbori , Osaka’s food street.

Beginning in the famous Kuromon Market, the centerpiece of Osaka food culture, the tour showcases the wide variety of vendors in the market, from butchers selling wagyu beef to tofu and of course sushi.

Eating your way around the market, the tour guide provides insight into the rich history of Japanese cuisine as well as individual dishes.

After the market, the tour continues past a number of famous Osaka sites including Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street and Dotonbori Bridge, where the tour ends. 

Book this Kuromon Market Tour  here . 

Why we like this tour: 

The tour can accommodate up to eight guests with pricing starting at ¥10000. Any special dietary requirements should be made at the time of booking. The tour begins at Nippombashi Station at 10:45 am and lasts three hours. 

In Osaka, food is incredibly important. Sampling local specialties such as yakitori, okonomiyaki, and takoyaki all in one tour, provides first time visitors to Osaka with great insight into what sets Osaka apart from other Japanese cities. With all of these dishes and more, guests will certainly not leave this tour hungry.

Check Rates For This Kuromon Market Tour 

Sushi Eating Etiquette - How To Eat Sushi In Japan

Eating Sushi in Osaka

Osaka Food And Bike Tour 

Explore Osaka on two wheels while enjoying a sample of its culinary offerings. This three-hour tour focus on the south side neighborhood of Shinsekai.

In between bites of spicy pancakes, wagyu beef, sushi, and other delicious snacks, your guide will lead you through local markets.

The guide will also introduce you to locals to gain a better understanding of just how important food is to the residents of “Japan’s Kitchen.”

In addition to amazing local food, the riding tour leads past stunning Buddhist temples and visits one of Osaka’s many knife producers. 

Pricing for the tour starts at ¥9000. While not overly strenuous, the tour is not recommended for travelers with back problems, heart, or serious medical conditions. Pregnant travelers are also advised not to participate. 

Book This Osaka Bike Tour  here . 

Osaka is a massive city made up of dozens of neighborhoods. Hoping on two wheels to explore one of its iconic neighborhoods in a small group of seven is an experience not to be missed.

Add the opportunity to sample a number of local delicacies while meeting local residents is the cherry on top. This Osaka foodie tour provides a unique perspective of the city. 

Check Rates For This Osaka Bike Tour 

Osaka Sightseeing At Night

Osaka Night Tour Through The City’s Backstreets

Outside of the bright neon lights of Dotonbori lies another Osaka. An Osaka filled with illegal gambling dens, intriguing alleys, and areas controlled by the yakuza (Japanese mafia).

Led by Andy, a half-Japanese, half-Australian guide, this Osaka night tour explores parts of the city that most tourists steer clear of. 

During the approximately three-hour-long tour, guests will develop a deeper understanding of this multi-layered city.

Sample delicious Osaka street food while exploring authentic Osaka, bursting with history, and a bit rough around the edges. It’s a unique Osaka itinerary unlike any other.

Pricing to explore this other side of Osaka begins at ¥5600. The tour includes a one-hour all-you-can-eat kushikatsu experience at a vegetarian-friendly restaurant.

Accommodating up to 12 guests, the tour is perfectly suited for couples and small groups of friends. 

Book This Osaka Night Tour  here . 

We like this Osaka street food tour because it’s so quirky and unique. It’s great for people who want something more than the typical food tour.

Best of all, after the tour is over, Andy offers his personal recommendations on where to find the best shopping, dining, and drinking options for his guests. 

Check Rates For This Osaka Backstreets Night Tour 

sample Japan itinerary including Osaka

Izakaya in Osaka

Namba Food And Bar Hopping Tour 

Osaka is an amazing city for food. And with food, comes drink. This bar-hopping tour is a great way to explore several of Osaka’s drinking establishments, which are often overlooked by tourists.

Your guide will help navigate Japanese drinking culture and customs while sampling local sake, beer, and other alcoholic beverages.

Focusing on the Dotonbori and Namba areas of Osaka, the three-hour night tour visits three local izakaya bars. Here you’ll sample local beer snacks while learning how to read a Japanese menu. 

Pricing for the tour starts at ¥6500. Additional costs for food and drink may be required. The perfect tour for couples or small groups of friends, maxing out at seven guests.

The minimum age in Japan for drinking is 20 years old. Most bars in Osaka do not accept credit cards so it is advised to have enough cash available. 

Book This Namba Food Tour  here . 

For first-time visitors to Osaka learning how and what to order in a Japanese bar is challenging. The Namba bar hopping tour is a great way to get your feet wet on learning the customs associated with drinking in Japan.

With a small group setting, the tour allows for a detailed conversation about the different Japanese alcoholic drinks, bar snacks, and etiquette.  

Check Rates For This Namba Food And Bar Tour 

Osaka Cooking Class

Making Takoyaki in an Osaka Cooking Class

Osaka Cooking Class 

Cooking is at the heart of Japan, especially in Osaka. In this traditional Japanese cooking class learn the secrets and techniques to prepare some of Japan’s most iconic dishes. With only eight participants in each class, you’ll receive personal hands-on attention. 

Learn to prepare traditional Japanese green tea, takoyaki (fried octopus balls), miso soup, and okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake). They also arrange for an optional sake or beer tasting. 

This three-hour class is highly recommended for travelers who love to cook. Set in a traditional Japanese house, it’s a fun, hands-on experience that introduces the art of cooking in Japan. 

Prices for the cooking class start from ¥9000. Vegetarian options are available but all dietary requirements should be communicated at the time of booking.

Book this Osaka cooking class  here .

Why we like this cooking class:

We took this cooking class during an earlier visit to Osaka. It’s hosted by two sisters who not only love to cook but share the recipes that were handed down to them by their mother and grandmother. It’s also a great opportunity to go into someone’s home and see what it’s like to live in Japan.

The tour is a little outside of the city center of Osaka, but they provide directions by train and will meet you at the station. 

Check Rates For This Osaka Cooking Class 

Kyoto sushi making class

Osaka Sushi Cooking Class

Fewer things are more Japanese than sushi. In this Osaka sushi cooking class, you will learn from a professional sushi instructor what it takes to prepare the most iconic Japanese dish.

In addition to sampling, your own hand-rolled sushi, enjoy traditional miso soup and Japanese omelet. Guests can enjoy their meal with an optional Japanese sake or beer tasting, for an additional fee. Limited to eight guests, pricing for the class starts at ¥11000. 

Set in a traditional Japanese home, the class begins with your instructor demonstrating how to make the all-important  sushi rice .

Rice rolling techniques for sashimi sushi are explained then it’s your turn to get rolling. Preparing side by side with the chef, guests will also learn how to create sushi rolls using  inari  (tofu skin). 

Book this Sushi Cooking Class  here .

Why we like this cooking class:  

It takes years to master the art of preparing sushi. For any traveler who’s been curious about how sushi is made, this is a perfect class.

Lasting just over two and a half hours, participants will learn the basics of sushi making while having the opportunity to experience the process firsthand. Best of all, travelers can enjoy the sushi they made. 

This Osaka cooking class is hosted by the same sisters who taught our cooking class in Osaka. We just love them and can’t recommend them enough! It’s also taught at their home. 

Check Rates For This Sushi Cooking Class 

FAQs – HOW TO BOOK A FOOD TOUR IN OSAKA

The Asahi brewery outside of Osaka does offer free tours. It is highly recommended to make a booking in advance. Visitors who arrive at the brewery without an appointment must wait, upwards of two and a half hours, for the next available tour. Appointments can be made by calling the brewery. English-speaking representatives are available when calling. Tours are given in both Japanese and English. The tours last approximately 30 minutes and include a tasting of three beers. Learn more here .

Comfortable shoes! Most food tours involve a lot of walking and standing. Also, wear comfortable clothing with layers, which means a rain jacket or umbrella during bad weather.

No, if you follow our Osaka Food Guide and our Dotonbori Food Guide you can eat well. But, you will be missing out on a lot of the history and culture of this food-centric city. Spending even two or three hours on a food tour is such a great way to learn more about a city and its culture – all while eating and drinking!

Osaka is an incredible food city and is known for many dishes. During an Osaka food tour, you can expect to sample okonomiyaki, sushi, takoyaki, and ramen. All of these are classic Japanese dishes.

Eric Hoffman

Eric Hoffman is the co-founder of Food And Drink Destinations. Eric is a lifelong traveler who is passionate about helping people learn how to travel for food. He lives with his wife, Amber, in Limerick, Ireland, after spending 3 years living in Spain. Over the last 20 years, they've traveled to over 70 countries together, always in search of great food travel experiences. Eric also loves cooking at home, always looking to perfect his Italian recipes.

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10 Best Food Tours in Osaka for Foodies in 2024

best food tour in osaka

Impatient to book one of the best food tours in Osaka, Japan? I got you covered! This guide highlights the 10 best Osaka food tours for you to dive into the local cuisine and make the most of your trip.

Osaka is considered one of the coolest cities in Japan , it is famous for being the “Nation’s Kitchen” and its countless restaurants. The motto of the city is “Eat yourself broke!”, so if Japanese cuisine is your cup of “matcha” you need to add Osaka to your Japan itinerary.

Taste the best food in Osaka with the top food tours that Osaka has to offer. Let’s discover local flavors, try authentic recipes, and eat through Japanese cuisine. That is the true essence of Osaka and you don’t want to miss out!

*Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Don’t have time to read about all the food tours in Osaka?

best food tour in osaka

The best tour in Osaka is the Osaka Food Tour with a constant 5-star rating. It has a Badge of Excellence and it offers the best of the Japanese kitchen.

Other top-rated Osaka food tours:

  • Osaka food tour with the vegan menu available: Osaka Bar Hopping Food Tour
  • Vegetarian-friendly food tour in Osaka: Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours
  • The best affordable food tour in Osaka: Kuromon Market Food Walking Tour in Osaka
  • Hands-on experience: Osaka Cooking Class
  • Best food tour for party lovers: Osaka Backstreet Night Tour

10 best Osaka street food tours

Osaka food tour.

best food tour in osaka

Rating: 5 | Tour Length: 3 hours | Check rates and availability

Join one of the best food tours in Osaka and let the local guide take good care of you and your taste buds. During the tour, you will visit 5 hidden eateries and try 10 different dishes. Basically the best of what Japanese cuisine has to offer.

You will explore some of the hidden gems of Shinsekai and blend in with the locals. If you ask me, Shinsekai is one of the best areas for food in Osaka, however, it is filled with tourist traps. This tour will help you avoid those traps and experience only the best local eateries in Osaka.

Food that you will get to try:

  • kitsune udon
  • 2 local drinks and more.

Other things to note:

  • all food and drinks are included in the price
  • group of max 8 people
  • not suitable for fine dining lovers
  • skip snacking before the tour because you will be eating A LOT!

“Awesome tour! Our guide, Deuce, was extremely knowledgeable and engaging with the group, helping us experience a night on the town in Osaka like true locals. Touring different food spots we got information and history on each dish, as well as a brief overview of the drink selections offered.”

Osaka Backstreet Night Tour

best food tour in osaka

During this Osaka food tour, you will be able to join the local residents for a fun night out and make some new friends. You will visit Namba, Shinsaibashi, and Amemura, where you can sample local food and drink throughout the evening.

At the dinner, you will be able to try some local delicacies, however, there is more to come once the food is finished. Who knows, you might learn some survival drinking Japanese or sing your heart out at the karaoke bar – just like the locals would!

  • Japanese pub specialties
  • sushi 
  • alcoholic beverages.
  • one drink is included in the tour price
  • great for party lovers
  • Osaka Pub Passport gives you up to 3000 Yen of discounts to use on your trip.

“The tour was amazing, we covered so much ground from hidden gems to unique spots for food and drinks that you would clearly miss on your own. The best part was definitely our tour guide, Laila! She went above and beyond to make the experience memorable.”

Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours

best food tour in osaka

If you are looking for a food tour with a twist, this should be your number one choice. Not only you can taste some of the best food in Osaka, but you get to explore local neighborhoods and even a historical red-light district.

The whole tour is very unique, fun, and informative. Your tour guide will take you beyond food tasting and introduce the side of Osaka that tourists usually miss. When it comes to food, you will get to try delicious local food at two different street stalls.

  • soul food of Osaka
  • yakitori & includes desserts.
  • vegetarian friendly
  • not suitable for families with kids
  • group of max 13 people.

“This tour was amazing! Hands down one of the best tours I have ever taken. We learned a lot and Jamie, the tour guide, was not only knowledgeable but hilarious as well! I would 100% take this tour again and would recommend it to everyone! You will not be disappointed!”

Sushi Cooking Class in Osaka

best food tour in osaka

Rating: 5 | Tour Length: 2.5 hours | Check rates and availability

If you have done some of the best food tours in Osaka and want to try something different yet still food-related, a cooking class is the best option for you. And what is more Japanese than sushi?

Learn to roll sushi under the guidance of a licensed chef and impress your friends back home with an organized sushi night. If you ask me, it is the best way to keep the memories alive once you are back home dreaming about your time in Japan.

And the best reward is the dinner that you can enjoy together with other guests and your guide. If you’d like, upgrade to include a local drink to wash it all down. The tasting includes either six sakes or four sakes and one bottle of beer.

  • Japanese omelet
  • Sake and beer (optional)
  • this is a cooking class so it is a hands-on experience
  • alcoholic beverages are not included but can be requested.

“Quaint, delicious, and incredibly homely – Yayo was welcoming, full of knowledge and anecdotes. The class was equipped with little touches that we didn’t know we needed! We had a wonderful time. Highly recommended!”

Osaka Cooking Class

best food tour in osaka

While other cooking class focuses on sushi, this offers a wide variety of food. It is the same chef who hosts the previously mentioned sushi master class, so you are in good hands.

Expand your Japanese cuisine knowledge and best of all, you get to eat your creations when you’re finished. This small-group course, limited to just eight participants, also includes a guide, a cooking instructor, and an optional sake and beer tasting.

  • okonomiyaki
  • lunch or dinner options are available

“This has easily been the most fun I’ve had on my trip so far. Yayo san was so welcoming and kind. Letting us into her home, showing us her incredible cooking techniques, and telling us stories about how and why Japan uses the ingredients they do. I learned a lot, I laughed even more, and I got to taste some delicious food. Thank you Yayo san, you are a wonderful host!”

Kuromon Market Food Walking Tour in Osaka

best food tour in osaka

If you are looking for the best budget-friendly things to do, Kuromon Market Food Walking Tour in Osaka is the most affordable food tour in Osaka. And considering consistent 5 stars on Viator and other platforms, it manages to bring quality and fun to the tour.

The highlight of the tour is visiting Kuromon Market with a local guide where you will be able to taste multiple dishes and choose your own preferences from traditional Japanese cuisine.

  • 4-5 food samplings including Takoyaki
  • Japanese food from Kuromon Market.
  • the tour starts at 11 am, so unlike other evening tours, this is perfect for early birds
  • family-friendly food tour in Osaka
  • a small group of max 5 people.

“Our guide was so nice and friendly. She told me all about Osaka and the food. We really enjoyed the takoyaki, oden and sweet dessert. She took us walking around the market, buying sushi and souvenirs, and also recommended us another interesting place to visit.”

Osaka Local Foodie Walking Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

best food tour in osaka

This food-focused tour in Osaka takes you to Dotonbori and Shinsekai neighborhoods to taste some of the Japanese specialties. You will have the chance to learn more about the city and connect with other guests as it is a small group.

Also, this is a hands-on experience and you will get to cook your own okonomiyaki, which is a cool and practical way to know more about Japanese cuisine. Unlike other tours, this one starts quite early and one of the best things to do in Osaka with kids.

  • food and drink samples are included, plus some to take away
  • group of max 7 people
  • it is quite a walk from Shinsekai to Dotonbori, so be prepared.

“Amazing tour, got more out of it than we were expecting! She took us around Osaka to see some shrines and temples to get a better understanding of some local history before taking us to some amazing restaurants and photo spots! Even got to make our own okonomiyaki which was super fun! The food was amazing and ending the trip in Dotonbori was perfect!”

Nightlife Osaka Food Tour

best food tour in osaka

Rating: 4.5+ | Tour Length: 3 hours | Check rates and availability

You will be exploring the beautifully lit areas of Namba, which is one of Japan’s most famous entertainment districts. The tour includes 4 food stops and one of the stops will be at the traditional Japanese pub where you will be able to try some seasonal goodies.

Apart from that, you will try many other typical dishes from some of the best local street food stalls. You will end a tour by visiting a famous building full of hidden unorthodox bars and sampling a traditional Japanese street dessert.

  • izakaya stop and seasonal Japanese dishes
  • draft beer or Nihonshu.
  • dietary requirements can be accommodated
  • a copy of the passport information is required for every participant aged 10 and over
  • a minimum of 2 people is required per booking.

“Gabi and Akiko were really friendly and made a nice job the tour was fun interesting and informative. We had really much fun with this group, thank you.”

Osaka Bar Hopping Food Tour

best food tour in osaka

Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour explores three hidden local bars in Namba – Osaka’s most lively nightlife district. Enjoy eating delicious local food and drinks at hidden food alleys on this great 3-hour night tour.

The tour includes 4 drinks, 1 dish, 8 skewers, or 3 drinks, 2 dishes, and 8 skewers. At the end of the tour, you will hop on to other bars in an area called Ura-Namba, where hidden traditional and delicious restaurants are located. 

  • grilled vegetables
  • sushi, takoyaki, Okonomiyaki
  • beer, Sake, and Shochu
  • more traditional food at the Izakaya bar.
  • a vegan menu is available upon request.

“My wife and I had a phenomenal time on this tour! Our host and host-in-training were super friendly, spoke great English, and provided great background and information on all the food and drinks we consumed. We also really enjoyed the company of the other 3 people on the tour with us. By the end of the night, we were all great friends! I would highly recommend this experience to anyone looking for a solid introduction to the Dotonbori food and drink scene!”

All-Inclusive Night Foodie Cultural Extravaganza

best food tour in osaka

This Osaka food tour will take you to Temma and Kyobashi, which are true gems of Osaka and are often missed by tourists. However, the locals love it and it is such a lively place to visit at night. If you want to explore a less touristic side of Osaka, this is your go-to!

You will get to visit 3 different local “tachinomi”-style restaurants and taste a lot of local dishes that other tours don’t offer. On this evening tour, you’ll absorb light lessons about the history and culture of the food and life in Osaka.

This tour includes a short train ride, but the train ticket is included in the price.

  • dote nikomi
  • various vegetable dishes prepared with traditional cooking techniques
  • up to three drinks (one at each stop), alcoholic or non-alcoholic.
  • this tour is not recommended for children
  • group of max 6 people
  • the Kobe Beef add-on is not available for bookings made less than 24 hours before the start of the tour
  • dietary restrictions can be accommodated if the local partner is notified in advance.

“This was a fun way to try out local food. Includes an informative tour.”

Further reading for the best food tours in Osaka

best food tour in osaka

  • 15 Best Photo Spots in Osaka That You Can’t Miss

best food tour in osaka

  • How to Plan a Day Trip to Himeji: Travel Tips and Things to Know Before Visiting

Osaka Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Osaka

  • Osaka Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Osaka

14 DAYS IN JAPAN: JAPAN GOLDEN ROUTE ITINERARY FOR FIRST TIMERS

14 Days in Japan: Japan Golden Route Itinerary For First Timers

13 Best Tokyo Tours: Fun and Unique Experiences in Tokyo

13 Best Tokyo Tours: Fun and Unique Experiences in Tokyo

13 Best Ryokan in Kyoto with Private Onsen

13 Best Ryokan in Kyoto with Private Onsen That Will Blow Your Mind

Travel tips for Kyoto:

  • 25 Best Photo Spots in Kyoto That You Must Visit
  • How to Rent a Kimono in Kyoto: Detailed Process with Prices
  • Complete Kyoto Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Kyoto
  • Best Kyoto Tours: Unique Experiences in Kyoto That You Don’t Want to Miss
  • 18 Best Free Things to Do in Kyoto + Kyoto Budget Tips
  • Where to stay in Kyoto? Hotel Review of Mimaru Kyoto Nijo Castle
  • 15 Best Places to Photograph Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto

Travel tips for Osaka:

  • 12 Best Ryokans in Osaka with a Private Onsen

Travel tips for Tokyo:

  • 13 Incredible Hotels With Tokyo Tower View In Tokyo
  • 15 Epic Hotels with a Mount Fuji View in Japan

Or read more about Kyoto | Osaka | Tokyo | Himeji | Nara | Uji | Japan

Other useful tips for visiting Japan

🏠 Need a place to stay? Browse Booking or Agoda 💃 How about fun experiences? GetYourGuide , Viator , and Klook have it all 🚗 Considering renting a car in Japan? Use Rentalcars 🚂 If you need transfers, bus or train tickets, check 12Go 🔒 Don’t forget about travel insurance from HeyMondo

In conclusion…

best food tour in osaka

This is the end of the best food tours in Osaka and I am sure you have found one tour (or more!) that you will join during your time in Osaka. Make sure you secure your spot and book now because these Osaka top-rated food tours sell out fast!

I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.

Pin it for later and save the best food tours in Osaka!

best food tour in osaka

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THE 10 BEST Osaka Food Tours

Food tours in osaka.

  • Walking Tours
  • Cultural Tours
  • Historical & Heritage Tours
  • Up to 1 hour
  • 1 to 4 hours
  • 4 hours to 1 day
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Likely to Sell Out
  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

best food tour in osaka

1. Osaka Food Tour (13 Delicious Dishes at 5 Local Eateries)

best food tour in osaka

2. Osaka Local Foodie Walking Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

best food tour in osaka

3. Osaka Bar Hopping Night Walking Tour in Namba

best food tour in osaka

4. Eat, Drink, Cycle: Osaka Food and Bike Tour

best food tour in osaka

5. Kuromon Market Food Walking Tour in Osaka

best food tour in osaka

6. Absolute Osaka Food Tour

best food tour in osaka

7. Retro Osaka Street Food Tour: Shinsekai

best food tour in osaka

8. 6 Hours Tour in Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market and Dotonbori

best food tour in osaka

9. Osaka Street Food Tour with a Local Foodie: Private & 100% Personalized

best food tour in osaka

10. Osaka Food Tour Takoyaki Making with Nature & Culture sightseeing

best food tour in osaka

11. Osaka Dotonbori Daytime Food Tour

best food tour in osaka

12. Osaka Market Food Tour

best food tour in osaka

13. Osaka Spring Daytime (Cherry Blossom) Food Tour

best food tour in osaka

14. Osaka Food Walking Tour with Market Visit

best food tour in osaka

15. Osaka Localized Private Bar Hopping Tour

best food tour in osaka

16. Lux Taxi Osaka Tour w/Govt Licensed MBA Guide & Photographer

best food tour in osaka

17. Evening Street Food Hopping Tour in Downtown Osaka

best food tour in osaka

18. Osaka Food Crawl W KUNI-Osaka Private Food Tour

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Osaka Food Tours

We have four unique and internationally awarded tours:

Backstreet Osaka Tour – Deep Osaka Food Tour  – Fisherman’s Market Tour  –  Hotspots & Hidden Gems of Osaka Tour  

best food tour in osaka

Japan’s #1 food tour & “Top 20 Food Tours In The World in 2022” according to Trip Advisor for OUR tour business!

Our goal is to provide an amazing experience… EVERYTIME!

best food tour in osaka

Why book with Osaka Food Tours?

  • Our 5 unique tours are more than your standard food tour: mixing history, traditional Osaka food & drinks, fun facts and very local insights.
  • We focus on fun and memorable food tours which you will rave about to your friends and family when you get home
  • The perfect tours for those who want to become a true Osaka foodie
  • We guarantee entertaining and insightful tours, blending historical info with quirky facts about Osaka and Osakan food culture 
  • Our guides are enthusiastic, passionate & always add a dose of humor
  • You’ll go to authentic eateries and hotspots rarely visited by tourists which you are likely to miss on your own

best food tour in osaka

Our Internationally Awarded Tours

Hotspots & hidden gems osaka tour.

best food tour in osaka

3rd most popular tour Osaka Airbnb (461 reviews) 4.88

・Featured on Britains channel 4 program “Jane McDonald: Lost in Japan”

・Kickstart your Osaka adventure with both the buzzing hubs & secret spots

・Discover the frenetic canal side entertainment district in all its glory

・Modern Osaka meets evocative, traditional hidden alleys

・A comprehensive guide of central Osaka in 3hrs with local recommendations

・Great value: comes with a drink, guidebook, snack & a friendly guide

Deep Osaka Food Tour

best food tour in osaka

 #1 Food Tour in Japan  2022/23 Viator (740 reviews)

・Mentioned on 7th season of the uber famous foodie Netflix show “Someone Feed Phil”

・Eat & drink at some of the most flavorsome, authentic, stalls & restaurants

・Dive into pockets of deep Osaka where street food is alive & brimming

・Check out a world where Osaka cuisine & beverages meets local history

・Taste the entire range at street stalls, markets, izakayas, restaurants etc

・ Get a massive 10 dishes to savor over: Delicous, quality & authentic

Backstreet Osaka Tour (With Dinner)

best food tour in osaka

 #1 Overall Experience in Japan on Trip Advisor  2022/23 (911 reviews)

・Featured on Youtube’s Reformatt show, 1.6 million views 

・Delve into a network of old, twisting, alleys full of charm & character

・Hear historic facts & encounters of a region controlled by the yakuza

・Venture into the intriguing ghetto area with a controversial past

・Explore a unique Taisho Era preserved historical red light district

・One hour at a traditional Izakaya, 5 dishes served. The “soul food” of Osaka din 

Local Fisherman's Market Food Tour

best food tour in osaka

5th most popular tour Osaka Airbnb (351 reviews) 4.85

・Endulge in a myriad of Osaka food specialties:  10-13 unique items. 

・Sensory experience: sights, smells and tastes come alive in these markets

・Enjoy first class seafood to tea to local snacks and dessert sweets

・Come with an empty stomach…a gastronomic experience awaits

・We’ll give a detailed explanation of every dish…know what you eat

Things to know about our tours

  • Tours are available everyday of the week. However tours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday fill up quick so please book early
  • Our walking tours are not difficult however you will be walking for around 1km-4km depending on the tour so please bring comfortable shoes
  • Vegetarian and pescatarian food options are available, however dairy free & vegan options are unfortunately not available 
  • Both Alcohol & soft drinks are available. Just let our knowledgeable guides know which drinks you prefer
  • If there is unsuitable weather we will notify you 3 hours before your tour starts and refund your pay in full
  • Private tours can be booked by filling out the form below to contact the team
  • Solo travelers are welcome! Over 50% of people come alone
  • Local Japanese and foreign tourists alike are welcome however all tours are in English
  • Children are also welcome, however the following tours might not be suitable: Deep Backstreets Osaka tour & Dinner With a Reformed Yakuza

Our professional guides have extensive knowledge of Osakan food, drinks, history and culture while adding a touch of humour and personality to each tour

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We received #1 & #2 experience in the whole of Japan, 2022

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2 page article in Sydney Morning Herald

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Contact Us: Osaka Food Tours, Inc.

Did you want a Private Tour? It’s available for all our tours. Did you have any other questions?

  • Deep Backstreet Osaka Tour
  • Osaka Food & Drinks Tour
  • Hotspots & Hidden Gems Tour
  • Kuromon Fisherman’s Market Tour
  • Others / Private Tour

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6 Best Osaka Food Tours

Hot skewers on a plate

The kaleidoscopic city of Osaka prides itself on being Japan’s center of subculture. It also has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best foodie cities in the world. As a foodie, I’m sure you know that one of the most enjoyable ways to immerse yourself in the local culinary scene is to join a food tour. In the best Osaka food tours, you can discover lesser-known eateries, learn more about the food culture, and even make some new friends along the way! 

From hidden backstreets lined with unique bars to shopping lanes bursting with street food, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Be sure to embrace the spirit of kuidaore (“eat ’til you drop”) when trying iconic local dishes such as takoyaki (grilled octopus balls) and of course okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).

Foodies Must Join These Food Tours in Osaka

Here are our top six recommended food tours in Osaka:

  • Backstreets of Osaka Food Tour at Night
  • Nostalgic Shinsekai Street Food Tour
  • Half Pint Craft Beer Tour in Osaka
  • Osaka Kuromon Market and Kitchen Town Tour
  • Osaka Namba and Dotonbori Tour
  • The Ultimate Osaka Night Tour

1. Backstreets of Osaka Food Tour at Night

You'll be part of the locals when you join one of the best Osaka food tours.

Explore the lively back alleys of Minami Osaka (South Osaka), the ideal place to experience some truly local hangouts.

Starting in Dotonbori, you get the chance to sample famous Osaka dishes, such as kushikatsu , takoyaki , and other seasonal specialties . This will be rounded off with a delicious regional dessert. Throughout the evening, you’ll be exploring the best drinking alleys and hole-in-the-wall izakayas, where you can really make the most of Osaka’s rowdy nightlife!

Book the Backstreets of Osaka Food Tour at Night >>

2. Nostalgic Shinsekai Street Food Tour

Immerse yourself in a wonderfully retro neighborhood that was inspired by both Paris and New York’s Coney Island! 

Built around the nostalgia-evoking Tsutenkaku Tower, you can choose to tour this charming area either during the daytime or after dark when the streets are aglow with multicolored lanterns. Either way, you’ll drop in at five different food stops to sample the city’s famous street food, including iconic dishes like kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers of meat, seafood, or vegetables). Also, there will be some time available for shopping, so you can find the perfect souvenir!

Book the Nostalgic Shinsekai Osaka Street Food Tour >>

3. Half Pint Craft Beer Tour in Osaka

On this Osaka tour, you'll try craft beer of every kind!

If you’re a fan of craft beer , this is the Japan tour for you! Hop between several different craft beer bars in the bustling Umeda district to discover more about Japanese craft beer and the breweries that produce it. At each location, you’ll enjoy a half-pint of craft beer. If you get peckish, food will also be available to purchase.

Whether you like your beer hoppy, malty, crisp, or dark, there’s a brew for everyone here, and your expert guide – who is a Certified Beer Server – will be more than happy to make recommendations. Perhaps you’ll even find a new favorite!

Book the Half Pint Craft Beer Tour in Osaka >>

4. Osaka Kuromon Market and Kitchen Town Tour

The plastic food models in Japan are so realistic, it's hard to tell what's edible or not. Try this tour to see it yourself.

This Osaka food tour takes you to two locations that truly embody the city’s foodie culture. First, you begin in Kuromon Ichiba Market, also known as “Osaka’s Kitchen” for being a sprawling arcade where both residents and restaurateurs go for culinary supplies. With around 150 stores selling everything from meat to confectionery, you’ll be surrounded by the sights, scents, and flavors of Osaka’s food scene. 

Then, it’s on to Sennichimae Doguyasuji, better known as “Kitchen Town,” where you can browse all manner of food-related merchandise. Admire the craftsmanship of razor-sharp cooking knives and beautiful ceramics, or pick up an intricate plastic “food sample” model used in restaurant windows for a really unique souvenir!

Book the Osaka Kuromon Market and Kitchen Town Tour >>

5. Osaka Namba and Dotonbori Tour

This is one of the best Osaka food tours as you'll delight on everything from fresh sushi to takoyaki.

Explore Namba district’s culinary delights on this three-hour food tour in Osaka. First, you’ll stop by the popular Kuromon Market, which serves the freshest produce and ingredients as well as mouthwatering street food. After that, you’ll go on to Dotonbori, a neon-lit entertainment wonderland in the heart of the city. 

Enjoy delicious local dishes such as yakitori (grilled chicken), sushi , and okonomiyaki pancakes as you explore this famous entertainment district, while your English-speaking guide teaches you all about Osaka’s world-renowned food culture.

Book the Osaka Namba and Dotonbori Food Tour >>

6. The Ultimate Osaka Night Tour

The best Osaka food tours don't just stop with food. Start your night right with authentic food before hitting the hottest spots in town.

In addition to its foodie credentials, Osaka is renowned across Japan for its wild nightlife scene. This tour will take you to the very best places to party the night away! Start the night with dinner at an authentic izakaya , before enjoying a walking tour of Namba’s coolest backstreets like a local.

Finally, you’ll hit up nightlight hotspots while surrounded by Dotonbori’s neon lights. It’s sure to be a night you’ll never forget!

Book The Ultimate Osaka Night Tour >>

From sampling unique local street food to heading out on late-night bar crawls, these culinary tours are a fantastic way to explore the gastronomic delights this vibrant and fun-loving city has to offer. So book one of the best Osaka food tours today, and ensure your visit to Japan is as delicious as it is exciting!

Want to find out more about what Osaka has to offer? Check out the Osaka guide for the newest trends in the area, popular attractions, and more!

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  • Feb 24, 2020

4 Best Food Tours in Osaka, Japan

Updated: Mar 7, 2020

food-tours-osaka-tourists-dining

One of the best things to do in Osaka is to embark on a food tour. It’s Japan’s kitchen, after all. Spotting random food stalls around the city for some gastronomic experience may sound exciting, but nothing beats joining a food tour in Osaka.

If you are looking for the best food tours in Osaka, Japan, you are in the right place. And if you prefer to have a self-guided food tour, don’t worry because, at the end of the article, we will give you some advice on where and what to eat in Osaka.

1. Dotonbori Food Tours

Best Tours in Tokyo

A lot of food tours in Osaka center around Dotonbori — the heart of the city . As home to so many restaurants, cafes, bars, and specialty shops, it actually comes as no surprise. While you can just proceed to Dotonbori and roam around to find some local delicacies, it’s not as easy as having someone local to walk you through the hidden alleys to find the best-tasting foods around the area. Most food tours in Osaka last for about three hours, and they will bring you to places that offer different specialties like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu. Depending on the food tour, your food might either be at your own expense or included in the tour fee.

2. Osaka Street Food Walking Tours

food-tours-osaka

If you want to eat like a local in Osaka, there’s no other perfect Osaka food tour to join than street food walking tours. In Osaka, Japan, street food tours are the best way to experience the city’s main highlight. Basically, how it usually works is you will be roaming around major food spots in the city on foot while your guide takes you through the history of the city. It’s an incredible experience because you're hitting two birds with one stone — enjoying Osaka’s local delicacies and seeing some of the most popular tourist attractions in Osaka . Depending on which Osaka food tours you are in, you may visit places like Dotonbori, Hozenji Yokocho, Kuromon Market, Shinsekai, or Tempozan Marketplace.

3. Kuromon Market Food Walking Tours in Osaka

And if you are looking for a food tour in Osaka that specifically goes to Kuromon Market, you are doing it right. Kuromon Market is a pretty popular source among locals and chefs for fresh produce, seafood, meat, and cooking utensils. Hence, Kuromon Market food walking tours in Osaka abound. Food stalls lined up the market where you can watch local owners and cooks create your food. Some stalls have available tables and chairs for you to sit down and dig in. Some local Osaka foods to eat that you will find here include takoyaki, okonomiyaki, yakiniku, fugu, and kushikatsu.

4. Osaka Self-Guided Food Tour

Best Tours in Tokyo

If you want to explore your own food tour itinerary, you surely need some help. With the right information, you will be able to embark on a gastronomic adventure pretty smoothly. We highly recommend staying in the Dotonbori area where most local delicacies can be found. Some food places you should find are Dotonbori Konamon Museum for some konamon goodness, Mizuno for family-made okonomiyaki, Daruma Kushikatsu to taste some iconic kushikatsu, Imai Honten Dotonbori for udon, and Kinguemon for Dotonobori-style ramen. We also recommend visiting Hozenji Yokocho and Kuromon Market for random food and drink hunts.

For updates, you can follow our Osaka free walking tour Facebook page, Osaka Localized Walking Tours .

Ready to get localized? Book your FREE walking tour in Osaka with Osaka Localized !

Osaka Localized provides visitors and travellers to Osaka with a unique perspective of this great city. What makes Osaka Localized unique is that our walking tour guides live and work in Osaka, have a passion for this city and love meeting and welcoming new faces.  Find out more about our Walking Tours in Osaka.

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  • Where To Eat In Osaka

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Osaka, also known as Japan’s Kitchen, has a global reputation for offering some of the most delicious and unique traditional Japanese cuisines. From the bustling streets of Dotonburi to the high-end restaurants of Shinsaibashi, there’s a dish to suit every appetite here – but all dishes here will arguably suit all appetites as well!

A quintessential part of exploring the wonderful city of Osaka is hitting up the local spots for street food. Yes, you can get crowd favorites like takoyaki everywhere around Japan, but there’s something special about devouring it in its supposed birthright city that makes it all the more delicious!

With so many options to dine at, in, and around, we’ve decided to help you out by listing down the 7 best street food spots in Osaka for you to explore. Let’s have a look!

1. Shinsekai Osaka Food Street

Shinsekai Street Food Osaka

Shinsekai is characterized by the iconic Tsutenkaki Tower and colorful street stalls. To say that’s one of the best places to get street food in Osaka would almost be an understatement.

Almost all of the classic Osaka street food options are available here, and they’re not made by just any random person. Some stalls have been passed down from generation to generation, making them a huge part of Osaka’s history itself.

Kushikatsu Shinsekai Osaka

There is a small strip here dedicated specifically to kushikatsu, or battered and fried skewers of meat, seafood, and vegetables. You’ll also number numerous stalls selling world-famous Osaka street food including takoyaki and okonomiyaki here as well.

Whilst the Shinsekai Osaka Food Street is breathtaking and vibrant during the day, at night, it truly comes alive. Bright and colorful signboards, bustling crowds, and enthusiastic stallholders looking to sell their fare to the next hungry customer.

  • Address : Shinsekai
  • Directions : It is a short walk from Shin-Imamiya Station, Dobutsuen-Mae Station, and Ebisucho Station.

2. Dotonbori Osaka

Most Instagrammable Places in Osaka Dotonbori Street

Dotonbori is considered a street food lovers paradise. The bustling street right in the middle of the city offers the quintessential Osaka experience: huge crowds, hundreds of food stalls and restaurants, and bars to finish off your night at.

Dotonbori boasts food stalls selling classic Osaka street good items such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki, but it also offers so much more. You can pretty much get every type of Japanese street food that you can dream of here.

Dotonbori Yatai Street Food Osaka

Chocolate-dipped bananas? Check. Kushikatsu? Check. Taiyaki? Check. Grilled crab legs? Check, check, check.

You can eat a 10-course street food meal throughout the entirety of Dontonbori – just make sure you don’t eat anything beforehand!

  • Address : Dotonbori Osaka
  • Directions : 5-minute walk from JR Namba Station.

3. Kuromon Ichiba Market

Kuromon Market is the most famous seafood market in Osaka. It is a relatively smaller strip of shops selling incredibly fresh seafood as well as fresh vegetables, fruits, and other meats.

Kuromon was originally a fish market, but it eventually became known as a shopping strip where you can sample the best seafood Osaka has to offer. You may find that some stalls have already prepared street foods for you to purchase, but many will also prepare them fresh on the spot.

Kuromon Ichiba Market Osaka

Our recommendation would be to try charcoal-grilled oysters. They’re huge in size, and the charcoal gives them a distinct toasted aroma that’s delicious.

Uni, or sea urchin, is a must – you’ll never come across uni as fresh as this, ever again.

Unagi, or eel, is a quintessential Japanese dish, and barbequed unagi over rice is simply *chef’s kiss*.

These are only a select few of the street food items you can experience at Kuromon Ichiba Market!

  • Address : Kuromon Ichiba Market
  • Directions : 2-minute walk from Nippombashi station, using Exit 2. It is also a 5-to-10-minute walk from Namba Station.

If you want to visit this market with a local guide, we listed a very nice food tour here: Best Food Tours In Osaka .

4. Hozenji Yokocho

Hozenji Yokocho Osaka

For those who are foodies but are also culturally inclined, Hozenji Yokocho is the perfect balance of Japanese tradition and street food culture. Hozenji Yokocho translates to ‘the street beside Hozenji’. It is only 80m long, with a cobblestone walkway that gives you olden-day vibes.

Hozenji Yokocho surprisingly boasts quite a ‘happening’ food scene. There is a huge variety of local and authentic foods, from yakitori grills to kushikatsu, okonomiyaki, and katsu cutlets.

If you want to visit a place that’s both photogenic as well as a foodie’s heaven, check out Hozenji Yokocho.

  • Address : Hozenji Yokocho
  • Directions : 3-minute walk from Namba Station, using Exit 14.

5. Ikuno Korea Town, Tsuruhashi

Ikuno Korea Town Osaka

Did you know that Osaka has its very own Koreatown? Similar to Shin-Okubo in Tokyo, Tsuruhashi is home to a plethora of condensed Korean food stalls, shops, and restaurants that rival those even in Seoul!

The entrance to Ikuno Korea Town features a huge unmissable gate called the Baekjae Gate, and once you walk through it, it’s like you’ve been transported.

Ikuno Korea Town Osaka

As you walk up and down Ikuno Korea Town, the smell of kimchi and deep-fried foods will temptingly waft through the air. You’ll be able to snack on endless Korean street food here.

We’d highly recommend trying the gimari (fried japchae noodles wrapped in seaweed), jokball (pigs trotters), Korean cheesy hotdogs, and, of course, the ttaekbokki rice cakes!

  • Address : Ikuno Korea Town, Tsuruhashi
  • Directions : 12-minute walk from Tsuruhashi Station.

6. Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Arcade

Osaka Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street attraction

Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Arcade is definitely one of the best street food spots in Osaka!

It’s located in the North of Osaka and it’s the longest shotengai in all of Japan! Stretching over 2.6km, it is split into seven perpendicular streets, each numbered from 1 to 7.  

Here, you won’t see any luxury brands of 5-star restaurants. Instead, you’ll witness a huge condensed area filled with antique stores, bookshops, shops selling household goods, craft stores, restaurants, and, of course, endless lines of street food!

Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Arcade

One of the most popular street food items to try from Tenjinbashisuji is the korokke or croquettes. The original and traditional recipe encompasses minced meat mixed with mashed potato and deep-fried. However, there are different versions available from different vendors, so we encourage you to explore them!

Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Arcade korokke

If you’re a big fan of takoyaki, head to Takoyaki Tamaya, where you can order a tasting dish from an assortment of different takoyaki to try. From curry with cheese to simple rock salt, you’ll get to eat takoyaki as you’ve never eaten it before!

  • Address : Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Arcade
  • Directions : It is a short walk away from Minami-Morimachi Station and Osakatenmangu Station.

If you want to get into the kitchen and learn how to make Japanese food in Osaka, feel free to join one of these 5 best cooking classes in Osaka .

7. Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street

Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street

Sennchimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street is affectionately known as Osaka’s Kitchen Street. The reason behind this is that it sells everything that you need to fully equip your kitchen!

Kitchenware of all shapes and forms will fill your vision as you peruse this 150m long strip. From Takoyaki grills to plastic food samples to knives – it’s got everything you need to be the perfect home chef.

After you’ve shopped to your heart’s content, why not check out the few street food stalls to appease your appetite before heading off to the next adventure? They also do food sampling classes (perfect for students on a field trip!), and takoyaki demonstration sales.

  • Address : Sennchimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street
  • Directions : 3 minutes away from Nankai Namba Station.

Reading this must have made you super hungry! There are so many street food options in Osaka that, to be honest, this list barely scratches the surface of what the huge, bustling, exciting city has to offer.

However, if you’re new to the Osaka street food scene, simply follow the scent of the grill and you’ll be right where you need to be in no time.

Let us know if you’ve experienced any of the mentioned markets before, and what were your favorite things to eat there! We’d love to hear about your experiences.

Before you go, make sure you also check out the best street food spots in Tokyo  and the best street food spots in Kyoto !

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COMMENTS

  1. 15 Best Osaka Food Tours [2024 Update]

    Here are the 15 best Osaka food tours. If you're in a hurry, jump down to my at a glance comparison guide. Osaka Food Tours: Quick Links. Osaka Food Tour: Best of the Best Experiences - top five recommendations and why Osaka Food Tour at Shinsekai with 10 Dishes; Ura Namba Food Tour: Eat Like a True Osakan

  2. The 9 Best Food Tours in Osaka You Need To Try In 2024

    Eat quintessential Japanese dishes at authentic Japanese restaurants. 7. Osaka Kuromon Market and Kitchen Town Tour. The Kuromon Ichiba Market is Osaka's version of the Tsukiji Markets, and, coming from the city that's known as Japan's kitchen, you just know that the market will be good!

  3. THE 10 BEST Osaka Food Tours (Updated 2024)

    Filters • 1. Sort. Walking Tours. Cultural Tours. Historical & Heritage Tours. Food Tours. Calling all the foodies out there, find & book the top-rated and best-reviewed food tours on Tripadvisor today. Eat your way through the food scene of Osaka. Your tastebuds will be thanking you later!

  4. 10 Best Osaka Food Tours For 2024

    Viator. Osaka Local Foodie Walking Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai. 3 hours (approx.) Takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu. 1 drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic available) Friendly and informative guide. $95.23. Viator. Eat like a Local Street Food Tour.

  5. 15 Best Osaka Food Tours and Experiences for 2024

    Check prices and availability for Osaka Food Tour. Enjoy ten different dishes from around Osaka including gyoza, udon, takoyaki, and more, at five eateries you won't find on the busy streets. You'll begin your tour at Dobutsuen-mae station, close to downtown Osaka, at 5:30PM.

  6. THE 10 BEST Osaka Food & Drink Tours (Updated 2024)

    These experiences are best for food & drink in Osaka: Osaka Food Tour (13 Delicious Dishes at 5 Local Eateries) Osaka Kickstart: Hotspots & Hidden Gems Tours(Private or Group) Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours; Tea Ceremony Experience in Osaka Doutonbori; Osaka Backstreet Night Tour; See more food & drink in Osaka on Tripadvisor

  7. 13 BEST Food Tours in Osaka, Japan

    Food tours in Osaka. Nostalgic Shinsekai Osaka Street Food Tour. Eat Like a Local Street Food Tour. Dine with a Former Yakuza. Backstreets of Osaka Night Food Tour. Osaka Bar Hopping Food Tour. Learn to Cook Osaka Style Street Food. Half Pint Craft Beer Tour in Osaka. All-Inclusive Night Foodie Cultural Extravaganza.

  8. Japan's Kitchen: 13 Essential Osaka Food Tours

    Osaka Food Tour (The Basics & So Much More) This Osaka food tour is an unforgettable dining experience with 5 stops and 13 mouthwatering dishes. Your guide's recommendations will include the most flavorful and iconic Japanese dishes and drinks, from local beer, Japanese sake, chuhai, highball, plum wine, and cocktails.

  9. Osaka Food Tours

    Kuromon Market And Dotonbori Food Tour. For first-time visitors to Osaka, this food tour provides a great introduction to one of Japan's best culinary cities. The tour focuses on the famous Osaka market, Kuromon, and Dotonbori, Osaka's food street. Beginning in the famous Kuromon Market, the centerpiece of Osaka food culture, the tour ...

  10. THE 10 BEST Osaka Food Tours (Updated 2024)

    These experiences are best for food tours in Osaka: Osaka Food Tour (13 Delicious Dishes at 5 Local Eateries) Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours; Tea Ceremony Experience in Osaka Doutonbori; Osaka Local Foodie Walking Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai; Osaka Backstreet Night Tour; See more food tours in Osaka on Tripadvisor

  11. THE TOP 10 Osaka Food Tours To Try in 2024

    Retro Osaka Street Food Tour: Shinsekai. 28. Osaka's Shinsekai district is a retro area known for being a place that locals love. Swap tourist hotspots for a tour that takes you to the real Osaka. Learn about the fascinating history of the area, and discover traditional dishes that date back to the 1900s.

  12. 10 Best Food Tours in Osaka for Foodies in 2024

    Osaka food tour with the vegan menu available: Osaka Bar Hopping Food Tour. Vegetarian-friendly food tour in Osaka: Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours. The best affordable food tour in Osaka: Kuromon Market Food Walking Tour in Osaka. Hands-on experience: Osaka Cooking Class. Best food tour for party lovers: Osaka Backstreet Night Tour.

  13. Osaka Food Tour (13 Delicious Dishes at 5 Local Eateries)

    Best Deep Osaka Nighttime Food-n-Fun with Locals (6 or less!) 118. Food & Drink. from . $115.00. per adult (price varies by group size) LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours. 796. Food & Drink. from . $54.40. ... We loved our Osaka Food Tour on our recent trip to Japan. We were a family of four from the UK and Poland sharing the tour ...

  14. THE 10 BEST Osaka Food Tours (Updated 2023)

    These experiences are best for food tours in Osaka: Osaka Food Tour (13 Delicious Dishes at 5 hidden Eateries) Osaka Local Foodie Walking Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai; Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours; Tea Ceremony Experience in Osaka Doutonbori; Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour; See more food tours in Osaka on Tripadvisor

  15. 10 Best Food Tours In Osaka, Japan

    9. Small-group Kansai Soul Tour in Osaka including Japanese Snacks (from USD 77.0) Source: Viator. This three and a half hour tour provides you with a great insight into many aspects of Japanese cuisine, allowing you to sample a wide variety of wonderful dishes.

  16. Osaka Food Tours

    5th most popular tour Osaka Airbnb (346 reviews) 4.85. ・Endulge in a myriad of Osaka food specialties: 10-13 unique items. ・Sensory experience: sights, smells and tastes come alive in these markets. ・Enjoy first class seafood to tea to local snacks and dessert sweets. ・Come with an empty stomach…a gastronomic experience awaits.

  17. 6 Best Osaka Food Tours: For the Foodies

    Here are our top six recommended food tours in Osaka: Backstreets of Osaka Food Tour at Night. Nostalgic Shinsekai Street Food Tour. Half Pint Craft Beer Tour in Osaka. Osaka Kuromon Market and Kitchen Town Tour. Osaka Namba and Dotonbori Tour. The Ultimate Osaka Night Tour. 1. Backstreets of Osaka Food Tour at Night.

  18. Osaka Food Tour (13 delicious dishes at 5 hidden eateries)

    An unforgettable dining experience, this Osaka food tour features 5 stops and 13 mouthwatering dishes. Your guide's recommendations will include the most flavorful and iconic Japanese dishes and drinks, from local beer, Japanese sake, chuhai, highball, plum wine, cocktails, and also non alcoholic options like soda and juice. ...

  19. Top 5 Osaka Food Tours You Should Take on Your Japan Trip

    01. Best Osaka Food Tour - 13 Delicious Street Food Dishes . Duration: 3 hours Price| Check price now | Reviews: 617 reviews 5 star rating| Book this tour now. Small group tour led by English-speaking Osaka local; Taste 13 iconic dishes at hidden local eateries

  20. 4 Best Food Tours in Osaka, Japan

    One of the best things to do in Osaka is to embark on a food tour. It's Japan's kitchen, after all. Spotting random food stalls around the city for some gastronomic experience may sound exciting, but nothing beats joining a food tour in Osaka. If you are looking for the best food tours in Osaka, Japan, you are in the right place. And if you prefer to have a self-guided food tour, don't ...

  21. 7 Must-Eat Foods in Osaka, with Restaurants and Tours

    Where to eat Okonomiyaki in Osaka:Mizunohas some of the best Okonomiyaki in Osaka. But come early—this restaurant often has long lines queuing out the door. The Japanese pancake, Okonomiyaki, is a specialty food in Osaka, and its preparation can be an Osaka restaurant show. 3. Butaman (Pork Buns)—Osaka Cheap Eats.

  22. The 7 Best Street Food Spots In Osaka You Should Not Miss

    If you want to visit this market with a local guide, we listed a very nice food tour here: Best Food Tours In Osaka. 4. Hozenji Yokocho. For those who are foodies but are also culturally inclined, Hozenji Yokocho is the perfect balance of Japanese tradition and street food culture. Hozenji Yokocho translates to 'the street beside Hozenji'.

  23. 25 Osaka Restaurants You'll Want to Fly For

    Served hot in winter and cold in summer, it's often topped with chopped scallions, tempura, aburaage (deep-fried tofu), and kamaboko (fish cake). 12. Dotombori Imai Honten. Dotombori Imai Honten has been open since 1946 and is one of the most beloved udon restaurants in Osaka.