6 Best Osaka Food Tours
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:
1. Backstreets of Osaka Food Tour at Night
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!
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!
3. Half Pint Craft Beer Tour in Osaka
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!
4. Osaka Kuromon Market and Kitchen Town Tour
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!
5. Osaka Namba and Dotonbori Tour
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.
6. The Ultimate Osaka Night Tour
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!
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!
