osaka food tour

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

Osaka is globally and locally considered the kitchen of Japan, so what better way to explore this incredibly fascinating city, with its numerous alleyways of izakayas and streets lined with food stalls, than to hop on a food tour?

Of course, there is a fantastic degree of flexibility involved when creating your own exploring itinerary. However, the excitement of being taken someplace off the beaten path, with a chance to rub shoulders with locals, while being guided by a knowledgeable and engaging local is just too great of a deal to pass on – and we highly, highly recommend this option.

Below we’ve curated a fantastic list of the top 9 best food tours in Osaka for you to discover.

1. Osaka Food Tour (10 Delicious Dishes, 5 Hidden Eateries)

Keen to discover the food scene of Osaka like a true local? This all-encompassing Osaka food tour will take you to deep corners of this dense city and have you learning about the eateries that only true locals will know about and frequent.

The tiny bars and small few-seated restaurants can be quite intimidating for some to enter, especially if you feel like your language skills are limited. However, on this tour, your friendly guide, who is a well-known local, will introduce you to some hidden gems that will welcome people from all walks of life.

This entire food tour will have you stopping at five different places to sample 10 different Osaka traditional dishes. You’ll also be guided on which drinks to pair with your food, from alcoholic beverages such as chuhai and plum wine to Japanese soda.

Highlight :

• Visit 5 restaurants to sample 10 different dishes at hidden and authentic Osaka eateries
• Visit pockets of Osaka that are normally frequented only by locals
• Learn about the history of Osaka’s food and culture

2. Engaging, Immersive Osaka Foodhood Tour (15 Foods, 3 Drinks)

If you consider yourself a massive foodie, this immersive Osaka Foodhood tour is a fantastic option for you!

Dotonbori and Shinsekai receive an enormous amount of love from tourists, and rightfully so. They’re both super engaging, exciting, and fun-filled areas that are as fascinating as they are memorable.

However, many areas in and around Osaka offer just as much character and adventure and are often without crowds.

Tenma and Kyobashi are two such areas, and this food tour gives them the amount of attention that they deserve. Deep in the Osaka suburbs, these two neighborhoods are brimming with overwhelmingly fascinating food culture and nightlife.

Tenma is home to a huge shotengai, whereas Kyobashi is a watering hole that’s a diamond in the rough – often overlooked and not nearly as crowded as other food streets.

In this food hall tour, you’ll be discovering Osaka by night, skipping your way through tiny standing bars and traditional Japanese restaurants. By the end of the tour, you’ll be full of the likes of sashimi, kushikatsu, seasonal grilled vegetables, and much more.

• 3-hour food tour of underrated foodie neighborhoods in Osaka
• Experience a full dinner as well as 3 additional drinks!
• Learn about the history and culture of Osaka

3. Deep Backstreet Osaka Tour

Fancy witnessing the nittier, gritter side of Osaka? This backstreet tour of Osaka will introduce you to Kevin, a knowledgeable Japanese-Australian who won’t hesitate to tell you more about the unfiltered side of Japan.

You will experience some of the most authentic Japanese eateries in Osaka whilst learning about the history of the region that’s not normally portrayed in blogs. Gain insights into taboo topics and truly deep-dive below the surface level of Osaka as a region.

The eateries you will be taken to will likely not appear on any ‘lists’ online; they’re only frequented by locals and are considered ‘hidden’ – what a treat! Fill your stomach up with 8 different delicious Japanese foods, and then arrive at the final destination, which is an izakaya, for a course meal to finish off the fantastic food tour.

• Indulge in 8 different authentic Japanese dishes
• Learn about the history of the region; facts commonly unknown
• Stoll through the red light district from the Taisho era (optional)

4. The Ultimate Osaka Night Tour

Exploring Osaka by day is one thing, but exploring the neon-lit city by night is just a whole new experience.

In this ultimate Osaka night tour, you’ll get to witness this vibrant city come to life at night, dining at some of the best pubs that Osaka has to offer, and discover some hidden gems that you wouldn’t otherwise know about.

The guide is a well-versed local, knowledgeable and passionate about what the nightlife and food culture of Osaka has to offer. You’ll start the tour off at an izakaya, where you’ll get to eat an authentic Japanese pub-style dinner.

From there, you’ll be walking the streets of Namba, but not as you know it. Follow your guide through the quiet, unknown alleys of Namba, away from the crowds and noise, and into the joints of the locals.

You’ll finish off at the party center of Shinsaibashi and Amemura, but not before grabbing a selfie at Dotonburi.

• Discover a different side of Osaka – the party side
• Enjoy a full dinner at one of Osaka’s best local izakaya restaurants
• Explore the backstreets of Namba like a local
• Tour includes your first drink at every post-dinner venue!

5. Half Pint Craft Beef in Osaka

Craft beer is a long-time passion of Japanese people and this tour of the best craft beer in Umeda will expose you to a side of Japan that you probably didn’t know existed!

For craft beer enthusiasts, this is the dream tour. It will focus on specific Japanese craft beers and their respective breweries, led by a Certified Beer Server who boasts extensive knowledge of the industry.

For those who are not craft beer enthusiasts, this is still quite a fun tour to engage in. You will come across a wide range of Japanese beers and gain interesting and valuable insights into the world of Japanese craft beer. You may even discover a new favorite beer!

• You are entitled to a half-pint at each location!
• Get insight and exposure to several craft bars in downtown Osaka
• The guide is a certified beer server with extensive knowledge on craft beer

6. Osaka Night Life: Eating and Drinking

This food tour focuses on the neighborhood of Tenjinbashi, one of Osaka’s most famous food streets. If you’re a Netflix fiend, you might even recognize this street from the popular “Street Food” series!

Despite the global attention it received, Tenjinbashi is still relatively low-key, frequented by locals, and devoid of crowds.

This tour will take you deep into the crevices of Tenjinbashi, through its narrow alleys of hidden bars and restaurants, and introduce you to some of the most welcoming hosts you’ll ever come across.

Expect to experience some of Japan’s most authentic dishes, including takoyaki, Wagyu beef, sushi, and ramen!

• Experience nightlife in Osaka, led by a local
• 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!

Taking you through is a knowledgeable local guide who won’t hesitate to point out the best places to sample fresh seafood, sashimi, and produce. You’ll be spoilt for choice, as Kuromon Ichiba boasts a whopping 39 fishmongers, 10 grocery shops, 12 butchers, 7 candy shops, and 24 restaurants!

After you’ve had your fill, head to Sennichimae Doguyasuji, a place where you can witness the model plastic Japanese foods being made. Known as Osaka’s ‘Kitchen Town’, Sennishimae Doguyasuji is also an area you can purchase Japanese ceramics, dinnerware, knives, and the like.

Don’t forget to bring extra cash for all the souvenirs you’ll be purchasing for your home!

• Explore the Kuromon Ichiba Market like a local
• Get insights on the most high-quality seafood at the market
• Visit and learn more about Sennichimae Doguyasuji, Osaka’s ‘Kitchen Town’
• Shop for souvenirs

If you want to visit similar places in Osaka, make sure you check out our article about the best street food spots in Osaka .

8. Nostalgic Shinsekai Osaka Street Food Tour

The gorgeous neighborhood of Shinsekai is as stunning during the day as it is at night, and the best thing about this tour is that you can opt to do it during the AM or PM!

Shinsekai offers a nostalgic, vintage atmosphere to all those who visit it; references to the early 1900s and 1960s can be found along the colourful streets through its architecture, exterior and interior decor, and signage. Despite its neon-lit facade, the retro vibes truly shine through.

In this food tour, you’ll be introduced to some famous Osaka street foods, including kushikatsu (battered and fried skewers), and takoyaki (octopus balls), at restaurants that operate on a 24-hour basis.

You’ll discover some authentic hole-in-the-wall joints that would otherwise be overlooked, and learn more about the food culture of Osaka than you would if you were exploring on your own.

Shinsekai is exciting and bustling during the day, but at night, it truly comes alive with lit-up lanterns and neon signs.

• Discover 5 different food stops with authentic Japanese foods
• Immerse yourself into a retro-style neighborhood in Japan – plenty of photo opportunities!
• Experience the local cuisine, such as kushikatsu

9. Backstreets of Osaka Food Tour at Night

Osaka at night is nothing short of amazing – the frisson in the air as you explore this crazy beautiful city cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world, and Dotonbori is located right in the center of all the excitement.

If you think you know Dotonburi, think again.

This food tour that will take you through the backstreets of the vibrant Dotonburi entertainment area will expose you to a side that you’ve never been to before.

You’ll still get to experience the frenzy of the street, but instead of fighting your way through the crowds, you’ll explore the windy little alleyways, which will eventually bring you to the other side of Osaka.

Sample local dishes such as kushikatsu, cram yourself into a tiny izakaya, clink beers with the locals, and finish up with some delicious local dessert.

• 4 different food stops with street food and local restaurant experiences (including kushikatsu, takoyaki, and seasonal dishes)
• Explore the smaller alleyways of Dotonburi
• Discover Osaka’s retro drinking alleys

Endeavoring to sample all that Osaka, Japan’s Kitchen, has to offer is a big feat. We know because we’ve tried.

It’s an impossible task because there is just so much on offer in this eclectic, vibrant, food-fueled city!

However, these top 10 best food tours in Osaka will not only expose you to the best side of Osaka’s food scene but will take you deeper than the surface level and allow you to learn how it all came to fruition.

We hope you enjoyed reading about these food tours in Osaka, and if you’ve decided to explore the city through any of them, let us know how your experience goes!

If you want to know how to make some of Osaka’s specialities, make sure you also join one of the 5 best cooking classes in Osaka !

Wanna join food adventures in Tokyo and Kyoto too? Check out our selections of the best food tours in Tokyo and the best food tours in Kyoto .

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Osaka “Tenjinbashi” Secret Food Tours

Learn about the food scene and culture in Osaka from our food enthusiasts who will explain the interesting stories behind local classic delicacies such as 'Okonomiyaki'(Japanese Savory Pancake) and 'Kushikatsu'(Deep-fried skewered).

Discover the traditions and social functions of Japanese food inTenjinbashi-suji area. With this unique culinary experience, our guides will educate you about how local food has developed into a regional unique style. Eating in Osaka is more than providing substance for the body, it also includes an appreciation for custom and tradition for how the food is sourced, prepared, and enjoyed by the local Japanese people.

By booking our Osaka Tenjinbashi Food Tour, our food experts will take you away from the ever so classic areas of Dotonbori, Shinsekai or Kuromon Market on an adventurous food journey with delicious and mouth-watering local delicacies. Be entertained with stories of the city's and culture; food for thought as well as the body! As with all our tours, there is a secret dish, which you will only find out about on the day of the tour.

Upgraded Drinks Package

For those 20 and over with a valid ID, we are pleased to offer a special alcohol package, including an award-winning, locally brewed craft beer, a bigger-sized beer option best to pair with Okonmiyaki, and a glass of Chuhai, Japanese lemonade type of sake to be served with beef Kushikatsu. This can only be purchased in advance of the food tour and is not available by itself. For more details, click here

Tenjinbashi suji is a perfect spot for those who care for local food and cultural exploration. It is an interesting and unique area to dig deep into distinctive Osaka-ish cuisine and atmosphere, where you are highly likely to come across some undiscovered gems of Osaka.

Osaka, Japan, is a culinary paradise known for its vibrant street food scene and hearty local dishes like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. A walking tour through lively neighborhoods like Dotonbori showcases its rich food culture, dynamic nightlife, and welcoming atmosphere, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

At Secret Food Tours we take your health and the health of our staff very seriously. To be sure that you can enjoy our tours with the maximum protection we have put in place some strict measures.

• We have been certified by We're Good To Go
• We make sure that all our partners and our own places are disinfected after each tour
• All our guide have been trained on health and safety measures
• Masks and hand sanitizers should be used on all our tours by our guides
• Guests must bring their own mask
• We keep our group small and we offer private tours

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Osaka Food Tours ( 29 )

Daytime Food Tour in Osaka Dotonbori

Known as “Japan’s Kitchen,” Osaka is a city for foodies. On this tour, weave through the backstreets of the Dotonbori and Nanba neighborhoods to find the best hidden food spots and enjoy specialties like fried skewers and Michelin-rated takoyaki.

10 Best Osaka Food Tours For 2024

By: Author Lora

Posted on Last updated: May 4, 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.  

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

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 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

• 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

• 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

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
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• Hidden gems in Osaka

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.

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
• 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

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 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. 

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

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.  

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.

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.  

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. 

If you are looking for an overview of delicious Japanese street food, click here.

Here you can find all our Japan posts.