Osaka Food Tours(22)

Food Tours in Osaka

Osaka is a highlight of Japan’s Golden Route. It’s located on the main island of Honshu in Japan and is known for its lively culture, friendly people, and incredible food scene. This city has so much to offer from the neon lights of Dotonbori to the majestic Osaka Castle, action-packed Universal Studios Japan, and mouth-watering street food in the downtown Namba district.

From delectable street food to exquisite sushi, Osaka offers a unique gastronomical experience that will leave your taste buds tingling. Osaka is known as the food capital of Japan, where the city’s culinary scene is as vibrant as its nightlife. There are plenty of daytime Osaka food tours, but if you fancy heading out after dark, joining an Osaka night food tour is the way to go. First, put on your stretchy pants and join us on a quick foodie tour through Osaka’s best eats, here.

Osaka Famous Foods

Osaka is a city so passionate about food it has its related catchphrase. ‘Kui-daore’ is a popular expression you’ll hear bandied about on the streets of Osaka, translating to ‘eat until you drop’. Where are the best places to ‘kui-daore’ in the nation's kitchen? We’re so glad you asked. First stop, Dotonbori–Osaka’s most famous food destination. The bright neon lights and the bustling crowds make Dotonbori an exciting place to be at night. But it’s the food that attracts visitors from all over the world. The most iconic dish in Dotonbori is the Takoyaki – a ball-shaped snack made from a savory batter filled with diced octopus, pickled ginger, and green onion, topped with mayonnaise and bonito flakes. Don’t let the size fool you; these tiny balls pack a flavor punch. After a visit to this renowned culinary district, you can proudly call yourself a fully-fledged Osaka foodie.

Next, we head to Kuromon Ichiba Market, Osaka’s Kitchen. This market has existed since 1902 and is a food lover’s paradise. This market has everything from fresh seafood like octopus, squid, and sea urchin to Kobe beef. Try the grilled scallops, buttery and succulent with a hint of smokiness, and the Fugu sashimi–a dish made from the notoriously poisonous pufferfish that can only be served by licensed chefs.

Osaka Yokocho (Drinking Alley) Tours

For something more unconventional, check out an Osaka back alley (yokocho) food tour. We’ll take you to the hidden alleys of Osaka to discover some of the bizarre snacks the locals love. How about trying the Kushikatsu–skewered foods like chicken, shrimp, and vegetables, battered and deep fried to perfection? And don’t forget to dip them in the thick and sweet tonkatsu sauce–a local favorite. If you want to feast but get your steps in, we present an Osaka food walking tour–the best of both worlds.

Guided Food Tours in Osaka

One of the best ways to discover the city’s food scene is to take a guided food tour in Osaka. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who will take you to the best spots in the city, from hole-in-the-wall eateries to high-end restaurants. By joining an Osaka food tour with a guide, you’ll learn about the history of each dish and the ingredients used to create these culinary delights. Plus, you’ll get to try various dishes without the hassle of researching and planning your itinerary.

Deep Osaka Food Tours

For those who want a super exclusive food experience, try one of our secret or deep Osaka food tours. These ventures take you off the beaten path, away from the tourist crowds, and to some of Japan's most authentic culinary experiences. From a traditional Japanese breakfast to a sake tasting, these tours offer a unique insight into the local food culture.

Last but not least, we can’t talk about Osaka’s food scene without mentioning the local specialty–Okonomiyaki. Imagine a savory pancake filled with cabbage, pork belly, and sometimes shrimp or octopus, topped with a special sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes. It’s a dish that’s satisfying and rich in flavor. The best place to try this dish is at a traditional Okonomiyaki restaurant, where you can watch your meal being cooked on a hotplate. This culinary darling is often enjoyed with a drink, so an Osaka food and sake tour will do the trick.

Osaka is a food lover’s paradise; the best way to experience it is through an Osaka food tour. From the iconic Takoyaki to the unconventional Kushikatsu, Osaka’s culinary scene offers something for everyone. So, come hungry, curious, and ready to discover what Osaka offers.