Dive Deeper into Osaka's Food Culture: 10 Best Osaka Food Tours to During Your Trip in 2023

Dive Deeper into Osaka's Food Culture: 10 Best Osaka Food Tours to During Your Trip in 2023

Osaka is a city obsessed with food, and there’s no better place to experience Japanese cuisine. Enjoying a food tour in Osaka is the best way to savour the fantastic food and soulful vibes of the city. Here's our pick of the very best tours to help you maximize your experience of the best food in Osaka while making a few new friends along the way.

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Exploring Osaka: Largest City in Japan

Osaka is the third-largest city in Japan and the capital of the Osaka Prefecture. It is located in the Kansai region of Honshu, the main island of Japan. The city is known for its modern architecture, bustling streets, and friendly locals. It is known for its vibrant culture, delicious food, and friendly people. There are many attractions to explore in Osaka, including the Osaka Castle, the Dotonbori area, and the Universal Studios Japan theme park. You can also explore the bustling shopping districts, or take a stroll along the river to admire the views of the city.

Osaka is also home to several museums and galleries, such as the National Museum of Art, and the Osaka Museum of History. Visit one of Osaka's many temples and shrines to learn more about the city's religious roots, or take a break from sightseeing and relax at one of the city's many parks. With so much to explore and experience, Osaka is sure to be an unforgettable destination.

Osaka Food Guide: A Quick Introduction to Its Delicacies

Source www.agoda.com

Osaka, located in the Kansai region of Japan, is known for its delicious and hearty food. Here are a few popular dishes that you can try during your visit to Osaka:

  • Takoyaki - A ball-shaped snack made of wheat flour, filled with diced octopus, tempura bits, and green onion, and cooked in a special takoyaki pan.
  • Okonomiyaki - A savoury pancake made with a variety of ingredients such as cabbage, green onions, meat, and seafood. It's cooked on a griddle and often topped with a variety of condiments such as mayonnaise, okonomiyaki sauce, and dried bonito flakes.
  • Kushikatsu - skewered and deep-fried meat, vegetables, or seafood served with tonkatsu sauce.
  • Udon - thick wheat noodles served in a soy-based broth with a variety of toppings such as tempura, green onions, and fish cakes.
  • Soba - thin, buckwheat noodles served either hot in a broth or cold with dipping sauce.
  • Sushi - Osaka is known for its abundance of fresh seafood, so be sure to try some sushi while you're in the city.
  • Yakiniku - grilled meat, usually beef, cooked at the table on a small grill.

In addition to these local specialties, Osaka is also home to a wide variety of international and fusion cuisine, with many restaurants and street food stalls offering a diverse range of flavours and ingredients.

Top Ten Trending Food Tours in Osaka

1. Eat Like a Local in Osaka: Street Food Experience

This local food tour in Osaka includes visiting various street food stalls and Izakayas (Japanese pubs) to try a variety of local dishes and drinks. Some of the dishes mentioned in the description include Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), Okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), Takoyaki (octopus balls), Tonpeiyaki (omelets), Hormon (grilled tripe), and Shirako (fish semen). Tourists can also visit a sushi restaurant to taste fresh seafood from the Central Wholesale Market and stop at an izakaya for sake and beer. The tour is private and personalized, with a host who will recommend specific places to try the various dishes based on your preferences. The tour also includes the opportunity to learn about the origin and culture of the dishes you try and to discover new foods and flavours.

The local food tour for two adults costs $309.45 USD and can be availed from City Unscripted.

2. Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

The Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai is a 3-hour food tour that takes you through two of Osaka's most famous foodie neighborhoods. The tour includes 8 different Osaka specialties, such as Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, and Kushikatsu, and a local guide who will provide insights into the history and culture of the city. You will also get to explore hidden alleys and temples and experience the nostalgic atmosphere of Shinsekai and Dotonbori. The tour is suitable for vegans and vegetarians, and the friendly local guide will be happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions or allergies.

This food tour is a delicious and fun way to explore the food scene in the Shinsekai district and try some of the local specialties for $80 USD from Magical Trip.

3. Minoh Falls Japanese Craft Beer Hike

Minoh Falls Japanese craft beer hike is a hiking and craft beer tour in the Minoh area of Osaka. The tour includes a hike to Minoh Falls, a 33-meter tall waterfall located in Minoh Park, followed by a visit to Minoh Beer Warehouse, where you will be able to try two half-pints of Japanese craft beer. The tour is hosted by a certified beer server who has a lot of experience with Minoh Beer and other Japanese craft beers and can provide insights and recommendations about the local beer scene. The tour is suitable for nature lovers and beer enthusiasts alike and offers a chance to get some exercise and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Minoh Park while also trying some local craft beer.

It sounds like a fun and unique way to explore the area and experience the outdoors and local culture for $76 USD from By Food.

4. The Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour

With Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour you will be able to explore one of Osaka's s famous food markets. Here you can try a variety of local street foods and learn about Osaka's food culture and history. The tour includes 4-5 food samplings, enough to fill your stomach, and a local guide who will provide insights into the market and its culture. You will also have the opportunity to find unique Japanese kitchenware and tableware souvenirs to bring home. The tour is suitable for vegans and vegetarians, and the friendly local guide will be happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions or allergies. Overall, it sounds like a great way to experience the vibrant food scene of Osaka and discover some of the city's must-eat street foods.

The Kuromon market tour can be availed for $36 USD from Magical Trip.

5. Osaka Bar Hopping Tour in Namba

Namba is a district in Osaka, Japan known for its lively atmosphere, shopping, and dining. It is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike and is home to many attractions. The area is also known for its food, particularly takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancake), and is home to several restaurants and food stalls. The Osaka bar-hopping tour in the Namba area includes visiting three local Izakaya (Japanese pubs) with a local guide, who can help explain the menus and order for you. The tour also includes tasting Japanese sake and is a fun way to experience the nightlife in Osaka and try some local drinks. The tour starts in the Dotonbori district and passes by the Glico Sign, a famous landmark in Osaka. The tour also includes a visit to Hozen-ji Temple and Hozenji Yokocho, a local nightlife district in Namba. The tour lasts for three hours and includes photos taken during the tour. It can be availed for $106 USD from Viator.

6. Evening Street Food Hopping Tour in Downtown Osaka

Take advantage of this food tour to experience downtown Osaka. As a part of the tour, you can sample a variety of Japanese street food, including gyoza dumplings, octopus balls, and ramen noodles. You will also have the opportunity to visit an izakaya, a casual pub that serves grilled seafood, Japanese tapas, skewered food, pizzas, and savory pancakes. The tour includes transportation from your accommodation to downtown Osaka, so you can sit back and relax as you make your way to the food stalls and bars.

The tour also includes drinks like beer, sake, and soft drinks, allowing you to fully experience the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Osaka. The tour begins with pickup at your accommodation in Osaka and ends in the Dohtonbori area, allowing you to continue exploring the city's vibrant food scene on your own after the tour concludes. This private tour is ideal for food lovers and first-time visitors to Osaka and offers a great way to experience the city's unique culture and cuisine.

The evening street food tour can be purchased for $153 USD from Viator.

7. Hotspots and Hidden Gems of Osaka Tour

Hidden Gems of Osaka Tour is a unique and immersive way to explore the city, with the chance to visit both popular and lesser-known locations. You will have the opportunity to see the secret hotspots and hidden gems of Osaka, as well as learn about the city's customs and culture. The tour includes a visit to a traditional food market, a mystic temple, and the chance to see a Yakuza clubhouse (from a safe distance). You will also get to experience the vibrant nightlife of Osaka on the night tour.

The tour guide is passionate and knowledgeable about Osaka's food, drinks, history, and culture, and is ready to answer all of your questions. The tour includes a light Japanese snack, a hot or cold beverage, and a detailed guidebook for Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara.

It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for the weather. It can be availed for $54 USD from Osaka Food Tours.

8. Nightlife Osaka Food Tour

Nightlife Osaka Food Tour is a great way to experience the vibrant and lively food culture of Osaka after night falls. The tour will take you to some of the city's famous food streets and hidden alleys, where you can try local specialties like Kushikatsu and Takoyaki. You will also have the chance to eat and drink like a local at a lively izakaya (pub), and explore some of the city's famous entertainment districts. Along the way, You will be guided by an English-speaking tour guide and join a small group of up to 10 participants.

The tour has a duration of 3 hours and offers flexible cancellation, allowing you to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Nightlife Osaka Food Tour includes 4 food stops where you can try a variety of local specialties and street food. You will also get to enjoy one drink, either a draft beer or Nihonshu (rice wine), at a local izakaya (pub). The tour will also include a dessert, which could be local street food or a traditional Japanese sweet.

The night tour can be availed for $209 USD from Get Your Guide.

9. Daytime Dotonbori Food Tour

The Daytime Dotonbori food tour helps you get a closer look at the rich food culture of Osaka and discover some of the city's hidden food gems. The tour will take you on a 3-hour walk through the famous foodie neighborhoods of Dotonbori and Namba, where you will have the chance to try local specialties like Kushikatsu (fried skewers) and Takoyaki (octopus fritters).

You will also visit a local Izakaya (pub) and enjoy a seasonal lunch set, complete with a drink. The tour will also include a traditional Japanese dessert, and you will be guided by a local English-speaking guide who can provide insights into the local food scene and culture.

Overall, it sounds like a fun and tasty way to explore Osaka and discover its culinary delights for $190 USD from Get Your Guide.

10. Instagrammable Food Tour

The Instagrammable food experience, Osaka style, is a tour that takes you on a culinary adventure through some of the city's most picturesque and Instagram-worthy eateries and food establishments. You will have the chance to try a variety of local dishes, ranging from classic Osakan eats to the latest Instagram trends, and snap photos of the weird, wonderful, and wacky dishes you encounter. Some of the places you may visit on the tour include an Alice in Wonderland-themed cafe, Mamezo & Cafe, Hozenji Yokocho, American Village, Ura Namba, Nipponbashi, and Umeda. You will also have the opportunity to pick your host's brain for the best places to eat and drink for the rest of your trip to Osaka.

Overall, it sounds like a fun and unique way to explore the city's food culture and discover some of its most Instagram-worthy dishes for $309.45 USD from City Unscripted.

Food Tours - Do's and Don'ts

Here are some general do's and don'ts for food tours:

    Do's:

    • Do your research and choose a reputable tour operator or guide.
    • Do come with an open mind and a willingness to try new foods and flavors.
    • Do communicate any dietary restrictions or allergies to the tour operator or guide in advance.
    • Do arrive on time and follow the instructions of the tour operator or guide.
    • Do be respectful of local customs and traditions.
    • Do have cash on hand for any additional purchases or tips.

    Don'ts:

    • Don't be afraid to ask questions or request clarification from the tour operator or guide.
    • Don't be rude or disrespectful to the local staff or other tour participants.
    • Don't consume more food or drink than you can handle, and be mindful of your limits.
    • Don't take food home or waste it unnecessarily.
    • Don't try to take shortcuts or deviate from the planned tour route.
    • Don't forget to have fun and enjoy the experience!
    From our editorial team

    Conclusion!

    You will find that Osaka has a wide range of food tours. There are many exquisite dishes in Japan, so it would be nice to participate in a food tour where you can get a first-hand experience of the local food culture. Having a pleasant companion during your tour, especially if you’re going to be sharing a meal with them, is an important aspect of having a great day. So choose the perfect guide to take you around the city of Osaka and eat the delicious food that you can only find here!

    Don't miss these tours. Book in advance to avoid disappointment during your stay in Osaka!

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