Japan’s kitchen, Osaka, serves up the country’s most exciting food scene through carefully-crafted food tours. The standout experiences include an eye-opening LGBTQ+ walking tour in Doyama, where you’ll taste local specialties while learning about the neighborhood’s unique culture. We love the 3-hour Temma evening food crawl – it’s a perfect introduction to Osaka’s famous street food and drinking culture. For food-loving travelers with dietary restrictions, the vegan cooking class hits the spot, teaching you how to make Osaka’s famous takoyaki balls without animal products.
These tours come with English-speaking local guides who know their stuff and can handle special dietary needs. Short, sweet, and satisfying – check out our favorite Osaka food tours below.
Key Points
- The Tenma Bar and Restaurant Hopping tour offers a 3-hour experience with visits to 2-3 local bars and restaurants, including food and drink samples.
- The Vegetarian/Vegan Cooking Class provides a 2-hour session to learn how to make plant-based takoyaki, a traditional Japanese snack, led by a nutritionist.
- The LGBTQ+ Tour in Osaka offers a 3-hour experience with visits to the Shin-sekai district for dinner and the Doyama district for bar exploration, with commentary on LGBTQ+ history.
- The tours provide opportunities for culture through local cuisine, interaction with guides, and dining experiences.
- The tours offer accessibility features, such as wheelchair accessibility, dietary accommodations, and flexible cancellation policies, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive experience.
Osaka: Lgbtq+ Tour With Dinner and Drinks
For those interested in exploring Osaka’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, the “Osaka: LGBTQ+ Tour with Dinner and Drinks” experience offers an immersive and informative outing. Priced from Kč 2,113 per person, this 3-hour tour in English is limited to 8 participants, making it an intimate and personalized experience.
The tour begins at Dobutsuen-Mae Station and includes visits to the Shin-sekai district for a light dinner and the Doyama district, Osaka’s largest gay district, where participants can discover local bars.
Along the way, the guide will provide commentary on the history and evolution of the LGBTQ+ community in Osaka, as well as recommendations for bars tailored to individual interests. Two drinks are included in the tour, though participants must be 18+ due to Japan’s legal drinking age.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Solo travelers have the option to attend on an alternate date, pay a supplement, or receive a full refund if the minimum of 2 guests isn’t met.
Read our full review: Osaka: Lgbtq+ Tour With Dinner and Drinks Review
Book now: Check availability
Osaka: 3-Hour Bar and Restaurant Hopping Tour in Temma
Explore Osaka’s vibrant drinking and dining scene on a 3-hour bar and restaurant hopping tour through the lively Tenma district. For $146.99 per person, you’ll visit 2-3 local bars and restaurants, sampling grilled yakitori, yakiniku, oden, and street food, accompanied by one drink and one food item at each location.
The tour starts at Tenma Station, just a minute from Osaka Station, and includes a 15-minute guided tour at a scenic viewpoint.
Experience authentic Japanese culture as you mingle with locals and explore the district’s renowned nightlife. The Tenma area is known for its izakaya, or traditional pubs, where you can soak up the lively atmosphere.
Your knowledgeable guide will provide insight into the dishes you’ll sample, ensuring you have a well-rounded cultural experience. Just remember, you must be at least 20 years old to participate, and any additional food and drinks beyond the initial offerings aren’t included in the tour price.
Read our full review: Osaka: 3-Hour Bar and Restaurant Hopping Tour in Temma Review
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Vegetarian/Vegan Osaka Local Food Experience
Foodies seeking a hands-on vegetarian or vegan culinary experience can enjoy Osaka’s vibrant local food culture through a 2-hour cooking class.
Priced from €53.74 per person, the Vegetarian/Vegan Osaka Local Food Experience offers participants the chance to learn how to make traditional takoyaki, or octopus balls, with a twist – these versions are completely plant-based.
Led by a nutritionist and a bilingual assistant, the class takes place in a cozy home-like setting, where guests will cook and dine together.
The class focuses on the preparation of the iconic Japanese snack, providing an opportunity to learn about local cuisine and culture.
Pickup and drop-off are available from Shin-Osaka and Awaji stations, making it easy to access.
With an overall 5/5 rating from previous participants, the experience is praised for its hospitable hosts and the chance to enjoy homemade vegan takoyaki.
Suitable for individuals interested in Japanese gastronomy and vegetarian/vegan diets, the class accommodates dietary restrictions with advance notice.
Read our full review: Vegetarian/Vegan Osaka Local Food Experience Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Osaka’s dining scene offers a diverse range of experiences. From LGBTQ+-friendly tours with dinner and drinks to vegetarian/vegan local food adventures, there’s something to suit every palate. Foodies can also enjoy bar and restaurant hopping in the lively Temma district. Whether you’re seeking authentic Japanese cuisine or a vibrant night out, Osaka’s dining options provide memorable experiences for all.