Osaka’s food scene ranks among Japan’s best, with tours and experiences that showcase what locals really eat. The standout private dining tours pair you with knowledgeable guides who take you beyond tourist spots to authentic local restaurants. We especially love the evening bar-hopping experience in the lively Temma district – it’s where you’ll find the real soul of Osaka’s after-hours food culture. The hands-on cooking classes for sushi and Takoyaki (including vegetarian versions) give you skills to take home, while the LGBTQ+ nightlife tour offers a unique perspective on the city’s diverse food culture. Browse our favorite food experiences below to taste the best of Osaka.
Key Points
- Osaka Hospitality Fancy Dinner offers a private tour with a full-course Japanese dinner, two alcoholic beverages, and local food experiences.
- The LGBTQ+ Tour with Dinner and Drinks provides an immersive exploration of Osaka’s LGBTQ+ culture, including a light dinner and two drinks.
- The Sushi Making Experience is a hands-on class covering sushi, tamagoyaki, ramen, and daifuku mochi, with a full tasting menu.
- The Bar and Restaurant Hopping Tour in Temma district offers food tastings and one drink at local bars and restaurants.
- The Vegetarian/Vegan Osaka Local Food Experience includes a 2-hour cooking class on preparing vegetarian/vegan Takoyaki.
Osaka Hospitality Fancy Dinner and Japanese Alcohol Bar Experience
The Osaka Hospitality Fancy Dinner and Japanese Alcohol Bar Experience offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the culinary and cultural delights of Japan’s vibrant city of Osaka.
This private tour includes a Japanese dinner full course, two alcoholic beverages, and two local foods at a bar, all accompanied by a local guide born and raised in Osaka.
The experience takes place on Saturdays and Sundays from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM, with the meeting point at the ZARA HOME store in Umeda.
Transportation from the Umeda Sky Building to the dinner location costs around 300 Yen, and a taxi back can be arranged for approximately 2000 Yen.
The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate, as long as they don’t have any serious medical conditions.
Priced from $450 per person, the tour offers a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the start.
Read our full review: Osaka Hospitality Fancy Dinner and Japanese Alcohol Bar Experience Review
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Osaka: Lgbtq+ Tour With Dinner and Drinks
Nestled within Osaka’s vibrant cityscape, the LGBTQ+ Tour with Dinner and Drinks offers an immersive exploration of the local queer scene.
Over 3 captivating hours, guests will experience the best of Osaka’s LGBTQ+ culture, from the iconic Shin-sekai neighborhood to the bustling Doyama district – the city’s largest gay hub.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour delves into the history and present-day of Osaka’s LGBTQ+ community.
Participants will discover hidden gems in the Namba district, indulge in a light dinner of Osaka’s renowned soul food, and enjoy two included drinks at diverse LGBTQ+-friendly bars.
From bear bars to twink-centric venues, the tour showcases the community’s vibrant and inclusive nightlife.
Accessible to wheelchair users and limited to just 8 participants, this experience provides an intimate, tailored glimpse into Osaka’s LGBTQ+ landscape.
With the option to arrange additional services, it’s an unmissable opportunity for those seeking an authentic, immersive queer adventure in the heart of Japan’s cultural capital.
Read our full review: Osaka: Lgbtq+ Tour With Dinner and Drinks Review
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SUSHI Making Experience at Restaurant
Enjoy the art of sushi-making during this hands-on culinary experience in Osaka. For £118.29 per person, you’ll enjoy a private sushi-making class with a talented chef in the heart of the city.
The 3-hour session covers the preparation of sushi, tamagoyaki, and ramen, as well as the chance to craft delectable daifuku mochi for dessert.
The experience takes place at a highly-rated restaurant, with rave reviews praising the quality of ingredients and the engaging, educational atmosphere. You’ll learn to make nigiri, sushi rolls, and Japanese egg rolls, all while savoring the flavors of authentic Japanese cuisine.
The class isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller-friendly, making it suitable for most visitors.
Reviewers describe the sushi-making class as an “unforgettable” and “interesting” experience, with the opportunity to enjoy a full tasting menu.
Whether you’re a sushi enthusiast or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, this hands-on class in Osaka is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Read our full review: SUSHI Making Experience at Restaurant Review
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Osaka: 3-Hour Bar and Restaurant Hopping Tour in Temma
Venture into the vibrant Tenma district of Osaka on this 3-hour bar and restaurant hopping tour. Priced from $147.06 per person, this experience offers a glimpse into real Japanese nightlife.
The tour starts at Tenma Station, just one minute from Osaka Station on the JR Loop Line. Guests will visit local bars and restaurants, enjoying a guided tour, food tastings, and one included drink at the first location.
Savor authentic dishes like grilled yakitori, yakiniku, and oden. The tour provides 1 food item and 1 drink at each of the 3 venues, with additional drinks available for purchase. Guests must be at least 20 years old to consume alcohol.
This private group experience is led by an English and Japanese-speaking guide. The itinerary is subject to change, so check availability for starting times. Don’t forget to bring your passport or ID card.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers a flexible and immersive introduction to Osaka’s vibrant dining scene.
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
This Vegetarian/Vegan Osaka Local Food Experience provides a unique opportunity for travelers to explore the city’s vibrant culinary landscape.
During this 2-hour cooking class, you will learn to prepare traditional Takoyaki, a beloved Japanese street food, with a vegetarian/vegan twist. Led by a nutritionist and her English-speaking assistant, the class offers a homelike atmosphere where guests can enjoy Japanese food culture and sample other local specialties.
The cooking session is complemented by informative discussions about Japanese cuisine, catering to both individual dietary preferences and food allergies.
With convenient pickup and drop-off locations at Shin-Osaka and Awaji Stations, this experience caters to the needs of visitors.
Positive customer reviews highlight the delicious vegan dishes, the welcoming atmosphere, and the chance to learn about Japanese culinary traditions.
At $56.82 per person, this activity presents an affordable and engaging way to explore Osaka’s vibrant food scene.
Read our full review: Vegetarian/Vegan Osaka Local Food Experience Review
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Recap
Osaka offers a diverse array of dining experiences, from upscale Japanese cuisine to LGBTQ+ tours and sushi-making classes. Visitors can explore the city’s vibrant food scene, sampling traditional dishes and local specialties. Whether you’re a foodie, cocktail enthusiast, or seeking a unique cultural experience, Osaka’s dining landscape caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences.