What You Will Do
Discover the heart and soul of Osaka through an unforgettable food adventure! Join us in the iconic Dotonbori district, where you'll explore hidden gems and taste authentic, mouth-watering Japanese street food. From sizzling takoyaki to crispy karaage, every stop is an opportunity to indulge in the rich flavors that make Osaka famous.
You'll stroll past the dazzling Glico Running Man, the vibrant neon lights of Dotonbori, and stop by local favorites like Mattari-Purin for a creamy Japanese pudding and Lord Stow’s Bakery for a matcha tart. Whether you’re craving savory delights or sweet treats, our expert guide will lead you to the best places to savor culinary treasures.
Along the way, you'll learn about the history, culture, and stories behind each dish, all while experiencing the energy and charm of one of Japan’s most exciting food districts. Don’t miss this chance to taste Osaka like a local—book your spot now and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
Meeting Point
The meeting point for your food tour in Osaka is in front of the Kani Doraku Dotonbori restaurant, which is conveniently located across from Starbucks near the iconic Ebisubashi Bridge. This central and recognizable location makes it easy for guests to find the guide.
1
Takohachi Dotonbori Main Store
15 minutes
Takoyaki is a popular Japanese street food consisting of small, savory batter-filled balls made with diced octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onions. These ingredients are mixed into a batter made from flour, eggs, and dashi (a Japanese broth), then cooked in a special takoyaki grill pan, which gives them their signature round shape.
The takoyaki balls are crispy on the outside and soft and gooey on the inside, where the octopus adds a tender, savory bite. They are typically served hot, drizzled with takoyaki sauce (a sweet, tangy sauce similar to Worcestershire), topped with Japanese mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and dried seaweed. This delicious snack is a favorite in Osaka, where it is enjoyed at street food stalls and casual eateries.
2
Mattari-Purin Dotombori
15 minutes
Purin is a classic Japanese dessert similar to caramel flan or crème caramel. It’s made from a simple combination of eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla, creating a smooth, silky custard. The pudding is traditionally cooked gently in a water bath, giving it a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The dessert is topped with a layer of amber-colored caramel syrup that adds a rich sweetness and a slight bitterness, balancing the creamy custard beneath. Purin is often served in small cups or jars, and it’s a popular treat found in many Japanese cafes, convenience stores, and restaurants, loved for its lightness and nostalgic flavor.
3
551 Horai Ebisubashi honten
15 minutes
Nikuman is a Japanese steamed bun typically filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, onions, and seasonings. The dough is soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, providing a perfect contrast to the rich, juicy filling inside. The pork filling is often seasoned with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sometimes a dash of sugar, creating a flavorful, tender bite. Nikuman is commonly eaten as a snack or quick meal, especially in colder months, and can be found in convenience stores, street vendors, and specialty shops across Japan. Its warm, comforting texture and savory taste make it a popular choice for many.
4
Honke Ootako Dotonbori Honten
20 minutes
Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake made with a base of flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and a variety of other ingredients, such as pork, shrimp, or squid, mixed into the batter. The name "okonomiyaki" translates to "grilled as you like it," reflecting the customizable nature of the dish. Once the ingredients are mixed, the batter is grilled on a hot griddle until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and tender inside.
The pancake is typically topped with a sweet and tangy okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, dried bonito flakes (which flutter as they heat), and sometimes a sprinkle of seaweed flakes. Okonomiyaki is often enjoyed as a casual, street food-style meal, popular in regions like Osaka and Hiroshima, where each area has its own unique take on this comforting dish.
5
DEARBROS.ディアブロ道頓堀千日前店
20 minutes
Karaage is a popular Japanese dish consisting of bite-sized pieces of meat, typically chicken, marinated in a flavorful mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sometimes sake, then coated in a light, crispy batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. The result is juicy, tender meat inside with a crispy, crunchy exterior. Karaage is often served with a wedge of lemon to add a zesty contrast to the savory flavor, and sometimes accompanied by a side of shredded cabbage or rice. It’s a beloved comfort food in Japan, commonly enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or part of a larger meal.
6
Lord Stow’s Bakery (Ken’s Papa Marron)
15 minutes
A Japanese matcha tart is a delicious dessert that combines the earthy, slightly bitter flavor of high-quality matcha green tea with the richness of a creamy filling, all nestled in a buttery, crisp tart shell. The filling is typically made from a blend of matcha, white chocolate, or cream cheese, creating a smooth, velvety texture that perfectly complements the slight bitterness of the green tea. The tart crust adds a delicate crunch, balancing the rich filling. Often, the matcha tart is garnished with a dusting of powdered matcha or a decorative pattern, making it not only a treat for the taste buds but a visually pleasing dessert as well. It’s a perfect choice for those who appreciate the refined, subtle flavors of matcha in a sweet, indulgent form.
7
Takoyaki Dotonbori Kukuru Dotonbori Minami
20 minutes
Yakisoba is a popular Japanese stir-fried noodle dish made with thin wheat noodles, sautéed with a variety of vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and onions, and typically paired with sliced pork, beef, or chicken. The noodles are tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce made from ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and ketchup, giving the dish a deep umami flavor. It’s often topped with pickled ginger, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and sometimes bonito flakes for added flavor. Yakisoba is a beloved street food in Japan, enjoyed for its delicious combination of textures and savory taste, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
8
Rikuro’s Namba Main Branch
15 minutes
Japanese cheesecake is a light and fluffy dessert with a delicate texture, often referred to as "cotton cheesecake" due to its airy consistency. Unlike traditional dense cheesecakes, Japanese cheesecakes are made with a combination of cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and a bit of flour, resulting in a soft, spongy cake. It has a subtle sweetness and a slightly tangy flavor from the cream cheese, balanced by a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The cheesecake is typically baked at a low temperature, which gives it a golden-brown top and a tender, cloud-like interior. It's perfect for those who prefer a lighter, less sweet cheesecake experience.
9
Dotombori Glico Sign
15 minutes
The Running Man in Osaka refers to the iconic Glico Running Man Sign located in the Dotonbori district. This neon billboard, which features a man running across a finish line, has become a symbol of Osaka's vibrant energy and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. The sign was first installed in 1935 and is part of the larger Glico brand's advertising campaign.
Located near the famous Ebisubashi Bridge, the Running Man has become a popular photo spot for visitors, drawing crowds who want to capture the colorful, lively atmosphere of Dotonbori. At night, the sign lights up in dazzling colors, adding to the vibrant spectacle of the district, which is also known for its street food, shopping, and entertainment.
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