Tour Details
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
-
- Dotonbori
- Ebisubashi Bridge - Osaka
Tour Description
See more of Dotonbori than just the buzz of the iconic canal. Soak up the electric atmosphere of the nighttime hub while also escaping to local haunts to see and taste the specialties that put this neighborhood on the map.
Our local foodie will meet you in the heart of Dotonbori to show you the lights, crowds and famous Glico sign before helping you explore the hidden side streets on a savory adventure. You may taste Takoyaki, Osaka's iconic octopus snack, then venture down narrow lanes to find local spots serving Okonomiyaki, a savory pancake bursting with flavor. Discover tucked-away eateries offering crispy Kushikatsu skewers, and finish with a sweet Taiyaki pastry. There may even be time to rest and enjoy a Japanese beer at a local Izakaya while discussing nightlife in Osaka.
As you criss-cross the bustling area with our local Expert and explore lesser-known corners of Dotonbori, you'll uncover the authentic tastes of Osaka's street food culture. Perfect for those seeking an immersive culinary experience.
Experts
- You want to experience a curated selection of Osaka’s most famous street foods, from Takoyaki to Okonomiyaki, prepared by local experts in the heart of Dotonbori.
- You’re excited to soak in the electric atmosphere of Dotonbori at night, with its iconic neon lights, bustling streets, and lively canal, making for an unforgettable evening.
- You’re interested in the history and culture behind each dish, gaining insight into Osaka’s rich food traditions while enjoying the best the city has to offer.
- You’d like to venture down side streets to discover lesser-known eateries and hidden culinary spots that tourists often miss, giving you a true insider’s experience.
- Takoyaki - octopus-filled, crispy-on-the-outside, molten-on-the-inside balls, topped with sauce, mayo, and bonito flakes—a quintessential Osaka street food.
- Okonomiyaki - a savory Osaka pancake with cabbage, pork, and seafood, topped with a rich sauce and bonito flakes, offering a customizable taste of the city.
- Kushikatsu - skewers of breaded, deep-fried meat, seafood, and vegetables, served with a tangy dipping sauce—a beloved Osaka specialty.
- These tastings do replace a meal, so come hungry.
- Dietary restrictions should be shared in advance in order to possibly adapt the tour. This tour may be unsuitable for people with severe gluten allergies as it is difficult to avoid the possibility of cross-contamination. We don’t recommend this tour for vegans or for people with celiac disease.
- We are taking you to local establishments that are often family-run, hours and availability may vary.
Additional Trip-Planning Resources
- For more information on planning your travels to Japan, take a read through our Context Stories.
- If you are looking to learn more about Japanese food prior to a visit, check out our Introduction to Japanese Food Culture pre-trip lecture.
- Want to see and eat more in Osaka? You might be interested in our daytime Osaka Food Tour with Kuromon Market.
Can the tour accommodate those with allergies or dietary restrictions?Â
We do our best to accommodate everyone, but it can be tricky to find tastings to suit all dietary requirements or preferences. Vegetarians can join, but there will be far fewer samples available. We don't recommend this tour for vegans or for people with celiac disease.Â
If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, please let us know when you book. The more information about your diet and eating and drinking preferences that you can give us, the better prepared we can be for your tour!
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Is it okay to tip my guide in Japan?
Yes. Context clients generally tip anywhere from 10-25% of the purchase price of a personal service such as this, depending on the quality of the experience and their tipping habits.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?
This tour is not walking intensive, but there are bars and eateries located along narrow streets which can be difficult for wheelchair users to navigate. Not all bars and restaurants have an accessible entrance.Â
Please notify us of any accessibility issues so we can adapt tour stops accordingly.
Where You'll Start
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3 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
We had a fantastic time on this food tour with Braden! He was incredibly flexible and attentive to what we wanted to try in Osaka, and his recommendations were spot on. Unlike many food tours that leave you overly stuffed, this one struck the perfect balance—we felt satisfied without being overwhelmed. Along the way, we also learned so much about Osaka’s vibrant street food scene. Overall, highly recommend this experience!
Nancy
Nov 18, 2024
Miyo was an excellent guide. Her English is perfect and she not only took us to a number of very tasty restaurants but also shared her background and experience living in Japan as well as the US. She was so fun to be with and was always concerned that we were having a great time and were comfortable. We tried a variety of foods from savory to sweet. One restaurant was so unique with its booths requiring patrons to leave their shoes off. We highly recommend Miyo as a giide
Dennis
Nov 11, 2024
Braden allowed us to experience something that could have been overwhelming with ease. The food and drink were excellent, and the company even more so. Braden brought the historical and cultural context of each dish and street forward so we could experience everything to their fullest. Thank you!
Sierra
Oct 15, 2024