Local Food & Drink Tastings • 3 hours 5.0 (31)

Osaka’s Best-Kept Food Secrets: Local Flavors in Ura Namba

Step off the beaten path and into the heart of Osaka’s food culture in Ura Namba, a hidden dining district brimming with local favorites.

Osaka has its own distinctive dialect so although you might've practised your

What makes this experience special

Escape the tourist crowds and explore Osaka’s hidden dining scene. In hidden spots, savor crispy kushikatsu, delicate sashimi, and more—each stop shows a new layer of the city’s vibrant food culture.

Key highlights

  • Your host curates each stop based on your tastes, making every dish a perfect match.
  • Learn dining tips, food history, and cultural nuances while exploring Osaka’s hidden food scene.
  • Savor authentic Osaka flavors like okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, and fresh sashimi at local favorites.
  • Experience cozy izakayas, casual eateries, and lively teppanyaki grills off the tourist path.
  • Watch chefs prepare dishes fresh before your eyes and enjoy every bite of this immersive experience.

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Private and personalised experience
3 hours with a host
6-8 samples of local foods and 2 drinks per person (beer, highballs or soft drinks)
Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)

What’s not included

Food and drinks, other than the ones included above
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

DAISO Namba Nansan-dori Store - The host will be waiting in front of the shop.

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

DAISO Namba Nansan-dori Store - The host will be waiting in front of the shop.

Eat like a true Osakan in trendy Ura Namba

Start by Sampling Fresh Seafood

Begin the night with seasonal seafood at an intimate local izakaya.

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Eat like a true Osakan in trendy Ura Namba

Ease into the evening with a stop at a family-run izakaya, where you might try osakana no nitsuke (simmered fish) or an arranged sashimi platter. Engage with the chef, who may recommend the catch of the day. Your host will help you navigate Osaka’s sake selections, ensuring the perfect pairing.

Eat like a true Osakan in trendy Ura Namba

Follow the Sizzle to a Kushikatsu Hideaway

Try Osaka’s famous crispy skewers at a lively neighborhood joint.

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Eat like a true Osakan in trendy Ura Namba

Step into a buzzing kushikatsu eatery and choose your own skewers from a menu with many options—pork, shrimp, quail eggs, even lotus root. Dip once in the communal sauce (a must-follow local rule!), and enjoy them hot and crisp. Enjoy a local whisky highball or draft beer to enhance the experience.

Eat like a true Osakan in trendy Ura Namba

Discover the Art of Teppanyaki & Okonomiyaki

Watch Osaka’s signature dishes come to life on the grill.

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Eat like a true Osakan in trendy Ura Namba

Your final stop brings you to a lively teppanyaki restaurant, where chefs put on a show as they prepare okonomiyaki (savory pancake) or yakisoba (fried noodles) right in front of you. Let your host explain the creativity behind these post-war comfort foods while you sip on locally brewed craft beer

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

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What travelers think of this experience

Marko, Jul 2024

Perfect tour when you come to Osaka for the first time. You get a splendid intro to some of Osaka’s typical dishes in the most lively and crazy area of Osaka. Plus Aoi did a brilliant job in guiding us through the Minami jungle and into some secret places we would not have found on our own

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Jan, Jul 2024

Fumiko was a great tour guide. We covered so many different types of food. Fumiko took us to great specialty places we never would have found on our own. We started with takoyaki, had okonomiyaki at a very popular place, had fried skewers, dumplings and had the most delicious taiyaki -- I don't think we missed any Osaka specialties. Fumiko was also very knowledgeable and kind. Our plane was delayed, and we started 30 minutes later than anticipated. She was kind and flexible and restructured our plans to accommodate the delay. Fumiko knew we had said we wanted to have an aggressive schedule so set a brisk pace so we could fit everything in. Such a wonderful start to our Japan adventure!

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Cindee, May 2024

Maria was caring and engaging host. She accommodated our needs with grace and flexibility. Thank you!!!

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Lisa, Apr 2024

Loys was a great asset to our food scene experience. Upon meeting he understood what we wanted and brought us to some real gems. It felt like meeting an old friend who showed us their favorite neighborhood spots.

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EK, Apr 2024

Kieran was professional, on-time, and very knowledgable. We also didnt know there was a food budget on this tours, was that the case for the other tours too?

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Kim, Jan 2024

We really enjoyed this as it was quite different to anything else we had tried. It was great learning about Osaka's food history and going to the very first sushi train restaurant and sampling some Okinamayaki. Loys was a great host thank you!

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FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour?

No. Our experiences are unscripted and designed around you. Instead of following a rigid itinerary, your host will plan a personalized journey that feels natural, immersive, and unique.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll complete a short questionnaire about your interests and travel style. We’ll match you with the best host who will tailor the experience to you. You'll have the opportunity to chat with them before the experience and agree on a plan.

Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?

Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.

What if I don’t know what I want to explore?

That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.

Can I request a specific host?

You can request a host, but since most hosts have other commitments, we can't guarantee they'll be available. However, we carefully match you with a host based on your interests and preferences, making it feel like exploring with a friend rather than a stranger.

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

Can I mix different themes in one experience?

Absolutely! Whether you want a blend of food, history, local culture, or nightlife, your host will seamlessly weave them together into one immersive experience.

How does my host personalize this experience?

After booking, you'll receive a questionnaire that captures your travel style, interests, and any specific requests. Your host will use this to tailor your experience, ensuring it reflects what excites you most.

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

Can I request specific places to visit?

Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.

What kind of stories and insights will my host share?

Each host has their own personal relationship with the city. You'll experience the city through their eyes—hearing stories about places they love, discovering hidden gems, and learning what makes their city special in a way that goes beyond a typical tour.

Are food and drinks included, or do I need to pay separately?

Unless stated otherwise, food and drinks are not included. Your host will take you to great spots where you can order what you like and pay as you go.

Do I need to pay for the host's food or drinks?

No, if you and your host decide to stop for food or drinks during your experience, you don’t need to cover your host’s expenses—your host will take care of their own.

Can my experience accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes! You'll receive a questionnaire right after booking where you can note any dietary requirements, and your host will tailor the experience accordingly.

How much walking is involved?

This depends on the experience, but your host can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level.

Do you have deals with restaurants or set food stops?

No, unlike traditional food tours, our hosts are free to take you to their personal favorite spots rather than fixed locations. This means your food experience will always be unique, with authentic and unbiased recommendations from someone who knows the local food scene best.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Your host can adjust the plan with indoor alternatives.

Can we explore outside the main city?

Yes! If you’re interested in day trips or exploring beyond the city, let us know in the post-booking questionnaire, and your host will design an itinerary that takes you to incredible places off the usual tourist path.

What makes a night experience different from daytime?

Cities take on a completely different character after dark—whether it’s quiet lantern-lit streets, lively food stalls, or buzzing nightlife, your host will show you the best of the city at night.

Is it safe to explore at night?

Yes! Your host will guide you through safe and exciting areas so you can enjoy the city stress-free.

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.