Beyond the Tourist Trail: A VIP Food Tour of Hidden Osaka

Beyond the Tourist Trail: A VIP Food Tour of Hidden Osaka

Craving authentic Osaka? Skip the tourist traps & elevate your Osaka experience by joining our VIP food tour!

From ¥18,169/person
Includes Dinner (at least 15 items!) and 3 Drinks 3 Hours (approx.) Up to 6 People (or 8 for private groups)

Osaka Elevated Food Tour

Osaka awaits, and we’re skipping the tourist bits!
This exclusive, elevated culinary tour takes you beyond the usual to unveil the beating heart of Tenma. Conquer Japan’s longest covered shopping street, a showcase of Osaka’s energy. Your expert guide will peel back the layers, revealing the unique culture that makes Osaka tick.

But the real magic happens on your taste buds. We’ll take you on a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure, starting with a secret peek into a truly unique supermarket – with a bounty of intriguing ingredients and local culinary secrets waiting to be discovered. Then, prepare to indulge like a true Osakan foodie at three hand-picked restaurants, each a hidden gem bursting with authentic flavors. This tour is for the adventurous foodie seeking an unforgettable, elevated Osaka experience!
Pinpoint Traveler has an average score of 4.7⭐ across over 500 reviews on multiple review sites. Below is a sampling of some of our most recent reviews for the Osaka Night Foodie Tour 

Not a Cookie Cutter Tour
Not a Cookie Cutter Tour
@MichaelCottle
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We had a great time with Ferdinand who I felt really showed us what really living in Osaka looks like. It’s really off the beaten path that you would normally take as a tourist and it’s definitely not like a cookie cutter type of tour. It really went against my expectations in the best way possible. I tried food I’d never try, went to places I’d never go, and saw things I probably would’ve missed on my own. Great tour, would highly recommend.
The tour was really interesting with...
The tour was really interesting with...
@Andrew R
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The tour was really interesting with an English speaking guide who has lived in Osaka for many years. We got to try a variety of local delicacies in local restaurants that we wouldn't normally have tried which added to the experience. This was more than just a food and drink tour with our guide explaining about other parts of modern Japanese culture helping to build a bigger picture. Be prepared to stand while dining like the Japanese do.
Highly Recommend
Highly Recommend
@Jordan_F
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Tried lots of things we never would have otherwise, and the group was small enough that we enjoyed getting to know each of the other participants personally. Levy was 11/10 and went above and beyond ensuring we had a great time! There were multiple options for drinks at each stop and alternative dishes for those with dietary restrictions.
Enjoying the inner City's food and ambience as the locals do
Enjoying the inner City's food and ambience as the locals do
@Chris_C
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We went to areas we would never have seen whilst walking on our own. We saw eateries, bars and other interesting places frequented by the local citizens and not necessarily by tourists. We enjoyed delicacies We would never find back home. Our guide, Levy was informative, humorous and kept us entertained throughout.
Amazing Food Tour
Amazing Food Tour
@Yannick_H
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Amazing experience! Lito is really something, a very good and funny guide. I really enjoyed the way he liven up the tour. I would have spent more time exploring the city and food with him.The group was really nice and he made us discover many japanese special dishes. The quality of the food was excellent and I felt immerse in Japan typic restaurants, not tourist trap. I would totally recommand it for anyone. Like he said… a Lito bit of Japan! Haha 🙂
Amazing Food and Tour!
Amazing Food and Tour!
@Portia_C
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I had a great time as a solo traveller on this tour. The guide was so knowledgeable and took us to some amazing food places. Highly recommend.
Great Tour
Great Tour
@Ann_R
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Kevin was a fabulous guide, full of fun stories of Osaka and the people- amazing and surprising selection of dining experiences- an opportunity to see local Osaka and engage in the city at a different level in a small group.
A Tour with Lots of Personality!
A Tour with Lots of Personality!
@Alita_C
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Our guide was charismatic and showed us all a great time around Osaka! We got no only a tour of restaurants frequented by locals, but also insight into the culture of the city.
Osaka Style Food and Culture Done with Pizzaz
Osaka Style Food and Culture Done with Pizzaz
@bobmA5147HZ
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Daniel was a great guide for our small tour group of six. He led us through Tenma and Kyobashi, providing lots of colorful information on the districts' customs, people, and food. Daniel was quick on his feet and able to adapt easily to the bustling crowds. Despite different preferences among the group, we all enjoyed plenty of fantastic food and drink options. It was a delightful experience, and one I'd happily repeat. Highly recommended for first-time visitors to Japan.
Must Take Tour
Must Take Tour
@Rebecka_N
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If you love food, beer, and want to be a part of the Osaka nightlife then 100% take this tour! You must request Levy, he is an amazing guide. We had such a good time and we didn’t want it to end. This is a must take tour!
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Check out one of our more adventurous eaters

We had the pleasure of hosting the fabulous Shizuka Anderson on a private adventure through some of our favorite haunts and pleasures across Tenma. Check out how much she enjoyed herself!

Why do an Osaka night foodie tour with us? 

Experience the Authenticity of Osaka with Fluent Guides

Delving deep into Osaka’s vibrant streets requires not just knowledge but also linguistic fluency. At Pinpoint Traveler, every member of our team is not only native or proficient in Japanese but also boasts native or near-native English skills. Our genuine love for Osaka shines through in our tours – after all, our company proudly calls this city home. As you embark on our Osaka foodie tour, you’ll recognize this is an authentic experience when locals warmly interact with our guides and your group. And should any interpretation be needed, we’re right there to facilitate seamless cultural exchanges.
Historic Landmarks

The Tenma neighborhood is rich with history, blending the old and new.

Professional Guide

Real English, real skills, and great personalities. Our guides have the knowledge and expertise to provide you with interesting, fun, and memorable tours.

Fully-Narrated Tour

Our tours never leave you to wander about on your own. Your guide stays with you the whole time to answer questions, offer insights, and share plenty of laughs.

Easy Access

This tour starts just outside a rail station (and very nearby a subway station), making meeting up an anxiety-free experience.

Does this look like fun? Book tickets today! Discounts applied from 2+ guests.

Osaka VIP Food Tour at Night - A Truly Elevated Experience

Take a peek at the experience that awaits you.

Our First Stop – A Local Tachinomi!

 

We’ll kick-start our restaurants like a true local! Our first stop is a local special – a buzzing tachinomi, a standing bar where Osaka’s energy is at the forefront after work. Imagine salary-men and women unwinding after a long day, grabbing quick bites and drinks.

You’ll have a first class ticket to the show, and interactions are a common occurrence on this tour!
We’ll treat you to a selection of classic dishes, perfect for light bites and shared plates. Savor melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked meat infused with the rich flavors of miso, tangy rice vinegar pickled fish bursting with freshness, and refreshing steamed chicken drizzled with a citrusy ponzu sauce.

The daily specials board might also offer exciting finds, showcasing the freshest seasonal ingredients.

 

Restaurant 2 – Classic Izakaya

 

Ready to dig in deeper? Our second stop takes us to a quintessential izakaya, a bustling pub-style restaurant and another classic stop for locals on a night out. Unlike the quick bites of the tachinomi, here you can settle in for a relaxed and social dining experience.
Prepare yourself for lively chatter, clinking glasses, and the aroma of delicious food wafting through the air.
We’ll guide you through an enticing selection of dishes, designed to be shared and savored amongst everyone at the table. Prepare your taste buds for the star of the show – Tonpeiyaki, a savory Osaka specialty featuring layered cabbage, meat, and a flavorful pancake batter.
No izakaya experience is complete without sashimi, and here you’ll find a wide array of the freshest seasonal seafood. Each piece, expertly sliced and presented, promises a burst of ocean flavor.
To elevate the experience, we’ll guide you through the world of sake. Learn about the different types, flavors, and proper serving etiquette. Raise a toast to your Osaka adventure as you savor the smooth taste of this Japanese rice wine.

Our last restaurant – Going Out With a Bang


Our final visit for the night is a contemporary twist on tradition. A stylish dining bar, where Japanese classics are reimagined with a modern flair. This is a far cry from the bustling izakaya – here, the ambiance is sleek and sophisticated, perfect for a relaxed and intimate dining experience.
Our guide will navigate you through the menu, showcasing the innovative ways this restaurant reinvents classic dishes. You might find tempura with unexpected seasonal vegetables, a unique twist on the hearty udon noodles, or yakitori skewers featuring premium cuts of meat.
No visit to a modern Japanese restaurant is complete without a taste of the freshest seasonal catch. Here, we might encounter a dish featuring succulent mackerel, prepared in a way that highlights its delicate flavor (seasonal).
As always, you’ll have a variety of drinks at your disposal to complement each course. Whether you prefer a refreshing glass of Japanese beer, or a crisp glass of sake, the bar has something for everyone.

 

Does this look like fun? Book tickets today!

Osaka VIP Foodie Tour Itinerary

Explore this centuries-old neighborhood filled with shops and restaurants. Places and people both old and young, and an assortment of just generally interesting sights abound. We spend about 45 minutes walking around and talking about some of the more noteworthy ones.

With our 45-minute cultural endeavor behind us, it’s time for a drink and some food. Depending on the night, the restaurants we go to vary, but you can be sure there will be a variety of dishes to choose from. We’ll also explain the sights and sounds of the typical “tachinomi”, or standing bar-restaurant. We spend about 30 minutes here.

Part two of our Tenma walkabout takes us deeper into the restaurants and food markets area, where the streets are particularly narrow and atmospheric. This offers a great chance to see the locals out having a great time, since many of the restaurants are open to the street. This walk is about 15 minutes.

Our final stop, a sleek dining bar with a more modern take on Japanese classics.

Quick Tips for Our Osaka Night Tour

There are a few things we’d like you to take note of before joining us.

  • The legal drinking age in Japan is 20
  • All participants must be 13+ to participate in this experience
  • While not overtly risque, the tour includes commentary and content that may not be suitable for pre-teens
  • Please come wearing comfortable shoes, and dress for some time both indoors and outdoors
  • Unfortunately, we cannot wait for late-comers, so do plan on arriving a bit early

Inclusions:

  • A dinner’s worth of food across three different restaurants
  • Up to three alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks (one at each stop)

Exclusions:

  • Drinks beyond the three provided (you can purchase more directly from the restaurant if you wish)

Easy Access

Our tour starts in front of the McDonalds that is right at Tenma (sometimes spelled “Temma”) Station. It’s also just a few minutes’ walk from the nearby Ogimachi subway station.
Did you know that Kyoto and Osaka are just 45 minutes apart? A night tour in Osaka is very easily done, even if you’re staying in Kyoto!Would you like to have a guide come early and escort you to the tour start point? This is available for central Osaka addresses for 5,000 yen plus your train fare (which will be less than 300 yen/person). For pickup points beyond central Osaka, pricing may be higher. Please email us if you are interested in this service.

Our Tour Guides

We've got around a dozen guides at your service. Here we showcase a few of our most active ones.

Kevin

We think it's important that everyone who works for Pinpoint Traveler is an active guide too, even the owner. Kevin's been in Japan thirteen years, but spent the first ten in the corporate world. Now he shares his love for Japan outside the confines of the office.
Shoji Pinpoint Traveler Osaka Guide

Shoji

Born in Japan, but moved to Canada when he was still quite young, Shoji is back and ready to share is passion for Japan with you. His main dominion is Osaka and on down to Koya-san and Wakayama, but he's such a popular guy that we often send him even further afield by request.
Mardi Pinpoint Traveler Osaka Guide

Mardi

Mardi's our Kyoto guide-in-chief, and her love for the city is infectious. She's got an uncanny ability for giving people just the right amount of information while still ensuring the tour stays light and fun. Be it temples and shrines, gardens, or nightlife, Mardi's your gal.
Dan Pinpoint Traveler Osaka Guide

Dan

Dan is a Spaniard, so of course his Spanish is native level, but his English is fantastic as well. He's got a warm personality and consistently makes our guests feel like they've made a new friend within minutes of meeting him. He also knows Osaka and Kyoto like no one's business!
Levy Pinpoint Traveler Osaka Guide

Levy

With nearly twenty years in Osaka, Levy's got this place WIRED. He's a major samurai and history aficionado, and in addition to knowing all the top sights like a true pro, he knows Osaka's nightlife better than (dare we say it!) the vast majority of Japanese who call Osaka home. Levy's originally from Israel, and runs tours in Hebrew too.
Suzie Pinpoint Traveler Osaka Guide

Suzie

Suzie is Japan born and raised, and we can't recommend her enough for tours in Tokyo and Yokohama. Our prior guests frequently say nicer things about Suzie than any of our own mothers have said about us! The consummate pro, she's not just got all the info, but also an uncanny knack for knowing what to show our guests.

Not profiled here are guides who speak Spanish (Kyoto, in addition to Dan in Osaka), French (Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo), and German (Kyoto and Tokyo).

Pickup Point

Our McDonalds meeting point (don't be alarmed!) is conveniently accessible by both subways and the JR Loop Line.

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