7 Ways To Experience Osaka, Japan's Capital of Food and Fun
Osaka is known for two things: food and fun. Here are seven classic experiences (with a twist) that will help you experience both.
Nicknamed ‘The Nation’s Kitchen’, Osaka is a city made by gluttons, for gluttons. It’s the birthplace of the takoyaki, for instance – balls of gently cooked octopus encased in a crunchy batter. It’s where okonomiyaki (a type of savoury pancake) was transformed from poverty food into a delicious expression of resourcefulness. And it’s a city that can summed up by one word: kuidore (to destroy oneself through food).
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripLooking for an expert's perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
But it’s also a place with a penchant for comedy. It’s closely associated with a brand of comedy (involving a funny man and a foil) known as manzai – so much so that the regional Kansai dialect forms a crucial part of the show. It’s the type of place where locals will readily get trolleyed til two in the morning with a complete stranger, and where people laugh loudly and often.
Here’s a list of seven tours that will help you experience both sides to the city. Whether you’re looking for slapstick or kuidore, these handpicked experiences will help you find fun and food.
Tours
This tour is a relaxing ride through the greener and cultural north side of Osaka city. Expect an authentic slice of city life, pedalling alongside Osakan locals, other travellers and your friendly, knowledgeable, bilingual guide.Tick off the famous sites and discover some lesser-known gems as we explain why we love Osaka and answer any questions you may have. Finally, get recommendations for the rest of your stay in town; we all have our favourite spots for coffee/beer/yakitori/sushi/and everything in between!This tour is 90% flat and can be completed by anyone who can ride a bike, so join us for a bit of exercise, some fresh air, and to take the weight off your feet!
Tours
Combine the freedom of bike riding with the culinary delights of Japan’s most famous food city in a 3-hour foodie bike tour! Led by a knowledgable guide, you will ride the streets of South Osaka, exploring a local market, meeting some of the locals and sampling local bites along the way. Your English-speaking guide will help you learn more about the city and introduce you to a range of delicious foods including chijimi pancakes, grilled wagyu beef, kushikatsu skewers and delicious sushi!
Tours
Andy, your half Japanese/half Australian tour guide, has extensive knowledge of the food, history and culture of the Osaka region after living in here for 12 years.He will offer you a very unique perspective where you will discover 3 authentic, delicious restaurants on this tour…also food from a hidden, backstreet stall & markets, walking through arcades and plazas rarely visited or known by foreigners. We will dive into some very traditional eateries.Also Andy strives to show you the real and deep Osaka, giving you an understanding of the inner workings of this amazing area, visiting some vintage, real architecture so rich in history while interacting with the locals.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Read Next
Guides & Tips
A Solo Traveller’s Guide to Osaka
Places to Stay
Hip Apartments in Osaka You’ll Want to Call Home
Places to Stay
Where to Book a Stay in Osaka for a Local Experience
Places to Stay
The Best Spa Hotels to Book in Osaka, Japan
Places to Stay
Culture Trip’s Feel-Good Places to Visit in 2021 – Osaka
Film & TV
Super Nintendo World Launches in Spring 2021 in Japan
Guides & Tips
Osaka’s Super Nintendo World Will Immerse You in a Real-Life Video Game
Art
An Insider's Guide to the Best Art Galleries in Osaka
See & Do
Discover These 6 Eclectic Experiences in Osaka
Guides & Tips
Why You Should Visit Osaka, According to the People Who Live There
Guides & Tips
A Student’s Guide to Osaka: The Best Cheap and Free Things to Do
See & Do
Discover the Best Museums To Visit in Osaka
