Eat Like a Local in Osaka: 5 Food Places in Osaka, Japan That You Should Visit
Eating with the locals is one best way to get the most authentic experience when you are in a new place. In Osaka, it’s no different.
Osaka boasts several local dishes that you won’t find anywhere else in Japan.
If you are looking to eat like a local in Osaka, we highly recommend these five food places in Osaka, Japan that you must not miss.
1. Dotonbori
Dotonbori is one of the most crowded parts of Osaka; it’s where shops, bars, and restaurants abound. Every step you move, there’s always food in sight to perk up those who wish to explore Osaka’s authentic gastronomic delights. Not to mention the neon lights and gigantic billboards and creative signages that add to the fun while strolling. Some food stalls and restaurants here are open 24/7, so that makes for an exciting food crawl any time of day. Some of the best restaurants in Osaka are in fact in Dotonbori. A few places you shouldn’t miss are Mizuno, Kushikatsu Daruma, Kanidourako Dotonbori Honten, and Dotonbori Imai Honten.
2. Hozenji Yokocho
Right next to Dotonbori Canal is a narrow cobblestone alley that’s seemingly nothing out of the ordinary in broad daylight but a different world come nightfall. Hozenji Yokocho transforms into a bustling yet cozy and quaint place filled with hole-in-the-wall bars, cafes, food stalls, and restaurants that come alive at night. The early days of Hozenji Yokocho date back to the Edo Period (1603-1868), so it’s a wonderful place to feel the old Japan. Some of the top-rated food places in Osaka are found here. Be sure to check out Hozenji Sanpei, Daruma, Katsudon, and Meotozenzai.
3. Kuromon Ichiba
If you are dreaming of anything fresh — fresh seafood, fresh vegetables, fresh raw meat — nothing comes closer to your dream than Kuromon Ichiba (“market”). It’s the main source of produce among locals and professional chefs in Osaka. Tourists are catching up on this, making the market very crowded in most parts of the day. We won’t spoil you where to eat because every step you make, food stalls will always be on sight.
4. TAKOPA (Takoyaki Park)
Takoyaki Park is conveniently located inside Universal City Walk, a large-scale American-style shopping mall right off Universal Studios Japan. Though Takoyaki Park is more of a tourist area, the place offers some local takoyaki that you can try. Five stores are there to satiate your cravings for this flour-based dough ball filled with octopus meat. Of course, to distinguish one from the others, each shop has its unique twist on it — like Juhachiban’s creamy sakura shrimp takoyaki. Love it!
5. Tempozan Marketplace
Tempozan Marketplace is a commercial complex located right within Tempozan Harbor Village in Minato’s bay area. While there are fashion retail stores within the complex, it’s also home to a food theme park — called Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho — and dozens of restaurants. A variety of traditional Japanese dishes are in stores, such as okonomiyaki, kushi-katsu, curry rice, and omelet rice, and more. Like Takoyaki Park, Tempozan Marketplace is more of a tourist haven. But if you are looking for the best food places in Osaka that kids will be able to enjoy, there’s no better name to drop than Tempozan Marketplace.
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Osaka Localized provides visitors and travellers to Osaka with a unique perspective of this great city. What makes Osaka Localized unique is that our walking tour guides live and work in Osaka, have a passion for this city and love meeting and welcoming new faces. Find out more about our Walking Tours in Osaka.
A great experience for: Day Tours in Osaka, Group Tours in Osaka, Private Walking Tours Osaka, University Walking Tours Osaka, Things To Do at Night in Osaka, Activities in Osaka, Osaka Sightseeing Tour, Osaka Tourist Attractions.
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