A good plan is the most important part of any foodie adventure. Steven Lawrence, food writer and culinary guide, prepares an attainable itinerary for your next food-focused visit to Osaka.
By Steven Lawrence
Food writer and culinary guide, Tablet contributor
It’s no secret that Osaka is a city built for foodies. You don’t have to venture far past the bright lights and tantalizing Takoyaki stalls of Dotonbori to see why it’s been dubbed Japan’s kitchen (Tenka no Daidokoro).
Navigating so much deliciousness can be daunting, especially if you’re short on time. Below, we’ve curated a crash course itinerary of Osaka’s diverse cultural offerings. From street-side flamed-torched tuna collar to sweet and sticky octopus balls, these recommendations will satisfy your cravings in one of Japan’s best food destinations.
I started Epicurious Travel to help time-strapped travelers plan and execute vacations that are deeply immersed in the culinary culture of your destination. From MICHELIN Star to hole-in-the-wall, our goal is to ensure you never have a bad meal. Book a fantastic hotel in Osaka from the Tablet selection, then use my recommendations below to guide you through a true foodie paradise.
Where to Stay
The location of Candeo Osaka Shinsaibashi, just a couple blocks north of the Dotonbori Canal, could be reason alone to favor it for your home base in Osaka. Fortunately, it has a lot more to offer. Like many Japanese hotels, it sits in a modern high-rise. What stands out is the fact that the building also houses an ancient temple, a decorative 1200-year-old structure that rises up in the hotel’s glass atrium like a special exhibit at a museum. It’s not just for show: a monk leads daily services every morning, just one of several traditional features at this otherwise contemporary hotel.
View the entire selection of Tablet hotels in Osaka.
Morning — A Foodie Jumpstart
Giltch Coffee Osaka
This one is for true coffee lovers. Expect to be pampered by coffee experts that have mastered their craft so well you may as well call them coffee sommeliers. No food here, we’re saving that for our next stop.
Onigiri Gorichan
Onigiri is a staple breakfast food in Osaka, often paired with miso soup and tamago for a hearty start to the day. Gorichan takes the classic to the next level. The grilled miso and cheese is something otherworldly.
Afternoon – History Bookended by Must Eats
Udondokoro Shigemi
Osaka’s noodle of choice is most definitely soba. The thick, chewy noodle can be found all over the city. For one of the best, head to Udondokoro Shigemi. Order it the most traditional way, served in a soothing broth with sides like sticky rice and tempura. The line you might wait in is justified by the food. Its Bib Gourmand is well earned.
Osaka Castle
In one of your only non-eating moments of the day, stroll over to the breathtaking grounds of this 16th century landmark. Get your tickets in advance if you want to explore inside. It’s definitely a tourist attraction, so prepare for crowds, but visiting this iconic piece of history is a must.
Izakaya Toyo
Be prepared for one hell of an eating experience. Toyo, featured on Netflix’s
Evening — Bright Lights & Giant Seafood Creatures
Dotonbori
The neon-lined streets of this entertainment district are bright enough to be seen from space (probably). Yes, a lot of tourists flock here, especially for the endless food options, but for your first time in Osaka, it’s a hard one to skip.
Amerikamura
Continue your nighttime food exploration in Amerikamura, one of Osaka’s trendiest districts. For some of the best Takoyaki, stop at Kogaryu. For a unique sweet treat, head to Ice Dog for soft serve inside of a fried hot dog bun. Yup.
Other Foodie Spots Not to Miss
Kuromon Ichiba Market
If you have more time in Osaka, you can’t miss out on this 600-meter-long metropolis of food. You’ll spend hours roaming through the nooks and crannies of this place, sampling your heart out along the way.
Cup Noodles Museum
If you grew up on instant ramen, this stop will trigger nostalgia from deep in your childhood. Endless walls of dried and commercially packed noods will awaken your sodium loving tastebuds. Don’t miss the chicken ramen factory, where you can make your own instant noodles by hand.
Wrap Up
Hope you now realize that you’re going to need more than 36 hours in Osaka next time you visit. Its reputation as Japan’s kitchen is a perfect description of the quality, variety, and authenticity that the city offers. Before you get on the Shinkansen to explore more of Japan’s beauty, remember that Osaka will always have a place in your heart, and stomach. Until next time!