Top Kansai Dining Experiences

Osaka is nicknamed "Japan's Kitchen" thanks to its incredible food scene. But with so many options, it can be overwhelming to pick which spots to go to. Skip the research and leave the navigation to your guide on this group tour, where you'll try a variety of dishes and two drinks throughout the evening.

Learn how to make an authentic cup of matcha during your time in Osaka in this small-group class. Whether you're traveling solo or are part of a group, your instructor walks you through each step and corrects any mistakes. All of the tools and ingredients are prepared for you, and your tea break comes with Japanese sweets for the full experience.

Discover the culinary traditions of Japan in Osaka, one of Japan’s best food cities, on this small-group cooking lesson at a local's home. Learn how to prepare popular Japanese dishes including *okonomiyaki* (savory pancakes), *takoyaki* (deep fried octopus balls), and miso soup. You can expand your Japanese cuisine knowledge, and best of all, eat your creations when you’re finished.

Ramen and gyoza are two of Japan’s most popular and tasty dishes, and rather than just eating them in restaurants, this cooking class teaches you to make them from scratch. Rather than having to source ingredients, everything you need is provided, with a chef to provide step-by-step guidance. Then, at the end, you can enjoy the best bit—savoring the taste of your delicious Japanese foodie creations.

Mochi balls are one of Japan’s favorite snacks; this mochi-pounding experience helps you do more than just eat the sweet or savory treats, and tells you how to make your own mochi at home. A small group promises personalized attention from your instructor, while a selection of different flavors ensures a bite for all tastes.

Avoid superficial travel experiences and gain a deeper, more meaningful introduction to Japanese tradition in Kyoto with a private tea ceremony inside a traditional home. Instead of simply observing, you’re guided by a tea master who explains the purpose behind each gesture as you learn to prepare matcha the traditional way. It’s a calm, immersive experience that replaces uncertainty with clear understanding of etiquette and ritual.

This is the only place in Japan where you can learn from a sushi chef! ︎ Try wearing a happi coat, take photos, and try making sushi! ︎ There's also a souvenir corner!

Enjoy a delicious plate of Osaka’s most famous street food, takoyaki. Learn how to make your own grilled octopus balls in this cooking class. You’ll use your teacher’s secret recipe and special ingredients like Wagyu and cheese to make takoyaki that may be even better than what you can buy outside. Enhance the experience with a Japanese sake tasting led by a sake sommelier.

You will take part in an authentic sushi-making experience, guided step by step by a professional sushi master. From preparing the rice to selecting and slicing the fish, you’ll gain hands-on insight into every stage of the process and discover what makes true Edomae sushi so special. The experience is not only educational, but also highly interactive and fun. You’ll learn how to shape sushi with the right balance and technique, compare your creations with the chef’s, and enjoy the satisfaction of tasting what you’ve made yourself. Along the way, the chef will share interesting stories and practical tips, making the session lively, engaging, and memorable for all participants.

Create your own rare, rainbow-colored Takoyaki, learn to cook it with guidance from your staff, enjoy all-you-can-eat fun, and taste a variety of Japanese dishes — a rare and unforgettable experience in Osaka!

When traveling abroad, there is no other experience like cooking and eating a meal with a local. Emika opens her Kyoto home to visitors to cook a meal and share conversation. Enjoy learning to make traditional Obanzai cuisine, like marinated mushrooms, slow-cooked vegetables, miso soup and tofu dishes with your Kyoto native host. Chat over the meal you prepared, and get recommendations on the city.

Take a deep-dive into Japanese culture and experience Osaka like a local on this evening walking tour. Join your guide on an exploration of the city’s historic districts, including the former ghetto and the Red Light district. Learn about Osaka’s history, heritage, and local traditions; venture down the backstreets to visit quirky sites often missed by travelers; and sample traditional street foods. Upgrade to include a delicious dinner.

This hands-on culinary experience in Kyoto offers much more than your standard sushi-making class. As well as learning tips and tricks to get the iconic rolled rice dish right at home, you’ll witness a live tuna cutting demonstration and will have the chance to make and eat unlimited sushi rather than a limited amount.

Enjoy the Night Parade Dinner Party at FUTURE TRAIN KYOTO DINER & CAFE, an immersive dining venue in Kyoto’s Umekoji area inspired by Japan’s Thunderbird express train. Created by Sebastian Masuda, the artist behind Japan’s Kawaii culture, this colorful space invites you into a dreamlike future filled with art, nostalgia, and playful railway-themed details. With a train-style ticket marking your entry, you will enjoy a beautifully presented high-tea style dinner surrounded by installations such as the striking “FUTURE BIRD.” This is more than just dinner — it is an imaginative evening where food, art, and Japanese pop culture come together.

️ Three iconic flavors in one tour: takoyaki, okonomiyaki and kushikatsu, the culinary trilogy that defines Osaka. ‍ Authentic experience – we taste dishes in traditional and popular locals, not just tourist sites. Cultural immersion – More than food, you’ll discover the history and role of each dish in Osaka’s identity. Small groups – ensuring personalized attention and the opportunity to ask and converse with the guide. Local atmosphere: you will walk streets full of life, enjoying the unique atmosphere of “Japanese cuisine”.

Osaka is home to some of Japan's best food, and this group sushi-making session is a great way to sharpen your culinary skills. Instead of just going out for sushi, why not learn how to make it at home, too? Eat when you're hungriest with classes in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

• Not just a tasting — learn how to choose sake like a local in Kyoto. • Taste 5 carefully selected sake varieties, including local Kyoto sake • Enjoy food pairings that highlight the unique flavors of each sake • Beginner-friendly explanations using simple and visual methods • Learn the basics of sake, including polishing ratios and brewing styles • Small group setting for a relaxed and interactive experience • Perfect for solo travelers, couples, and first-time sake drinkers

This class goes beyond the usual cooking lesson —you’ll learn the secret plant based ingredient that gives our gyoza its meaty texture, and discover an easy trick for making ramen noodles from scratch, no special equipment needed. The broth itself is rich and creamy, built on the deep umami of traditional dashi. It’s a hands on experience loved by vegans and meat-eaters alike. Led by a former food writer with deep knowledge of Kyoto’s food scene, Yukari can also recommend the best restaurants around the city based on your taste.

Osaka is famous for its food, so why not learn how to make some authentic local dishes at home? This small-group cooking class and sake tasting lets you practice your skills with live feedback from your instructor. At the end of the class, enjoy your dishes with local sake, beer, or soft drinks.

Visit a popular micro pig cafe in Osaka and enjoy a unique animal experience. Pet, feed, and take photos with adorable and friendly micro pigs in a clean and cozy indoor space. Our pigs are gentle, well cared for, and love meeting guests from around the world. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, families, and animal lovers visiting Japan. Conveniently located just 5 minutes from Gamou 4-chome Station. Photo review offer: Guests who post a review with a photo during their micro pig interaction experience will receive complimentary pig treats. Important: To protect the health of our pigs, guests who have traveled from countries affected by ASF (African Swine Fever) within the past 2 days are not allowed to enter. Participation is possible from the 3rd day after arriving in Japan. Please check the image for more details.

Step into the Matcha capital, Uji, and experience the heart of Japan's finest green tea. Walking through the famous Byodo-in temple, known for its appearance on the 10-yen coin, you will grind tea leaves into matcha powder and drink your fresh matcha tea. A must-try experience for matcha lovers! ⚠️ Prior to the tour, please ensure that WhatsApp is available for easy communication. Our tour guide will use these platforms to contact you. ⚠️ Please wear a mask during the Matcha making workshop. ✅ English Guided Tour – Explore Uji City with our friendly and knowledgeable guide. ✅ Hands-on Matcha Experience – Grind your own matcha powder using a traditional stone mill, then enjoy your freshly made tea with your choice of Japanese sweets or matcha ice cream. ✅ Visit Byodo-in Temple – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its stunning architecture featured on the 10-yen coin. ✅ Learn the History of Uji Tea – Discover why Uji is known as Japan’s top region for high-quality green tea.

Your private food tour begins in front of FamilyMart Sanno, where you'll meet your expert guide ready to take you on a culinary journey through Osaka. You'll visit five different eateries, ranging from backstreet stalls to standing bars, each offering a unique taste of traditional Osakan food. One of the highlights of the tour is Shinsekai, a district known for its vibrant food scene. Your guide will lead you through the hidden gems of Shinsekai's backstreets, where you'll discover authentic eateries serving up tantalizing dishes. Despite the lack of English menus, your guide will ensure you have a seamless dining experience, explaining each dish and helping you interact with locals. As you explore the markets and neighborhoods, you'll soak in the genuine neighborhood atmosphere while the aroma of delicious food fills the air. From exciting and fresh flavors to a mix of old and new, Osaka's food scene is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you feeling like a true Osakan.

Step into a stylish, modern izakaya where you can enjoy a hands-on, make-your-own Takoyaki experience like no other! Cook, flip, and customize your own Takoyaki with your favorite ingredients — including vegetarian-friendly options — while our staff guides you along the way. In addition to the experience, you can savor a wide range of Japanese dishes, from Osaka classics like Kushikatsu to premium specialties made with Wagyu beef, sea urchin, and salmon roe. We also offer a large selection of drinks, including Japanese sake, shochu, and whiskey. Seafood, sushi, oden, and other traditional dishes are also available, giving you the chance to explore Japanese cuisine far beyond Takoyaki.