Osaka · NAMBA DISTRICT TOURS
Namba is the loud half of the city and the quiet lanes behind it are where the good counters hide. The 7 below cover the bar crawls, the food walks and the evening runs, with prices and how many stops each makes.
Spend about three and a half hours walking between three Osaka nightlife districts with an English-speaking guide. Expect an izakaya meal, sake, beer, whisky, cocktails, and local tips from guides such as Miki, Takeshi, Nana, and Hiyori. Bring cash, since food and drinks cost extra.
“very good, it might depend on the group of people that are on the tour with you. we met really fun people”
Join a guide such as Alison for a three-hour night through Namba and Shinsaibashi. Visit a standing bar, local okonomiyaki shop, Japanese second-party bar, and possibly a DJ venue while meeting locals and international drinkers. Your own drinks cost extra.
“The tour guide was cool. She was very friendly and helpful. The tour itself was very expensive for what was provided. The drinks aren’t provided so you pretty much paid $70+ to just mingle with each other.”
Join a certified English-speaking guide such as Taku, Yuki, or Alice for three hours of Osaka food and nightlife. Visit three local izakaya bars, share six or more tastings, enjoy three to four drinks, and finish near Dotonbori and Ura-Namba. Groups are limited to seven people.
“We had a fantastic time with Syuta. He helped us get around, recommended places to go and was a great drinking partner. Highly recommend as it is great value and delicious.”
Meet an English or Japanese speaking guide outside Starbucks TSUTAYA EBISUBASHI, then sample takoyaki, takosen, taiyaki, pork buns, and more around Dotonbori and Namba. Guides such as Kaito, Hina, and Fuka tailor stops to your tastes, explain local customs, and help you order.
“Great personalized tour with Hori. He provided us great information about each of the places and food we visited. As a native of Osaka, he’s so knowledgeable about the area. We ate plenty of delicious food from the famous crab-stuffed buns to mouth-watering beef, delicious onigiri, and on and on..”
In Namba, Jo, also known as Josuke or Zenkei, guides you through the story of lacquer, the final stages of kintsugi, and the application of 23K gold powder. You will work in a traditional wooden Kura building, make a decorated plate, enjoy matcha and mochi, and receive your piece in 5 to 7 days.
“Such an excellent workshop! The entire experience was very educational. It was fascinating to learn about the history of the craft. Josuke was friendly, passionate and skilled. Highly recommend.”
Spend two hours learning Japanese calligraphy in Namba with teacher Nao and an English-speaking interpreter. You’ll hear about shodo, practice brush and ink techniques, write kanji, and create a handwritten name card or luggage tag to take home. The small group size keeps instruction personal.
“The shodo class was great! They made calligraphy less intimidating. Loved learning what the characters meant and not just writing them. They were very encouraging! By they end I even impressed my self a little. The one suggestion I’d make is they need a sign next to the nail salon’s sign with an arrow pointing down the hall.”
Meet Osaka JOINER in Namba for a two-hour walk through local bars and izakayas. Your English-speaking guide, such as Koda, Haru, or Minori, leads you to three drinking stops for sake, beer, whiskey, cocktails, highballs, sawa, and small dishes. Drinks and food are extra, so you choose what suits you.
“It was a great experience meeting wonderful people and sharing drinks together! The karaoke was absolutely perfect—woohoo! A special thanks to Haru, who was an excellent tour guide”
Pick a district, a kitchen or a train out of town.
