Osaka is famous for its lively nightlife and food scene, making it a fantastic city for those who want to experience Japan’s drinking culture firsthand. Whether you’re a sake enthusiast, a pub crawler, or just eager to try local izakayas, Osaka offers tours that cater to all tastes. We especially love tours like the Osaka: Izakaya Bars Guided Walking Tour because it introduces you to secret hotspots known only to locals, and the Osaka: Namba Pub Bar Crawl for its energetic atmosphere and insider insights. These tours allow you to sample local beers, sake, and spirits while mingling with fellow travelers and locals alike. If you’re keen on a more personalized experience, the 3 Hour Osaka Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour offers an intimate group setting and unlimited free shots.
We’ve put together a list of the 15 best drinking tours in Osaka, covering everything from traditional sake tastings and Takoyaki cooking classes to hidden bar explorations and night walks through Umeda. Each experience offers a unique window into Osaka’s vibrant drinking culture and lively street life. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, there’s a tour here that fits your style and budget.
1. Osaka: Izakaya Bars Guided Walking Tour
Have a fun night out in Osaka on this guided bar crawl that takes you through 3 hidden izakaya hotspots known only to locals. Led by a friendly local guide, you’ll explore vibrant streets in Dotombori and Uranamba, discovering bars and izakayas tucked away from the tourist crowds. The tour is priced at just $28 per person and is rated 4.9/5 with nearly 300 reviews. This experience is perfect if you want an authentic taste of Osaka’s nightlife, complete with Japanese sake, craft beers, and spirits. The small-group format makes it easy to connect with your guide and fellow explorers.
Key highlights include tasting local drinks, exploring lesser-known areas, and enjoying the social side of Osaka. It’s a great value for those seeking an authentic, budget-friendly night out with insider knowledge.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want to experience Osaka like a local and enjoy some quality drinks in a friendly, small-group setting.
2. Osaka: Namba Pub Bar Crawl with a Local Guide
At number 2, this pub crawl in Namba is rated a perfect 4.9/5 by nearly 275 reviews. For $30, you’ll join a guided tour exploring Osaka’s trendiest izakayas and bars. The guide takes you through the lively streets of Namba and Ura Namba, where you’ll sample local cuisine and drinks like sake, plum wine, whisky, and craft beer. This tour is particularly appealing if you want to experience Osaka’s modern nightlife scene with insider tips on the best spots.
Highlights include feeling the energetic vibe of Namba, enjoying authentic Japanese drinks, and meeting fellow travelers. It’s a fantastic way to understand Osaka’s casual drinking culture and get recommendations for your remaining nights in the city.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a lively, social experience with local drinks in Osaka’s entertainment district.
3. 3 Hour Osaka Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Namba
This 3-hour pub crawl has the rare distinction of a perfect rating of 5.0/5 from 125 reviews. For $57, you get an energetic night out with unlimited free shots, visits to 2-4 top bars, and the chance to make new friends from around the world. The tour kicks off at HUB Shinsaibashi and includes club entry and photos taken by a professional.
What makes this experience stand out is the social atmosphere—you’re not just bar hopping but also participating in a truly fun, communal night. The guide makes it easy to mingle, and the tour includes a variety of Osaka’s best nightlife spots. Reviewers love the value for money and the lively group dynamic.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want a full-on party night with unlimited shots and a social vibe.
4. Osaka Sake Tasting with Takoyaki Cooking
Rated 5/5 by 114 reviews, this sake tasting and takoyaki cooking experience costs $67 per person. Located in Namba, it offers an engaging opportunity to learn about sake from a Sake Sommelier and try over 10 types. You’ll also cook your own Takoyaki, Osaka’s iconic street food, in a relaxed, friendly environment.
What makes this tour special is the combination of hands-on cooking and expert sake tasting. The guide’s knowledge about sake adds depth, and the experience is perfect for anyone wanting to dive into Osaka’s culinary traditions. Guests mention how fun and informative it is, especially for those interested in Japanese beverages and street food.
Bottom Line: Ideal for foodies and sake lovers who want an interactive, educational experience.
5. Osaka SAKE Tasting with Takoyaki DIY
With a perfect 5.0/5 rating from 112 reviews, this 2-hour class combines sake tasting led by a sake sommelier with a takoyaki cooking workshop. For $75.78, you’ll learn how to make takoyaki using a secret recipe, and then sample Wagyu and cheese variations.
Guests praise the personal attention and the friendly host, a Japanese sake expert who shares insider tips on how to choose sake. The group size is small, making it intimate. If you’re curious about Japanese drinks and street food, this is a top pick.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a personalized, educational, and fun cooking and tasting experience.
6. Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori & Uranamba Area
Rated 5/5 by 102 reviews, this 3-hour local bar crawl in the lively Dotombori and Uranamba neighborhoods takes you into authentic bars and izakayas only locals frequent. For $42.90, you’ll learn about Osaka’s culture while enjoying foods like yakitori, gyoza, and karaage paired with drinks.
The tour includes visits to temples like Hozenji and the hidden alleyways that travelers often miss, giving you a more genuine Osaka nightlife experience. Reviewers love the insight into local customs and the chance to try foods and drinks you won’t find on your own.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers wanting to see Osaka’s lesser-known spots while sampling local bites and drinks.
7. Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour
This 4.5-star rated tour costs $22.83 and lasts about 4.5 hours. It’s perfect for those who want to cover multiple venues—visiting at least three bars and a nightclub—with a guided group. The tour hits Osaka’s most lively areas, ensuring you experience the best of the city’s after-dark scene.
The tour includes discounted drinks, free shots, and the chance to make friends in a fun, energetic setting. Reviewers mention great social vibe and well-chosen venues. It’s a value-packed option if you want a longer night out with various nightlife styles.
Bottom Line: Great for fun-seekers looking to experience multiple bars and a club in one night.
8. Osaka: Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba (3 Bars and 6 Tastes)
Rated 4.6/5 by 110 reviews, this tour for $103 guides you through three hidden local bars with local food and drinks. It’s perfect for those keen to explore Osaka’s underground food alleyways and local drinking spots.
The tour features urban night culture with opportunities to share tables with locals and try Osaka’s regional specialties in a relaxed setting. It’s a good pick for food and drink aficionados.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those wanting an immersive experience in Osaka’s nightlife and street food.
9. Meet Osaka Locals and Japanese Speaking Experience at Pub Umeda
Rated 5/5 from 34 reviews, this interactive experience costs $70 for 2.5 hours. It’s designed for solo travelers and those eager to practice Japanese. The event pairs you with locals in a friendly environment, with small groups and topics cards to facilitate conversation.
It’s an excellent way to make friends and learn useful phrases for your trip. The host is known for creating a welcoming atmosphere, and many travelers appreciate the opportunity to connect deeply with Japanese people.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking cultural exchange and language practice in a relaxed setting.
10. Osaka Night Walk: Discover Umeda Food and Pub
Rated 5/5 from 34 reviews, this 3-hour night walk costs $110.87 and offers an engaging way to explore three diverse areas of Umeda from retro arcades to underground alleys and modern skyscrapers.
Led by a local guide, you’ll taste Osaka’s iconic foods, visit hidden izakayas, and experience local nightlife beyond the tourist highlights. Guests love the insider access and the chance to see Osaka’s different faces after dark.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a comprehensive night tour with a culinary focus.
11. Osaka Cooking Class and Sake Tasting with Local Supermarket Visit
Rated 5/5 by 30 reviews, this 4-hour experience offers a hands-on cooking class combined with sake tasting. For $99.42, you visit a local market, select fresh ingredients, then cook classic dishes like okonomiyaki, gyoza, and beef soup in a friendly environment.
The guide, a local chef, shares cooking tips, and the sake tasting is led by an expert. It’s well-suited for foodies and those wanting to learn about Osaka’s culinary traditions. Reviewers mention fun, informative, and delicious moments.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers who want to cook, taste, and learn in one session.
12. Meet Locals and Japanese Speaking Experience at British Pub Osaka
Rated 5/5 from 20 reviews, this language exchange event costs $30 for about 2.5 hours. It’s a relaxed way to meet local Japanese and practice speaking with small groups that rotate seats. The host encourages casual conversation and friendship-building.
It’s especially good for solo travelers or anyone interested in cultural exchange. Many mention that the environment is friendly and welcoming.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want to practice Japanese and make local friends in a casual setting.
13. Osaka Soul : IZAKAYA Shinsekai to Dotonbori Food Paradise
Rated 5/5 from 12 reviews, this 3-hour food tour explores Shinsekai, Sennichimae, and Hozenji Temple, offering authentic local dishes paired with drinks. Starting in Shinsekai, you’ll experience Kushikatsu and visit an old-style izakaya.
The tour combines culture, history, and cuisine, making it ideal for food lovers interested in Osaka’s traditional flavors. Reviewers highlight the local knowledge and delicious food.
Bottom Line: Great for those wanting an authentic taste of Osaka’s food scene intertwined with local sights.
14. Osaka American Village Bar Hopping Tour
Rated 5/5 by 10 reviews, this 3-hour tour costs $70.78 and takes you through Osaka American Village, a lively area filled with bars and karaoke. The experience includes free drinks and signature cocktails, with stops at local favorites.
Guests love the fun atmosphere and the chance to meet both locals and travelers. It’s perfect for those wanting a more casual, lively experience with a Western twist.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you’re into karaoke, signature drinks, and energetic nightlife.
15. Osaka Bar Hopping | Explore Hidden Bars & Izakayas in Namba
Rated 4.8/5 by 16 reviews, this budget-friendly tour at $32 focuses on hidden bars and izakayas in Namba. It offers an authentic experience with local drinks and snacks and aims to show you Osaka’s secret drinking spots.
Guests appreciate the laid-back vibe and the opportunity to learn about local drinking traditions. It’s a straightforward, cost-effective way to enjoy Osaka nightlife.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers on a budget who want an authentic local bar experience.
How to Choose Your Osaka Drinking Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, desired level of activity, and interest in specific drinks or food. For example, if you’re passionate about sake, the Sake Tasting with Takoyaki classes (see experience here) offer a deep dive. If you want social nights with unlimited shots, the 3 Hour Osaka Pub Crawl (more info) might suit you. Budget travelers can opt for the Osaka Bar Hopping (link), while those seeking more structured experiences may prefer the Cooking and Sake Class (see details).
Timing is also key: weekends tend to be liveliest, but some tours run weekly or by appointment. Book early during peak seasons like spring and autumn, especially if you want a spot on popular tours.
In summary, Osaka offers a wide range of drinking experiences. Whether you prefer guided bar crawls, sake tastings, or cultural exchange evenings, there’s something here for every traveler. For a lively, social night, the Osaka: Namba Pub Bar Crawl or the Nightlife Tour are excellent choices. If you’re more interested in food and drink combined with a local insight, consider the Sake and Takoyaki experience or the Food Paradise Tour. Remember, booking in advance ensures you’ll secure your preferred experience, especially during busy travel periods. Dive into Osaka’s vibrant drinking scene—you won’t regret it.