Osaka Prefecture is a food and drink lover’s paradise. Known as Japan’s “Nation’s Kitchen,” it offers a vibrant mix of traditional sake breweries, lively neighborhood bars, and unique cultural experiences. Whether you’re keen on learning how sake is made, sampling Kobe beef, or exploring bustling local streets, Osaka’s drinking tours deliver authentic tastes and memorable moments. We especially like the Make Otsumami + Sake Pairing for its intimate, hands-on approach to Japanese snacks and sake, or the Kobe Delights tour to combine relaxation in an onsen with premium Kobe beef and sake tastings. These experiences give an honest glimpse of Osaka’s rich culinary scene, away from tourist traps.
For a well-rounded visit, check out the Make Otsumami + Sake Pairing for a guided cooking class with a local chef, or the Osaka Sake Brewery Tour and Tasting, which takes you behind the scenes of Japan’s craft sake traditions. For those interested in exploring local neighborhoods and nightlife, the Osaka Higashi Osaka Nightlife Bar Hopping Tour offers a genuine, laid-back bar crawl experience. Below, we break down each tour so you can choose the perfect match for your travel style and interests.
1. Make Otsumami + Sake Pairing (Includes 6-Course Meal)
This small-group, 3-hour cooking class offers a unique hands-on experience in Osaka. Hosted through Cozymeal, it’s perfect for food lovers who want to learn about Japanese snacks and sake directly from a local chef. You’ll prepare a 6-course menu that includes dishes like wasabi garlic potato salad, octopus and cucumber vinegar salad, fish tatsuta-age, and more. The highlight is not just eating but learning how each dish pairs with different types of sake, which your instructor will explain in detail.
What makes this tour special is its intimate setting—only a few participants, so you get personalized attention and plenty of interaction. The instructor shares her expertise on Asian cuisine, making this more than just a cooking class; it’s a culture. For $117.18 per person, the value is excellent, considering the quality and depth of experience. Reviewers give it a perfect 5.0/5, praising the delicious food and knowledgeable guide.
Bottom line: If you want a relaxed, educational experience that combines cooking with sake tasting, this class delivers. It’s ideal for foodies who enjoy learning by doing and want a memorable, authentic taste of Japan’s culinary culture.
2. Experience Japanese Culture and Enjoy Yakiniku and Sake
Spending 4 hours exploring Osaka is a great way to combine cultural sights with a casual tasting of local flavors. This tour takes you through the streets around Morii Shrine near Keihan Doi Station, an area not often visited by travelers but rich in local life and character. You’ll interact with local people, visit small shrines, and participate in cultural activities like taiko drumming, calligraphy, or sushi-making, depending on the schedule.
The highlight is sampling yakiniku (Japanese grilled meat) and sake in a traditional setting, guided by a sake shop owner who shares insights about sake brewing. The tour’s mix of street exploration, cultural activities, and food tasting makes it a well-rounded introduction to Osaka’s local scene. Although the review count is 0, the experience promises genuine interactions with locals and a taste of everyday Osaka life.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect for travelers eager to see real Osaka beyond the tourist hotspots, combining culture, community, and food in a relaxed environment. It offers good value for those who want more than just a tasting and enjoy engaging with local traditions.
$177.10 per person
3. Kobe Delights: Arima Onsen, Sake Breweries & Kobe Beef VIP Tour
For around $700 per group, this 9-hour VIP experience covers the best of Kobe in a day. It starts with a trip to Arima Onsen, where you can stroll charming streets, soak in a hot spring footbath, and savor local delicacies. Then, it moves on to Kobe’s sake brewery district, where you’ll learn about sake production from the brewery’s master and sample premium sakes—an excellent way to understand Japan’s sake craftsmanship.
The tour also includes a visit to Harborland, Kobe’s lively downtown area, and wraps up with a tasting of Kobe beef—world-famous for its tenderness and marbling—in a nice restaurant. The itinerary is designed for those who want a comprehensive taste of Kobe, combining relaxation, culture, and culinary excellence. Though pricey, the experience’s depth and the opportunity to visit multiple iconic sites make it a worthwhile splurge.
Bottom line: If you’re pressed for time but want a luxury, all-in-one day trip with high-end food, sake, and hot springs, this VIP tour is a top choice. It’s best suited for travelers looking for comfort and a curated experience that showcases Kobe’s highlights.
$700.00 per group (up to 4)
4. Osaka Higashi Osaka Nightlife Bar Hopping Tour
Looking for an authentic, no-frills bar experience? This 2-hour night tour takes you into Fuse, an East Osaka neighborhood full of character. Just 15 minutes from Namba, Fuse is where locals go—filled with smoky izakayas, standing bars, and yakitori shops serving Osaka-style dishes at very reasonable prices.
Led by a friendly local guide, you’ll visit two carefully selected spots with handwritten menus and a lively atmosphere. The tour emphasizes the social aspect of drinking in Japan—locals sharing kushikatsu, beer, and shochu at small counters. The intimate setting and genuine vibe make it perfect for travelers who want an honest taste of Osaka’s nightlife, away from tourist-heavy districts.
Bottom line: If you’re eager to mingle with locals and enjoy authentic bar culture, this tour offers a relaxed, friendly environment with an emphasis on genuine Osaka flavors and camaraderie.
$138.00 per person
5. Osaka Minoh Waterfall Nature Walk and Local Craft Beer Tasting
For nature lovers, this 2.5-hour tour combines scenic beauty with a refreshing craft beer experience. You’ll hike along the Minoh Waterfall Trail, a peaceful walk offering stunning views of the waterfall and seasonal scenery, whether spring blossoms or winter snowscapes. The highlight is the impressive Minoh Falls—a 33-meter cascade that’s a perfect photo opportunity.
After soaking in nature, you’ll visit the Minoh Beer Warehouse to sample award-winning Minoh Beer, which has earned recognition at the World Beer Cup. Paired with local Maple Leaf Tempura, this tasting completes a well-rounded outing of relaxation and flavor. The tour is suitable for outdoor enthusiasts and beer lovers alike, providing a peaceful break from urban sightseeing.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal if you want a laid-back experience that combines a scenic hike with quality craft beer tasting. It’s perfect for those who appreciate Japan’s natural beauty and local brewing.
$42.47 per person
6. Osaka Sake Brewery Tour and Tasting
If you’re curious about sake, this 1.5 to 2-hour tour offers an in-depth look into Japan’s traditional brewing process. Visiting Naniwa Sake Brewery, the oldest in Osaka, you’ll observe the handcrafted sake-making process that has been passed down for over 300 years. The brewery manager shares detailed insights, making this a very educational experience.
The tour includes tasting a variety of sake, including some award-winning selections, and you’ll receive a wooden sake cup (ichigo masu) as a souvenir. The experience is intimate and informative, perfect for those who want to understand the craftsmanship behind Japan’s national drink. The price point makes it accessible for most travelers interested in cultural learning.
Bottom line: For anyone wanting to explore sake traditions in Osaka, this brewery tour offers a memorable, educational visit that highlights the artistry of Japanese sake-making.
$20.91 per person
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Osaka
Choosing between these options depends on what you want to get out of your trip. If you enjoy hands-on experiences, the Make Otsumami + Sake Pairing offers a delicious, interactive day. For an immersive cultural experience with local street life, the Experience Japanese Culture and Enjoy Yakiniku and Sake is a fantastic choice. Those seeking a luxurious, comprehensive day trip should consider the Kobe Delights VIP Tour, blending relaxation, sake, and Kobe beef.
For authentic nightlife, especially if you want to avoid tourist-heavy districts, the Higashi Osaka Nightlife Bar Hopping provides a friendly, local vibe. Nature lovers should look at the Minoh Waterfall and Beer Tasting for a peaceful day combining hiking with craft beer. Finally, if your interest lies in sake, the Osaka Sake Brewery offers a deep dive into Japan’s brewing traditions.
When booking, consider your budget, time constraints, and interest level. Tours like the brewery visits or the cooking class tend to be more structured, while bar hopping and street exploration offer more flexibility. Planning ahead ensures you get the best experience, especially for popular spots or limited-time events.
Osaka Prefecture’s drinking tours offer something for every taste. From traditional sake breweries to lively neighborhood bars, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy Japan’s rich beverage culture. For those wanting a hands-on, cultural, or relaxed experience, booking early is a good idea—these tours can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Whether you prefer learning about sake, tasting Kobe beef, or simply mingling with locals, Osaka’s diverse options won’t disappoint.