The drinking scene in Osaka truly shines through its excellent guided tours. Small-group experiences offer the best value, typically including 3-4 carefully chosen bars and plenty of local insight.
I’m especially fond of the evening walking tours through Dotonbori, where you’ll join locals at standing bars (tachinomi) and sample regional sake. The best tours combine drinking with Osaka’s famous street food – nothing beats munching kushikatsu (fried skewers) between bar stops.
For authenticity, stick with tours limited to 8 people or fewer. Most meet near major train stations, making them easy to find. Expect to pay ¥5,000-12,000 ($35-85), with higher-end options including multicourse meals.
Check out these top-rated Osaka drinking tours that consistently earn praise from fellow travelers.
Good To Know
- Osaka Nightlife Tours offer personalized experiences with a maximum group size of 10, featuring hidden gems, discounted entry, and all-you-can-drink options.
- Bar Hopping Experiences provide private tours focusing on izakaya hopping and local exploration, with prices starting from $258.73 per person.
- Unique Nightlife Events like the Osaka Bar Crawl and International Mixer include free alcoholic beverages and shots at participating bars, fostering a fun and immersive atmosphere.
- Pub Bar Crawls, such as the “Osaka Nights: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl,” offer a 3.5-hour guided tour with dinner and strong connections among participants.
- Sake and Deep Food Tours in Osaka provide opportunities to sample five nihonshu (Japanese sake) with snacks, as well as explore local food and bar scenes.
Osaka Nightlife Tour and Bar Hop
What better way to experience Osaka’s vibrant nightlife than an Osaka Bar Hop and Nightlife Tour?
With a maximum group size of 10 travelers, this 5-star rated tour provides access to hidden gems and discounted entry to bars and clubs.
Led by a native English speaker fluent in Japanese, the tour includes all-you-can-drink at one location.
Guests praise the guide’s expertise in navigating Osaka’s nightlife, discovering unique spots, and creating a personalized experience.
Many describe the tour as a highlight of their trip, emphasizing the fun atmosphere and connections made.
Though not wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate.
Pre and post-tour support ensures a seamless experience.
Read our full review: Osaka Nightlife Tour and Bar Hop Review
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Osaka Nightlife Adventure: Bar Hopping, Shopping and Sightseeing
This Osaka Nightlife Adventure takes travelers on an immersive journey through the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Led by a professional local guide, the tour includes bar hopping at three popular izakaya bars, as well as shopping and sightseeing.
It starts at the iconic Glico sign in Dotonbori and ends in the charming Hozenji Yokocho.
The tour is private, catering exclusively to your group.
While most travelers can participate, it’s not wheelchair accessible.
Priced from $258.73 per person, the experience offers a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
With a perfect 5-star rating from a single review, this Osaka Nightlife Adventure promises an unforgettable evening of local exploration and authentic experiences.
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Osaka Bar Crawl and International Mixer by Team Wild
For those seeking an immersive Osaka nightlife experience, the Osaka Bar Crawl and International Mixer by Team Wild offers an unparalleled opportunity.
This 5-star rated event takes participants on a journey through Osaka’s vibrant bar scene, starting at The Hearth Board Game Bar and Café and ending at the popular Club Pure.
Along the way, travelers can enjoy free alcoholic beverages and shots at each bar, while mingling with fellow participants from around the world.
With a maximum of 15 travelers, this intimate tour promises a personalized and enjoyable experience, as highlighted by the positive reviews praising the knowledgeable host, Donny, and the fun atmosphere.
Read our full review: Osaka Bar Crawl and International Mixer by Team Wild Review
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3 Hour Osaka Local Bar & Izakaya Crawl in Namba Area
Travelers seeking an immersive exploration of Osaka’s vibrant local bar and izakaya scene can embark on the 3 Hour Osaka Local Bar & Izakaya Crawl.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this 3-hour tour takes participants through the Namba area, visiting several authentic establishments.
Included are alcoholic beverages and dinner, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the city’s renowned drinking culture.
The tour is accessible, accommodating up to 10 travelers, and conveniently begins and ends at the Dotombori Humanity Song Monument.
Confirmation is received within 48 hours, subject to availability, making it an easily bookable experience for those eager to discover Osaka’s lively bar and izakaya offerings.
Read our full review: 3 Hour Osaka Local Bar & Izakaya Crawl in Namba Area Review
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Japanese Bathhouse With Craft Beer and Soul Food
Participants can enjoy a quintessential Japanese bathhouse (sento) experience in Osaka, with this guided activity.
They’ll receive etiquette instruction at a nearby cafe/bar before enjoying a one-hour sento visit. Afterward, they’ll savor classic Osaka soul food and craft beer or coffee. The menu includes takoyaki starter, a choice of vanilla or matcha ice cream, and a drink.
This small-group experience starts and ends at Inari Glean in Namba Ward. Confirmation is provided at booking, unless within 24 hours of the tour.
The activity isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller-friendly and near public transportation. Prices start at $29.81 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
Read our full review: Japanese Bathhouse With Craft Beer and Soul Food Review
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Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour
The Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour offers an immersive experience for those eager to explore the vibrant nightlife of Japan’s second-largest city.
This private tour takes participants through a selection of bars and clubs, providing welcome shots, drink discounts, and entry to a club with the first drink for 1000 yen.
The interactive hosts enhance the social atmosphere, leading party games and activities.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for most travelers looking to experience Osaka’s lively after-dark scene.
With positive reviews highlighting the fun environment and opportunities to meet new people, this tour provides a unique way to discover the city’s nightlife.
Read our full review: Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour Review
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Exploring Nada Sake Breweries Kobe Private Tour With Government-Licensed Guide
For those seeking a deeper immersion into Japan’s renowned sake culture, the Exploring Nada Sake Breweries Kobe Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide offers an unparalleled opportunity.
This customizable walking tour allows visitors to explore 3-4 traditional and modern sake breweries in Kobe, Japan. With 12 positive reviews and a 100% traveler recommendation, the tour is led by a licensed local English-speaking guide.
Priced from $145.75 per person, the tour includes guide services, transportation, entrance fees, and lunch. Wheelchair-accessible and near public transit, the tour is suitable for most travelers.
Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides, enjoyable sake tastings, and delicious Kobe beef lunches.
Read our full review: Exploring Nada Sake Breweries Kobe Private Tour With Government-Licensed Guide Review
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Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotonbori & Namba Area
This 3-hour Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotonbori and Uranamba Area offers a lively exploration of the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour takes participants to a maximum of 15 travelers through the iconic Dotonbori and lesser-known Namba neighborhoods.
Highlights include visiting izakayas, sampling Takoyaki, and immersing in the energetic atmosphere.
While most reviewers praised the engaging guides and unique experiences, some felt the tour was overpriced compared to local standards.
Read our full review: Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotonbori & Namba Area Review
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Osaka Bar Hopping
Typically, the Osaka Bar Hopping tour provides a lively exploration of the city’s vibrant nightlife. Accompanied by a knowledgeable tour guide, participants can visit a selection of local bars and experience the unique atmosphere of each hotel.
The tour includes entrance fees and transportation, ensuring a hassle-free experience. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and allows service animals.
With an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews, this private tour offers an immersive way to discover Osaka’s drinking culture. The tour starts at 2:00 PM and concludes at the meeting point, providing a memorable afternoon of bar-hopping.
Read our full review: Osaka Bar Hopping Review
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3 Hour Osaka Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Namba
Set out on a 3-hour guided pub crawl through Namba, Osaka’s vibrant nightlife district.
This weekly tour welcomes travellers with a maximum of 15 people, starting at 7 PM from HUB Shinsaibashi, just 7 minutes from Namba Station.
Enjoy unlimited free shots between venues and a minimum of one drink purchase required at each stop.
However, no own drinks are allowed inside the stores.
While the tour isn’t recommended for those with certain health conditions, a moderate fitness level is required.
With 119 reviews and a 99% traveller recommendation, this Osaka pub crawl offers an immersive experience into the city’s lively bar scene for $57 per person.
Read our full review: 3 Hour Osaka Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Namba Review
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Osaka Local Food Tour in Izakaya : Dotonbori to Shinsekai 3 Hours
Osaka Soul Food: From Retro Shinsekai to Dotonbori Food Paradise takes participants on a 3-hour culinary journey through the city’s iconic food districts.
Offered by Sakura Concierge, this highly-rated tour (5.0/5) includes a sampling of local delicacies like kushikatsu, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and gyoza.
Travelers enjoy complimentary drinks and private transportation from Dobutsuen-mae to Dotonbori.
Despite one negative review citing limited dining locations, the tour generally receives praise for its knowledgeable guide and authentic food experiences.
Priced at $118.75 per person, the tour offers free cancellation and a maximum group size of 8, making it an accessible and flexible option for exploring Osaka’s renowned food scene.
Read our full review: Osaka Local Food Tour in Izakaya : Dotonbori to Shinsekai 3 Hours Review
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Explore the Hidden Local Bars and Foods in Night Osaka -3.5 Hours
What better way to experience Osaka’s vibrant nightlife than by exploring its hidden local bars and foods?
This 3.5-hour private group tour takes you on a journey through Osaka’s culinary gems. You’ll start at a meeting point near Tennoji Station, where you’ll join your local guide, Soichiro (Ben), for an evening of discovery.
The tour includes a box of takoyaki (octopus balls) and a drink, as well as the opportunity to try more food and drinks at two additional restaurants.
Plus, you can enjoy some local arcade games. With easy access to public transportation and an overall 5-star rating, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking an authentic Osaka experience.
Read our full review: Explore the Hidden Local Bars and Foods in Night Osaka -3.5 Hours Review
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Osaka Nights: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl With an Expert Local Guide
For those seeking an immersive experience in Osaka’s vibrant nightlife, the “Osaka Nights: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide” tour promises an evening of camaraderie and cultural exploration.
Priced at $34.62 per person, this 3.5-hour evening tour takes guests on a guided walking journey through the city’s hidden local bars and eateries.
Led by a knowledgeable local expert, the tour includes a dinner and allows for a maximum of 9 travelers, fostering an intimate group dynamic.
Reviewers rave about the strong connections formed with fellow participants, describing it as a “Gang” experience, and the engaging hosts who enhance the overall experience.
With free cancellation and accessibility via public transportation, this tour offers a unique and memorable way to discover Osaka’s nightlife.
Read our full review: Osaka Nights: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl With an Expert Local Guide Review
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Osaka Omotenashi Fancy Dinner and Japanese Alcohol Bar Experience
This premium Osaka nightlife excursion, the “Osaka Omotenashi Fancy Dinner and Japanese Alcohol Bar Experience,” offers an immersive culinary and cultural journey through the city’s vibrant after-dark scene.
Priced from $450 per person, this private tour includes a full-course Japanese dinner, two alcoholic drinks at a local bar, and a taste of two traditional Osaka foods.
Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, you will enjoy private transportation and photo opportunities throughout the evening.
The experience is available on Saturdays and Sundays from May 2024 to December 2025, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
Read our full review: Osaka Omotenashi Fancy Dinner and Japanese Alcohol Bar Experience Review
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Osaka Shinsekai Sake Tasting Tour
Osaka’s Shinsekai neighborhood offers a captivating exploration of the city’s sake culture.
The Osaka Shinsekai Sake Tasting Tour provides visitors with a unique opportunity to sample a set of five different nihonshu, or Japanese rice wines, accompanied by delectable snacks.
The tour meets at the Dobutsuen-Mae Station, and participants gather in front of the east ticket gate near exits 1 and 2.
The experience is confirmed within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
Although not wheelchair accessible, the tour is conveniently located near public transportation.
With a maximum group size of 6 travelers, the Osaka Shinsekai Sake Tasting Tour offers an intimate and immersive exploration of the city’s vibrant sake culture.
Read our full review: Osaka Shinsekai Sake Tasting Tour Review
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Deep Food Tour ＆ Bar Hopping in Temma, Osaka
Travelers can embark on a Deep Food Tour & Bar Hopping experience in the lively Temma neighborhood of Osaka.
This tour offers a chance to explore the local culinary scene, with stops at three establishments where participants can enjoy one alcoholic beverage and one food item.
Priced at $145.75 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 6 travelers and includes private transportation.
The meeting point is Temma Station, and the tour returns to the same location.
While the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for most travelers.
Confirmation is provided upon booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.
Read our full review: Deep Food Tour ＆ Bar Hopping in Temma, Osaka Review
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The Sum Up
Osaka’s vibrant nightlife offers a diverse array of drinking tours. From bar hopping adventures and international mixers to local izakaya crawls and sake tastings, there’s something for every taste. Whether you’re looking for craft beer, traditional Japanese cuisine, or a fancy dining experience, these tours provide an immersive glimpse into Osaka’s vibrant drinking culture. With expert local guides, you’ll discover the city’s hidden gems and enjoy a truly memorable night out.