Are you traveling to Japan and hoping to indulge yourself in some unique foods outside of the typical Japanese dishes everyone already talks about? Boy, do I have the article for you! If you love food (and honestly, who doesn’t?), why not take it one step further and visit places where you can learn about, experience, and even make your own version of foods you already love? Check out these 5 foodie activities and one extra bonus! 😉
Everyone loves food. I’m no different, you’re no different. And if you’re coming to Japan, I know you’re going to want to try Japanese food or a Japanese version of your favorite snack from back home. Whether you’re a local hoping to step outside of your usual routine or a tourist looking for a memorable activity, this is THE article for you lol.
If you’re choosing experiences through the lens of a food lover, these places are perfect. They’re interactive, fun, and educational annnnd many of them are super Instagrammable (which you know I’m a fan of), which is always a plus when traveling in Japan.
This is probably one of the most famous food factory experiences in Osaka, and for good reason. Anyone interested in ramen or instant noodles will have a blast here. You can learn about the history of CupNoodles, how instant ramen was invented, and how it became such a global staple.
The highlight is being able to create your own custom CupNoodles, choosing your soup base and toppings. Unfortunately, I’ve never personally been (tragic, I know), but so many of my friends have and one even brought me back a souvenir, even though I literally live in Osaka :,)
Calling all beer lovers~ this one is for you. I had so much fun here, and it’s a great experience even if you’re not a huge beer fan. Learning how Asahi became one of the most famous beer brands in Japan was surprisingly interesting.
There’s a tasting session at the end, and the souvenir shop is dangerous in the best way. This is a great stop if you’re looking for adult-friendly food experiences in Osaka or something a little different from the usual sightseeing. You can read about my fun in this museum here.
If you love chocolate, you’ll really enjoy learning about Meiji and its products. Meiji is such a famous Japanese brand that you can’t help but wonder how they became so successful and perfected their craft.
The best way to learn is by visiting the factory, seeing how everything is made, and understanding the history behind it. Like many places on this list, it’s also very Instagrammable and a fun spot to take photos while learning something new.
Who doesn’t love Pringles? I chow down on sour cream Pringles at least once a month! While this isn’t technically a factory, it is a massive Pringles gift shop in Osaka, and it deserves a mention.
This is basically a Pringles superstore with unique flavors, Pringles gacha-gacha machines, and exclusive snacks you won’t find back home. If you’re looking for a fun and quirky food souvenir, you don’t want to miss this place.
Do you know about Japanese Calbee? This famous potato chip brand has a specialty store inside Hankyu Umeda, and it’s such a cool experience. You get to think about the texture of the chip you want, how deep you want the flavor to be, and whether you want something light or rich.
The shop may be small, but it’s a great place to pick up a unique Japanese snack souvenir that feels special and thoughtful and that leaves a big impact on whoever you gift it to.
This one’s more of an idea, but such a fun one. When friends visit Japan, they always comment on how realistic and beautiful the food display cases are. Japan really takes fake food to another level.
There are workshops where you can make your own food samples, like tempura or desserts, and they make such a unique keepsake from your trip. It’s a great option if you’re looking for hands-on activities in Osaka.
I hope this article helps you think outside the box for your next Japan adventure and inspires you to try something new (and yummy). Whether you’re hunting for souvenirs or planning a foodie-focused itinerary, these places offer experiences that are sure to become fond memories.
If you’re interested in more Japanese food spots, cafes, and hidden gems, be sure to check out my other articles:
✨The Nooks and Crannies of Nakazakicho
✨Underground Umeda: A Local’s Guide to Osaka’s Hidden Foodie Paradise
Until next time, please stay happy, safe, healthy, and hungry for all of the wonderful food adventures Japan has to offer. 💛🍜
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