Evening bar hopping in Namba

Evening bar hopping through Namba is one of the most authentic plans you can do in Osaka to understand Japanese nightlife culture. A local guide takes you for about three hours through three or four izakayas and bars in the less touristy lanes of Namba, usually beginning with the Hozenji Yokocho alley, a narrow cobbled street lit with lanterns where the city's oldest izakayas serve yakitori, kushikatsu and edamame at local prices. At each stop the tour includes drinks (alcoholic or not) and skewers or dishes of food, which in total is roughly equivalent to a full dinner. It is an excellent way to learn the difference between a neighbourhood izakaya and a tourist bar, and to talk with the guide about the culture of drinking and socialising in Japan. The tours cost around 55-65 euros per person and include all the drinks at the stops. Most establishments on the bar-hopping routes only accept cash, so bring yen in cash. Book in advance as the groups are small (maximum 8-10 people).