3-in-1 Osaka Experience: Takoyaki, Calligraphy & Shopping! (Gluten-Free available)
Ready for a 3-in-1 Osaka food & culture experience?
Make fun Takoyaki and a surprise dessert using the same pan! Next, enjoy a traditional calligraphy workshop to create your own art (origami available for young kids). Then, we’ll visit a local shop of your choice—grocery, pastry shop, or 100-yen store—for perfect souvenirs!
Our space is relaxing and child-friendly. On weekends/holidays, my 5-year-old son will be home to welcome you!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
JR Namba station (Primary) or Your Preferred Meeting Point
- I will propose the most convenient station or transfer point for you after checking your hotel location. * Special Local Gift Offer * If you are happy to come directly to my nearest local station, 20 mins from Namba sta / 40 mins from Osaka sta / 40 mins from Nara sta, (which is very close to my home and easy to access by train), I would love to give you a little Japanese gift as a special thank-you! Once your booking is confirmed, please message me your hotel name and nearest station. I will check the train routes and propose the best meeting spot just for you!
Arrival at Guide's Home & Takoyaki Prep
Make yourself at home and settle in.
Once you're comfortable, let’s team up in the kitchen! We’ll family-prep the colorful ingredients and get everything ready for our fun Takoyaki party.
Takoyaki & Dessert Making
Let's start cooking! We will mix the batter, practice the famous "flipping" technique, and enjoy a delicious lunch of standard and local-style Takoyaki. Afterward, we will make a sweet dessert using the same pan! (You'll have a few delicious options to choose from!!)
Japanese Calligraphy Workshop
First, you'll learn the basic techniques of Japanese calligraphy with a quick lesson. Then, practice writing your favorite Kanji or your own name with custom Kanji characters. Finally, create a beautiful masterpiece on a Shikishi (paper board) to take home and display!
* Kids-friendly alternative available: Children can enjoy Origami instead of calligraphy.
Local Shopping Tour
We will walk to a nearby neighborhood shopping area. We can explore a Japanese grocery store, an excellent local pastry shop, or a 100-yen shop. I’ll act as your personal shopping assistant and help you find the best souvenirs.
Tour Ends
The tour concludes around 3:00 PM. I can guide you back to the station or help you coordinate the next stop on your itinerary (drop-off location can be flexibly discussed).
Ending Point
Flexible upon request.
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Private Home Experience & Hosting: Personal hospitality and full support at a local Japanese home.
- All Activity & Instruction Fees: Step-by-step guidance for both the cooking session and the calligraphy workshop.
- Food & Drinks at Home: All ingredients for the Takoyaki Party.
- Calligraphy Materials: Rental of brushes and ink, practicing paper, and a Shikishi (paper board) to take home.
- Origami Activity: Colorful origami paper for children.
- Transportation Fees: Train or subway fares between the meeting point, hotel, and the tour locations.
- Personal Expenses: Souvenirs or personal shopping during the tour.
Tour Important Information
- Food Allergies & Preferences:
If you have any food allergies, dietary restrictions, or dislikes (e.g., if you prefer cheese or sausage instead of octopus), please let me know in advance. The menu is fully customizable!
- Gluten-Free Option:
Gluten-free ingredients are available upon request for an additional fee of 1,500 JPY per person. Please send me a message when making your booking if you would like to request this option.
(Please note: My kitchen is not a certified gluten-free facility. For your own safety, I kindly ask those with severe wheat allergies or Celiac disease to refrain from booking.)
- Space & Capacity:
Please note that my cozy Japanese apartment is not very large. If you are a group of 4 adults, it might feel a bit tight.
- Ideal Group Size:
A family of 2 adults and up to 2 children (maximum of 4 people total) is the most comfortable fit for my space. I want to ensure your family has a relaxing and fun experience!
- Family-Friendly Note:
My home is highly recommended for families traveling with toddlers or young children. I have plenty of toys to keep your little ones entertained in a safe, relaxed environment.
- Flexibility:
As this is a private experience, the itinerary and start time can be adjusted to match your pace and preferences.
Note for Weekends & Holidays:
For experiences on weekends and Japanese national holidays, my 5-year-old son will be joining us at home! He loves meeting new friends, and we look forward to welcoming you together.
Important message from the supplier
My general availability is:
- Mon, Wed: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thu: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Fri: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sat: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Kokoro O.
Hi, I'm Koko—a Japanese teacher, local foodie, and a mom who loves exploring Osaka with kids!
With over 12 years of experience in language education, I know how to make communication smooth and fun. Having traveled to around 30 countries and lived or studied in five—the US, Finland, Ireland, Switzerland, and Australia—I deeply understand global cultures and what travelers truly look for. Along the way, I've made friends all over the world, and I've had the joy of showing many of them around my hometown, Osaka.
When I travel, I love looking beyond tourist spots to connect with locals. That passion is what I bring to every tour: not just showing you around, but making you feel like you're exploring Osaka with a close friend—taking you to places you'd never find on your own.
- What a day with me feels like
We'll go where locals go—big sights if you want, but also the streets tourists usually miss. We'll eat like Osakans, not tourists: cozy local spots, real soul food, maybe a local supermarket or a quiet café for tea and sweets.
- Traveling with kids? Bring them along—I'd love that!
As a mom myself, I know what it's like to travel with little ones. Family bookings are always welcome, and I love planning days that keep both parents and kids happy.
- Let's plan your day
I have a few tour styles ready to go, but I love building something custom too. Whether you have a few hours, half a day, or a full day, we can shape the time together. Tell me your interests, pace, or travel style, and I'll create a day that fits you.
Let's make your time in Osaka feel less like sightseeing—and more like coming home. Come meet Osaka like you already have a friend here!
$80/ per person
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