About Osaka

In 2013, “Washoku: Traditional Dietary Cultures of the Japanese” was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. As a result of this recognition, interest in Japanese cuisine and Japanese ingredients increased considerably. The number one most anticipated aspect of visiting Japan for overseas tourists is to eat Japanese food*1 and the most popular international cuisine liked by people living in other countries is also Japanese food*2. Osaka is known as the “Kitchen of the World.” It is a city known for eating until you collapse and a wide variety of the famous local dishes are made using flour. Some of these include the renowned takoyaki and okonomiyaki, as well as seasonal Japanese cuisine served at establishments like kappo and ryotei style restaurants. Various cuisine from around the world are also available here, and the charm of the food culture is abundant throughout the city. Osaka has become more and more recognized as a world-class city for cuisine, and the food is an important resource for tourism.

The Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau will further develop its gastronomy tourism campaign, taking advantage of the ingredient selection, food culture, and rich history in Osaka and Kansai. This potential to promote “Osaka; Gastronomic Capital of Japan” to the world. There will also be collaborations with many international gastronomy networks. The partnership with Relais & Châteaux for Delicious Journeys 2019 is the first important step for this.
*1 “ Consumption Trends of Foreigners Visiting Japan - Survey”, 2018, Japan Tourism Agency.*2 “ Survey concerning overseas consumption of Japanese food”, 2014, survey by the Japan External Trade Organization.