TAKOPA Takoyaki Park in Universal City: Enjoy Osaka’s Best Takoyaki Restaurants 2024!
Osaka is Japan’s second-largest city after Tokyo, home to about 7% of the country's population and roughly 10% of its foreign residents.
As a port city, Osaka is known for its abundance of fresh ingredients. The surrounding areas, such as Nada, Itami, and Ikeda, are famous for producing premium sake, which contributes to Osaka's reputation as a gourmet city.
Osaka has developed a unique food culture, earning nicknames like "The Nation’s Kitchen" (Tenka no Daidokoro) and "The City of Indulgence" (Kuidaore no Machi). Flour-based dishes such as takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) have become staples, collectively referred to as "konamon" (made from flour).
Among Osaka's famous dishes, takoyaki is the most iconic. With countless takoyaki shops spread throughout the city, it’s no surprise that Osaka is known as the birthplace of this beloved street food. The quality of takoyaki in Osaka is exceptional, with many top-notch shops offering delicious variations.
For takoyaki lovers, there’s one spot that brings together six of Osaka’s most popular takoyaki shops: TAKOPA . Located in Universal City, TAKOPA is a must-visit destination where you can try different types of takoyaki, sip on a drink, and compare flavors. As a dedicated fan of takoyaki myself, I highly recommend it. Let me introduce you to TAKOPA and the delightful restaurants you’ll find there.
If you are interested in Takoyaki, check the article below! I summarized Takoyaki Restaurants in Osaka I recommend and how I felt each Takoyaki Restaurant.
Osaka's New Landmark: TAKOPA, Home to Popular Takoyaki Restaurants
TAKOPA is a unique venue that gathers six famous takoyaki shops from Osaka under one roof. The lively atmosphere is reminiscent of a festival food stall area, creating a theme park-like vibe. Each shop offers a variety of takoyaki flavors, from classic sauce-covered takoyaki to more inventive twists. You can even sample several different kinds in one go!
If you want to immerse yourself in Osaka’s takoyaki culture, TAKOPA is the perfect place to do it. You can sit back, enjoy a drink, and savor the best takoyaki the city has to offer. You're sure to discover your favorite!
Conveniently Located Near Universal Studios Japan
TAKOPA is situated right next to the hugely popular Universal Studios Japan , on the fourth floor of the Universal CityWalk shopping center. Many tourists stop by TAKOPA for lunch before heading into the theme park or drop by afterward for dinner. Its prime location makes it an easy and convenient stop, as it’s located along the path from the train station to Universal Studios.
When you visit Universal Studios Japan, be sure to stop by TAKOPA as well!
If you are interested in Universal Studio Japan, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy Universal Studio Japan as much as possible.
Introducing the Charms and Recommended Menus of the Takoyaki Shops Inside TAKOPA
Takoya Doutonbori Kukuru
Source: Official website
Takoya Doutonbori Kukuru is a popular takoyaki shop located in the famous takoyaki battleground, Doutonbori. Their signature is their melty takoyaki, known for containing large pieces of octopus.
By adding white wine during the cooking process, the takoyaki has a delicate, refined aroma of wine, offering a more sophisticated flavor. The light texture makes it easy to eat, and it’s hard to resist going back for more. At TAKOPA, you can enjoy the same excellent takoyaki as their Doutonbori location.
Kukuru’s Quattro Umaimon Set
Source: Official website
At TAKOPA, Kukuru offers special menu items that you can only enjoy here. My personal favorite is the Quattro Umaimon Set , where you can taste four different flavors of takoyaki.
This set includes classic sauce, green onion with ponzu, butter soy sauce, and rich Parmesan cheese. With three pieces of each, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to try a variety of flavors in one meal.
If you are interested in Dotonbori Kukuru, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
Abeno Takoyaki Yamachan
Source: Official website
Abeno Takoyaki Yamachan originated in Abeno-ku, an area famous for the Abeno Harukas skyscraper. They use a special broth made by simmering katsuobushi (dried bonito) and chicken bones, as well as seasonal vegetables and fruits for over four hours.
This infusion of vegetables and fruits creates a unique, slightly fruity flavor you won’t find at other takoyaki shops. Since they use the best seasonal ingredients, you can enjoy the most optimal flavors throughout the year.
Fluffy Large Octopus Akashiyaki
Source: Official website
My recommendation from Yamachan is their Akashiyaki , a simple yet delicious dish served with a light broth for dipping. Akashiyaki, which originated in neighboring Hyogo Prefecture, is similar to takoyaki but contains more eggs, giving it a soft, fluffy texture.
The large pieces of octopus combined with the rich seafood broth create an addictive flavor you’ll want to experience again and again.
Takoyaki Jyuuhachiban
Source: Official website
Takoyaki Jyuuhachiban is a well-known takoyaki shop with locations across Japan. Their takoyaki is packed with tempura bits, creating a unique crunchy texture.
They also use milk in their batter, which gives their takoyaki a creamy texture inside while remaining crispy on the outside. This combination of textures is what makes their takoyaki stand out.
The ingredients include classic tempura bits, pickled ginger, and small shrimp, giving the takoyaki a rich seafood flavor.
Ohako Three-Flavor Set
Source: Official website
I recommend the Ohako Three-Flavor Set from Jyuuhachiban. This set includes takoyaki with sauce and mayonnaise, salt-flavored takoyaki, and takoyaki dipped in tentsuyu (a tempura dipping sauce). The tentsuyu-flavored takoyaki tastes just like tempura, offering a unique experience.
With four pieces of each flavor, this set is perfect for sharing with friends or comparing the different tastes.
Osaka Tamade Aizu-ya
Source: Official website
Aizu-ya, founded in 1935, is the birthplace of takoyaki. Their recipe has remained unchanged since the shop's inception, allowing you to enjoy a piece of takoyaki history that’s over half a century old.
Aizu-ya’s original style of eating takoyaki is without sauce. Though it may look simple, the broth used in the batter is packed with umami, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through.
The original location has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for three consecutive years, and you can taste the same great flavors at TAKOPA.
Radio Four-Flavor Set
Source: Official website
My favorite from Aizu-ya is the Radio Four-Flavor Set , which includes "Radio Yaki," a predecessor of takoyaki made with sweet and savory beef and konjac instead of octopus. It offers a completely different, yet equally delicious flavor.
In addition to the classic takoyaki, the set also includes versions with green onions, cheese, and more, giving you four delightful variations to enjoy.
Osaka Amerikamura Kogaryu
Source: Official website
Kougaryuu is a popular takoyaki shop located in Osaka’s trendy Amerikamura district, known for being the birthplace of the crisscrossed mayonnaise pattern on takoyaki. Their dedication to mayonnaise is top-notch.
Their homemade mayonnaise is made with only egg yolks, giving it a rich, eggy flavor with less acidity. The fluffy takoyaki, made with grated yam, pairs perfectly with the creamy mayonnaise, making it a must-try for mayonnaise lovers.
Takopa Plate (16 pieces)
Source: Official website
The Takopa Plate is a popular menu item at TAKOPA, featuring four different flavors of takoyaki. You’ll get sauce mayo, soy sauce mayo, green onion with ponzu, and black pepper, with four pieces of each.
I highly recommend the black pepper takoyaki, especially when paired with a squeeze of lemon to enhance its refreshing and spicy flavors.
Tamaya
Source: Official website
Tamaya is a renowned takoyaki shop created by a French chef and even featured in the Michelin Guide. Their commitment to flavor is evident, as they use high-quality ingredients like lobster to make their rich broth.
The broth is made from over 10 ingredients, including chicken, seafood, vegetables, and fruits, creating a complex and flavorful taste.
Tamaya also offers a variety of sauces, from the classic takoyaki sauce to soy sauce, green onion ponzu, cheese curry, rock salt mayo, broth-based sauce, and even more unique options like yuzu shichimi and plum.
Tamaya Zanmai
Source: Official website
For a truly luxurious takoyaki experience, I recommend the Tamaya Zanmai . This set lets you try all nine of their sauces at once, with each takoyaki beautifully plated, like a work of French cuisine.
Each takoyaki comes with a description of its sauce, making it a fun and educational tasting experience. This is perfect for anyone who enjoys variety and wants to sample different flavors in one sitting.
Access and Basic Information for TAKOPA
- Address : Osaka-fu, Osaka-shi, Konohana-ku, Shimaya 6-2-61
- Access : From JR Osaka Station , take the Osaka Loop Line (inner loop) to Nishikujo . Transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line (Sakurajima Line) and get off at Universal City Station . It's a 5-minute walk from there.
- Opening Hours : 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Closed : None (Open year-round)
- Phone Number : 06-6464-3080
- URL :https://ucw.jp/global/en/
3 Popular Takoyaki Restaurants in Dotonbori and Umeda, Loved by Locals
Hanadako
Source: Tabelo
Hanadako is a famous takoyaki stand located in Osaka Shin Umeda Shokudogai , near Umeda Station. It’s constantly crowded with people lining up for its delicious takoyaki.
While most takoyaki shops use boiled octopus, Hanadako uses only fresh North Pacific Giant Octopus, which is softer and has a natural sweetness. This gives the takoyaki a tender and plump texture.
They offer five types of sauces to choose from: sauce, ponzu, dashi soy sauce, salt, and salted tare. If you want to taste the takoyaki itself, the salt option is highly recommended. The combination of the flavorful dough and added salt brings out the umami perfectly.
- Address : Osaka-fu, Osaka-shi, Kita-ku, Sumidacho 9-26, Osaka Shin Umeda Shokudogai 1F
- Opening Hours : 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Closed : None
- Phone Number : 06-6372-0313
- URL : https://shinume.com/shop/%E3%81%AF%E3%81%AA%E3%81%A0%E3%81%93/
If you are interested in Hanadako, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
Takoyaki Douraku Wanaka
Source: Official website
Takoyaki Douraku Wanaka is renowned for its dedication to perfecting the dough. Since its founding in 1961, they have continuously refined their recipe.
Their takoyaki is filled with three key ingredients: octopus, green onions, and salted ginger pickles. For added crunch, tempura bits are also included. These flavors combine to create a mouth-watering balance of taste and texture.
Cooked on a high-conduction copper plate, the outer layer becomes crisp while the inside remains creamy. Though it's delicious on its own, they also offer a variety of sauces, from the standard sauce to dashi soy sauce, ponzu, and salt-baked options.
Try it plain first to savor the ingredients!
- Sennichimae Main Store :
- Address : Osaka-fu, Osaka-shi, Chuo-ku, Nanba Sennichimae 11-19
- Opening Hours : Monday to Friday 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM / Weekends 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Closed : None
- Phone Number : 06-6631-0127
- URL :http://takoyaki-wanaka.com/
Takohachi
Source: Official website
Takohachi ’s slogan is, “Crispy on the outside, fluffy and melting on the inside.” True to their promise, they serve some of the best-cooked takoyaki in Osaka.
They use carefully selected ingredients like octopus, flour, and dashi. Each takoyaki is meticulously prepared by skilled chefs, resulting in a delicious and satisfying taste experience.
At Takohachi, you can also sit down to enjoy your meal. Alongside takoyaki, they offer other Osaka delicacies like okonomiyaki and yakisoba. It’s a great place to enjoy Osaka’s local food with a drink!
- Dotonbori Main Store :
- Address : Osaka-fu, Osaka-shi, Chuo-ku, Dotonbori 1-5-10
- Opening Hours : 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Closed : None
- Phone Number : 06-6211-4684
- URL :https://www.takohachi.jp/menu/
Enjoy Osaka Gourmet with Locals through the “Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai”
For those who want to explore Osaka’s local food scene even more, consider joining the Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai, guided by a local.
The tour includes takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, and three drinks. All the food and drink costs are covered by the tour fee, so you can join empty-handed and ready to enjoy!
In addition to the delicious food, the tour includes visits to traditional shrines and hidden alleys that tourists rarely visit. This insider experience is something you can only enjoy with a local guide. Dive into the rich culture and flavors of Osaka with this immersive tour!
- Meeting Point : Nankai Koya Line Imamiya Ebisu Station , in front of the exit
- Tour Area : Dotonbori, Shinsekai
- Start Times : 11:30 AM / 4:30 PM / 5:30 PM
- Price : $101.66 USD
If you are interested in Food Tours in Osaka, check the article below! I summarized Food Tours in Osaka I recommend and how I felt each Tour.