- Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru: Unveiling the Success of Osaka's Takoyaki Sensation and Insider Tips to Skip the Lines
- Uncover Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru's success in Osaka. Learn why their takoyaki is a hit and how to enjoy it without the long queues.
Takoyaki Park at USJ?! Discover the Legendary Takoyaki Hall of Fame at Universal CityWalk Osaka!
Right next to Universal Studios Japan and just steps away from Universal City Station, you’ll find the entertainment and shopping complex known as Universal CityWalk Osaka. Packed with hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy dining and shopping before or after your USJ visit.
Located within this bustling area is TAKOPA TAKOYAKI PARK, where six legendary takoyaki shops from Osaka have gathered to serve their iconic dishes.
TAKOPA TAKOYAKI PARK
- Business hours
- 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
- Regular holiday
- Open all year
- Telephone number
- +081-6-6464-3080
- Official site
- https://ucw.jp/restaurant/takopa/
- How to visit
- Take the escalator to the 4th floor immediately to the right of Universal City Station’s ticket gate.
- Address
- Universal CityWalk Osaka 4F, Takoyaki Park
All Legendary! Enjoy Authentic Osaka Gourmet Even When USJ is the Main Attraction!
The six shops gathered here are all renowned takoyaki specialists representing Osaka. Even if your main focus is visiting USJ, you can still experience authentic Osaka-style takoyaki here!
However, choosing which takoyaki to try can be overwhelming when all the shops are top-tier.
“Which takoyaki should I try first?”
To help you decide, here’s a breakdown of each shop’s unique features:
- Kukuru
- Juhachiban
- Kogaryu
- Yamachan
- Aizuya
- Tamaya
Kukuru: Flying High from Osaka! The Ultimate Osaka Takoyaki!
Ask anyone, “What’s the most famous takoyaki shop in Osaka?” and you’ll likely hear “Kukuru.” With its main store in Dotonbori and branches stretching from Umeda in the north to Namba in the south, Kukuru is a top player in spreading Osaka’s takoyaki culture. It’s even been featured in the movie “Fly Me to the Saitama: From Biwako with Love.”
You’ll often find Kukuru bustling with local families, especially in the food sections of Osaka’s department stores. It’s a brand beloved by the locals.
Read more about Kukuru
Juhachiban: A Hit with Women! Loved by All Osaka Locals!
With its main store in Nishinakajima, near Shin-Osaka, Juhachiban is a takoyaki shop famous for its endless queues at its Dotonbori branch. Known for its smooth and creamy texture, this takoyaki was developed by a female owner to cater to women, earning it overwhelming popularity among female customers in Osaka.
Though it’s particularly popular with women, Juhachiban has many devoted male fans among Osaka locals too!
Read more about Juhachiban
Kogaryu: Bold Flavors and Hearty Portions for the Guys!
Kogaryu, based in Shinsaibashi, is a classic takoyaki shop that embodies Osaka-style takoyaki: crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside. With delicious sauces and toppings like mayo drizzle and ponzu with green onions, Kogaryu satisfies both locals and tourists alike.
Read more about Kogaryu
Yamachan: Family Favorite with Exceptional Ease of Eating!
Located at the base of Abeno Harukas in Abeno, Yamachan is a beloved takoyaki shop with a long history. Known for its creamy, gooey takoyaki, it’s a hit among children and adults alike. The warmth of the staff, both at the main store and Universal City branch, is another reason to stop by!
Read more about Yamachan
Aizuya: The Birthplace of Takoyaki! Where It All Began
Founded in 1933 in the Tamade area south of Namba, Aizuya is considered the birthplace of takoyaki. You can also try “radioyaki,” the predecessor of modern takoyaki. These flavorful balls don’t even need sauce, thanks to their rich dashi flavor.
Enjoy them with cola, ginger ale, or beer for an unforgettable experience!
Read more about Aizuya
Tamaya: Redefining Takoyaki—It’s Practically French Cuisine!
Tamaya, based in Tenma on the east side of Umeda, offers an innovative take on takoyaki. Made with broth from lobster, its takoyaki is a culinary masterpiece that redefines the traditional dish.
Read more about Tamaya
Sample and Compare! A Food Court Awaits You
Each shop provides seating, but for those who wish to try multiple varieties, the food court at the center of Takoyaki Park is perfect for sampling and comparing!
End Your USJ Adventure with Authentic Osaka Takoyaki at Takoyaki Park!
All six shops in Takoyaki Park offer outstanding takoyaki. Each has its own unique twist, ensuring every bite is a delicious revelation.
Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or on a date, sampling and comparing these takoyaki is a must. You’ll leave understanding why takoyaki is one of Osaka’s iconic foods.
Plus, Takoyaki Park is open until 10:00 pm, making it an ideal spot to visit after your USJ adventure.
Head to the 4th floor of Universal CityWalk Osaka to experience the dream collaboration of Osaka’s best takoyaki shops at Takoyaki Park.
