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There are days when you don’t want “just any takoyaki” — you want really good takoyaki.
When that craving hits, Takoyaki Juhachiban Nishi-Nakajima is where to go. The outside is crispy and fragrant, while the inside is creamy and smooth. The flavor of dashi is pronounced, making each bite deeply satisfying.
Juhachiban also has a Dotonbori branch, which is well-known as a lively spot popular with tourists. Meanwhile, the Nishi-Nakajima Main Store is located a bit away from crowded sightseeing areas, allowing you to enjoy your meal in a calmer, more relaxed atmosphere.
In this article, I’ll share the experience of my visit — including the store’s atmosphere and the taste of the takoyaki.
Takoyaki Juhachiban Nishi-Nakajima Main Store is located in the Nishi-Nakajima area of Yodogawa Ward, Osaka City. The takoyaki here is known for its crispy outer texture and creamy interior, with the aroma of crunchy tempura bits and the umami of dashi standing out. Since its founding in 1990, the shop has been loved by locals and is also welcoming to travelers.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Store Name | Takoyaki Juhachiban Nishi - Nakajima Main Store |
| Founded | 1990 - 11 - 26 |
| Business Hours | 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm |
| Closed | Open year - round |
| Address | 3 - 17 - 17 Nishi - Nakajima, Yodogawa - ku, Osaka 532 - 0011 |
| Access | 2 minutes on foot from Osaka Metro Midosuji Line "Nishi - Nakajima - Minamigata Station" Right outside Hankyu Kyoto Line "Minamikata Station" Kita - Higashi Exit |
| Official Website | https://d-sons18.co.jp/ |
The interior features both counter seating and table seating in a compact layout.
I’ve also visited the Dotonbori branch before, and I remember how incredibly popular it was with young women and tourists. By contrast, the Nishi-Nakajima Main Store has a more local, everyday feel — you’ll see people of all ages enjoying takoyaki, either for takeout or dining in.
The atmosphere is relatively calm, allowing you to eat at your own pace without noise or rush.
The menu is straightforward. You choose:
Sauce is placed on the table, and takoyaki is served plain, so you season it yourself to your liking.
| Pieces | Price |
|---|---|
| 10 pieces | ¥790 |
| 15 pieces | ¥1,190 |
| Pieces | Price |
|---|---|
| 10 pieces | ¥910 |
| 15 pieces | ¥1,310 |
| Menu | Price | Contents |
|---|---|---|
| Three - Flavor Set (12 pieces) | ¥950 | Salt / Sauce / Tentsuyu or Ponzu |
| Four - Flavor Set (16 pieces) | ¥1,270 | Salt / Sauce / Tentsuyu / Ponzu |
| Drink | Price |
|---|---|
| Draft Beer (Small) | ¥410 |
| Draft Beer (Medium) | ¥510 |
| Highball | ¥410 |
| Various Sours | ¥410 |
| Shochu (Barley or Sweet Potato) | ¥410 |
| Umeshu (Plum Wine) | ¥410 |
| Sake | ¥410 |
| Drink | Price |
|---|---|
| Oolong Tea | ¥250 |
| Cola | ¥250 |
| Ginger Ale | ¥250 |
| Orange Juice | ¥250 |
| Calpis | ¥250 |
| Calpis Soda | ¥250 |
I ordered the 10-piece sauce-mayo takoyaki. The takoyaki is served plain, without sauce or mayonnaise already applied — you season it yourself to taste.
When you take a bite, the crunch of the tempura bits on the outside stands out. The exterior is firm enough that you can see and feel the crispness.
Inside, however, the batter is smooth and creamy — not overly runny, but delicately soft. The dashi flavor is clear, balanced, and not overpowering. You can really taste the batter itself, with a gentle, clean umami that lingers.
A subtle hint of pickled ginger adds a pleasant accent. And the octopus inside is fresh, juicy, and flavorful — the more you chew, the more umami is released.
The lingering aftertaste is particularly memorable — likely due to the dashi absorbed into the batter itself.
The sauce acts not as the main flavor, but as a supporting note. This takoyaki feels more modern in texture than the old-fashioned soft, runny style — yet it still expresses the core of Osaka takoyaki: the flavor of dashi.
It’s a highly refined and thoughtfully balanced version of a classic.
Nishi-Nakajima is located between Shin-Osaka Station and Osaka Station. The closest stations are:
Both stations are just a short walk away, making it very easy to access.
From Osaka Metro Nishi-Nakajima-Minamigata Station, it’s about a 2-minute walk. Head to the right, cross the first intersection, and you’ll see Minamikata Station. Once you pass it, the shop will come into view.
From Hankyu Minamikata Station, exit from the Kita-Higashi Gate, and it will be right in front of you. It’s also about 30 seconds from the Kita-Nishi Gate.
Whichever station you use, the route is simple and easy — even if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
When people in Osaka talk about Juhachiban, they’re referring to a takoyaki shop that is widely loved and well-known. The Dotonbori branch is always lively and often has a long line of visitors.
In contrast, the Nishi-Nakajima Main Store is located outside major tourist zones — which means the atmosphere is much calmer. There’s no rush, and you can take your time enjoying the food.
If you want to appreciate the flavor of Juhachiban’s takoyaki slowly and comfortably, this is the place to visit.
