Osaka’s most famous and beloved street food is takoyaki, and Yamachan is probably the city’s favorite place for this plebian gourmet staple. It’s certainly the only one to ever be listed in a Michelin guide!
Yamachan - image © Florentyna Leow
Takoyaki can be a hard sell for most first-time visitors to Japan. Battered octopus balls - really? But they’re surprisingly addictive, and you’re likely to be hooked after the first time. The only real downside is that they’re 100% not gluten-free.
Located near Kintetsu Abenobashi Station - and Abeno Harukas - Yamachan is Osaka’s most famous takoyaki joint. It’s even been listed in the Michelin guide, so you can be sure you’re eating something that’s pretty darn tasty. Just be sure to let them cool before eating or you’ll suffer the usual burnt mouth.
They make the batter with a deeply-flavored chicken, kelp, and bonito broth, which elevates it above your average takoyaki shop. Try it plain to appreciate its unique texture and taste - crisp and umami-ful on the outside, ultra creamy and hot on the inside. Alternatively, grab yourself a set of 8 with mayonnaise and brown sauce on top.
English name:
Yamachan
Japanese name:
やまちゃん 本店
English address:
1-2-34 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, 545-0052
Japanese address:
〒545-0052 大阪市阿倍野区阿倍野筋1-2-34
Opening hours:
Monday-Saturday: 11am-11pm
Sunday: 11am-10:30pm
Closed 3rd Thursday
Price:
Cheap
Non-smoking section:
Completely Non-Smoking
Reservations:
Possible
Nearest Transport:
Train: 1-minute walk from the south exit of Osaka-Abenobashi Station on the Kintetsu Minami Osaka Line.
Train and Subway: 5-minute walk from Tennoji Station.
Telephone:
+81-6-6622-5307
Website:
Official website (English)
Customer Reviews:
:: Read customer reviews of Yamachan on TripAdvisor.
Near To Here:
Yamachan is located in Osaka's Tennoji and Abeno area. See our complete list of things to do in the Osaka's Tennoji and Abeno area, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Best Osaka Restaurants
See our list of the best Osaka restaurants for even more ideas about great places to eat in Osaka.
Where Are These Places Located?
See these places on the Inside Osaka Google map:- Open the Osaka map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Osaka Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Osaka guide
- Check Osaka accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Osaka
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Osaka, Osaka to Kyoto and Osaka to Tokyo
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- View my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare flight prices and timings to find the best Japan flight deals
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
