Dotonbori is a popular entertainment and shopping district in the heart of Osaka, Japan. It's known for its vibrant nightlife, bustling streets, and a wide array of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. No visit to Osaka will ever be complete if you don't go to Dotonbori.
Here's a quick guide on Dotonbori, which I hope you'll find quite helpful if you're planning a trip to Osaka.
Things to Do in Dotonbori
Dotonbori is bustling with activity and it's easily one of the busiest places in the city. There are lots of activities you can do and things to see.
Marvel at the night lights, billboards, and other displays.
This area is famous for its dazzling and larger-than-life neon signs and billboards. These illuminated displays create a lively and energetic atmosphere, especially at night. Don't forget to take a photo with the Glico Running Man, which is one of the most iconic symbols of Dotonbori. It's a giant neon sign featuring a runner, representing the Glico candy company.
Another popular symbol of Dotonbori is a mechanical drumming clown named Kuidaore Taro. This life-sized figure has a history dating back to the early 20th century and can be found near the entrance to the district.
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| probably the most photographed view in Dotonbori |
Try some local food.
Dotonbori is a food lover's paradise. Here you'll find an incredible variety of restaurants, street food stalls, and eateries serving everything from takoyaki to okonomiyaki and sushi. If you're more into sweets, you can also try the famous local cheesecake or matcha ice cream.
Go on a cruise on the Dotonbori Canal.
The district is located along the Dotonbori Canal. You can take a leisurely stroll along the canal but the best way to see it is by going on a river cruise. This will give you a unique perspective of the area. Several companies offer boat tours with departures every hour or so. While on the boat tour, don't forget to wave back at the locals who'll wave at you. Yes, they love to wave and with both hands, which was so cute.
If it's not busy, you can simply join a tour on the spot but it's always best to book a tour in advance, especially during peak tourism season. I'd recommend getting the Osaka E-Pass, which includes a free boat tour in Dotonbori, plus free entry to many other tourist attractions in Osaka. All you have to do is present your mobile pass and have the tour staff scan the QR code. This pass was perfect for our trip as we got to save money compared to if we paid separate entry fees for the attractions we visited.
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| Dotonbori boat tour |
Explore the nightlife.
Dotonbori comes alive at night with its vibrant entertainment options. You can enjoy stand-up comedy shows, bars, nightclubs, and theaters. The district caters to various tastes, whether you want to dance the night away or relax with a drink.
Go shopping.
Apart from having a vibrant nightlife, Dotonbori is also a shopper's haven. Along the canal, you'll find numerous shops and stalls selling souvenirs, clothing, and other goods. One famous place to shop here is Don Quijote, often abbreviated as "Donki", which is a popular Japanese discount store chain. It offers a wide range of products, including groceries, clothing, cosmetics, electronics, household items, toys, and more.
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| the famous Donki building in Dotonbori |
Adjacent to Dotonbori is the Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade, which is a covered shopping street that's bustling with shops where you can buy more clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.
How to Get to Dontonbori
Dotonbori is easily accessible by subway from any point in Osaka to Namba Station or Nipponbashi Station, both of which are within walking distance of Dotonbori. Namba Station can be accessed through the Nankai Line, Midosuji Line, Sennichimae Line, or Yotsubashi Line, while Nipponbashi Station can be accessed through Sakaisuji Line or Sennichimae Line. If you get the Osaka Metro Pass, then you get unlimited rides on the subway, which will save you a lot of money if you plan to widely use the subway for getting around the city.
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| cute souvenirs |
Alternatively, you can take a taxi. These are readily available in Osaka, and you can simply instruct the driver to take you to Dotonbori, but expect that it'll be quite pricey.
Dotonbori is a must-visit destination in Osaka, offering a unique blend of Japanese culture, cuisine, and entertainment. It's an excellent place to experience the lively spirit of the city, especially in the evenings when the neon lights come to life.
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