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Dōtonbori or Dōtombori (道頓堀, pronounced [doːtomboɾi]) is a district in Osaka, Japan. Known as one of Osaka's principal tourist and nightlife areas, the area runs along the Dōtonbori canal from Dōtonboribashi Bridge to Nipponbashi Bridge in the Namba district of the city's Chūō ward.
- Brooke Larsen
- Osaka Hub Writer
- Stroll along the Tonbori Riverwalk. Bridge. Tatsuya Suzuki / | © Culture Trip. The Dōtonbori canal is right in the heart of the bustling Namba district.
- Enjoy a Tonbori River Cruise. Natural Feature. Tatsuya Suzuki / | © Culture Trip. If a river walk doesn’t entice you, try a Tonbori River cruise.
- Spend all your money on Shinsaibashisuji. Market. Tatsuya Suzuki / | © Culture Trip. The Shinsaibaishi shotengai is one of Osaka’s longest shopping arcades.
- Party all night in Sōemoncho. Shop. Tatsuya Suzuki / | © Culture Trip. The Dōtonbori area is always very busy and lively, but it is especially vibrant at night.
Dotonbori is a historic and vibrant area in Osaka, famous for its neon signs, local cuisine, and entertainment options. Learn about its history, attractions, and how to get there from this official tourism site.
- Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu
- The Glico Man
- Shopping in Dotonbori
- Visit Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum to Experience Traditional Culture
- Amerikamure & Triangle Park
- Hozenji Yokocho Alley
- Hozenji Temple
- Play in The Arcades and Enjoy The Capsules!
- Go Fishing at Dotonbori Tsuribori
- Get A View of Dotonbori from The Ferris Wheel
- Spot The Kuidaore Doll at Nakaza Kuidaore Building
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This is something that may seem a little weird if you don’t know the history. What’s the big deal about a neon running man? Well, it’s the symbol of Osaka – that’s why it’s a big deal. The original sign was placed in 1935 and wasn’t neon. In 2014, the Glico man got an upgrade to an LED screen. Join the fun and take a photo with both hands in the ai...
What’s an entertainment district without shopping? From independent local businesses to the multi-story Don Quijote store, shopping in Dotonbori is unlike anywhere else. You can find something for everyone – from Kawaii souvenirs to traditional Japanese snacks to clothing! Getting lost in the hustle and bustle of the crowds and stores is one of the...
Ukiyo-e in a type of Japanese art prominent during the 17-19th centuries. The art was produced on woodblock prints and paintings. The subject of the art included female beauties, sumo wrestlers, and scenes from history. Walk through Edo-era Ukiyo-e at this museum. You can even have a hands-on experience and try to make your own!
The only “American’ thing about this place is the name and the statue of liberty replica. This area isn’t really designated. You’ll find the latest clothing trends and vintage stores next to each other. It used to be focused on importing western-style clothes, but now you’ll find alternative clothing and funky fashion. Triangle Park is named for th...
A quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of Dotonbori, this alley is like taking a step back in time. Explore what Osaka felt like hundreds of years ago. Walk through the alley and enjoy the small shops and cafes serving traditional Japanese food.
While the alley is fun to explore on its own, you want to keep walking down the alley til you see this temple. One thing you’ll learn quickly in Japan is that there are temples even in the most unlikely places. The temple was built in 1637 and pays homage to Fudo Myoo, one of five guardians of Buddhism. Make a wish for good luck by splashing the st...
Even if you don’t typically like arcades, just walking around can provide some free entertainment. We watched a few people with crazy intense dance moves and celebrated with them when they got a high score! You’ll also find capsules around Japan, but in Osaka there are plenty to find! We found a mini-sumo wrestler, a tissue box, a fan (yes that act...
One of the most unique things to do in Dotonbori is catch carp, catfish sturgeon, and eel! Yep! There is a fishing pond in the basement of a game center! You can purchase a 30 or 60 minute ticket which includes set up, the fishing rod, and food. You can’t eat the fish or take them home, but it is a fun experience. Bonus: you can do it on a rainy da...
This isn’t your traditional Ferris wheel, trust me. Don Quijote is a chain store and is quite an experience. This one is 7 stories tall and has everything from candy to home appliances and everything in between. Instead of being a circular Ferris wheel, the Dotonbori Ferris wheel is an oval track. If you purchase something in the store, then you ca...
Rhythmically beating his drum, the adorable Kuidaore Doll is a famous mascot of Japan. The Nakaza Kuidaore building contains numerous restaurants and izakaya establishments. It’s been the mascot of the company for over 50 years and is quite the celebrity. Taking a photo with him is one of the best things to do in Dotonbori – but be prepared to wait...
Dotonbori is the entertainment district of Osaka with neon lights, street food, shopping, and culture. Learn about the Glico man, the Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum, the Hozenji Temple, and more in this guide.
Dotonbori is a vibrant and colorful street in Osaka's Namba district, famous for its neon lights, street food, clubs, and kabuki theater. Explore the iconic Glico Running Man sign, the retro Kuidaore Taro statue, the tranquil Hozenji Yokocho alleyway, and more.
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- 066 2114542
- 1 Chome-9 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071
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Dec 10, 2020 · Dotonbori is known as the entertainment hub of Osaka. It’s a canal-side stretch of colorful neon lights which is home to some of the city’s best bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. The area is also a street food lover’s paradise and the best place to sample Osaka’s famous bite-sized snacks.
Dotonbori is the symbolic business and shopping district of Minami, Osaka, lined with giant three-dimensional signs of everything from the Shochikuza theater, the Kani-Doraku (crab restaurant), Glico, etc. “Dotonbori” comes from “Doton Yasui,” the name of a man who devoted his wealth to have this river excavated in 1612.
