Dotonbori is one of Osaka’s most popular tourist spots where you can enjoy a variety of exquisite local foods, including takoyaki and okonomiyaki. It’s filled with photo opportunities such as the iconic Glico Sign and enormous three-dimensional billboards, making it a must-visit area when you come to Osaka.
We’ve put together a list of 11 of the best things to do in Dotonbori. There’s plenty of fun information about food, photo spots, and tourist attractions, so those planning to travel to Osaka should check it out!!
- 1.The Charm of Osaka’s Dotonbori
- 2.11 Must-Do things to do in Osaka’s Dotonbori
- 2-1.Take a commemorative photo in front of the Glico Sign
- 2-2.Travel along the Dotonbori River on the Tombori River Cruise
- 2-3.View Dotonbori from above on the Ebisu Tower Ferris Wheel
- 2-4.Experience the art vibe by looking at the gigantic three-dimensional billboards
- 2-5.Stroll through Hozenji Yokocho and visit Hozenji Temple
- 2-6.Create your own food samples for a creative experience
- 2-7.Make Ukiyo-e prints and touch upon Japanese traditional culture at the Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum
- 2-8.Enjoy shopping at Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street
- 2-9.Learn about takoyaki at the Dotonbori Konamon Museum
- 2-10.Watch Japanese theater and Kabuki at Shochikuza Theatre
- 2-11.Feast on Osaka’s gourmet foods
- Conclusion
1.The Charm of Osaka’s Dotonbori
Dotonbori is a bustling district around the Dotonbori River in Chuo-ku, Osaka City. It is close to Namba, which is easily accessible from Kansai International Airport and serves as an excellent starting point for sightseeing trips. The area is home to flashy billboards and unique buildings, making it one of the must-visit tourist spots in Osaka.
Around the Dotonbori River, there used to be many theaters for Kabuki and Bunraku (traditional puppet theater), leading to a concentration of shops catering to spectators. Even today, theaters where you can watch Japanese theatrical performances such as Kabuki remain. With numerous eateries offering Osaka specialties like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu, it is also the perfect place to experience Osaka’s food culture.
2.11 Must-Do things to do in Osaka’s Dotonbori
Osaka’s Dotonbori has numerous tourist spots worth visiting. There are many facilities and photo spots where you can experience Japan and, in particular, Osaka’s unique and distinct culture, all within a walkable distance. Take a look at these tourist spots, gourmet spots, and other great things to check out in Dotonbori.
2-1.Take a commemorative photo in front of the Glico Sign
source：【公式】江崎グリコ
The Glico Sign is a symbolic tourist spot of Dotonbori.Located on a building near the Ebisu Bridge across the Dotonbori River, it’s a billboard for the confectionery manufacturer. Once you arrive in Dotonbori, start by taking a photo in the same pose as the Glico Sign.
While it’s common to take photos with the Glico Sign from the top of Ebisu Bridge, there can be a wait due to the number of tourists. Alternatively, you can take a calm commemorative photo from the footpath on the opposite side of the billboard.
2-2.Travel along the Dotonbori River on the Tombori River Cruise
You can also take a cruise around the Dotonbori River on an open-top boat. The “Tombori River Cruise” allows you to enjoy the view of Osaka from the water, passing under nine bridges along the Dotonbori River.
The guide is primarily in Japanese, but there is occasional guidance in English.The cruise lasts for 20 minutes, and it’s recommended as a relaxing break. The boarding point is in front of the Don Quijote Dotonbori store, known for its yellow Ferris wheel.
2-3.View Dotonbori from above on the Ebisu Tower Ferris Wheel
The “Ebisu Tower Ferris Wheel” is located at the Don Quijote Dotonbori store, which is also the starting point of the “Tombori River Cruise.” Many tourists take photos of the unusual sight of a Ferris wheel attached to a discount store.
With a ride time of 15 minutes, the peak of the Ferris wheel reaches 77.4m, offering extensive views of the city of Osaka, offering a satisfying experience.
2-4.Experience the art vibe by looking at the gigantic three-dimensional billboards
The area known as “Minami,” where Dotonbori is located, is characterized by flashy billboards.There are various three-dimensional billboards, including giant crabs, dumplings, and sushi. Just walking around Dotonbori, you’ll encounter many billboards worth capturing.
Among these, the three-dimensional billboard of Kinryu Ramen Dotonbori is particularly eye-catching.
The sight of a giant dragon leaping out is like a scene from a 3D attraction. As you explore Dotonbori, if you look up sometimes you’re sure to find other memorable billboards!
2-5.Stroll through Hozenji Yokocho and visit Hozenji Temple
A five-minute walk southeast from Dotonbori leads to Hozenji Yokocho, which offers a completely different atmosphere from the bustling Dotonbori. Hozenji Yokocho allows you to enjoy the scenic streetscape with cobblestone and renovated Japanese houses. You can enjoy Osaka’s cuisine in a calm atmosphere here.
At the end of Hozenji Yokocho, you’ll find Hozenji Temple, known for its moss-covered “Mizukake Fudo.”
source：大阪千日前 水掛不動尊 法善寺
You can feel the history of many people praying to “Ofudo-san” while pouring water over them, seeking divine blessings.
2-6.Create your own food samples for a creative experience
Making food samples is a popular activity among visitors to Dotonbori. Creating food samples with quality that resembles the real thing is a unique culture of Japan. There are several spots in Dotonbori where you can experience making food samples.
One of the most famous places for this activity is “Design Pocket.” At “Design Pocket,” you can make various food sample items such as sweets, sushi, and takoyaki. With simultaneous interpretation available via iPad, it is popular among foreign tourists who speak English, Korean, or Chinese. There are options to turn your food samples into magnets or keychains, perfect as souvenirs from Osaka.
2-7.Make Ukiyo-e prints and touch upon Japanese traditional culture at the Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum
Kamigata Ukiyo-e refers to the pictures drawn mainly of Kabuki actors active in Dotonbori from the Edo period to the Meiji period. Through Ukiyo-e (Woodblock prints), made by the hands of many craftsmen, you can catch a glimpse of Osaka’s culture of the time.
The Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum displays pictures with explanations in both Japanese and English. If you book three days in advance, you can also try your hand at making Ukiyo-e.
2-8.Enjoy shopping at Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street
source：大阪観光コンシェルジュ
The Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, which extends north from the Ebisu Bridge, is a shopping spot frequented not only by tourists but also by locals. The street is lined with long-established department stores, flagship stores of famous apparel brands, eateries where you can taste Osaka’s cuisine, and drugstores.
Since everything from daily necessities to souvenirs is available,we recommend visiting with a large shopping bag. The shopping street has a roof, making it comfortable to shop even on rainy days.
2-9.Learn about takoyaki at the Dotonbori Konamon Museum
“Konamon,” made from flour, symbolizes Osaka’s food culture. At the Dotonbori Konamon Museum, marked by a three-dimensional octopus sign, you can learn about the history of “Konamon” and its sauces, and even try making takoyaki yourself.
There is also a booth where you can create takoyaki food samples, making it a fun place to spend time and great to check out on rainy days when eating out is tough.
2-10.Watch Japanese theater and Kabuki at Shochikuza Theatre
Shochikuza Theatre in Osaka is ideal for enjoying traditional Japanese theater. Located south of the Ebisu Bridge, this Neo-Renaissance style building stands out. Various performances, including Kabuki and musicals, are staged here, so it’s recommended to check the schedule before your visit.
There is also a booth where you can create takoyaki food samples, making it a fun place to spend time and great to check out on rainy days when eating out is tough.
2-11.Feast on Osaka’s gourmet foods
Dotonbori is filled with various popular stores, from classic gourmet dishes to the latest sweets. Here, we introduce gourmet foods recommended for those visiting Osaka for the first time.
・Takoyaki from Kukuru Dotonbori Main Store
Takoyaki is a representative gourmet food of Osaka. Kukuru’s takoyaki is known for its fluffy texture and soft inside. It contains large pieces of octopus, offering a satisfying eating experience. At the Dotonbori main store, you can also enjoy other octopus dishes such as kamameshi and shabu-shabu.
・Gyoza from Osaka Ohsho Dotonbori Main Store
source：大阪王将 道頓堀本店【公式】
Gyoza, a type of Chinese cuisine, has evolved uniquely in Japan. Osaka Ohsho is a famous Chinese restaurant frequently visited by the Japanese. Its gyoza is crispy on the outside and filled with juicy meat inside. The reasonable price is one of the reasons for its popularity.
・Kushikatsu from Daruma Dotonbori Store
Kushikatsu, skewered and fried ingredients, is another popular gourmet food in Osaka. Daruma offers a wide variety of kushikatsu fillings. Choose your favorite ingredients like meat, seafood, and vegetables to be fried. Dip them in the sauce provided at the table before eating.
Conclusion
Osaka’s Dotonbori is filled with numerous tourist and photo spots where you can experience the unique, distinct culture of Osaka and Japan as a whole. With a wide variety of eating establishments where you can try local specialties such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, gyoza, and kushikatsu, you can experience the depth of Osaka’s food culture.
When you visit Osaka’s Dotonbori, why not start by taking a photo in front of the iconic Glico sign? Afterwards, indulge in traditional Japanese theater and enjoy Ukiyo-e art, as well as making food samples.
*This article was created based on information available as of March 2024.
