Dontonbori is Osaka’s hotspot for both tourists and locals. It is packed with towering neon signs, bars, clubs and restaurants that serve delicious local dining options. Come and enjoy this essential and stimulating bite of Osaka’s nightlife.
The area originated in the early 1600s with the widening of the banks on the Dotonbori Rivers. This move was initiated by a businessman with hopes of growing business opportunities. The area expanded and grew in popularity. By this time it featured five bunraku and six kabuki theatres. The area remains an entertainment hub 400 years later. Dotonbori attracts residents and travelers alike.
Dotonbori Area: famous for its flashing neon lights
The futuristic neon cityscape will invigorate you. Spectacular neon lights drape the towering walls of buildings. These lights represent the vibrant optimism that was captured in the hearts of when neon was the new and promising technology.
The Glico man is the area’s unofficial mascot. He is featured running on a large neon sign, right above the Dotonbori bridge. Glico is the Japanese manufactures of food snacks, Pocky and Pretz. The company had this advertising billboard erected in 1935. Tourists and locals often chose this spot for photo ops.
What to do in Dotonbori?
The neon lights are bright, the streets are busy, and the 3D signs are enormous. This district has been designated for entertainment since 1962. It is a popular scene in Osaka and has a reputation that it lives up to. This is the place to go for the best eats, the best nightlife, plus everything in between.
Dotonbori is a sight to behold from the moment you arrive. Some of its sights and entertainment venues are hard to miss and some others are well tucked away. This is what makes the area so fascinating to explore. Get the exploration done first, then fill up on food!
During the day you will experience more space to enjoy shops and restaurants. This offers the perfect opportunity for taking in the Shinsaibashi Shopping District. It has everything you could ever need and has nearly 400 years of traffic to prove it’s worth.
What and where to eat in Dotonbori?
The massive amount of restaurants and cafes that line the Dotonbori Canal see countless visitors every day. Most of the areas restaurants remain open through the early hours of the morning, serving Japanese favorites that Osaka is so well known for.
For the best seafood in the city, avid foodies and first-timers alike love Kani Doraku. This food stall is easy to locate with a giant red crab sitting over it. It is constantly brimming with tourists. The food here is a little on the pricy side but well worth it. By ordering a set you can get some variety in your dish. It is advisable to sit on the second floor or higher. The smell of fish is a bit overpowering on the first floor.
Your trip to Osaka would be incomplete if you miss the Konamon Museum’s takoyaki restaurant. The restaurant is located on the museum’s lowest level. It features delicious takoyaki street food and a careful selection of wines and champagnes to pair with your meal. Visit the museum for unique experiences such as creating a takoyaki wax figurine souvenir or watching takoyaki experts craft delicious food right in front of you.
How to get to Dotonbori?
There are several ways to gain access to Dotonbori. You can travel by subway, take the Nankai Airport Express, or take an airport limousine bus. Where you travel from and your mode of travel will determine the time it takes.
You can get to JR Namba Station using your Japan Rail Pass. The station is just a 5-minute walk to Dononbori. Travel to JR Namba Station from the Shin-Osaka Station. You’ll go through the Tokaido-Sanyo line to arrive at Osaka. From there, take the Osaka Loop on to Imamiya Station. The Yamatoji Line will take you one stop to JR Namba. The trip total is about 35 minutes. The Midosuji Subway line will also get you Dotonbori from Shin-Osaka to Namba Station.
From the Kansai International Airport take the JR Yamatoji line to Tennoji station from JR Namba Station. Once there, take a Haruka Express via the Haruka Line directly to KIS. This will take about an hour.
