[2024 Osaka Attraction] Travel Guide for Dotombori (Updated Aug)
No.4 of Best Things to Do in Osaka
Featured Neighborhoods
Nighttime sightseeing
Address:
1 Chome Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Opening times:
Open year round, 24/7Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
1-3 hours
Phone:
+81-6-62114542
Places to Visit in Osaka's Hotspot Dotonbori
1️⃣ Take a Photo with the Glico Sign
A must-do when you visit Osaka! Taking a photo with the Glico sign is essential, and there are even spots shared where you can get the best shots. I went early in the morning and took a classic photo on the bridge in front of the Glico sign.
2️⃣ Don Quijote Ferris Wheel
You can ride the Ferris wheel located in Dotonbori, Osaka. It's a rotating Ferris wheel that offers a panoramic view.
3️⃣ Cruise
You can take a boat ride along the Dotonbori River. It's a must-do course when you visit Dotonbori!
4️⃣ Ichiran Ramen
Not only in Osaka but also in Japan, you must visit Ichiran Ramen. The Ichiran Ramen in Dotonbori allows you to put your name on the waiting list and explore other places while you wait, so make sure to visit.
5️⃣ Lush
Lush is a must on the Japan shopping list. The variety is greater and the prices are up to 50% cheaper compared to domestic stores.
6️⃣ Sanrio Gift Shop, Cinnamoroll Cafe
For those who visit Japan because they love anime, if you like Sanrio, make sure to stop by the Cinnamoroll Cafe.
하얀2
A Perfectly Planned One-Day Tour of Osaka, with Attractions and Itinerary
To hit the main spots on a one-day tour of Osaka, it's crucial to plan your itinerary wisely.
It's recommended to purchase a day pass for transportation, and then start from Tsutenkaku Tower. You can experience the Dotonbori River Cruise, the Castle Tower, and the Water Bus to enjoy the city's scenery. After admiring the aerial view from the Umeda Ferris Wheel, head back to the Castle Tower to watch the sunset. End your day with shopping and dining in Dotonbori.
Make sure to book your tickets for the Osaka Castle Park Cruise and the Umeda Sky Building in advance to avoid missing out due to time constraints. Also, leave some time for free activities, like shopping.
By fully utilizing the day pass to cover all the attractions and pacing your itinerary well, you can fully appreciate the charm of Osaka, the city of vitality, and have a memorable one-day tour.
DANIELLE JENSEN
Who says there's no nightlife in Japan when you can have fun in Osaka at night
When I traveled to Japan, one thing that shocked me was that the shops in Japan really close early, and the streets are basically deserted after nine o'clock (especially in ancient cities like Kyoto)🥲 Tokyo and Osaka, the big cities, are relatively better, but the nightlife is not as rich and colorful as I imagined💔 This note tells you where you can go to play in Osaka at night~
1⃣️Shinsaibashi & Dotonbori, this is one of the busiest night markets in Osaka, with food, shopping, and shops all available🍢 It can be said to be the largest and most complete shopping place! And there are many anime check-in places hehe😁 The super famous Glico Man sign is also in Dotonbori oh🙈
2⃣️Umeda Hep Five, there are Ferris wheels and many izakayas here, as well as some large shopping malls, which are also good places to experience Osaka nightlife🎡 If Dotonbori is more down-to-earth, then the Umeda business district will be relatively high-end, with all major luxury stores gathered~
3⃣️Universal Studios Osaka, the movie city is more atmospheric at night~ Especially the world of Harry Potter🌍
4️⃣Tsutenkaku, also one of the landmarks of Japan, you can see the colorful Osaka city at night. Coming to Tsutenkaku, it's like stepping into an anime, everything is as beautiful as a comic❤️
Of course~ In addition to the above famous landmarks and attractions, you can also choose a bar, invite three or five friends to chat and drink, and experience your own Osaka nightlife🍷
TUCKER COLON
Glico Running Man 2023
#wheretogo
Osaka Dontonbori is definitely a must go when you’re in Osaka! 🇯🇵
🚊Alight at Namba Station, just a few minutes away and you will be greeted with the Glico Man!
🍡The whole area is filled with amazing Japanese food that you definitely should visit with an EMPTY STOMACH! From standing ramen noodle bars to street snacks, everything is so delicious and authentic!
🛍️🛍️What’s more is their shopping street is well known to be packed with pharmacies that you can shop your masks, nutritional supplements and make up items!
🎉🎉Good news is that credit cards are mostly available at this area, so no worries if you have not enough cash! 💵💵#osaka #Japan #foodie #shopping
xiaorennnn
Food tour around Dotonbori
Dotonbori is a famous shopping street in Osaka, lining up with many restaurants and shops. Definitely, you are spoiled for choice here.
We tried the Ramen at the corner shop which has a long line of customers. You can order first from the vending machine and pass the ticket to the staff.
Save stomach for more food along the way. I highly recommend to come a bit earlier before 4pm as most of the crowd will start building up after 5pm.
#citywalk
winter167
Osaka night lights at the Dotombori
If you’re in Osaka you need to head to Dotombori for the nightlife, it’s a hive of activity after dark. It’s famous for its illuminated store fronts with huge exaggerated features. It’s a great place to explore the streets and take great photos.
it runs along a river and there are river boat tours if you’re interested, but most of it is doable on foot.
There are lots of snack stalls, bars and wagyu restaurants but it can be very expensive on the street. There are also lots of waiters and hostesses trying to get you into the bars which can be quite annoying, so if you do want to eat and drink head to the quieter streets a few blocks away for a peaceful and better priced meal.
#summerbreak #dotonbori #osaka #japan #mytripvlog #tripblazers #awesomepic
Jamie Daniel Ali
Foodie Adventure in Dotombori, Osaka
Guys, I just had an incredible culinary trip in Dotonbori, Osaka's food heaven! It was a foodie's dream come true.
So, my sister and I decided to start our gastronomic adventure by queuing up for this famous Okonomiyaki shop, and let me tell you, the wait was totally worth it! The Okonomiyaki was out of this world delicious. The combination of savory pancake, mouthwatering toppings, and that delectable sauce left me craving for more.
But the foodie adventure didn't end there. We then headed to not just one, but two renowned Takoyaki shops with long queues. And guess what? Both of them lived up to their hype! The octopus-filled balls were perfectly crispy on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside, and bursting with flavors. I couldn't decide which one I liked more, so I happily devoured both.
To top it all off, we ended our night by striking a pose in front of the iconic Glico signage. It was like being in a postcard, capturing the essence of Osaka's vibrant food scene. Dotonbori, you've stolen my heart (and my taste buds)! Can't wait to come back for another culinary adventure soon.
#urbanexplorer #japan #osaka #dotonbori #foodie #tripblazers #summervacation
Florence Sjah
Dotonbori: A Foodie's Paradise in Osaka 🎌
📍Dotonbori is a popular tourist destination in Osaka, Japan known for its vibrant nightlife and delicious street food. The area is characterized by its large illuminated signs and the iconic Glico Running Man sign. You can enjoy a variety of food such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and sushi while strolling along the canal. The area also boasts numerous shops, bars, and entertainment venues, making it a must-visit spot for anyone visiting Osaka.
📍To visit Dotonbori, you can take the subway to Namba Station and then walk a few minutes to the Dotonbori area. Once there, you can explore the street with its vibrant neon lights, restaurants, and shops.
📍Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes). You can also find traditional Japanese souvenirs, electronics, and fashion items.
📍Some must-try food options in Dotonbori include takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes), and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers). You can also find delicious ramen and sushi options in the area.
#foodie #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #tripblazers #awesomepic #celebratewithtrip #2023travelwish #bucketlistreboot #dotonbori #osaka #japan
Aaron Trip
Never get bored at Dotonbori
Dotonbori at Namba Shinsaibashi is a must-go area for every visitor. Its a popular district for dining and shopping. Some restaurants open till late night and the popular 24hrs store Donki is located at Dotonbori too. Is a popular place for locals to hang out at night.
Attraction: Dotonbori
Getting there: A few minutes walk from Namba station
Things to do: Shop, eat, night activities
#dotonbori #namba #osaka
Ann.L
Enjoy 😉
Dontonburi in Osaka still nice place you must come here. Many hotel near this place, many street food especially Takoyaki more than 5 store. Gulico sign is a one signature what you came here. Enjoy shopping more hours at here. Easier for come to this place from kansai airport by nankai railway 45 minute.
LengPro
Japan 🇯🇵 Osaka, full of delicious food !
It is undeniable that Japan is one of the popular country in the world. There is lots of delicious food you can find in here . For example, sashimi , sushi, Tempora! Moreover , the world is absolutely stunning. Today, I went to Osaka , one of the famous city in Japan. As you can see from the picture, building is called Tsutenkaku. You can catch some beautiful view from this point and look at the whole view in Osaka. So, come along to Japan and enjoy !
Transport- plane
Restaurant- GyozaohDotonbori
Attractions- Tsutenkaku, Osaka castle , Dontonbori
Anky in Europe
The Bright Heart of OSAKA
The Dotonbori street, people called it the bright heart of OSAKA! Nice place to go and visit in Osaka, in the day there are numerous shops and eateries. It’s a good place for eat and shop! Then at night it turns into a neon wonderland with bars and clubs. I would definitely recommend if you are looking for a fun time in Osaka.
There are a lot of hotels nearby this area which will be the good choice for staying at this area. While the train was just nearby this area. Really recommended to visit here!!
EuniceCHE
Osaka center (Dotonbori)
Address - Osaka Dotonbori / Osaka-Namba station
Ambiance/Facilities - it’s a street full of restaurants, street food and shops.
Highlights - The Glica ad sign is very famous and the takoyaki is the most popular food there.
Avg. Price per Person - walking around is free, meals are around ¥1,000 per person or less if it’s a snack. For a full meal it might be around ¥1,500 or ¥2,000.
Rating - 8/10 I like it very much but I wish it would be a little bit cleaner.#2023travelwish #osaka #osakatravel #japan
Micaei4
Dontonbori street
#2023travelwish
address: 1 Chome Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
one of the famous attraction to visit in Osaka! it’s near the glico sign where everyone visit. it’s very crowded with domestic tourists and overseas visitors. long queue everywhere especially the famous food stalls. but the food is so so so so good. I love it. so many food choices like ramen, takoyaki, Izakaya, sushi, even cosmetic drugstores are here. everything you need is here 🇯🇵🇯🇵 highly recommend to visit. it’s near high end malls and shopping malls too.
I wish to be able to visit other cities of Japan. Can’t get enough of this.
followchelto
Bright Lights in Dontonbori Japan
If ever you’re in Japan and you’re looking for a place with lots of lights, I would highly recommend visiting Dontonbori Japan. This long line of billboards and eye-catching signages is vying for everyone’s attention. The Glico Candy man is the main attraction here. The 20 meter tall billboard has been a staple of this Japan’s tourist attraction site. Truly a site to visit in Osaka
#japan
Nicenicee
The vibrant and exciting Doton-bori
Doton-bori, a must visit for all tourists visiting Osaka, as it is the most vibrant area with loads of shops, eateries and shopping area. There is a canal stretching along the walkway and streets and visitors can also opt for the river cruise. Visitors walking along can see stalls of Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki restaurant along the walkway. The iconic runner from the billboard of the confectionery company Gilco has made it an icon of Osaka especially Dotonbori. It is best visited at night as many youngsters who just went off duty will drop by and have a sip of beer, chilling out before returning home. Night is always young in Doton-bori.
#celebratewithtrip
#tripblazers
johnswj90
Dotonbori Kuidaore Taro puppet in Osaka
Introducing one of Osaka’s most famous characters- Kuidaore Taro!
He’s a puppet, and a clown, and a restaurant mascot.
Originally created in 1950 to welcome children & improve business at the family restaurant he represented. Unfortunately, his restaurant Cui-Daoré has since closed down, but the popularity of Kuidaore Taro has kept him at his post drumming away all these years.
Look for him in the heart of Dōtonbori in his signature red & white striped robes, welcoming guests to Osaka with his animatronic grin. Kuidaore-taro also happens to have a great self-preserving sense of humor. He wore a float and a quote reading “I can’t swim” to save himself from being thrown into the Dōtonbori Canal during a particularly exciting baseball season. And he’s been known to change his outfit on other big occasions too.
baddestchiq
So much to eat at Dotonbori
You can never go hungry when you are at Dotonbori. There is so much to eat, to see, to drink and to shop. So it is better if you get a hotel within Dotonbori then you can walk back to the hotel easily. This area is more happening at night and you can see queues forming outside all the snacks shops. Most of the shops have ticket vending machines so you choose what you want to eat and buy the ticket. Then you bring it inside, show them the ticket and wait for your food to be served. For the other types of snacks, you will join in the queue and order what you want over the counter. For instance, famous octopus balls known as takoyaki are very popular here. You can try out different variation from all the takoyaki shops.
#japan #createwithtrip #overseastripmoments #urbanexplorer
Berrysurprise
Dotonbori river walk
Dotonbori river
This is similar to our Singapore River with many eateries and retail shops along the river. There is also a famous landmark along the Dotonbori river, which is the Glico man. Be sure to take a selfie with the Glico man for keepsake. Come back at night and see the entire Dotonbori river lit up with lights.
You can take a slow walk from the start of the river to the end of the river along Dotonbori.
You can also take a boat ride along the river. I have a few recommendations on where to stay in Dotonbori. When I get time, I will trip moment them. Wishing you a berry belly fun trip!
#japan #createwithtrip #overseastripmoments #urbanexplorer
Berrysurprise
Cute shopping area in Osaka, Japan
Head to Dotonbori in Osaka for a day filled with shopping and tasty treats! We had some truly tasty “Honey Toast” and rode a forward facing Ferris wheel that overlooked the shopping street. There are so many intricate alleyways to pop into along the Main Street that are filled with fun little boutique shops. It is close to Universal Studios Japan as well and is a great destination to add to your trip to Osaka. ❤️
#travellater #osaka #japan #summervacation #wintergetaway #travel #shopping #foodie
Allison Paige Abroad
1 Day of Exploring Osaka
1. Sumiyoshi Taisha
Address - 2 Chome-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, 558-0045
Highlights - Is one of Japan’s oldest shrines, and it is very beautiful with the bright red-orange theme
Rating - 4.5
2. Dotonbori
Address - 1 Chome Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071
Highlights - It is considered the “heart” of Osaka! A fantastic place to walk around and sight see. Also, there are plenty of shops and food to choose from :)
Rating - 4.7
3. Osaka Castle
Address - 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002
Highlights - Not only a famous tourist attraction but has tremendous amount of history and culture
Rating - 4.6
Tricia Ann
Neon-lit Streets in Downtown Osaka
Take a glance at the most popular destination in Osaka — Dotonbori. There’s so much to see, eat, and drink in this lively neighborhood. Even I had fun just by walking and looking around! 🤩
Spot the famous giant pufferfish and the iconic Glico Man? Yep, they’re all here. The colorful signs and buildings in this area will keep you entertained all day and night. The more you walk, the more you’ll find flashy signs competing with each other. It’s a destination you won’t want to miss! I also found an Osaka edition coke at a local convenient store in Dotonbori — might be a good souvenir to bring home with you 😉
#maydaytrip #urbanexplorer
reginarev
#tripaway the stomach of japan. Did a river cruise in the iconic dotondori river and have the best gyu katsu #japan #japanesefood #dotonbori #rivercruise #beef
#tripaway
_TS***ci
Everyone knows that the night view of Shinsaibashi is beautiful, but the whole district is really crowded in the evening! It is too crowded to take a breath. 🤠
However, Dotonbori is another good place to eat and buy things,🤔 and it a must visit when coming to Osaka! I would like to recommend the place called Dotonbori Bridge, and using Google Maps will be easier to reach it. 🥴🤗
Because people generally go to Shinsaibashi and pay more attention to Rongqiao, few people go around Dotonbori Bridge and find its beauty. Come here and you can see the beautiful scenery and take photo shooting!👾
#happynewyear
Jacklusk
You cannot visit the city of Osaka without planning a visit into these busy streets!
Travel tips: Make sure to visit right after sunset when all the signs are illuminated, it makes everything look so magical and dreamy.
xkflyaway
The Famous Glico sign at Dotonbori, Osaka. This place in Osaka is very popular not only for tourists but also for locals because there are many restaurants and shops around here so expect that this is a very crowded but interesting place. This place is one of the major tourist attraction in Osaka so better not to miss it.
#givethanks
Collegiala015
As you can see from the pictures, Osaka’s the most crowded place and downtown Dotonbori is very good at visiting night time, it is alive, literally alive with its commercial billboards, big neon light, with its countless bars, shops, and restaurants, you can experience crazy part of Japan. If you are in Osaka Dotonbori is a place to visit, it is a good place to visit alone or as a couple, family? Why not?
E63***41
Dotonbori is a bright colorful place that attracts all visitors in Osaka. There are performers, boat cruise, food, lights everywhere.
Taken a quick Don-Quijote ferris wheel ride to see the Dotonbori view from the top or take a river cruise and sing along the Dotonbori song with Cruise person and dont forget to take a pic with the famous Glinco sign.
Recommended only at nights
#GiveThanks
ICEICEE
Japanese food in Osaka, Osaka food in Dotonbori! Dotonbori at night, bright neon, full of food. From Kyoto to Osaka, arrived at the hotel to drop off luggage, it is already a meal. Enjoy this vibrant place very much! Lively and bustling!
cody_go
Osaka, which is known as the Japanese kitchen, must not miss the food here. Dotonbori, located near Shinsaibashi, is the representative place where Osaka eats. Many famous snacks, such as Golden Dragon Ramen, Octopus, Rotary Sushi, Buffalo Meat, etc., can be eaten here, and the taste is really good. Signs filled with all kinds of foods attract people from all over the world, especially when the night is coming, the neon lights are more attractive. No matter what you want to eat, Dotonbori can give you the most delicious meal.