Osaka's Dotonbori: 10 Fun Things to Do, From Food to River Cruises

Dotonbori: Osaka's Major Downtown Area

Dotonbori is one of the major sightseeing spots in Osaka. Only a short walk from Namba Station, a major transportation hub, the area is bustling with people night and day. With colorful billboards and neon signs along the Dotonbori River, it is also known as the Times Square of Osaka.

Picture courtesy of Pixta

Visitors should take advantage of the local cuisine, including takoyaki and okonomiyaki, the scenery filled with huge billboards like the Glico logo, and rides like the Ferris wheel and river cruise. Read on to learn 10 attractive features of Dotonbori to see, taste, and enjoy.

1. The Colorful Billboards: A Popular Photo Spot

Picture courtesy of Pixta

The huge Glico billboard, one of Osaka's signature icons, is also a popular photo spot. Located at the center of Dotonbori, many people stop by to take photographs. The standard angle would be from the Ebisu Bridge, which spans the Dotonbori River.

Other 3D billboards are advertising companies such as Kani Doraku and Osaka Ohsho, leaving a strong impression on viewers. It might be fun to take a walk while watching these eye-catching signs.

Address: Osaka, Chuo, Dotonbori Itchome

2. Tombori River Cruise: A View From the River

Picture courtesy of Pixta

While Dotonbori is an ideal town for taking a stroll, boarding a cruise is another fun option. The boat departs from the pier in front of Don Quijote, with the ride lasting about 20 minutes. This is a chance to enjoy the open air and relax.

Same-day tickets can be purchased at the pier while the Osaka Amazing Pass can be used as a coupon.

Address: Osaka, Chuo, Soemon-cho 7 (Tazaemon Bridge Pier）
Official Website: http://www.ipponmatsu.co.jp/cruise/tombori.html (Japanese)

3. Ebisu Tower: Enjoy the View of Osaka

Picture courtesy of Pixta

An oblong-shaped Ferris wheel with a smiling Ebisu (deity of wealth) figure can be seen at the Don Quijote Dotonbori Store, a large-scale discount store.

While most Ferris wheels are ring-shaped, this facility is said to be the first of its kind worldwide. Passengers can leisurely enjoy the view of central Osaka from above. While the standard fare is 600 yen, visitors with the Osaka Amazing Pass will receive a 100 yen discount.

Address: Osaka, Chuo, Soemon-cho 7-13
Official Website: https://www.donki.com/kanransha/index_en.php

4. Takoyaki: Tatsy Eateries Galore

Picture courtesy of Pixta. Takosen (octopus senbei rice cracker) by Wanaka

The first food you should taste in Osaka is takoyaki (octopus dumplings). There are many famous eateries in Dotonbori, including Wanaka, where customers can choose from a wide variety of sauces, and Ajiho, which serves takoyaki with broth in the style of Akashiyaki.

At Dotonbori Kukuru, located inside the Konamon Museum, visitors can choose ingredients and make their own takoyaki. They can also learn about the history of this iconic dish.

Dotonbori Kukuru Konamon Musem
Address: Osaka, Chuo, Dotonbori 1-6-12
Official Website: https://www.shirohato.com/konamon-m/ (Japanese)

5. Okonomiyaki: The Classic Osaka Cuisine

Picture courtesy of Pixta. Modern-yaki

Okonomiyaki, along with takoyaki, is an Osaka cuisine that should not be missed. The fragrant sauce and mayonnaise will arouse your appetite.

The Ajinoya Main Branch has a history of over 50 years and is famous for serving soft-textured dishes. Creo-ru, with its various dishes, including "Modern-yaki" filled with fried noodles, is another popular restaurant.

The Ajinoya Main Branch
Address: Osaka, Chuo, Namba 1-7-16
Official Website: http://ajinoya-okonomiyaki.com/en/

6. Other Dishes: Kushi-katsu, Cheesecake, Ramen, Etc.

Picture courtesy of PR Times/Kanisuki, the main dish at Kani Doraku.

With its wide variety of restaurants, Dotonbori is said to be the town where people eat until they drop. Kani Doraku Dotonbori Main Branch, with a 3-D signboard of a moving crab, specializes in serving crab sashimi and tempura. Those planning a visit should make reservations via Klook.

Freshly fried kushi-katsu (skewered cutlets) dipped into sauce and ramen served at Kinryu Dotonbori Store, which boasts a dragon signboard, are some other dishes popular among tourists. The succulent buta-man (steamed pork bun), sold at 551 Horai Main Branch, is everyone's favorite Osaka souvenir.

Kani Doraku Dotonbori Main Branch
Address: Osaka, Chuo, Dotonbori 1-6-18
Official Website: https://douraku.co.jp/en/

7. Don Quijote Dotonbori Store: The Best Place to Purchase Souvenirs

Picture courtesy of Pixta

Don Qujiote, known as the "Palace of Super Discounts," is a large-scale discount store, with facilities across Japan. They sell general merchandise, food, clothing, and home appliances. The store is also the perfect place to look for souvenirs. Use the exclusive discount coupon for overseas visitors and enjoy shopping.

The Matsumoto Kiyoshi Dotonbori Itchome Store, which handles cosmetics along with medicine, and Edion Dotonbori Store, a household appliance retail store, are also located nearby.

Address: Osaka, Chuo, Soemon-cho 7-13
Official Website: https://www.donki.com/store/shop_detail.php?shop_id=110 (Japanese)

8. Nakaza Cuidaore Building: Meet Cuidaore Taro

Picture courtesy of Pixta

This building is marked by Cuidaore Taro, a humorous mascot. Along with the Glico billboard, this is one of the popular photo spots in Dotonbori.

There are souvenir shops and restaurants inside the six-storied building. The shop handles items with motifs of Cuidaore Taro and the Dotonbori area. Visitors should not miss the local-themed souvenirs.

Address: Osaka, Chuo, Dotonbori 1-8-25
Official Website: http://www.dotonbori.or.jp/en/shops/146

9. Hozenji Yokocho: An Alley With a Nostalgic Air

Picture courtesy of Pixta

This vintage spot paved with stone is a narrow alley, which also is the approach to Hozenji: a Buddhist temple. Cafes, food stalls, and bars, all with a long history, are lined up on both sides. Take a walk at night when the red lanterns are lit to feel the nostalgic air.

Address: Osaka, Chuo, Namba 1-1-6

10. Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum: Experience Japanese Art

Picture courtesy of Klook

This facility is where you can experience ukiyo-e, traditional Japanese woodblock painting. Visitors can see artworks, learn how they are made, and also make a print of their own. You can color a block made by the museum, press it on to Japanese paper, and take the print back to your home. Tickets can be purchased in advance on Klook.

Address: Osaka, Chuo, Namba 1-6-4
Official Website: http://kamigata.jp/kmgt/english/

Enjoy Exploring Dotonbori

Picture courtesy of Pixta

We've introduced ten must-do attractions in Dotonbori, including sightseeing spots and food. If you have the chance to visit, be sure to enjoy them all to your heart's content!