Dotonbori, Osaka

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Dotonbori is Osaka’s most dazzling district, full of bright lights and riverside sights, plus incredible night-life and evening shopping.

From okonomiyaki and takoyaki to kushikatsu, Dotonbori (道頓堀) is famous for its street-food too – and the back streets are home to hidden gems like Hozenji ’moss man’ shrine and iconic izakayas. You might even spot the mysterious (and musical) Dotonbori Wolfen.

From river cruises to arcades, the Don Quijote ferris wheel to Osaka’s famous clown, here is our ultimate guide to Dotonbori and 25 things to do in Dotonbori, Osaka:

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Table of Contents

Dotonbori accommodation and hotels

Budget ($)
Acro Capsule Hotel Namba Dotonbori
Capsule-style rooms perfect for solo travellers or those looking for a budget option. Check rates and availability for Acro Capsule Hotel Namba Dotonbori

Mid-Range ($$)
Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka-Namba
Popular 3 star chain in a central hotel location. Check rates and availability for Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka-Namba

Luxury ($$$)
Mercure Tokyu Stay Osaka Namba
Stylish hotel located close to the metro and 400 metres from Glico Running Man sign. Check rates and availability for Mercure Tokyu Stay Osaka Namba

Check out the best hotels in Dotonbori via Booking.com >

Save $$$:
Get access to over 40 Osaka attractions and unlimited transport with the Amazing Osaka Pass >

Is Dotonbori safe?

Yes, Dotonbori is generally safe and also well lit at night. Crime rates are a little higher here than other Japanese cities but mainly because it attracts so many locals and travellers.

There are lots of late night bars and izakayas here so Dotonbori can be a little more rowdy / raucous at night (but it is still generally safe).

Solo travellers should be fine in Dotonbori – just use your common sense and keep an eye out for pickpockets (rare).

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1. Dotonbori Glico Man Billboard

Go go Glico Man! This has to be Osaka’s most ‘lit’ attraction at night.

Dotonbori’s Glico running man reflected against the Tombori River is one of Dotonbori’s best things to see. No trip to Osaka is complete (probably) without recreating the famous running man pose and taking a picture for posterity.

An iconic Dotonbori attraction, the Glico Man in Osaka has been ‘running’ since 1935 (at least give him a breather) and is a ‘shining light’ (literally) in the Shinsaibashi community attracting millions of tourists every year.

From where to find the secret Glico Man viewing spot to his fascinating history, here is our ultimate guide to the Glico Running Man Osaka in Dotonbori >

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2. Giant 3D billboards and signs

In addition to the famous Glico Running Man billboard, Dotonbori is ablaze at night with a bevy of billboards, some of which have been around for decades.

Stand on Ebisubashi Bridge and just look up at all the neon signs and bling billboards – it is one of Dotonbori’s most popular photo spots. The Asahi Dry beer Dotonbori billboard has been around for years.

Recently, many of the billboards here have moved away from the old traditional neon signs to more energy efficient LED lights – it is still quite the night-time spectacle.

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3. Kuidaore Tarō Osaka Clown / Nakaza Kuidaore Building

Kuidaore Tarō is Osaka’s famous clown character, dressing in red and white stripes banging a big drum.

Such is his popularity, there is even a Kuidaore Tarō clown gift shop in the Nakaza Kuidaore Building where you can buy everything from clown magnets to circus sweets.

Kuidaore Tarō Osaka Clown in Dotonbori Osaka

Usually a ‘neighbourhood clown’ isn’t a good thing but Kuidaore Tarō is a colourful character that regularly bangs his drum and is the mascot of Dotonbori – and just to be clear, it is a plastic clown not a real person!

Dotonbori’s famous clown has been around for decades (since the 1950s) originally created as the ‘all you can eat’ mascot of the restaurant that used to call the Nakaza Kuidaore building home.

The restaurant sadly closed a few years ago but this cheerful clown Kuidaore Tarō lives on – the building itself has severals storeys of wining and dining, souvenirs, gift shops and more.

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4. Donki Ferris Wheel / Ebisu Tower

Take a spin on Japan’s only Don Quijote Ferris Wheel, the epic Ebisu Tower in Dotonbori, Osaka.

Obviously no trip to Japan is complete without a visit to Japan’s most famous discount chain, Don Quijote, but for the ultimate Don Quijote experience in Japan, you need to board the popular Ebisu Tower Don Quijote Ferris Wheel looking out over Dotonbori.

don quijote feris wheel in Dotonbori Osaka

From the ferris wheel capsule windows, you can see all the sights of Osaka and Dotonbori up high including the Tonburi river and its tourist cruise, Tsutenkaku Tower and Abeno Harukas.

The Ebisu Tower Ferris Wheel in Dotonbori Osaka costs 600 Yen per adult for a 15 minute ride, as of May 2024.

Read our full guide to the Osaka Don Quijote Ferris Wheel in Dotonbori here (with more photos) >

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5. Dotonbori River Cruise / Osaka Boat Ride

The best way to explore Dotonbori is by boat ride – 20 minute cruises depart from the riverside regularly (and some party boats even seem to include beer and entertainment). Great for the night owls!

Most of the Dotonbori river cruises have a guide / host who will give a local history of the area in several languages. The cruises are often quite fun and guests are encouraged to clap and cheer when going beneath bridges or enclosed spaces.

Most cruises depart from the Tazaemonbashi Bridge Boat Dock, just below the Don Quijote ferris wheel usually from mid morning until approx 9pm.

Plan My Japan tip – the Dotonbori River Cruise is included as part of the Amazing Osaka Pass.

Enjoy a different view of Dotonbori on a Osaka River Wonder River Cruise or book a Dotonbori District Sightseeing Cruise.

6. Giant 3D Akita Inu dog Dotonbori billboard

Here at ‘Plan My Japan’, we are big fans of the 3D billboards in Japan, so much so we’ve written about the cool 3D billboards in Tokyo here.

Not one to be left out, Osaka / Dotonbori has recently got in on the 3D billboard action by launching a huge 3D Akita Inu dog billboard above Ebisubashi Bridge, where the playful puppy jumps around the screen.

Better yet, this Osaka prime puppy 3D puppy billboard is split across two screens so the Akita Inu bounds between the two – good boy!

You’ll occasionally have to watch more serious ads but this is still a fun thing to see in Osaka at night.

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7. Eat Tasty Takoyaki

Osaka is the spiritual home of takoyaki so make sure you taste some takoyaki whilst in Dotonbori – there are dozens of stalls along the main street selling takoyaki balls of all flavours (usually in boxes of 6).

Takoyaki is usually a cooked ball of batter coated with fish flakes, mayo and green onions, with diced octopus inside (or other flavours / proteins).

They are usually one of the cheapest street foods in Japan – two of the highest rated / best takoyaki stalls in Dotonbori are Takoyaki Juhachiban Dotonbori and Takoyaki Wanaka Dotonbori.

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8. Takoyaki KukuruKonamon Museum – DIY Takoyaki

C’mon and make your very own takoyaki balls at Dotonbori’s Konamon Museum. You will have probably tasted them at the street food stalls but how about taking some time to make your own.

Here you learn about how to make local varieties of takoyaki, Osaka specialities or you can even attempt to literally make your own takoyaki models (using wax).

The Takoyaki Kukuru Konamon Museum is easy to spot as there is a giant red octopus above the entrance (don’t worry, it isn’t a real one). It is open daily from 11am to 9pm on weekdays and from 10am on weekends.

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9. Eat okonomiyaki

If you aren’t taken by takoyaki, another alternative is okonomiyaki, a popular Osakan street-food. It is a delicious cabbage pancake made of wheat batter flour which also contains meat or seafood, and is topped with bonito fish-flakes, Japanese mayonnaise, seaweed flakes and an okonomiyaki sauce.

You are spoiled for choice for okonomiyaki restaurants in Osaka – we tried Chibo (very touristy) and Honke Otako Hozenji (a quieter, family -run business) and both were excellent. Chibo just edged it for us – be prepared to queue outside for a long time during peak periods.

As well as Chibo and Honke Otako Hozenji , we wanted to visit Okonomiyaki Mizuno but the queues were always SO long (like twice the size of Chibo, no matter what time of day we went). So we definitely want to check out Okonomiyaki Mizuno on our return.

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10. Eat Kushikatsu

Kushikatsu is famous all over Japan but it is said to have originated in Osaka’s Shinsekai neighbourhood. Kushikatsu is deep-fried breadcrumbed (panko) meat, fish and vegetables that are served on skewers (and best accompanied with a cold beer, in our humble opinion!)

Kushikatsu is quite cheap compared to other Japanese food and you’ll find lots of lunchtime specials and deals in the side-streets around Dotonbori.

The most famous Osaka kushikatsu chain is Kushikatsu Daruma – expect queues in the evening but it is a lot quieter in the day.

Plan My Japan tip – Be sure to look for the giant kushikatsu man and his mammoth skewers looking out over Osaka’s cityscape and the Dotonbori River below. This huge chef head of an angry looking man is a classic kushikatsu motif and mascot of one of the most iconic restaurants in Osaka – Kushikatsu Daruma. The best way to see it is from the Don Quijote ferris wheel.

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11. 10 Yen cheese

See the big queue near the Tombori River and Don Quijote Dotonbori store? That’ll be the 10 Yen Cheese pancake stall, selling gooey hot cheese creations in the shape of a coin.

These 10 Yen cheese pancakes have become really popular all over Japan. We’ve also spotted 100 Won in Korea but the national bank was not too impressed and asked for changes to the shape!

Bargain hunters beware – these 10 Yen cheese coins that you can eat actually cost usually between 500 and 600 Yen – so don’t feel ‘short-changed’ when you see the receipt!

In our own humble opinion, these Osaka 10 Yen cheese pancakes taste OK (quite a sweet pancake mixture) and it is fun when the cheese stretches but they probably aren’t worth queuing for too long.

Try this – Osaka: Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori >

12. Hozenji-Yokocho Alley

Hozenji Yokocho has so much going on both day and night, from cool lunchtime eateries to epic neon-lit izakayas and kushikatsu restaurants.

Hozenji Yokocho is just a short five minute walk away from Ebisubashi Bridge, the Glico Man sign or Kura Sushi Dotonbori – it is Dotonbori’s epicentre of back-street bars and iconic izakayas.

If you can try, perhaps the best time to visit Hozen-ji Yokocho is at night, as the alleyways are more atmospheric plus the lanterns are all lit up.

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13. Hozenji-shrine & Fudo Myo (the Mossy Man)

Hidden away in the backstreets of Dotonbori amongst all the okonomiyaki and izakayas, Osaka’s Hozenji Temple is perhaps best known for its moss-covered statue of the deity Fudo-myo-o.

One of the most unusual and beautiful Buddhist temples in Osaka, the tiny temple of Hozenji and its moss-like figure is an easy two minute walk from the main Tombori river area and famous Glico Man sign.

The Hozenji Temple in Dotonbori is a small backstreet shrine complete with a water bucket where locals come to take part in Haka-mairi or hakamairi (the religious ritual cleaning of one’s hands and grave area).

Perhaps the most likely reason why the Hozenji Temple is so famous is the mossy Fudo Myo statue (of a wrathful deity) and the juxtaposition of the location – a peaceful place in the midst of chaotic scenes and busy restaurants and food vendors.

Read our full guide to the Hozenji Temple (Moss Man / Fudo Myo) in Osaka here >

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14. Dotonbori Wolfen

Have you spotted the Wolfen of Dotonbori? A mythical (and often musical) mascot of mystery wearing a blue hooded coat and wolf-mask, Dotonbori’s Wolf man is a weird and wonderful thing to see (or hear) down by the river.

From waving at the passengers on the Tombori River Cruises to removing dirt from Osaka’s streets (literally, like litter picking, not in the Superman sense), the Osaka Wolfman has kind of become a Dotonbori attraction in his own lifetime.

He is a ‘furry’ interesting thing to spot too (even for Osaka!).

From where to spot the Wolf of Dotonbori to his musical abilities, learn more about the cult of the Tomburi Wolfman in Osaka >

15. Dotonbori Tsuribori fishing

Go fish! Time for some indoor fishing at Dotonbori Tsuribori – honestly, we ain’t talking utter ‘carp’!

Grab a fishing rod and fish food and start catching catfish or carp – timed tickets are available and it works on a catch and release system (so no eating or cooking them).

The latest reviews for Dotonbori Tsuribori have been a bit mixed so buyer beware – it is open from 10am to 10pm daily.

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16. Ebisubashi Bridge

The most popular meeting place in Dotonbori given its 360 degree views of the river and neon billboards, Ebisubashi Bridge is always ebullient, with many street performers and groups of young people partying hard.

Open 24 hours and the epicentre of Dotonbori’s social scene, this is also a great place to watch the legendary Glico running man sign after dark.

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17. Visit Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum to experience traditional culture

Chances are you will have seen the Japanese style of Ukiyo-e art before your visit to Japan. It is the woodblock printing technique that was popular from the 17th to 19th century including the ocean wave and kabuki traditional figures.

As well as walking around the museum and seeing traditional Ukiyo-e prints, you can also have a go yourself, trying printing with woodblocks with a course in the traditional Japanese art of Ukiyo-e. Create your own Ukiyo-e print as a unique souvenir to take home from Osaka.

One of the more unusual attractions at the Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum is the third floor and rooftop are dedicated to rice growing – very ‘rice’ to see!

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18. Tombori River Walk at night

Obviously Osaka’s Dotonbori district is fine to explore any time of day, but the Tombori River walk truly comes alive at night, as the neon lights shine and the Tombori cruise boats go all techno (they pump out loud music and flashy LED visuals).

You can walk along the river’s edge or grab a beer / coffee in one of the numerous bars and pubs looking out over the Tombori River.

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19. Sennichimae Street

A huge covered shopping street in Osaka Dotonbori, Sennichimae Street is full of kitchenware stores and restaurants open all hours.

Obviously if you are travelling light, you may not want to fill your bags with kitchen bits, but it is still an interesting alley to explore, watching street traders hawk their wares, as cyclists and the occasional tourist information robot (yes, really!) glide on by.

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20. Dotonbori Arcades

If you are an arcade admirer or want some 24/7 gaming, you won’t go far wrong in Dotonbori. There are multiple gaming arcades or retro console bars within a few minutes walk of the river – there is even a large Taito Namba Arcade but this is a little further out.

The arcades usually have several floors and include UFO / claw machines, Japanese photo booths plus modern and classic titles – and don’t forget to get some gachapon toys.

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21. Shinsaibashi shopping / Shinsaibashisuji

Osaka’s main shopping district, Shinsaibashi, is a short walk from the Dontonbori / Tombori River.

Shinsaibashi is the overarching shopping area whilst Shinsaibashi-suji is the huge covered shopping arcade that is ideal for all weather retail therapy.

Here you’ll find big high-street and international brands like Uniqlo, Apple, GAP and H&M – there are also a shed-load of Japanese pharmacy stores and konbinis / convenience stores like 7-Eleven here.

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22. Hub Pubs in Dotonbori

‘Kanpai’ to a little bit of Britain in Dotonbori, there are a couple of British themed Hub Pubs in Dotonbori – HUB Shinsaibashi and HUB Namba Ebisubashi.

One of Japan’s biggest bar chains with over 100 pubs, the 82 Ale House and HUB pubs are British themed pubs that have (VERY) happy hours, pub grub style food plus bar interiors just like British pubs.

Check out our full guide to Japan’s British Themed HUB Pub Bars and 82 Ale Houses here >

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23. Don Quijote Dotonbori

Talk to any traveller who has been to Japan and it won’t be long before conversation likely turns to Don Quijote, a famous Japanese discount store that has over 600 stores in Japan (and other overseas branches).

Founded in the 1980s in their first store in Tokyo, there are now over 700 Don Quijote stores worldwide including shops in the USA (Hawaii), Taiwan, Thailand and Malaysia.

There are over 30 Don Quijote stores in Osaka alone (including 10 MEGA Don Quijotes).

And don’t forget like we mentioned before, Osaka’s Dotonbori Don Quijote is home to Japan’s only Don Quijote ferris wheel – Ebisu Tower, the best way to see Osaka from above.

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Do you love all things Don Quijote and Don Don Donki? Join our Don Quijote and Don Don Donki Fans Facebook group!

24. Kura Sushi Dotonbori Global Flagship Store

Kura Sushi has to be Japan’s most joyful revolving sushi bar (“kaitenzushi”) and conveyor belt restaurant.

Popular with locals and travellers alike, Kura Sushi is one of the most fun and inexpensive dining experiences in Japan and their Dotonbori branch is one their flagship restaurants.

All the food and drinks arrive by conveyor belt, plus putting away your finished dishes has been ‘gamified’ (for every five dirty plates you drop into a slot on your table, you get a free go at an online game – smart!)

As prices at Kura Sushi in Japan start from just 110 Yen ( less than $1 / £1 a piece), it is a cheap place to eat in Dotonbori.

From ordering food to sushi conveyor belt etiquette (plus our visit to Japan’s largest Kura Sushi), here is our ultimate guide to eating at Kura Sushi in Japan >

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Dotonbori Osaka – Our final thing to do

25. Do a foodie walking tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

Hopefully we’ve given you all the tools to tackle Dotonbori yourself but if you’d rather be guided by a local, there are several Dotonbori walking and eating tours where you eat street food, explore back-street alleys and do authentic experiences:

Osaka local foodie walking tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai >

Osaka Kickstart: hotspots and hidden gems tours including Dotonbori >

Osaka’s 3 hour local food walking tour from Dotonbori to Shinsekai >