Dotonbori (道頓堀) is one of the main tourist attractions in Osaka, Japan. The place is an avenue of entertainment where you’ll find yourself in constant awe at the brightly lit streets and billboards, entertainment attractions, and delicious smelling Osaka cuisine. There’s no time to wait!
Table of Contents
Background of Dotonbori
History
Legend has it that in the year 1612, Yasui Douton led the excavation and construction of a cana in Minami (Namba). Unfortunately, his demise in the Siege of Osaka war prevented him from witnessing his project’s completion. His cousin, Douboku took over on his behalf and finished the structure in 1615. The canal was named Dotonbori in honour of Yasui Douton - Doton from his given name and bori from the original word hori which means canal.
In the years leading up to the 17th century, the Minami area was gradually developed into an urban entertainment area. Finally at the end of the 17th century, Dotonbori had become the center of entertainment in Osaka akin to a theatre town with various establishments for the performance of traditional Japanese arts like Kabuki, Nou, Ningyo, and drama.
※ The Shopping District of Dotonbori, "What is Dotonbori? "History and Culture""
Commercial and Cultural Significance
Although the theatre industry has slumped compared to its glory days, the Dotonbori area is still the hottest entertainment district in Osaka as it evolves with modern trends. Dotonbori is the perfect place to indulge in different types of entertainment like flashy nightlife, shopping therapy, and gorging on food.. Its bustling streets have always been a symbol of development in Minami.
Even so, Dotonbori has not forgotten its heritage. With cultural attractions like a Kabuki theatre and puppet theatre that pays homage to its cultural roots allowing visitors to enjoy traditional theatre just as it was back in theatre town Dotonbori days.
Writer's Pick
Experiencing Dotonbori
Dotonbori Canal
Also referred to as Dotonborigawa (or Dotonbori River), Dotonbori Canal flows through the Minami Area. It is one of the most famous waterways in Osaka. Alongside Dotonbori Canal is Dotonbori Shopping Street (道頓堀商店街) where there are several boutiques, souvenir shops, and restaurants lined up for your shopping or dining needs. It is basically in most photos you will see when you look up Dotonbori.
Take a ride on a river cruise to enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience as you cruise down Dotonbori Canal. Enjoy the sights of the towering buildings and human waves as you lookout for landmarks like the Ebisu Tower ferris wheel.
FUN FACT
Dotonbori Dive is an infamous Osaka tradition where people jump into the Dotonbori Canal during times of celebration like Halloween and New Years. This is extremely dangerous with recorded deaths. Do not attempt or encourage others to do so.
Ebisu Bridge
Sometimes called Dotonbori Bridge, this bridge is the best spot to admire the famous Glico Sign depicting a running man with arms raised in a victory pose. The best time to visit is at night when all the signages and billboards are lit, so be prepared to be dazzled by the classic image of Dotonbori in photos and visitor’s minds. It is also SUPER crowded during New Year’s Countdown, so you can visit then or avoid it at all costs depending on which you prefer!
Nakaza Cui-daore Building
When you first enter the building, you will be greeted by Osaka’s beloved mascot Kuidaore Taro, a figure of a clown doll, beating his drums. This building has 7 floors of pure entertainment including a karaoke centre, an internet cafe, stage shows for comedy and drama performances, food musical, as well as the many, many restaurants offering Osaka specialty dishes like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, skewers, and more.
Nightlife in Dotonbori
Glico and more! Billboards galore!
As mentioned above, the city has various extravagant and eye-catching signboards and billboards. At night, the bedazzling neon lights of these signboards are lit making for a blindingly beautiful view. The signboards include pufferfish, a crab, octopus (notice a seafood trend?) and the famous Glico sign, as well as many others.
Nightclubs for the Paripi!
Paripi (パリピ) is a Japanese slang for party people, i.e. people like that to parteh!
There are many bars, pubs, and nightclubs in Dotonbori to unwind, relax, and mingle with the locals. A foreigner bar can be a fun visit to meet local Japanese looking to practice their English.
Here are some places you can try!
Known as the most popular night club in Osaka.
Opens from 22:00 to 05:00.
The world’s first all-pink nightclub; everything in this club from the walls to dance floors are pink.
Opens at 22:00 on weekdays and 21:00 on weekends until 05:00.
Popular amongst foreigners with reasonable prices.
Opens at 22:00 on weekends and 23:00 on weekdays until 05:00.
A video game bar where many foreigners gather. Also holds game related events.
Check out our article about Osaka nightlife here.
Cultural Arts in Dotonbori
Witness Kabuki at Shochikuza Theatre
Shochikuza Theatre is a theatre originally built as a movie theater but now also accommodates theatrical performances as well. Kabuki plays are highly popular in this theatre and considered the most-watched performance here. Aside from the Kabuki, they also have musicals and more.
TIP
Due to its high popularity, make sure to check for availability and book tickets in advance.
Puppet Theatre at National Bunraku Theatre
The art of Bunraku (文楽) or Ningyo Joruri (人形浄瑠璃) dates back to early 17th century. Ningyo means doll and Joruri is a style of story recitation accompanied by music performed with a shamisen (三味線 ), a Japanese musical instrument with three strings. Its origins date back to Osaka in the 16th century.
There are three performers in bunraku; the puppeteer, shamisen player, and story narrator. Bunraku performances are available to watch at the National Bunraku Theatre.
Live Comedy Shows
For some humour, watch a live comedy show in Dotonbori. Visit the ROR Comedy Club, an English comedy bar that caters mainly to foreigners and tourists. It is one of many popular comedy bars in the area.
Restaurants in Dotonbori
Any journey to Osaka is incomplete if you do not taste the best of Osaka cuisine. Here are some restaurants in Dotonbori you can add to your food list.
A popular food chain in Osaka, serving Osaka street food, including Okonomiyaki (savory pancake), Kushikatsu (deep fried skewers), Yakisoba (stir fry soba) - they have it all. Don’t miss out on their signature dish, Takoyaki, a classic Osaka snack, made by cooking a round-shaped flour batter with octopus in the centre and topped with special takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and seaweed flakes.
One of the best Yakisoba places in Osaka. They are located inside the Nakaza Cui-daore Building. With 10 choices of Yakisoba, make sure to try their signature dish Tomato Yakisoba.
This store specializes in karaage (deep fried chicken). Unlike a typical karaage however, it is in stick form to maximise crunch and convenience when eating on the go. What makes them so special is the many sauce options like their most popular original spice, chocolate, chili, lemon, sweet chili, and more. They also sell french fries, fried ice cream, cheese sticks, and fried strawberries.
Seafood is best served fresh. It can’t get any fresher than Zauo where you literally eat your own catch. Once you enter the restaurant, you will immediately notice the huge fishing pool where your meal is just waiting to be caught.
Zauo has 2 menus, for fish you catch yourself and for non-fishing. You get generous discounts for self-caught fish, a reward for your hard work! Just pick a fish you want to eat, catch it, and pick a preparation method like sashimi, grilled, deep-fried, and even sushi.
The famous moving giant crab in Osaka belongs to this crab specialty restaurant where you can try various crab dishes like crab steak, boiled crab, gratin crab, spicy crab, crab sushi, crab hotpot, grilled crab, and more.
Travel Access
Reaching Dotonbori from Shin-Osaka Station
Take the Midosuji Line to Namba Station. From there, head north towards Dotonbori Canal.
Cost: 280 yen
Time Taken: Approx. 20 mins
If you prefer a free route (JR Pass) or cheaper route, take the Tokaido-Sanyo Line to Osaka Station then transfer to the Osaka Loop Line to Imamiya Station. Transfer once more to the Yamatoji Line to Namba Station.
Cost: 220 yen
Time Taken: Approx. 35 mins
Summary
Indulge yourself in one of the most visited places in Osaka. You will never run out of things to do, see, and eat in Dotonbori. With diverse cultural and commercial attractions, it will bring a euphoric Osaka experience to complete your trip.
