14 Best Things to Do in Dotonbori, Osaka

Osaka is the third-largest city in Japan, and at the heart of Osaka, is Dotonbori. This is the one district in Osaka that is an absolute must-visit. I don’t even have a what-to-skip for Dotonbori since I loved it so much. Dotonbori has been the entertainment district of Osaka since the 16th century and it’s only getting better with age. The illuminated lights, vibrant nightlife, and enticing eats attract thousands of visitors daily. Here are the best things to do in Dotonbori, Osaka.

An overwhelming amount of giant billboards and neon lights line the streets. Tantalizing smells from mouthwatering street food vendors are on every corner. It’s the best place to eat in Osaka and you truly won’t be disappointed. Dotonbori can be seen in the evenings and on foot.

If you like this post, be sure to sign up for my e-mail list for travel inspiration (and get your FREE budget printable), or connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

This post contains affiliate links.  Meaning if you purchase something from my links, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Fun Fact:  Osaka has been nicknamed the kitchen of Japan due to the variety of food.

Dotonbori runs along the Dotonbori canal from Dotonboribashi Bridge to the Nipponbashi Bridge in the Namba district of the city. The entire area is about 8 blocks. Come hungry as there is food everywhere you look in Dotonbori. An upcoming post will guide you through all the food available – from street foods to elegant river-side dining, Dotonbori has it all!

How to get to Dotonbori: 

If your hotel is not in Dotonbori or you’re visiting Osaka on a day trip, it’s still very easy to visit. If you have a JR Pass, go to the JR Namba Station (Yamatoji line) and it’s about a 5-minute walk. The JR Namba Station can be reached from the Shin-Osaka Station. Read my guide to using the JR Pass here. If you’re worried about how to use the train in Japan, don’t be – it’s very easy! You can also taxi or Uber from anywhere in Osaka at a reasonable price.

Here’s your guide on things to do in Dotonbori:

The Glico Man

This is something that may seem a little weird if you don’t know the history. What’s the big deal about a neon running man? Well, it’s the symbol of Osaka – that’s why it’s a big deal. The original sign was placed in 1935 and wasn’t neon. In 2014, the Glico man got an upgrade to an LED screen. Join the fun and take a photo with both hands in the air and show how much you love Osaka.

Shopping in Dotonbori

What’s an entertainment district without shopping?  From independent local businesses to the multi-story Don Quijote store, shopping in Dotonbori is unlike anywhere else. You can find something for everyone – from Kawaii souvenirs to traditional Japanese snacks to clothing! Getting lost in the hustle and bustle of the crowds and stores is one of the best things to do in Dotonbori.

The shotengai shopping arcade is about 600 meters (1800 feet) long, running North to South across the Ebisubashi bridge (which you go under on the river cruise!).

Travel Tip: Many places offer tax-free shopping when you spend over a certain amount.  This is an easy way to save some money! 

If you’re like me, and not a huge fan of shopping (or massive crowds), it’s worth it to walk down the streets just for the atmosphere. Most stores have someone outside shouting about the limited-time discounts. The discounts change throughout the day. Of course, they’re shouting in Japanese so just pick a store that interests you!

For another awesome place to visit in Japan, check out Tokyo’s Disney Parks!

Visit Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum to experience traditional culture

Ukiyo-e in a type of Japanese art prominent during the 17-19th centuries. The art was produced on woodblock prints and paintings. The subject of the art included female beauties, sumo wrestlers, and scenes from history. Walk through Edo-era Ukiyo-e at this museum. You can even have a hands-on experience and try to make your own!

Amerikamure & Triangle Park

The only “American’ thing about this place is the name and the statue of liberty replica. This area isn’t really designated. You’ll find the latest clothing trends and vintage stores next to each other.  It used to be focused on importing western-style clothes, but now you’ll find alternative clothing and funky fashion. Triangle Park is named for the unremarkable concrete triangle located in the middle of Shinsaibashi. The park has been a hangout of the alternative crowd and the best place to look for fashion trends.

Hozenji Yokocho Alley

A quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of Dotonbori, this alley is like taking a step back in time. Explore what Osaka felt like hundreds of years ago. Walk through the alley and enjoy the small shops and cafes serving traditional Japanese food.

Hozenji Temple 

While the alley is fun to explore on its own, you want to keep walking down the alley til you see this temple. One thing you’ll learn quickly in Japan is that there are temples even in the most unlikely places. The temple was built in 1637 and pays homage to Fudo Myoo, one of five guardians of Buddhism. Make a wish for good luck by splashing the statue of Fudo Myoo with water. If you head to Dotonbori a little early, this should be your first stop as the lanterns light up a little before sunset giving a peaceful glow. There is also a Daruma Kushikatsu near the temple so you can start trying the delicious foods of Dotonbori.

Take a tonbori river cruise

There are two options for a river cruise in Dotonbori. A 20-minute ride with a tour guide or a 40-minute ride with a live jazz performance. We decided on the tour so we could learn a bit more about Dotonbori. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable since he lived in Osaka for most of his life.  You can purchase tickets at the dock or here for only 1000 yen ($10).

Look up, Dotonbori has more illuminated signs than Times Square.

This is one of the easiest things to do in Dotonbori. You really do not want to miss out on all the happenings above you either! Not only will you see the neon lights, but you’ll see so many interesting signs – like a giant singing octopus a large hand holding sushi, or the famous Kani Doraku moving crab billboard!

Travel Tip: Visit Dotonbori after 5:00 pm to enjoy the neon lights and atmosphere.  Come for dinner! 

Play in the arcades and enjoy the capsules!  

Even if you don’t typically like arcades, just walking around can provide some free entertainment. We watched a few people with crazy intense dance moves and celebrated with them when they got a high score! You’ll also find capsules around Japan, but in Osaka there are plenty to find! We found a mini-sumo wrestler, a tissue box, a fan (yes that actually works) along with Marvel characters, Hello Kitty, and more! Capsule-hunting was one of our favorite things in all of Japan, but Dotonbori had some XXX rates capsules which really made things fun interesting.

Go fishing at Dotonbori Tsuribori

One of the most unique things to do in Dotonbori is catch carp, catfish sturgeon, and eel! Yep! There is a fishing pond in the basement of a game center! You can purchase a 30 or 60 minute ticket which includes set up, the fishing rod, and food. You can’t eat the fish or take them home, but it is a fun experience. Bonus: you can do it on a rainy day!

Get a view of Dotonbori from the Ferris wheel

This isn’t your traditional Ferris wheel, trust me. Don Quijote is a chain store and is quite an experience. This one is 7 stories tall and has everything from candy to home appliances and everything in between. Instead of being a circular Ferris wheel, the Dotonbori Ferris wheel is an oval track. If you purchase something in the store, then you can ride the Ferris wheel for free. It’s a great deal – get a souvenir for someone back home and you get a fun experience!   

Spot the Kuidaore Doll at Nakaza Kuidaore Building

Rhythmically beating his drum, the adorable Kuidaore Doll is a famous mascot of Japan. The Nakaza Kuidaore building contains numerous restaurants and izakaya establishments. It’s been the mascot of the company for over 50 years and is quite the celebrity. Taking a photo with him is one of the best things to do in Dotonbori – but be prepared to wait – there’s usually quite the line!

Learn to cook Takoyaki

Remember the giant octopus I told you to look out for before? Yeah well that is the Konamon Museum! You can try out a variety of food samples and learn how to make your own takoyaki – THE dish of Dotonbori! Saturdays and Sundays can get busy – make a reservation for peace of mind! The food sample tour is around 2,000 yen and the Takoyaki making is around 900 yen.

Eat in Dotonbori (arguably THE best thing to do in Dotonbori)

Part two of this blog post is a full guide on what (and where) to eat in Dotonbori!  From street foods to elegant restaurants, you will not go home hungry. Takoyaki (fried balls with octopus, ginger, and green onions) is a local specialty and you’ll find them on most streets. You’ll also find okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes) and yakisoba (soba noodle dish). Be sure to come hungry as eating is easily the best thing to do in Dotonbori, Osaka.

Okonomiyaki in Dotonbori

Takoyaki food stall in Dotonbori

If you want to explore the area even more, then why not stay in Dotonbori. Here are a few hotels near Dotonbori: 

• Best Western Hotel Fino Osaka Shinaibashi
• Hotel the Flag Shinsaibashi
• Dotonbori Hotel

Osaka has a lot to offer visitors, but Dotonbori has to be my favorite. There are simply so many things to do in Dotonbori that one would never get bored (or go hungry!).  Be sure to check out my guide to where to eat in Dotonbori.

Pin “Best Things to do in Dotonbori, Osaka” for later

Let me know if you have anything for me to add!