Nightlife
Dotonbori Shopping Arcade
Jeannie GanShop till you drop! Eat till you drop! Dotonbori is the heart and soul of Osaka, a street that never sleeps.
Dotonbori
Dotonbori, located along the canal of the same name, is a street in the Namba district of Osaka’s Chuo ward that epitomizes the city’s nightlife. The colorful area is an explosion of neon lights, mouth watering street food, retro vibes, clubs, stores, and bars. A popular saying associated with the street is kuidaore, which roughly means to go bankrupt after spending an enormous amount of money on food. To experience the essence kuidaore (responsibly, of course) be sure to check out this renowned partying spot and lose yourself in the contagious energy!
Roots in the 1600s
The historic street started in the 1620s as a theater district with kabuki and bunraku (puppet) establishments along the canal. Over the years, many theaters closed as people lost interest in the traditional arts, and unfortunately, most of the remaining theaters were destroyed in bombing raids during WWII. Today, Shochiku-za Theater stands as the only reminder of the street’s theater roots.
Today
Today, Dotonbori is one of Osaka’s top tourist destinations. When the sun goes down, flashy neon advertisements light up along the canal and streets. The rainbow of colors illuminates the night air, creating an exciting atmosphere that matches Dotonbori’s offerings. Walk along the bustling street and lose yourself in the tantalizing food smells, energetic chatter, and hypnotizing sights.
Embrace Kuidaore Food Culture
With a phrase like kuidaore associated with the street, there is no doubt that Dotonbori takes its food culture seriously. The street is one of the best places to experience Osaka cuisine, and the area’s flamboyant restaurants themselves are a feast for the eyes. You will need multiple nights to enjoy all of the street’s wonders! For a personalized and unforgettable experience, book a food tour with a local who can guide you through the best spots. Discover Dotonbori's top restaurants.
See the Sights!
After, while, or before you eat, explore the vibrant area. Seemingly every spot of the street is filled with dazzling lights, historic vibes, and unique charm. Listed below are some of Dotonbori’s staple destinations. Though be sure to explore off of the beaten path and discover the street’s many wonders yourself!
Overview
Address
1 Chome-9 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071 (Map) (Directions)Hours
Open 24 hours Open NowOpening Hours
Monday
Open 24 hours
Tuesday
Open 24 hours
Wednesday
Open 24 hours
Thursday
Open 24 hours
Friday
Open 24 hours
Saturday
Open 24 hours
Sunday
Open 24 hours
Holidays
Open 24 hours
Phone Number
06-6211-4542Website
Highlights
Glico Running Man
The most famous sign in the area is the Glico Running Man, which is located above Ebisubashi Bridge, a popular pedestrian bridge. The giant illumination is an advertisement for the popular Japanese snack company and features a man running on a blue track with his arms raised in victory. The man’s smiling expression matches the exuberance of the street, and his recognizability makes him a focal point and popular photo spot of Dotonbori.
Shochiku-za
Shochiku-za is the only remaining kabuki establishment from Dotonbori’s theater district days. The theater’s refined facade, with design elements reminiscent of Italian renaissance architecture, contrasts the bright illuminations that define the street. For a traditional Japanese experience, take a break from the street’s party energy and watch a kabuki play at the famous theater.
River Cruise
A unique way to experience Dotonbori is via a river cruise. As you are separated from the packed streets, you can leisurely observe the trademark buildings and watch their lights dance on the shifting waters. A popular cruise service is Tonbori River Cruise, which takes guests on 20-minute water excursions under the street’s nine bridges.
Kuidaore Taro
Kuidaore Taro is a mechanical clown statue, with origins in the 1950s, displayed in the lobby of the Nakaza Kuidaore Building. Kuidaore Taro wears a white and red striped outfit and hat with blue accents and round glasses. He welcomes visitors with a cheerful drumming stance and is an icon of Dotonbori street. The building itself contains souvenir shops that sell Japanese snacks, candy, and Kuidaore Taro merchandise.
Hozenji Yokocho
Hozenji Yokocho is an old-fashioned alleyway beside Dotonbori. The tranquil street is known for its traditional shops and restaurants, soft lantern light, and cobblestone streets. The quieter and slower-paced street is a perfect area to visit if you need a break from the high energy of Dotonbori. At the end of the alleyway is Hozenji Temple.
General Amenities
- Shops
- Souvenir shop
- Coin lockers
Facilities
- Restaurant
Accessibility
- Barrier-free access
Access
Dotonbori extends between Daikokubashi and Nippombashi bridges and is about a 5-minute walk from Namba Station.
Related Articles
10 articles
Dotonbori at Night
Kaitlynn ScannellDōtonbori is one of the must-sees in Osaka. Although the space is wonderful during the day it is truly a sight at night with t..
9
Shinsaibashi-suji and Dotonbori
Charles ColferDay or night, rain or shine, Shinsaibashi-suji is a perfect destination for anyone traveling Osaka. It's a gregarious atmo..
8
A Walk Through Dotonbori
Stefanus HusinDotonbori is one of Osaka’s most popular destinations, with hundreds of neon lights and huge billboards advertising different ..
6
Nightlife
Osaka Dotonbori After Dark
Bonson LamThe Dotonbori Bridge is great place to enjoy Osaka's outdoor street theater. While the Kabuki playhouses from the 17 th century..
Accommodation
Kaneyoshi Ryokan by Dotonbori Canal
Bonson LamOsaka is known as a city of canals and waterways. Why not enjoy stunning views of Dotonbori from this retro ryokan housed in a waterfront..
Dōtonbori, Osaka
Sara PretelliDotonbori is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Osaka and it is located in the district of Nanba, running along the..
14
Food
Dotonbori's Top Restaurants
Veronica CarnevaleA saying associated with Dotonbori is kuidaore, which means to go bankrupt after spending a large amount of money on food. Not surprisingly,..
Reviews
Help rate this location
Your experience helps others planning their trip
Dotonbori
Questions about Dotonbori?
Near Dotonbori
Accommodation
Kaneyoshi Ryokan
The 60’s are now in the oh-so distant past but the essence of this magic era still remains. Surrounded by the modern neon glow..
Accommodation
HOTEL MYSTAYS Shinsaibashi
HOTEL MYSTAYS Shinsaibashi makes for an excellent accomodation for tourists visiting Osaka. Combining chic, comfort and conven..
Accommodation
Fraser Residences
Clean, comfortable beds, elegant décor, close to public transport, helpful staff - The Fraser Residence has them all in spades.
Cafe
Tables Cafe in Osaka
Any better way to spend a lazy afternoon than eating a delicious pancake on a fluffy couch in a fancy looking cafe in Osaka?
Food
Creoru Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki
Creo-Ru means creation, where you can create your own okonomiyaki with any ingredient. Since opening in February 1999, they have..
Food
Zootopia Pop-Up Cafe: Osaka
Past EventFrom the 28th of April until the 6th of July, Osaka's Oh My Cafe is hosting a limited-time Zootopia pop-up event to celebrate..
Culture
Hozenji Temple
Among the hustle and bustle of Osaka’s renowned shopping and foodie street, Dotonbori, lies a cobblestone alleyway, Hozenji Yokocho, that leads visitors..
Shopping
Kuromon Market
Kuromon Market, or Kuromon Ichiba, is a staple destination among tourists and residents alike thanks to its abundance of fresh fish, meat, fruits, vegetables,..
Culture
National Bunraku Theater Osaka
Osaka has been the capital of Bunraku, the traditional Japanese puppet theater, for many centuries. The National Bunraku Theater is a two-hall and e..