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.
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