Compared to the other destinations I’ve been to, Dotonbori is easily accessible using public transportation and has a lot of must eat delicacies.
The Osaka destinations every recognizes is Dotonbori(道頓堀). Dotonbori is a tourist landmark that symbolizes Osaka. There are the Glico Sign (running man) and Kuidaore-Taro, which are popular among the tourists. These are good spots for your photos, and you can post them as much as you like on your Instagram.
[box title=”The history of Dotonbori(道頓堀)” type=”ttl”]
Dotonbori first appeared in the Edo period. As a result of Yasui Dōton’s investment of his personal wealth, dredging of the Dotonbori river began. After that, according to Tokugawa Shogunate’s plans for the capital, all the small theaters in Osaka will be at the south of Dotonbori. People gathered there to enjoy the show, and thus the restaurants flourished.
Even today, Dotonbori is still interesting and flourishing as Japan’s biggest food and drinks street.
*Now, only Shochikuza Theatre is left.[/box][voice icon=”https://osakafan.info/images/2021/09/kurochan.png” name=”クロちゃん” type=”l”]The river side pedestrian path “Tombori River Walk” is also very popular, so please take a stroll and see![/voice]
How to get to Doutonbori?
Osaka Metro:Midousuji-line(御堂筋線)．Sennichimae-line(千日前線)．Yotsubashi-line(四橋線)，Kintetsu-line(近鉄線)， Nankai line(南海線), Once you exit, “Namba(難波)” station, you’re there.
| Name | 道頓堀 |
|---|---|
| English name | Doutonbori |
| Address | 大阪市中央区道頓堀 |
| Phone | 06-6211-4542 |
| Hours | After 11PM at night, the crowds are less. |
| Holiday | No days off all year-round. |
| Other | English Ok! Wifi:Yes |
| SNS | Webstite |
Here I’ll describe in detail for everyone the transportation, schedules, fees, and paths to get to “Dotonbori”, the famous tourist destination that most represents Osaka.
Transportation methods from Kansai International Airport to Dotonbori.
1. Via Taxi
Taking a Taxi from Kansai International Airport to Dotonbori will take around 60 minutes and cost you around 18,000 Yen.
2. Riding the Airport Limousine buses:
At Kansai International Airport, get on the Airport Limousines buses going towards Namba OCAT. Get off the bus at “Namba (OCAT)” station. (Note: Departures from Kansai International Airport Terminal 1 is around every 50 minutes and it costs 1,100 Yen)
After arriving at Namba (OCAT) station, this is the path to Dotonbori
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- Via Taxi…
It takes around 10 minutes to get to Dotonbori and the fee is around 850 Yen. - Via Metro…
Take the Osaka Metro and get off at “Namba” Station. Get out of the metro using Exit 14 and it should be approximately a 15-minute walk.
[btn]Link to Airport Limousines buses’ website.[/btn]
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3. Via Metro
- From Kansai International Airport, take the Rapi:t express train. Get off at “Namba” station. (The ride duration will be around 40 minutes and cost you 1,450 Yen). Then walk to Osaka Metro’s “Namba” station Exit 14. (It’s around a 10-minute walk after that)
- Take the Nankai Express (unreserved seat) from Kansai Airport and get off at “Nankai Namba” Station (approximately 50 minutes, fare 930 yen). Then, walk to Exit 14 of the Osaka Metro “Namba” Station (about a 10-minute walk).
Ways to Get from Osaka Station to Dotonbori(道頓堀):
1.By Taxi
It takes about 20 minutes to reach Dotonbori by taxi, with a fare of around 1,700 yen.
2.By Bus
ake the “Osaka City Bus 大阪站前站” bound for Namba 難波 at the “Osaka Station Front” bus stop and get off at the “Dotonbori-bashi 道頓堀橋” stop (approx. 25 minutes travel time) + a 3-minute walk. The bus fare is 210 yen.
3.By Train
- Take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line from “Umeda Station 田” and get off at “Namba Station 梅難波” (approx. 10 minutes travel time), then walk for about 5 minutes from Exit 14. The train fare is 230 yen.
- Take the Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line from “Nishi-Umeda Station 西梅田” and get off at “Namba Station 難波” (approx. 10 minutes travel time, fare 230 yen), then walk to the Osaka Metro “Namba Station” and exit from Exit 14, then walk for about 5 minutes.
- Take the Tokaido Shinkansen 東海道新幹線 and get off at “Shin-Osaka Station 新大阪”, then transfer to the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line. Take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line 御堂筋線 from “Shin-Osaka Station 新大阪” to “Namba Station 難波” (approx. 10 minutes travel time, fare 230 yen), then walk to the Osaka Metro “Namba Station 難波” and exit from Exit 14, then walk for about 5 minutes.
Gourmet Kitchen: Must-Try Recommended Foods in Dotonbori, Osaka!
Walking down the shopping street of Dotonbori, you’ll find many shops and restaurants. Here, we introduce the must-try foods of Osaka that you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
You can enjoy crab dishes all year round at “Kani Doraku 蟹道樂.”
If you come here, I’m sure many people will notice the giant signboard of “Kani Doraku”!
Here, you can enjoy fresh Japanese cuisine, starting with crab dishes and seasonal specialties. Since it often gets fully booked, it’s best to make a reservation online in advance!
Kani Doraku Dotonbori – Access
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- Address:
〒542-0071
大阪府大阪市中央區道頓堀1丁目6-18
1-6-18
Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 542-0071, Japan
Map - Phone: +81-6-6211-8975
[btn]Website[/btn]
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Takoyaki “Takoyaki Juhachiban 章魚燒十八番”
Takoyaki, a specialty of Osaka, is one of the representative foods of the city. Walking through the shopping street of Dotonbori, you’ll find many takoyaki shops where you can enjoy a variety of flavors!
Popular Menu
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醬汁加美乃滋（6個）只要500日幣，超受歡迎！
[/aside]Takoyaki Juhachiban SONS-DOHTONBORI – Access
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- Japanese: たこ焼き 十八番 SONS-DOHTONBORI店
- Address:
〒542-0071
大阪府大阪市中央區道頓堀1丁目8-26
1-8-26 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 542-0071, Japan Map - Phone: +81-6-4256-2818
- Closed:
No regular holidays - Business Hours:
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
[btn]Website[/btn]
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[voice icon=”https://osakafan.info/images/2021/09/kurochan.png” name=”KURO” type=”l”]Features of Takoyaki Juhachiban
The batter, which combines a rich dashi stock with milk, is incredibly fluffy. The takoyaki is made with fresh octopus, pickled ginger, and topped with sakura shrimp. It’s then finished with a generous amount of tempura crumbs.[/voice]
Sushi Zanmai“すしざんまい” – Nakaza Cui-daore Building
Located on the first floor of the Nakaza Shokudo Building in Dotonbori, this authentic Edomae sushi restaurant is known for its specialty, tuna. You can enjoy it at a very reasonable price. Don’t miss the tuna cutting show!
Access
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- Address:
〒542-0071
大阪府大阪市中央區道頓堀1丁目7-21
中座くいだおれビル 1F
[spbk]1-7-21 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka City, Osaka 542-0071, Japan, Nakaza Cui-daore Building, 1st Floor Map - Phone: 06-6484-2280(Open 24 hours)
[btn]Website[/btn]
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Sushi “Genroku Sushi 元禄寿司 Dotonbori Branch”
The world’s first conveyor belt sushi restaurant, a popular spot known for its eye-catching tuna sign in Dotonbori. They offer a wide range of ingredients, from staple items to seasonal ones, with each plate priced at just 135 yen, making it a very affordable choice.
Access
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- Address:
〒542-0071
大阪府大阪市中央區道頓堀1丁目6-9
1-6-9 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, 542-0071, JapanMap - Phone: 06-6211-8414
[btn]Website[/btn]
[/aside][voice icon=”https://osakafan.info/images/2021/09/kurochan.png” name=”KURO” type=”l”]The seats on the 2nd floor by the window offer a beautiful view. Highly recommended![/voice]
“Osaka Ohsho 大阪王将 Dotonbori Main Store”
A very famous spot in Osaka, renowned for its Chinese-style gyoza. The highlight is the giant gyoza sign. Since opening in 1969, it has celebrated its 50th anniversary this year! You can enjoy a variety of dishes at affordable prices, including snacks, stir-fried dishes, noodles, rice bowls, and desserts. If you visit Dotonbori, be sure to try their gyoza!
Access
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- Address:
〒542-0076
大阪府大阪市中央區道頓堀1丁目6-13
1-6-13 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka City, Osaka 542-0076, Japan Map - Phone: 06-6213-0400
[btn]Website[/btn]
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Ramen
Dotonbori is home to top-notch ramen shops from all over the country. Let us introduce you to some of the finest ramen restaurants you can enjoy in Dotonbori.
一蘭 Ichiran Ramen
Ichiran is a famous Kyushu tonkotsu ramen chain known throughout Japan. Their rich pork bone broth is simmered for over 10 hours, providing a deep and flavorful taste. They use Hakata-style thin noodles, which offer the perfect texture. You can customize your ramen to your liking by adjusting the noodle firmness, broth richness, and seasoning. It’s highly recommended for a personalized ramen experience.
Kinryu Ramen 金龍ラーメン
Known for its giant dragon sign, Kinryu Ramen”金龍ラーメン” serves a single type of broth: a light and refreshing soy sauce-based tonkotsu. If you want to add more flavor, try the free additions of “spicy leeks” or “kimchi” to really excite your taste buds. Enjoy your meal in a casual, stall-like setting.
Kamukura 神座
Kamukura “神座” specializes in a vegetable-based broth that is particularly appealing to women. The soy sauce base is mild and complemented by a generous amount of cabbage, resulting in a refreshingly delicious flavor. Highly recommended for a lighter ramen experience.
Access
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Iconic Dotonbori Spots Perfect for Instagram
Dotonbori is home to many iconic spots that represent Osaka. You’ve probably seen famous landmarks like the running man sign and the giant crab on TV, right? Here are some recommended spots to check out.
Running Man Sign
Established in 1935, the sign was updated to its sixth version on October 23, 2014.Access
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The background lighting features 140,000 LED lights, which create dynamic displays from “30 minutes after sunset” until midnight. If you’re lucky enough to catch this rare sight, it might just bring you good fortune!
Many visitors also take the opportunity to strike the iconic Running Man pose on the Ebisubashi bridge 戎橋, making it a must-photograph spot!
Since there are many tourists around, it’s quite easy to ask someone to take a photo for you.
[voice icon=”https://osakafan.info/images/2021/09/kurochan.png” name=”Tips：” type=”l”]The pedestrian walkway slightly lower than Ebisu Bridge is less crowded with tourists, making it a better spot for photos. However, because fewer people pass by, it can be more challenging to find someone to help take your picture.
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食倒太郎
被設置在中座食倒大樓的正面，穿著紅白相間的條紋衣服與小丑帽，戴著黑色圓框眼鏡，以無可言喻的表情敲著鼓的姿態，讓人不禁莞爾一笑。如果要在道頓堀買土產的話，就要到這邊！[aside type=”boader”]
食倒 土產店
[/aside]可以買到食倒太郎周邊商品的禮物。來到大阪的話，請一定要來拍照哦！
Hozenji Yokocho “法善寺橫丁”
Hozenji Yokocho originated in the mid-Edo period when street vendors set up stalls to serve pilgrims visiting Hozenji Temple. The area became quite lively from the Meiji to early Showa periods, as it attracted audiences coming to watch Rakugo performances. Today, the signboards on the east and west sides of Hozenji Yokocho are inscribed with the names of renowned Rakugo performers: Fujiyama Kanemi on the west and Katsura Shunza the third on the east.
Access
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Stretching 80 meters long and 3 meters wide, Hozenji Yokocho is a charming alley lined with traditional stone pavements. The alley extends east to west and offers a different atmosphere both during the day and at night. You can enjoy a variety of cuisines, from classic local dishes to skewers. When visiting Hozenji Yokocho, be sure to stop by and pay your respects at the famous Mizukake Fudo shrine.
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Mizukake Fudo 水掛不動
Mizukake Fudo 水掛不動
The Mizukake Fudo statue at Hozenji is one of Osaka’s “Three Great Fudo” deities, alongside those at Taiyuji in Umeda and Kiyomizu-dera in Takatsu. Known for its power to assist with any kind of wish, this Fudo Myoo is believed to guide and fulfill desires. Some even say that pouring water over the statue can boost prosperity in various fields, including specialized industries. Additionally, it’s said that pouring water on areas of the body that feel unwell may help in healing. It’s definitely worth a try!
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Hozenji Temple 法善寺
Hozenji 法善寺
If you plan to visit Hozenji Temple, it’s recommended to go after dark! The lanterns light up the surroundings, creating a wonderful atmosphere that’s perfect for Instagram photos. You can also write ema (votive plaques) or try your luck with fortune-telling sticks.
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Ukiyo Koji 浮世小路
In Dotonbori, Ukiyo Koji is a spot where you can experience the Taisho romantic nostalgia in its narrow alleys, making it a perfect place to snap Instagram-worthy photos.
The entrance is right next to the famous udon restaurant “Imai「今井」” in Dotonbori!
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A Tiny and Charming Shrine with Fortune-Telling Sticks: “Issun-boshi Daimyojin”「一寸法師大明神」
一寸法師大明神
In a narrow alley of Ukiyo Koji, there’s a very small shrine called “Issun-boshi Daimyojin.” The fortune-telling sticks here are said to be highly accurate and are very popular. Although the alley is really narrow, be sure to visit!
[/aside][voice icon=”https://osakafan.info/images/2021/09/kurochan.png” name=”KURO” type=”l”] In folklore, the famous Issun-boshi is said to have traveled from Dotonbori to Kyoto in a bowl to vanquish demons and spirits. ^^
[/voice]Access
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Other notable places representing Dotonbori
Osaka Shochikuza Theater 大阪松竹座
The first Western-style theater in Japan, established in Taisho 12 (1923), has hosted a variety of performances, from Kabuki, opera, and Shochiku Shin-Kigeki to Super Kabuki, musicals, and Junior Johnny’s shows.
During its renovation in 1997 (Heisei 9), the front entrance was preserved, showcasing a powerful sense of history! It is especially beautiful when lit up at night, making it irresistible to take photos!
If you visit Osaka, be sure to check out our information and come play in Dotonbori~ ^^
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