10 days in Japan - 10/29/2022 to 11/7/2022

Day 4- Dotonbori, Osaka-11/1/22

Dotonbori is the bright heart of Osaka with bright neon lights, extravagant signage, and lively entertainment area and is Osaka's most famous tourist destination.

Osaka is known as the food haven of Japan- especially here in Dotonbori, come and experience “Kuidaore”, literally meaning eat till you drop. From the takoyaki stands to the okonomiyaki restaurants, you can never get enough of the gastronomy galore here.

Dotonbori is better known as a gastronomic wonderland crowded with restaurants, street side food stalls, and bars.

Extravagant Sushi signage

The very popularTakoyaki Juhachiban sons-Dohtonbori

Kani Douraku is a super popular crab restaurant that is easily recognized by the giant crab moving in its shop front.

Kushikatsu Daruma has been serving deep fried kebabs of skewers meat, fish, and vegetables since 1929

There is always a line at Kushikatsu Daruma

Sukiyaki restaurant

Dotonbori illuminated by signage

Giant billboard everywhere.

The name “Dotonbori” generally refers both to the Dotonbori Canal and to Dotonbori Street which runs parallel to the canal’s southern bank. It is one of the most colorful areas in Osaka and an absolute must-visit location when traveling through Kansai region.

The history of this area goes back to 1612 when a merchant by the name of Yasui Doton invested all of his personal capital in an ambitious local development project. Doton’s plan was to divert and expand the Umezu River into a new waterway that would link the local canal network with the Kizugawa River. Unfortunately, Doton’s project was interrupted by war and he himself was killed during the Siege of Osaka in 1615. Later that same year, Doton’s cousins completed his work and in his memory the new canal was named Dotonbori or “Doton Canal”.

 Glico running man is one of the most well known landmarks in Osaka.  This huge brightly lit sign has glowed over the Dotombori canal in Osaka’s premier shopping and entertainment district for more than 80 years (1935). The running man advertises Glico, the manufacturer of one of Asia’s most famous confectionery companies. Glico’s most popular product is Pocky, which is the confectionery coated pretzel sticks which are very popular in Japan and abroad. 

Ahead is the Shotengai shopping arcade which is about 1,800 feet long running North to South across Ebisubashi bridge.

Boutiques along the way...

Walking along the Dotonbori canal

Vietnamese restaurant along the Canal.

Bicycles parking.

Our visit is over and we said goodbye to Marcello

We are now walking back to our hotel witch is about a 20 minutes walk from Dotonbori

we are now leaving the Dotonbori neighborhood.

NEXT.... Day 5-Osaka Castle Park