DOTONBORI
Dotonbori is a popular tourist destination in
Namba Osaka. Dotonbori is famous for its giant crab and other
restaurants.
The Dotonbori Canal, which runs through
Namba (Minami), is the Namba's symbol.
The Dotonbori Canal has often been used as a movie location for
films such as 'Black Rain'. The area around the canal is referred to
as Dotonbori. Both sides of the canal are always busy day and night. The north side
of the canal is called Soemon-cho, where there are many restaurants
and bars. The south side of the canal, Dotonbori Street, is a home
of 'Kuidaore' with various eateries where you will be amazed with
the famous Osaka giant signs such as moving
crab, puffer fish, dragon, etc. Try famous Osaka
food 'Takoyaki (octopus balls)'.
Picture of Dotonbori Canal is looking along the canal
to Ebisubashi (bridge) in the West. On the right you can see the
discount department shore Don Quijote, past this there restaurants
and cafes. Behind the row of restaurants on the left bank is
Dotonbori Street.
The bridge across the canal on the Ebisubashi Shopping Arcade is Ebisubashi, which is nicknamed
'Pick-up Bridge' as it is a famous place for young guys to pick up
girls. The famous Glico sign is also here.
Giant Puffer Fish Sign - Dotonbori
Dotonbori Restaurants
As a domestic tourist destination, Osaka
is known for its food, and Dotonbori is the main destination for
food travel in Osaka. It is always featured
in guidebooks for both foreign and domestic tourists.
Osaka regional cuisine includes okonomiyaki
(pan-fried batter cake), takoyaki (octopus dumplings), udon (a
noodle dish), as well as regional sushi and other traditional
Japanese foods.
Dotonbori Landmarks
Kani Doraku Crab
This six and a half meter crab is on the front of the crab
restaurant Kani Doraku. It is mechanized, being able to move its
arms and eyestalks. Built in 1960, this mechanical billboard soon
spawned imitations, including a squid that puffs steam and oni
(demons) that light up at night.
Dotonbori - Kani Doraku Giant Crab
Glico Man
Originally installed in 1935, the giant neon athlete on a blue
track is a symbol of Glico candy. The sign has been altered on
several occasions to celebrate events such as the World Cup and to
show support for the Osaka baseball team, the Hanshin Tigers.
Dotonbori Glico Man
Kuidaore Taro
Used to be in front of Kui-daore restaurant, which has now
closed down. The mechanical drum-playing clown, also known as the
Kuidaore Ningyo, installed in 1950. Every March the visiting rikishi
for the Osaka Grand Sumo tournament used to line up with Kuidaore
Taro for photos.
Kuidaore Taro - Dotonbori
Hozenji Temple
Established in 1637, Hozenji Temple is a very little temple which
enshrines Mizukakefudo. This temple feels very out of place in the
modern Dotonbori with all its modern commercial lighting, so it is
great to see that it has survived all this time. There is a statue
that is completely covered by moss which continues to thrive through
people watering it when making a prayer. There are more pictures of
Hozenji Temple in our picture gallery, click on the picture below to
see them.
Address: 1-2-16 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi
Access: 5 min walk from Namba Station (Subway Midosuji Line)
Hozenji Temple - Dotonbori
Hozenji Yokocho
Hozenji Yokocho is a narrow, stone-paved lane with a atmosphere
of old days in Osaka. Lined on both sides
with small food shops and cafes, some of them are quite famous.
Address: 1 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi
Access: 5 min walk from Namba Station (Subway Midosuji Line)
Kamigata Ukiyoe
Museum
Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum is the only museum in the world that features
a permanent exhibition of Kamigata Ukiyoe. In Kamigata (Osaka's name
during the Edo period), many Ukiyoe (colored woodblock prints) were
created featuring Kabuki actors. Impressive expressions of actors'
eyes and faces, expressing various human emotions are vividly
depicted in these Ukiyoe. The Museum exhibits some 30 items.
Address: 1-6-4 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi
Access: 5 min walk from Namba Station (Subway Midosuji Line)
Opening hours:
11am-6pm, close Mondays
Admission: 500yen
Dotonbori Access:
5 min walk from Namba Station (Subway Midosuji Line)
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