Neighbourhood in Chuo Ward, Osaka
Dotonbori
道頓堀
Osaka's neon-lit canal street in Namba, packed with giant signboards, takoyaki stands and restaurants from late morning until late at night.
- places to see
- 4
- walk past the highlights
- 1.8 km
- Osaka
- Chuo Ward, Osaka
Photo: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima (opens in a new tab), CC0 (opens in a new tab), from Wikimedia Commons
Dotonbori runs along a canal dug in the early 1600s, between Dotonboribashi and Nipponbashi bridges in Namba. It started out as Osaka's theatre district and is now its loudest nightlife strip, known for huge illuminated signs. The Glico Man runner by Ebisu Bridge is the photo everyone takes.
This is the place to eat like a local: takoyaki, okonomiyaki and kushikatsu are all within a few steps. North of the canal, the Shinsaibashi-suji arcade is good for shopping. Namba Station is a five-minute walk south. More of the ward is in our Chuo, Osaka guide.
Don't miss in Dotonbori
Start with these, then wander the side streets.
1. Hozen-ji Temple
法善寺Tiny temple in a lantern-lit alley just off the canal. Splash water on the moss-covered Fudo statue and make a wish.
Photo: ＋－ from jawp (opens in a new tab), CC BY-SA 3.0 (opens in a new tab), from Wikimedia Commons
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2. Kuromon Market
黒門市場Covered market a short walk east, with grilled seafood, wagyu skewers and fruit to eat on the spot.
Photo: ほっきー (opens in a new tab), CC0 (opens in a new tab), from Wikimedia Commons
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3. Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street
心斎橋筋商店街Long covered shopping arcade running north from the canal to Shinsaibashi.
Photo: Mc681 (opens in a new tab), CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in a new tab), from Wikimedia Commons
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Walk Dotonbori in order
The highlights as one easy walk, about 1.8 km in all.
Stop 1
Hozen-ji Temple
Start here
Stop 2
Kuromon Market
8 min walk
Stop 3
Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street
16 min walk
More around Dotonbori
Other places within walking distance. Each shows its Japanese name for maps and taxis.
Osaka Prefectural Archive of Kamigata Comedy and Performing Arts
大阪府立上方演芸資料館A museum in Osaka, Japan.
Dotonbori on the map
Every place on this page. Tap a pin for directions.
Questions
What should I eat in Dotonbori?
Takoyaki and okonomiyaki are the classics. Many stalls also sell kushikatsu (fried skewers) and Osaka-style ramen.
How do I get to Dotonbori?
Walk five minutes from Namba Station, served by the Midosuji subway line, Nankai trains (including from Kansai Airport) and Kintetsu trains from Nara.
Sources
We checked the facts on this page against these sources.
More areas in Osaka
- Osaka CastleOsaka's great castle on its stone walls and moats, set in a huge park with a shrine to its builder and a city history museum next door.
- ShinsekaiA retro corner of south Osaka built in 1912 around Tsutenkaku Tower, now known for kushikatsu, colourful signs and an old-school atmosphere.
- UmedaOsaka's northern hub around Osaka and Umeda stations, with department stores, underground malls, rooftop views and a few surprising old corners.
