Description
Being a mecca for performers like Broadway, Dotonbori has thrived as a city of theatrical performances since many theaters were built on the south bank of the Dotonbori canal as a result of the policy of the Edo bakufu after the canal was excavated in the early 17th century. Today, the district is lined with many theaters for kabuki plays, Ningyojoruri (Japanese puppet show) and musical performances, continuing to serve as a mecca for performers. Flashy, outlandish signboards and objet d'arts, such as the giant Glico neon signboard, the moving billboards of Kani Doraku (a famous crab restaurant) and a humorous, likable doll called Kuidaore Taro together create a unique, vibrant cityscape, pleasing to the eyes of visitors. The streets bustle with many eating establishments where you can enjoy various Japanese gourmet food like takoyaki (octopus dumplings), kushikatsu (deep-fried meat or vegetables on a skewer), ramen and sushi.
The sixth-generation Glico neon signboard pumps with energy
When speaking of Dotonbori, most would imagine the giant Glico neon signboard perched above the Dotonbori canal. The current signboard, which was made with LED lights in 2014, is the sixth incarnation. When visiting Dotonbori, be sure to strike a pose for a photo like the runner on the board.
Enjoy a Tombori River Cruise on the Dotonbori canal
Why not take a Tombori River Cruise for a 20-minute experience where you can enjoy a moving view of Dotonbori from a different angle than usual. Your Osaka Guide Crew will explain the cityscapes seen from bridges and riversides of the Dotonbori canal with good humor. If you take a night cruise, you can enjoy the gorgeous view that is quintessentially Dotonbori where neon signboards glitter brilliantly, brightening up the riversides.
The Dotonbori canal was named to commemorate its excavator’s contribution
The name of the Dotonbori canal river comes from Doton Nariyasu (Yasui), who began to excavate the Minami Hori-kawa river at his own expense in 1612. Although he died in the Summer Siege of Osaka, his cousin Doboku took over the excavation and the canal was completed in 1615. The canal was named to honor Doton’s contribution. At Nihonbashi Kitazume Higashi you can find a monument of Doton Yasui to commemorate the achievements of Doton and Doboku in constructing the Dotonbori canal.
Location Information
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- Address
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4–10, 1-chome, Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, 542-0071
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- Nearest Station
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Namba Station
・ Midosuji Line
・ Yotsubashi Line
・ Sen-nichimae Line
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- Closed
- None
*Differ with each store
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- Public Site
- Official Site
Recommended Spots in Area
- Visiting
- Eating
- Shopping
- Lodgings
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Daiki Suisan Kaitenzushi DotonboriNamba, Dotonbori, ShinsaibashiCulture Experience
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Osaka JOINERNamba, Dotonbori, ShinsaibashiOther Sightseeing
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kimono rental botanShinsekai, Tennouji, TsuruhashiCulture Experience
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ShinsekaiShinsekai, Tennouji, TsuruhashiDowntown
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Shitenno-ji TempleShinsekai, Tennouji, TsuruhashiTemples
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The National Museum of Art, OsakaUmeda, Osaka Station, KitashinchiArt Museums
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Ichiran Ramen Dotonbori Shop, AnnexNamba, Dotonbori, ShinsaibashiRamen
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Shabushabu Sukiyaki Tabehodai Wagyu-to Buta ShinsaibashiNamba, Dotonbori, ShinsaibashiShabu Shabu
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Honke ShibatouUmeda, Osaka Station, KitashinchiUnagi
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Nikushoh ArataNamba, Dotonbori, ShinsaibashiYakiniku
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Rikuro Namba Main StoreNamba, Dotonbori, ShinsaibashiOther Cafes and Sweets
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Yoru Parfait specialty restaurant Parfaiteria PaL ShinsaibashiNamba, Dotonbori, ShinsaibashiOther Cafes and Sweets
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AEON OSAKA DOME CITYUmeda, Osaka Station, KitashinchiGrocery Stores
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NAMBA CITYNamba, Dotonbori, ShinsaibashiShopping Malls
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NAMBA EKIKANShinsekai, Tennouji, TsuruhashiShopping Malls
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TENNOJI MIOShinsekai, Tennouji, TsuruhashiShopping Malls
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Seiko Boutique/Grand Seiko Boutique Osaka ShinsaibashiNamba, Dotonbori, ShinsaibashiJewelry Stores and Watch Shops
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NAMBA SkyONamba, Dotonbori, ShinsaibashiShopping Malls
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Candeo Hotels Osaka The TowerUmeda, Osaka Station, KitashinchiHotels
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Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Center MidosujiNamba, Dotonbori, ShinsaibashiHotels
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APA Hotel Namba EkihigashiNamba, Dotonbori, ShinsaibashiEconomy Hotels
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Tokyu Stay Mercure Osaka NambaNamba, Dotonbori, ShinsaibashiEconomy Hotels
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Mimaru Osaka Namba StationNamba, Dotonbori, ShinsaibashiApartments/Serviced Apartments
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Prince Smart Inn Osaka YodoyabashiUmeda, Osaka Station, KitashinchiEconomy Hotels