Dotonbori
The popular shopping district of Minami to maximize your time in Osaka. Be sure to check out the giant Takoyaki sign!
Dotonbori is the symbolic business and shopping district of Minami, Osaka, lined with giant three-dimensional signs of everything from the Shochikuza theater, the Kani-Doraku (crab restaurant), Glico, etc. “Dotonbori” comes from “Doton Yasui,” the name of a man who devoted his wealth to have this river excavated in 1612. Later, prosperity of the town as an entertainment district of theater and Kabuki and an increase of teahouses became the basis for its current status as a place for food and live entertainment. Although the only theater is the Shochikuza near Ebisubashi, there is a concert hall for comedy. Dotonbori street is lined on both sides with various genres of restaurants that are crowded throughout the year. In recent years, the Tombori Riverwalk or riverside trail have gained popularity, while the newly erected “Daruma Minister” landmark on the rooftop of the Kushikatsu Daruma building have called attention due to its rotating gimmick. Since 2018, there has been an increase in inbound tourism by foreigners. Although Dotonbori had temporarily been inactive due to COVID-19, the area has seen a gradual return to its former glory since October of 2022. The town is contributing to create an international tourist destination which is more safe and secure.
Basic information
- Open
- Varies by location
- Holidays
- Varies by location
- Directions
- Right outside Namba Station on the Nankai and Kintetsu Railways and Osaka Metro Midosuji, Sennichimae, and Yotsubashi Lines
- Location
- Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Tel
- 06-6211-4542
- Fax
- 06-6211-9764
- URL
- http://www.dotonbori.or.jp/en/