Dotombori is one of the most popular and visited towns in Osaka, Japan’s second largest city. Osaka is famous for its various regional food, and Dontonbori is the symbol of the Osaka’s “kitchen”. The nightlife town gleaming with numbers of neon lights of signboards has no shortage of tourist attraction. From eating regional food such as Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki to shopping unique items, here are 10 best things do in Dotonbori.
You shouldn’t miss the chance to experience of the authentic tastes of these regional food at least in Dotonbori.
1. Tasting the best Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is one of the most known and popular Japanese food which originated in Osaka. There are a variety of flavors and toppings for Okonomiyaki, and some Okonomiyaki restaurants offer the chance for self-cooking of the dish on the table. Cooking Okonomiyaki itself is a really fun experience!
2. Traveling Dotonbori with Takoyaki
Takoyaki
Takoyaki, which is a little round shaped ball containing a piece of octopuses, is also the symbol of Osaka’s regional food as well as Okonimiyaki. Takoyaki is very portable to eat while walking around Dotonbori. You can enjoy not only eating but also cook Takoyaki by yourself at Dotonbori Konamon Museum.
3. Exploring Dotonbori deeper
There are numerous amazing nightlife spots in Dotonbori, and you shouldn’t miss the hidden ones. If you don’t have enough time to visit those places, it’s recommended to stroll around effectively with local guides. They guide to hidden gems local people hang out such as crazy bar spots with interesting stories about the places.
Visit exciting spots in the evening in Osaka. We’ll show you around old drinking alley and great places to spend night…
4. Eating crabs at Kani Douraku
Kani Douraku is one of the most popular restaurants in Dotonbori, Osaka, and you can easily find a large crab displayed above the entrance of the branch of Dotonbori. It serves fresh crabs cooked in many ways at an affordable price. The crab restaurant is too popular to have seats without queuing, so book your seat in advance online here!!
Kani Douraku is the most popular crab restaurant chain in Osaka, with its big sign showing a crab. The big red crab…
5. Experiencing Kushikatsu like the local
Kushikatsu
Kushikatsu, a deep fried stick dish, has been also loved by local people for a long time. Various ingredients are fried including meat, seafood and vegetables. There are buckets of sauce on the table to dip Kushikatsu, but be noted that it’s not allowed to dip the same stick twice for hygienic reason. Dip only once!
6. Dining with Tecchiri and Tessa
Tessa
If you like seafood and complete famous Japanese food such as sushi and Kaisendon (seafood bowl), it is recommended to try Tecchiri and Tessa in Dotonbori. Tecchiri and Tessa are cooked with fugu (pufferfish), and the fish is consumed most in Osaka (60% of all in Japan). Tecchiri is served in a Shabushabu style with a hot pot and Tessa in Sashimi style (raw fish). For the authentic taste of the regional dishes, Zuboraya is one of the most-visited fugu restaurants in Dotonbori.
7. Photographing with Glico Sign
The Glico sign may be the first thing you see at Dotonbori, which is shaped with a running man. Glico is a Japanese food company which was founded in Osaka and the running man is its icon. Lots of tourist take photos again the Glico sign in the same pose as him.
8. Shopping at Kuidaore Shop
Osaka Meibutsu, KUIDAORE
Let’s find another icon of Dotonbori: Kuidaore Taro. The mascot stands at the entrance of Nakaza Kuidaore Building (中座くいだおれビル). Kuidaore means “eating till you drop” and the word is perfect for the gourmet town Dotonbori. You can enjoy shopping unique items related to Dotonbori and Kuidaore Taro at the souvenir shop named Osaka Meibutsu, KUIDAORE, which is located just next to Nakaza Kuidaore Building.
9. Cruising on the Dotonbori River
Osaka is also known as the water capital for the Dotonbori River running through the Dotonbori area. You can enjoy cruising along the river while viewing cherry blossoms in spring and shiny illumination in winter.
10. Drinking at Hozenji-Yokocho Alley
Hozenji-Yokocho Alley is one of the best nightlife spots in Osaka for drinking. There are over 60 tiny traditional Japanese restaurants and bars in Hozenji-Yokocho Alley. The stone-paved alley is filled with the atmosphere of historical Osaka. It is very close to Dotonbori but never busy or bustling.
Explore Dotonbori deeper with “Dotonbori Food Crawl & Food Sample Tour” by Magical Trip! Have the authentic Osaka food experience with the popular food walking tour by hitting both classic and hidden spots in Dotonbori, trying several local food and making food samples 🙂 Check the link below for more details and book the tour with discount!
Hang out with locals and explore deeper about Osaka culture, history and city atmosphere!
Extending your trip to Shinsaibashi
For more shopping spots, it is easy to get to the best shopping neighborhood Shinsaibashi from Dotonbori. There are hundreds of shops from clothing products to cosmetics items, which meet all your needs of shopping. Just 10 mins walking to get to each other.
