Of the little research and photo’s that I had looked at before arriving in Osaka, I knew there was one place I was going to visit for certain. Generally, I don’t like touristy places, can’t stand the crowds and oftentimes find them over-hyped. But this, I needed to see. The magic of Dotonbori Osaka by day is everything I had hoped and more.
The Hood
This is an old area of the city. In 1612 construction began to clean up this space near the canal. The local planners at the time, thought it the perfect location for the entertainment district. And so, Dotonbori was born. Filled with theatres and eateries for centuries, this was the neighbourhood to fill your belly and spend your money.
In WWII almost every single theatre was destroyed and the area fell into a bit of disrepair. In the 1960’s, construction began once again, to clean up the canal and the area. Today, it is a thriving and bustling tourist zone, perhaps the most popular place in the city.
Glico Man
The sign everyone wants a photo near is the Glico Man sign. Located right on the canal at the edge of the biggest bridge, you will find him standing tall and happy. First erected in 1938, this sign has gone through two major reconstructions.
Glico is a Japanese food brand. If you have ever heard of or eaten Pocky, pretzel snacks on a stick, you have tasted a Glico product.
Larger Than Life
With my fascination of advertising and signs, this area is a haven for me. The larger than life three dimensional signage over looking the main thoroughfare is as entertaining to see in person as it looks.
These figures are amazing, towering over the tourists. Seeing them in the day time, with the colours bright and vivid is a good way to fathom just how large they are. Walking the main strip, you won’t be able to miss these. Some are even animated, with moving parts like the crabs and big clam. 🦀
Japanese Fonts
Another aspect of these signs I really enjoy is all of the Japanese fonts. The prominent use of red, white and blue, in the large shapely letters is beautiful. Its one thing for a tourist like myself to see this and not understand a word. I cannot image looking at this conglomeration of signage, and being able to read it all! What must they all say?
Crowds
Arrive before 10am and you can walk fairly freely down Dotonbori Street. After that, the crowds are intense and at some points, you can hardly step forward, the hoards are so thick. Keep in mind, I am writing this towards the end of March, the height of cherry blossom tourist season here.
Shops
There are many shops here, selling all sorts of little things. A lot of cosmetic and drug type stores. Some souvenir shops with the cutest things, I wanted to be able to buy them all. 😁 There are specific shopping streets in Osaka that I will cover in another post, but if you only have a few hours, you will be able to do some shopping here.
Eateries
Dotonbori is the place to find food in Osaka. From the cheapest street food to the more expensive kobe and wagyu beef, you can find it all here. I don’t want to give too much away before I write a full food related post, but this is the area to find anything and everything Japanese food related.
All those TikTok’s you see with mochi (sweet flavoured rice balls), Takoyaki (octopus balls), yakisoba (fried noodles), dango (sweet dumpling on a stick), candied fruit on a stick etc. they are all here! Indulge, let you sweet tooth free, fill your belly with all things yummy Japanese.
Do not miss Dotonbori! It is a truly unique district in Osaka that is like nothing else I have experienced. Yes its touristy, yes its crowded, but my oh my it’s a vibe!
